While workout dresses are nothing new, brands like Outdoor Voices and Girlfriend Collective have done a lot to make the garment a sudden must-have for those of us who don't play tennis. The new crop of workout dresses combines performance-focused design with on-trend silhouettes and cuts. (After all, no pants and soft, stretchy fabric? What's not to love?) Ahead, scope out the best barely-there styles to live in this summer and beyond.
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Best Overall Exercise Dress
Outdoor Voices Exercise Dress
A modern classic reimagined in various prints and colors, OV's sleek, body-skimming Exercise Dress has won over a legion of fans thanks to its light-as-air feel and built-in shorts.
What They're Saying: "This dress is THE BEST! I ordered it not knowing if I’d ever wear it, but I literally can’t stop wearing it. The straps are comfortable, the built-in spandex and sports bra aren’t too tight, and the material is super soft. I want this dress in every color!"
Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress, $, available at Outdoor Voices
Best Sustainable Exercise Dress
Girlfriend Collective Undress
This eco-option is made with 90% recycled plastic bottles (RPET) and 10% spandex — and features some of the most stylish colorways we've seen in a minute. (No wonder it's nearly sold out!)
What They're Saying: "This has become my go-to summer dress. It’s perfect for date nights or running around town. I love to pair it with a denim jacket and sneakers. It is so comfortable and the Float material is great at absorbing sweat on hot days."
Girlfriend Collective Beachwood Undress, $, available at Girlfriend Collective
Best Compressive Exercise Dress
Outdoor Voices Athena Dress
Inspired by the brand's fan-favorite Athena Crop, this high-neck variation also featured OV's signature textured compression fabric for extra support.
What They're Saying: "Buy this immediately. The fit is so flattering and the high neck gives great support! I actually prefer this over the OG OV dress. I am a pilot and it's my favorite attire to fly in! Someone asked me if I was going to play tennis after my flight to which I responded, 'No, don't you know you can do anything in a dress?'"
Outdoor Voices Athena Dress, $, available at Outdoor Voices
Best Luxe Exercise Dress
Lululemon Serene Stride Dress
Lululemon's fit-and-flare number has hidden bike shorts — with pockets! — to hold small essentials while you keep busy (in the immortal words of Fergie) workin' on your fitness.
What They're Saying: "Dual usage for running and as a cute casual dress. You can see the shorts below the skirt, but I don’t mind that, leaves less for others to imagine. The phone pocket is handy and the flouncy skirt covers any bulge from the phone. Material is nice and cool and kept me more comfortable on a four-mile run in hot summer weather. Never thought I’d buy a running dress but I really like it!"
Lululemon Serene Stride Dress, $, available at Lululemon
Best Exercise Dress For Errands
Nike Bliss Luxe Training Dress
Featuring a wide scoop-neck and built-in bodysuit, this sweat-wicking dress is perfect for brunch, spin class, and your weekly Trader Joe's run.
What They're Saying: "This is the perfect all-around dress for leisure, hiking, tennis, and more! It’s very comfy and light while being very flattering. I bought it in three colors, and even a couple of friends bought this dress after seeing mine!"
Nike Bliss Luxe Training Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Best Affordable Exercise Dress
Old Navy Sleeveless PowerSoft Performance Racer-Back Swing Dress
Camo print meets cool with this racerback A-line dress with extra stretch. (In other words, you won't want to take it off.)
What They're Saying: "This doesn't have the built-in shorts like other brands' version of this dress, but I almost like that better for bathroom purposes. Probably will be purchasing a second one because I could wear this every day."
Old Navy Sleeveless PowerSoft Performance Racer-Back Swing Dress, $, available at Old Navy
Best Exercise Dress For Comfort
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Move It Dress
Beyond Yoga is known for its deliciously soft fabric choices, making this dress one of the most comfortable options for chic lounging.
What They're Saying: "Absolutely in love with this! I plan to wear it all summer. Built-in bra, compression shorts, super soft fabric - so comfy and cute. What's not to love, it's like a romper and yoga pants had a baby. The only thing it's missing is pockets."
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Move It Dress, $, available at Beyond Yoga
Best Exercise Dress For Golfing
Baleaf Tennis Golf Dress UPF 50+ Sleeveless with Inner Shorts
Hit the links in style with this golf-inspired dress, featuring a sporty half-zip and accent stripes.
What They're Saying: "Very happy with this dress. The preppy details are adorable and it’s lightweight and breathable. The length was perfect on me, it fits above the knee without being too short. (I wear with or without shorts under). Can wear for sports or as a casual staple."
Baleaf Tennis Golf Dress UPF 50+ Sleeveless with Inner Shorts, $, available at Amazon
Best Exercise Dress For Petites
Abercrombie & Fitch Traveler Mini Dress
Made from a super soft stretch fabric that doesn’t wrinkle, this exercise dress is a hit amongst the pack-and-go set. It is also offered in petite, standard, and tall sizes, with petite folks particularly rejoicing for its perfect-length fit.
Sizing is limited for the black Traveler Mini Dress, but the red has plenty left in stock.
What They're Saying: "Super comfy and the petite is the perfect length! I also love the fabric — the spandex-y shorts don't squeeze, rub on me weird, or run up. This is my new go-to dress when I'm on the run."
Abercrombie and Fitch Traveler Mini Dress, $, available at Abercrombie and Fitch
Best Exercise Dress For High-Impact Workouts
Sweaty Betty Power Workout Dress
While some workout dresses are better suited for everyday casual wear, this style from Sweaty Betty actually holds up during intense cardio sessions, like HIIT and running, as one reviewer raved.
What They're Saying: "I was initially apprehensive about wearing a dress to workout but WOW I was wrong! This dress is not only flattering and comfortable, it's versatile. After a restorative yoga class (and forgotten change of clothes), I threw on lipstick and turned this into a sporty cocktail dress."
Sweaty Betty Power Workout Dress, $, available at Sweaty Betty
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