If 2020 taught us anything, it's that fitness clothes are suitable for much more than working up a sweat. (Raise your hand if you too l...

10 Workout Dresses Making A Case For Active (& Inactive) Wear

If 2020 taught us anything, it's that fitness clothes are suitable for much more than working up a sweat. (Raise your hand if you too lived in leggings last year.) One such article of clothing that deserves an extra-special shoutout is the famed workout dress. Equal parts form and function, the easy, breezy one-piece allows you to live your best Sporty Spice fantasy while also being practical enough to actually exercise in.

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.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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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