I Asked 15 Style And Fitness Pros What Their Favorite Workout Clothes Are

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As a shopping editor, it comes with the territory to have drawers and drawers filled with activewear, so you can rest assured that when it comes to the best workout clothes for women, I know a thing or two. And while I try a lot of great workout clothes—everything from black leggings to running underwear—that blow me away, I also try some not-so-great stuff that often makes its way to the bottom of my dresser (or the giveaway pile). I'm not gonna name any names, but what I will do is share with you my absolute favorite activewear brands, which you should buy ASAP.

And, because more minds is better than one, I reached out to 15 wellness tastemakers in the industry to compile their personal favorite pieces they can't live without (and often recommend to their own clients). From stylish streetwear brands to pieces high-impact sports bras and leggings, this carefully curated list of workout clothes has gotten the stamp of approval from both myself and professionals.

What to consider

Materials

The professionals on this list agree: The best workout clothes are ones you feel comfortable in. But, because sweat does happen while you're working out, they recommend looking for materials that are moisture-wicking, like nylon or elastane. For wellness coach and motivational speaker Denise Vitola, Lululemon's Align fabric, which is made from nylon and elastane that feels like a second skin, is a great place to start. But, if you like to wear clothing on the thicker side, Girlfriend Collective's Float collection is double-lined and feels slightly more supportive during higher-impact activities.

Price

I'm gonna be honest—some of the brands on this list can get a little pricey (hi, Lululemon and Vuori). But, the pros recommend them because they're long-lasting, made with super high-quality fabric, and they feel stretchy and soft rather than heavy and constricting. If you're looking for something on the more affordable side, check out Adanola, which is also included on this list, and has many stylish options for less than $100.

Durability

Speaking of long-lasting wear, you want to make sure your workout clothes won't pill, stretch, or lose their color after a few wears and washes. All the brands on this list have passed that test. Registered dietician Maddie Pasquariello, RDN, has even owned the same pair of leggings from Splits59 for five years and says they're still good as new.

Besides their ability to stay in-tact for years, you also want to make sure your activewear passes the wear test. Do they allow for movement? Are they see-through while squatting or bending over? Does the waistband slide down? You can get a good sense of whether or not your activewear passes the wear test by trying them on in person before you make a purchase.

Sizing

Unfortunately, there are still some activewear brands that don't offer inclusive sizing. However, all the workout clothes on this list have a wide range of size options. According to style coach Liz Wendler, Girlfriend Collective offers some of the best size ranges on this list, as its clothing is designed for all in sizes XXS-6X.

How we chose

For the past year, Women's Health editors, including associate fashion and commerce editor Lily Wohlner, have been testing the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated workout clothes. For this article, Wohlner used her first-hand experience and consulted other editors to curate a list of the best workout clothes for women. Plus, she reached out to 15 fitness and fashion professionals to determine what to consider when shopping for the best workout clothes, and for background on their experience testing their favorite brands.

Are you ready to shop our athleisure faves? Look no further than this curated list of the best workout clothes for women to shop now, below.

Lululemon

Energy Bra

Align High-Rise Pant

Lululemon's technical apparel has kinda been the holy grail of activewear since the brand launched, and at Women's Health we're huge fans. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't own a pair of Lululemon's Align Leggings. Our editors love them for their breathability, barely-there feel, and how easy they are to move in, and all of those features extend to their other activewear, like their sweat-wicking tops, bikers shorts, sports bras, and more.

Vitola, who's also a fan, says the brand's claim to fame is that the clothes marry endurance, performance, and fashion. She's a mega fan of the Energy Bra, which is the only bra she wears (both during her workouts and at home!). "They are more comfortable on my shoulders than a bra and look super cute under my shirts," she says, adding that she likes the cross straps that enhance your back.

One downside of Lululemon's activewear is that it errs on the pricier side, but our editors definitely think it's worth the investment, since Lululemon excels at durability. Founder of Yoga Kawa Echo Wang agrees. "Lululemon's outfits hold up wash after wash and they feel amazing and so stretchy during yoga practice," she says.

Read More: Best Lululemon Leggings

Athleta

Salutation Jogger

Renew Racerback Tank

Out of all the fitness and fashion pros we interviewed, Athleta came out on top as the most well-loved brand, with four different experts praising its fit, high-quality materials, and fashion-forward styles. Personal trainer Rachel Macpherson, CSCS, who tests and wears workout clothes every day, says that her fave part about Athleta's clothing is that she never has any issues with see-through fabric while stretching or squatting. Plus, the fabrics wash and wear really well. Among her favorites from the brand: the Conscious Crop Bra, Elation Tights, and Salutation Stash Tight.

Golf instructor Erica Larkin loves Athleta's layering pieces and outerwear—like its pullovers and jackets—as they're easy to move and swing in. She adds that they keep her dry and warm during every season.

And Taryn Toomey, founder and creative director of The Class, agrees. She says that her favorite way to move is to not feel the feedback of clothing, but rather the sensations in the body. "With that being said, I love Alicia Keys' new collaboration with Athleta—they made an incredible high-waisted legging, the Keys Transcend Tight, that feels like a second skin."

However, personal trainer Kristen Hislop, CPT, says that while she loves Athleta, she wishes the brand would partner with more athletes (like its collab with Simone Biles). In the meantime, she'll continue wearing her fave Renew Tank and Salutation Joggers.

Us editors agree that for such high-quality materials, the price of Athleta gear is pretty solid, with most tops coming in at around $40 and durable leggings coming in at around $70. And, with such a large size range, we never have to worry about not finding the right fit with the brand's clothes.

Vuori

Performance Jogger Pants

Daily Bra

Vuori came out as my personal favorite on this list, as its fabric is unbelievably soft without slacking on compression. After trying many of the featured options, I found that I felt the most confident at the gym when wearing Vuori's activewear (specifically the Daily Leggings) because it really does contour any lumps and bumps and makes your 'bod look so smooth and snatched.

Vuori not only hugs you in all the right places, but the textures are so soft against your skin, explains personal trainer, Kim Strother, NASM, who specifically loves the brand's Daily Collection. "Vuori is really made to move," she says. "Not all activewear is actually comfortable to work out in, but this brand fits my very active lifestyle."

Gini Grimsley, MS, director of fitness products at Vasa Fitness, is a big fan of Vuori's famed Performance Joggers because they allow for a ton of movement without needing to readjust the waistband. As a weight lifter, she never has to adjust her clothing between sets, meaning she has more time to focus on the task at hand.

I did notice that Vuori's sizing is not as inclusive as other brands on this list, with most of its options only ranging from XXS to 2X (as a reference, Girlfriend Collective's options go all the way to a 6X!).

Girlfriend Collective

Black Paloma Racerback Bra

Chateau Compressive High-Rise Legging

Girlfriend Collective is a great option for activewear, but what makes it stand out is its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. According to Wang, everything is made from recycled plastic water bottles that gets turned into yarn, which is a huge plus.

We agree that this brand is definitely a winner in the size category, with options ranging from XXS to 6X. Wendler particularly admires this aspect of Girlfriend Collective, as it guarantees inclusivity and caters to diverse preferences.

Wang says the brand's Float line is her favorite for yoga because the fabric is slightly thicker and more compressive. While its clothes are slightly more expensive, she says she sees Girlfriend Collective as an investment in both quality and sustainability.

Wendler is also a fan of the brand, calling out its Compressive Leggings and Paloma Racerback Bra. "This set is incredibly comfortable and sits at the right spot for comfort and movement," she says.

Adidas

TLRD Impact Luxe High-Support Zip Bra

Optime Full-Length Leggings

We love that Adidas' activewear as a whole covers so many different categories—running, training, soccer, swimming, hiking, yoga, and so much more. And if you want to shop one activity in particular, the brand has their products categorized by sport on its site, so it's super easy to shop for what you're looking for. Its shoes can get up there in terms of price, but we agree that its clothing is pretty affordable, with leggings and lightweight jackets coming in at around $50.

If you're looking for functionality and support in your workout gear, Tone House head coach Brittany Watts says Adidas is where to go. A lot of her conditioning training includes quick movements and jumping, so it's important that she has gear that helps to keep everything in place. Her personal favorite high-impact sports bra to get the job done? Adidas TLRD Impact Luxe High Support Zip Bra. "This bra zips at the front, so it’s easy to put on and is very comfortable," she says.

My favorite piece from Adidas is the Optime Full-Length Leggings as they're totally squat-proof so I never have to worry about underwear showing through my pants (that's a big no-no). Honestly, every legging I've tried from the brand has wowed me—and if you're a runner, you'll def want to check out their leggings with pockets.

Nike

Zenvy Gentle-Support High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings

Alate Medium-Support Padded Sports Bra

When it comes to activewear, there's a high chance you have at least one Nike piece in your closet—Women's Health editors all do. We especially like that Nike's sizing is pretty solid, with pieces ranging from size XS to 3X. I'm a true medium (typically a size six in clothing), and all of Nike's medium sizes fit me like a glove, so I can also attest to the brand's size consistency.

Dani Coleman, director of training and head trainer at Pvolve (and Jennifer Aniston's personal trainer!), says her all-time favorite activewear brand is Nike because of its athletic styles and practical function. "No matter what I have on-deck, its styles easily morph into any occasion from being in the studio or out and about." The pieces she loves? The Zenvy Legging (I'm also a huge fan of these), the Alate Sports Bra, and her all-time favorite training shoe, the Nike Free Metcon 5.

What specifically draws Coleman to Nike is its representation and diversity as a brand and in its products. "They also push the envelope on innovation and partner with some of the best athletes in the world," she says, adding that when she wears Nike, she feels at home in her body.

Splits 59

Ella High Waist Airweight 7/8

Jackson Rib Cropped Turtleneck

Registered dietician Maddie Pasquariello, RDN, has had a longtime obsession with Splits59 because its products hold up better than any others she owns. She says she's owned one of the brand's leggings for five years (!!), and they've retained their shape, stretch, and color the entire time.

Pasquariello also adds that she prefers matte fabrics over shiny ones, and Splits 59 has many options that are up her alley. Plus, we especially love the colors and patterns the clothes are available in, all options that are easy to mix and match.

While Pasquariello loves everything she's tried from the brand, she calls out the Ella High Waist Airweight Legging, as well as the matching Ella Airweight Bra. "I'm also a huge jumpsuit girl," she says, calling out the Airweight High Waist Short. And don't sleep on their tanks and tees—the Jackson Rib Cropped Turtleneck is so cute and it has thumb holes, which makes it perfect for chillier days, she notes.

Fear of God Essentials

Women's Jet Black Tank Top

Jet Black Crinkle Nylon Running Shorts

If you've never tried on anything from Fear of God Essentials, you're truly missing out, and celebrity stylist and founder of luxury consignment brand Carte Blanche Sammie M, agrees. Winner for the most fashion-forward activewear brand on this list, us editors and Sammie agree that we could live in Fear of God Essentials. "I wear it everyday, incorporating it into my daily wardrobe whether I'm on set, doing a photoshoot, or at the gym," Sammie says.

What sticks out to him most is the versatile color range, particularly the nude shades. It's also totally unisex, which makes the brand super easy to shop. Lastly, the fabrics used by the brand (hi, nylon and elastane) are suuuper cozy and soft.

Sweaty Betty

Explorer Sculpt Sleeveless Top

After Class Cross Back Sweatshirt

Similar to Nike and Adidas, London-born Sweaty Betty offers a ton of different activewear and street style clothes for different sports and activities. You can shop the brand's clothing based on the amount of support it offers (think low, medium, and high-impact) or just browse through the site's pages which include everything from bottoms, tops, and even winter clothing, like base layers for skiing.

The brand's activewear can get pricey—some of its workout leggings are more than $100—but its street style designs and high-quality performance make it worth it. After testing, us editors also agree that is has some of the most unique activewear pieces like the After Class Sweatshirt, which is super light and airy for those days where you don't want to throw on a heavy sweatshirt after class. Its pieces also come in a ton of fun, bright colors and patterns for the super adventurous ones out there.

We also love that Sweaty Betty shows its clothes on a variety of different models. This made it easy to picture the clothing on our own bodies while shopping, and makes the experience relatable rather than intimidating or difficult.

Amazon

Yoga Pants with Pockets

Butterluxe Sports Bra

Our editors love shopping on Amazon because they have tons of great activewear, but there are a few brands in particular we love for comfort, price, and durability.

Ewedoos is a favorite among our editors for its leggings, which are a valid dupe of some pricier options on this list. The leggings with pockets in particular have garnered five stars among editors and thousands of Amazon reviewers alike, with high marks coming from their thickness, deep pockets, slimming fit, and durability. This pair is also super high-waisted, so they're great for those who are pregnant or simply want more coverage over their stomach area.

Another popular Amazon brand is CRZ Yoga, which offers all sorts of super cute pieces like flare pants, cropped tees, and longline sports bras. Founder of iCORE Method Courtney Virden says this is her all-time fave activewear brand because it's super stylish without breaking the bank. She also adds that the brand has great customer service and constantly adds new items to its roster, so there are always new, fun styles and colors to choose from.

Spiritual Gangster

Amor Cropped Tank

Love Sculpt Seamless Legging

Spiritual Gangster stands out with its unique fabric design, which, according to founder of Your Buddhi Yoga Amanda McCarroll, fits extremely well and is very flattering to a wide variety of body types. She notes that the pants are all high-waisted and gently compress the tummy and booty without being uncomfortable or binding. "It also has amazing sweats and loungewear for when you just want to be cozy and cute at the same time."

Both our team and McCarroll agree that because this brand is a bit smaller than some of the others on this list, like Vuori and Lululemon, it's easier to support, especially because it regularly partners with charities and nonprofits. For each item sold, Spiritual Gangster actually partners with Feeding America to donate proceeds and provide meals to underserved communities. Its clothes are not only fun, but they're great quality, last a long time, and are made with purpose.

McCarroll's favorite workout set from the brand is the Amor Tank and the Love Sculpt Seamless Leggings. She usually goes for the bright fun colors, but they also have great basics like black and grey.

Golden

Butter Essential T-Shirt

Butter Limit Zip Longsleeve

I recently got to try out Aritzia's new activewear line, Golden, and let me tell you—I'm absolutely sold. I've been wearing the pieces the brand sent me practically every day (and washing them as soon as they need it!). Its Butter line is exactly as it sounds—smooth as can be. And when you put the pieces on, they look just as good as they feel. They're totes seamless and contour my body perfectly.

The specific products I've been testing are the Butter Cheeky High-Rise Legging, the Butter Essential T-Shirt (this can be worn with leggings, jeans, sweats, the list goes on!), and the Butter Limit Zip Longsleeve. I chose everything in the charcoal grey shade, which I was admittedly nervous about because hi, sweat stains. But when I wore the entire fit to the gym for a sweaty workout yesterday, I was proven wrong. Thanks to the sweat-wicking fabric, I never had to worry about stains showing through my 'fit. I also appreciate that the brand launched other streetwear styles that aren't just your classic leggings and tight tees. They have the Victory Track Pant (super trendy!), the slouchy Butter Breakaway Jumpsuit, the Altitude Hiking Pant, and so much more.

Adanola

Ultimate Leggings

Ultimate Crop Shorts

As one of the most affordable brands on this list—most of its pieces are below $100—WH editors agree Adanola is the best activewear brand to shop if you're on a budget. And DW, the quality is great for the price.

Adanola is a favorite in fitness instructor's Aubre Winters-Casiano's closet. Its apparel is simple yet makes you feel like the coolest and most confident gal in the room, she says, adding that she has been gravitating towards rich seasonal colors, timeless silhouettes, and apparel that is comfortable to move in.

Winter-Casiano's favorite pieces are the Ultimate Tank Bra, the Ultimate Leggings, and the Ultimate Long Sleeve Longline Top. "The Ultimate Sleeveless Unitard is also so flattering," she adds. And as someone who is 21 weeks pregnant, that's saying a lot. She also calls out that the brand shows its pieces on models of all different body types and shapes. This makes her feel really confident ordering online while pregnant.

Meet the experts

• Denise Vitola is a fitness instructor, wellness coach, and motivational speaker.

• Liz Wendler is a style coach.

• Echo Wang is the founder of Yoga Kawa.

• Rachel Macpherson, CPT, is a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach.

• Erica Larkin is a golf instructor at Larkin Golf.

• Taryn Toomey is the founder and creative director of The Class.

• Kim Strother, CPT, is a certified personal trainer and yoga instructor.

• Gini Grimsley, MS, is the director of fitness products at Vasa Fitness.

• Aubre Winters-Casiano is the founder of Sweat Sessions Studio.

• Brittany Watts is the head coach at Tone House.

• Dani Coleman is the director of training and head trainer at Pvolve.

• Maddie Pasquariello, MS, RDN is a registered dietician.

• Sammie M is a celebrity stylist and founder of luxury consignment brand Carte Blanche.

• Amanda McCarroll is the founder of Your Buddhi Yoga.

• Kristen Hislop is a certified personal trainer and running coach.

• Courtney Virden is the founder of iCORE Method.

Shop other activewear we love

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