If I’m going to wear workout clothes, they better be pieces I can wear anytime, anywhere … because I don’t exercise. I know, I know, exercising is good for you. It helps maintain weight, strengthens bones and muscles, and generally does a body good. I still don’t like it and you know why? Sweat. That’s the biggie. The only time I like sweating is when I’m sitting at the beach, cold beverage in hand, and the hardest decision I have to make is when to get in the water to cool off.
Most of us don’t have the closet or cabinet space for a different wardrobe for every event. Work clothes, loungewear, formal attire for those one or two big moments a year, and, of course, workout garb. Unless you have a ginormous closet, you need pieces that can as easily be worn to the grocery store or the pick-up line as they are worn to the gym. Below, I’ve found stylish sun shirts, two-piece matching sets, and even skirts and dresses that transition from the court or course to the salon or mall.
Sweat It Out
This one is so cute you might not want to sweat in it after all. A two-piece set featuring a cropped top and jogger pants, this outfit will make you stand out in any crowd, no matter where you are. This comes in six colors and sizes small to extra large. Amazon reviews repeatedly call it both comfy and cute.
Leg It
Somewhere along the way, yoga pants became “do-anything-in-them” pants and I am 100 percent here for it. These yoga pants are high-waisted to hold, ahem, everything in place, have convenient pockets, and are available in both Capri- and full-lengths in regular and plus size with up to 25 colors to choose from. They are cult favorites, too, with more than 76,000 reviews.
Sweet Tees
T-shirts are perfect for just about any activity from working out at the gym to wrangling kids to running errands. This two-pack from one of Amazon’s own brands is the “tech” style of top, meaning it is engineered to be ultra-soft, quick-drying, moisture-wicking knit fabric with a gentle stretch. Each purchase nets you two tops in a variety of color choices for right around $20.
Life Jacket
When can a jacket serve as a regular top? When it’s this form-fitting, full-zip version that features a cropped length and curved hemline. This jacket has thumb holes, which help keep your sleeves in place during workouts and reviewers continually remark about how flattering it is. One reviewer said, “…plan on ordering all colors.” I love the dark pink, which reminds me of a coppery rose.
Jog Your Memory
Joggers are one of my new favorite things thanks to a perfect style I found on Amazon. This lightweight tapered pair has an easy pull-on style and banded ankles and comes in great basic colors (peep the vintage purple) and a few cool patterns (talkin’ to you, black leopard). Skin-friendly fabric offers smooth, low-friction performance and the four-way stretch means they’re ultra-comfortable.
Empty The Tank
These have been some of the most popular tank tops on Amazon since long before I started writing about Amazon products. For science, I bought a set and was pleased with the color selection, lightweight fabric, and length. And, where else are you going to get three shirts for $23? Especially ones that’ll hold up to your workouts and to-do list. Right here, baby.
A Capsule Collection
If you’re big on matching and wouldn’t dream of setting foot outside the house in a pulled-together look, this five-piece athletic set needs to be in your closet. Included: A sports bra, T-shirt, shorts, pants and jacket in green, pink, purple and two shades of gray. You’ve heard of a capsule wardrobe, right? Essentials you can mix and match in any season? Consider this your capsule workout wardrobe.
Short Circuit
I live at the beach, which also means I live in shorts about nine months out of the year. These sports workout shorts have so much going for them including their stretchy waist, inner briefs to wick away sweat, and a zippered pocket for any essentials you might need while you’re out. With nearly 30 colors to choose from, you can have a new pair for every day of the month.
Straight To The Top
Sometimes, you just want coverage … you know, like the first day back at the gym after indulging in wine and tacos. This yoga top features long sleeves and a full hem, which is great for movement and covering up, um, anything you might not want to put on display. The divergent lines on the front add a touch of visual interest.
Skirt The Issue
I know what you’re thinking: Why would I wear a skirt to work out in? The answer is, you probably wouldn’t but you might if you were, say, playing tennis or heading out for a round of 18 on a particularly sweltering day. This skirt is a bit longer than most tennis skirts if you’re more on the modest side but is made of material that’ll keep your range of movement A-OK.
From Top To Bottom
We’ve got you covered from top to bottom in this ribbed crop top and high-waisted leggings combo. Made with lightweight, moisture-wicking power fabric, the leggings help show off your curves perfectly with tummy control and butt lift. The pants’ design provides ample coverage as you move from pose to pose and prevents thighs from rubbing. The top is opaque and supportive with a non-slip design that’ll stay in place.
Compression Obsession
A lot of people love compression tops for the benefits they provide including enhanced recovery and reduced muscle soreness. These? Well, these have those benefits and they’re cute to boot. Designed to fit like a second skin, these shirts are stretchy and keep moisture off of your skin. They’re also suitable for all seasons. Go up one size for a regular fit.
Polo Club
Does the idea of sleeves while working out sound like a big fat “no” to you? This lightweight, sweat-wicking polo shirt might be just what the doctor ordered, whether you’re playing tennis or golf or doing something else entirely. The half-zip design is modern and sporty and allows you to style it fully zipped or partially unzipped. This top comes in eight great colors.
We Are The Champions
You may not be old enough to remember a time that Champion was the “it” workout gear to be seen in but everything that’s old is new again because Champion is back in a big way. These Powerblend joggers come in prices as low as $19 with other color options at slightly higher prices. These feature the Champion name in script font written down the leg.
Snag A Sun Shirt
I’m going to guess that a good portion of you like to exercise outdoors, which means sun exposure which means dirty looks from your dermatologist. This sun shirt offers UPF 50+ protection and moisture-wicking properties in a design that could easily pass as an ordinary top. This comes in solid colors as well as options with sporty stripes across the chest.
Animal Attack
There are leggings and then there are these leggings that offer thicker material, tummy control, pockets, and a high-waisted design. They have all the solid colors, of course, but skip over those and head straight for the patterns, from graffiti to leopard to camo and more. One reviewer proved the strength of the pockets by stuffing an entire bottle of rosé in it and, well, you kind of need to see that picture.
Jacket Racket
Stay looking fresh and pulled together with this half-zip, long-sleeved jacket that comes with a kangaroo-style front pocket. With no hood to get in your way, this is a great option for pilates, spin class, aerobics, or running errands in town. This comes in limited color choices like black and cabernet but those options are versatile enough to carry the load.
Camo Undercover
I’ve recently discovered the term longline bra but it’s definitely a fashion trend I could get behind. This option features removable padding, a razorback design, and cropped styling with camo patterns in black, gray, white, and blue. The full-coverage design is ideal for any type of physical activity from low to high impact. This is also a great tank option to throw on under a cardigan.
On The Right Track (Suit)
Stay on track (Get it? “On track?”) with this vibrantly colored tracksuit that’s matchy but not overly so. This set features reverse trim on both pieces that coordinate perfectly and stretchy, quick-dry fabric. If the lime color pictured is just “too much” for you, consider the mauve but the other options will remind you of those highlighters you used in middle school.
Got Your Back
Tell people “Back at ya,” with this open-back workout top that offers a slightly loose fit for a breezy feel wherever you are. Second to the self-contained “air conditioner” is the option to show off a little, with a cute strappy sports bra or lace bralette underneath. Elastic cuffs keep the sleeves in place, whether pushed up or left down.
Bootcut Boogie
I hear you, Millennials: Skinny-legged things are out. (I refuse to abide by this but whatever makes you feel better about yourselves.) These bootcut yoga pants are designed just for you and your, ahem, type. High rise with tummy control and streamlined hips, the bootcut styling probably is better for the office than other options. I’ll give you that, but you can pry skinny jeans from my cold, dead hands.
A Short Story
When I think about a two-piece, my mind immediately goes to Popeyes and that delicious, delicious fried chicken. This two-piece workout set has nothing to do with chicken; in fact, with its form-fitting design, you probably want to steer clear of fried chicken for a while. Made with a seamless design, the tummy control waist might let you sneak a biscuit or two.
The Long And Short Of It
Sometimes, shorts are just, well, too short. These opaque yoga shorts have a longer length so you can downward dog without showing your hiney and hidden pockets in the waistbands. Like most of our list options, these are high-waisted with four-way stretch material and moisture-wicking fabric. The green leopard pictured is a subtle way to do animal print and would look cute with a basic black tee.
Tank Up
Workout gear doesn’t have to be basic, as evidenced by this adorable yoga tank top that can be worn as pictured or with the pointed hems tied together in a cute knot. These come in 24 color options (that’s one for every day of the week from Monday through Friday) and are dirt cheap at less than $19 apiece. (Take that, Lululemon.)
Giving The Cold Shoulder
As a general rule, I don’t love cold shoulder tops but this one passes the test because the openings are small enough to not look sloppy. I love the rounded hem on this top, which adds an additional thoughtful detail to what is otherwise a comfy, basic T-shirt. Reviewers say the top hangs nicely and is long enough to pair modestly with leggings.
Cargo Hold
If you spend much time outdoors, you probably already know the benefits of a good pair of cargo pants. What if I told you that you could have cargo pants and joggers in one convenient package? These cargo joggers have five functional pockets including two side zip pockets, two cargo pockets with hook-and-loop closure, and one back zip pocket. In shorts, you’ve got pockets for your pockets.
Tend The Crops
If I had the abs of a 21-year-old (and I don’t), I would snag this cute cropped sweatshirt (but I won’t). This crop top hits between your belly button and the bottom of your bra. Its loose fit makes your waist look really tiny, which is a great added bonus. I love the color variety here including choices not always seen in workout gear like apricot, red and brown.
Crush It In Cute Capris
Capris are a great choice for summer because they’re pants but more breathable than regular options. These have large flat pockets in the front and four-way stretchy material. These could easily be dressed up for the office with strappy sandals or ballet flats. Pull them on with the wide elastic waistband and enjoy plenty of movement from the knees down thanks to the wide-leg design.
Hi And Dri
Hanes is one of the OGs of workout gear and they’re still putting out great products including this sport cool long-sleeved T-shirt. You’ll cool off and dry off faster after a workout with these tops, which means you don’t have to go home and change before taking care of the rest of your to-do list. Nearly 40,000 reviews can’t be wrong.
Perfectly (Sweat) Suited
I can’t see myself working out in this adorable sweatsuit but I could certainly see myself donning it for a lazy Sunday brunch out and about. Available in 14 color combinations, the double stripe on the sleeve and long stripe on the pants add a sporty (and matchy) look. Pair this with your favorite pair of sneakers for an easy weekend choice.
Let It Rain
I’m not suggesting that you’ll wear this Columbia jacket during a workout but if you have to get to and from the gym on cooler mornings, you may want to snag this buy from a popular clothing manufacturer for an excellent price. What I love most about Columbia is the interesting color palette they work from including easy seas (a dark teal), dark raspberry, and light lime.
To The Top
Go short and long with this racerback tank top that’s short on sleeves and long on coverage. The racerback styling allows for a complete range of movement while the material itself is lightweight and flowy for a comfortable fit. The open back allows for easier cooling when your workouts heat up. This comes in 16 colors and sizes from small to XXL. Reviewers recommend sizing up.
A Crop Collection
Remember those longline bras from a few products ago? These crop tank tops are pretty similar with a range of basic colors that’ll look good solo or under other tops or sweaters from your wardrobe. You’ll get eight different tanks like the ones pictured or choose from a pastel set, a jewel tone set, or a set of basic solids. At $38, it’s less than $5 a shirt.
Dress To Impress
Dress up your workouts with these workout dresses that include adjustable straps, a built-in bra, and biker shorts underneath. Designed to take you from barre class to brunch dates and everywhere in between, you’ll be cool as a cucumber in this strappy number. This squat-proof and durable athletic dress will keep you comfy all day long, perfect for golf, tennis, lounging around, or just running errands.
Go Graphic
If you don’t have a ridiculous love affair with graphic tees, we can’t be friends. This one will tell everybody exactly who and what you are, bearing the words, “Strong as a mother.” (I think you can fill in the rest.) This tank comes in four colors (peep that peach!) with low-cut armholes and a chic curved bottom hem.
Make A Mesh
I like the breathable mesh inserts on this long-sleeved workout top not only for its enhanced cooling abilities but for the interesting detail it adds to the look. As much as I love graphic tees (re-read the last item’s description), nothing beats a good solid colored shirt. This one comes in more than a dozen hues and features thumb holes to keep your sleeves right where you want them.
Golf Clap
Playing golf is as much about how you look as it is how you play. This golf and tennis top features UPF 50+ protection in a stylish, collarless quarter-zip that provides adjustable coverage that’s easy to layer. I love the two pastel choices available but you can’t go wrong with basic black or white.