The Best Workout Sets According to Shape Editors
Courtesy of Merchants
Think of the things that make the difference between an amazing workout and a subpar session. Maybe it's dehydration, not consuming the proper fuel, or maybe, just maybe, it's your activewear. I don't know about you, but when I look and feel confident in my gym attire, my energy during my fitness routine is through the roof.
It can be a pain in the morning to sift through your workout clothes, trying to make a cohesive look. Before you know it, you're late to spin or to meet up with your gym buddy. Sets are here to solve that problem — by simply grabbing your matching top and leggings, you're ready to go (and look incredibly put-together). Maybe you're looking for a sturdy set with squat-proof leggings, or sweat-wicking material to keep you dry throughout those hard HIIT workouts? Don't forget about the comfy sets we crave during our yoga flows. Finding a set that compliments your exercise style is key to creating a dependable workout wardrobe.
The Best Workout Sets, according to Shape Editors:
Best Rated Workout Set: Nike Pro Dri-FIT Women's Sports Bra and Printed Leggings
Best Rated Workout Set (Another Favorite): Athleta Warrior Longline Bra and Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight
Best Matching Workout Set: Free People Good Karma 3-Style Bundle
Cutest Workout Set: Carbon38 Criss Cross Bra in Takara Shine and Leggings
Cutest Workout Set (Another Favorite): Pretty in Pinto Hi-Shine Sports Bra and Leggings
Best Affordable Workout Set: FAFOA Seamless Ribbed Crop Tank and High Waisted Booty Shorts
Best Affordable Workout Set (Another Favorite): Aoxjox Seamless 2 Piece Workout Outfit
Best Splurge Workout Set: Brooks Drive 3 Pocket Run Bra and 7/8 Tight
Best Soft Workout Set: Outdoor Voices Smooth Scoop Bra and Leggings
Best Soft Workout Set (Another Favorite): Beyond Yoga Spacedye Slim Racerback Cropped Tank and Leggings
Most Durable Workout Set: Spanx Impact Sports Workout Bra and 7/8 Leggings
Most Durable Workout Set (Another Favorite): Eleven by Venus Williams Roller Bra and Leggings
Best Size-Inclusive Workout Set: Girlfriend Collective Cypress RIB Paloma Racerback Bra and Bike Short
Best Eco-Friendly Workout Set: Carbon38 T Back Bra In Diamond Compression and Leggings
Best Eco-Friendly Workout Set (Another Favorite): Allbirds Natural Run Form Tank and Bike Short
Best Aerie Workout Set: OFFLINE Square Neck Sports Bra and Legging
And training hard doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. Not only is comfort and function key when working out, but a flattering fit and colors that compliment you best can supply that extra push of motivation during your session. All-black ensembles can represent sheer willpower and drive, while soft pastel sets can show off your bubbly personality and superhuman strength. (Related: Amazon Shoppers Are Comparing This Adorable $30 Workout Set to Gymshark)
Not sure where to start? Shape editors have hand-picked their favorite workout sets, so that you approach your next gym session with a little extra confidence and style. Even if you only sport these coordinating tops and bottoms for Zoom fitness classes or couch lounging, you'll still find yourself wanting to post a cute selfie. From practicing yoga to running errands and more, keep scrolling to discover editors' favorite workout sets — and why they continue to reach for them over the years.
Best-Rated Workout Set
Used for: Weight training, HIIT, hiking
Time Tested: Eight months
What You'll Love: This set comes in a trendy color and style and won't break the bank.
Keep In Mind: The material is thicker and sucks you in, which can be uncomfortable at times.
Nike Pro Dri-FIT Swoosh Women's Medium-Support Leopard Sports Bra BUY IT, $35
Nike Pro Dri-FIT Women's High-Waisted 7/8 Printed Leggings BUY IT, $55
"After working as a Shape editor for six years, I have just about a trillion pieces of workout clothes — but it's amazing how I keep coming back to the same favorites over and over again. Some of those faves? Anything from Nike's Pro collection. I love their sports bras and leggings for running, hardcore HIIT workouts, and yoga alike, and I've worn their Nike Pro shorts for years for cheerleading practices and now, since COVID, as WFH bottoms. I love these new solids with a hint of cheetah print — it's the perfect excuse to buy more of the collection without buying repeats of the exact same pieces. (And what makes you feel more fierce in the gym than animal print?!)" — Lauren Mazzo, senior Shape editor
Best-Rated Workout Set (Another Favorite)
Used for: Weight training, HIIT, hiking
Time Tested: Eight months
What You'll Love: This set comes in a trendy color and style and won't break the bank.
Keep In Mind: The material is thicker and sucks you in, which can be uncomfortable at times.
Athleta Warrior Longline Bra A-C BUY IT, $54
Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight BUY IT, $98
"This is a newer bra from Athleta and hits the high notes for me: ultra comfortable, mid-length that hits just below my upper abs, great colors, medium-support that doesn't cut into my neck/collarbone but also doesn't leave me spilling out during exercise. The material and colors are a match to the classic Salutation Stash Pocket Tight.
I have had multiple iterations and colors of these tights over the past few years, and they still look and feel great after many washes. The waist doesn't gap after countless workouts, the pockets are large enough for my phone or wallet when needed, and they're extremely squat-proof. About half of my workout wardrobe is Athleta and these are a staple I keep coming back to, especially how they look as a set with the Warrior Longline bra and my other favorite, the Conscious Crop." — Megan Soll, ecommerce editor
Best Matching Workout Set
Used for: Weight training, HIIT, hiking
Time Tested: Eight months
What You'll Love: This set comes in a trendy color and style and won't break the bank.
Keep In Mind: The material is thicker and sucks you in, which can be uncomfortable at times.
"This set comes with everything you need: leggings, bra, and shorts. It's soft with ribbing details and doesn't have a super tight compression feeling. I love wearing it to my favorite barre classes since it's so easy to move in, and you can definitely catch me repeating this outfit throughout the week since it's so comfortable." — Taylor Lane, ecommerce writer
Best Cute Workout Set
Used for: Weight training, HIIT, hiking
Time Tested: Eight months
What You'll Love: This set comes in a trendy color and style and won't break the bank.
Keep In Mind: The material is thicker and sucks you in, which can be uncomfortable at times.
Carbon38 Criss Cross Bra in Takara Shine BUY IT, $75
Carbon38 High Rise 7/8 Legging in Takara Shine BUY IT, $105
"I'm pretty picky when it comes to workout sets and tend to go for separates instead. After having my eye on this Takara Shine set from Carbon38 for a while, when the chance to try it out came along, I jumped at the opportunity. All I can say is that the set lived up to the hype — when I put it on, whether for a Peloton class at home with Jess King or under a jacket to run errands, I feel like a shiny bad bitch superhero. It has just enough compression to keep things in check without having to readjust throughout a ride or yoga class, which I love." — Jayla Adrulonis, ecommerce writer
Best Cute Workout Set (Another Favorite)
Used for: Weight training, HIIT, hiking
Time Tested: Eight months
What You'll Love: This set comes in a trendy color and style and won't break the bank.
Keep In Mind: The material is thicker and sucks you in, which can be uncomfortable at times.
Pretty in Pinto Hi-Shine Sports Bra BUY IT, $65
Pretty in Pinto Hi-Shine Leggings BUY IT, $100
"To me, the waistband on a pair of leggings can make or break a workout set. Terez's leggings waistbands (specifically the extra-wide 4.5-inch bands) are the most flattering I've come across. They hug you without squeezing you to an excessive extent. I've collected several Terez outfits at this point — you can see one in action here — but my most recent addition is this pinto horse-inspired set, which I've been eyeing since Vanessa Hudgens sported it." — Renee Cherry, staff writer
Best Affordable Workout Set
Used for: Weight training, HIIT, hiking
Time Tested: Eight months
What You'll Love: This set comes in a trendy color and style and won't break the bank.
Keep In Mind: The material is thicker and sucks you in, which can be uncomfortable at times.
"Like everyone else, I wanted to jump on the brown co-ord trend with a fun workout set. As a college student, bargains are my best friend. When I found this set for just $30, it was love at first sight! This set has been my go-to for everything from HIIT and strength training to hiking in the mountains. Best trendy set for a bargain, for sure!" — Alyssa Brascia, ecommerce editorial apprentice
Best Affordable Workout Set (Another Favorite)
Used for: Yoga, hiking, lounging and running
Time Tested: Nine months
What You'll Love: This set can be used for both low-impact and high-impact activities, so you get a lot of bang for your buck.
Keep In Mind: The bottom of the shorts ride up sometimes during runs and hikes, and they could also be improved with pockets.
"For the price, I've been super impressed with this set. The shorts are comfy enough that I find myself wearing them just to lounge around, but the set also holds up during vigorous exercise. It comes in a wide array of fun colors and you can choose a sports bra or a crop top for the top." — Hannah Freedman, content strategy manager
Best Splurge Workout Set
Used for: Running, especially in low light
Time Tested: One month
What You'll Love: It's made of reflective compression material to keep you safe and visible, and also features a pocket for your phone.
Keep In Mind: The entire set can be pricey if you aren't a runner or mostly exercise during the day.
Brooks Drive 3 Pocket Run Bra BUY IT, $50
Brooks Women's Carbonite 7/8 Tight BUY IT, $95
"True or False: A cute 'fit makes you go harder, faster, stronger. I'm fully convinced this set from Brook's Run Visible collection helps me power up and down hill repeats in studio classes and fly faster on outdoor runs. Now with the sun setting faster (UGH!), I need a 'fit that will keep me safe and seen. I would say start with the Drive 3 Pocket bra, as it's only $50 bucks and quite possibly the best running bra I've had. It's incredibly supportive and has a pocket in the back along the spine that can fit even the biggest phones. Game changer." — Marietta Alessi, social media director
Best Soft Workout Set
Used for: Hiking, yoga, running in cold weather
Time Tested: A year and a half
What You'll Love: Believe it or not, the leggings in this set are softer than Lululemon Align tights.
Keep In Mind: The set has the potential to overheat, if worn for high-intensity workouts or during the summer.
Outdoor Voices Smooth Scoop Bra BUY IT, $58
Outdoor Voices Smooth Legging BUY IT, $88
"It's the most comfortable outfit I own. No matter what season it is or what kind of workout I'm doing (if I'm working out at all) this is always what I reach for first. The bra is supportive without being constricting and the leggings are thick enough to wear outside during the winter but moisture resistant enough to wear on a run in the summer. I know I shouldn't be throwing shade at Lulu, but the Aligns don't come close to being as soft as these." — Chloe Irving, health and wellness ecommerce writer
Best Soft Workout Set (Another Favorite)
Used for: Yoga
Time Tested: Nearly a year
What You'll Love: Thanks to the brand's signature spacedye fabric, these are soft yet supportive.
Keep In Mind: The cups are not removable from the sports bra, in case that's a dealbreaker.
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Slim Racerback Cropped Tank BUY IT, $66
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waisted Legging BUY IT, $97
"The brand's signature spacedye fabric feels almost too good to be true. It's buttery soft, yet surprisingly structured for the kind of held-in feel you need for your toughest power yoga flows, but still as comfortable as second skin." — Alyssa Sparacino, deputy editor
Most Durable Workout Set
Used for: Running, weight training
Time Tested: Six months
What You'll Love: This set offers solid support without squeezing you too hard.
Keep In Mind: The bra and leggings combination come in limited colorways.
Spanx Impact Sports Workout Bra BUY IT, $68
Booty Boost Active 7/8 Leggings BUY IT, $98
"The sports bra makes me feel extremely supported, especially when doing high-impact workouts such as running and sprinting. And despite the solid support, the straps don't ever dig into my skin or feel too tight.
The leggings offer optimal support without feeling too tight around my midsection, too. They also don't slip down during workouts, which is something I've struggled with when wearing other leggings in the past." — Maya Gandara, E-Commerce Writer
Best Durable Workout Set (Another Favorite)
Used for: All workouts
Time Tested: Three weeks
What You'll Love: The leggings are squat-proof and the cropped camisole is sexy while offering extra coverage.
Keep In Mind: The top does not have a built-in bra, so might require a sports bra underneath for those with bigger busts.
Eleven by Venus Williams Roller Bra BUY IT, $68
Eleven by Venus Williams Roller Skate High Waist Leggings BUY IT, $88
"I feel so cute and put together when I wear this set! The leggings are totally squat-proof (which isn't true of most brightly colored leggings), and both the bottoms and top are secure but super soft. I feel like I can do any kind of workout in this, but often wear it as a non-workout outfit because it's SO flattering." — Chloe Irving, health and wellness ecommerce writer
Best Size-Inclusive Workout Set
Used for: Dance cardio, video-streamed ballet, Pilates, yoga
Time Tested: Nearly two years
What You'll Love: The size range includes sizes XXS — 6XL.
Keep In Mind: This top and bottom combination is not recommended for high-impact workouts, since they are made from thinner material.
Girlfriend Collective Cypress RIB Paloma Racerback Bra BUY IT, $48
Girlfriend Collective Cypress RIB High-Rise Bike Short BUY IT, $58
"Girlfriend Collective doesn't have any sets, but all of their clothing and separates work together as if they were a set. A mix and match, if you will. I feel like Danny Devito in pants so I haven't worn them in 13 years. Occasionally I wear workout leggings if the weather really requires it, but my preference are bike shorts — and specifically these. The length is great and they're high-waisted. The brand was launched with size inclusivity in mind, so the clothes in my "plus/extended" size fit well and don't seem like an aftermath.
The sports bra is great for the non-running or jumping exercises I do, so I don't usually need a very high-impact bra. For example, I don't think this one could hold up in a kickboxing situation. But for what I do, it works and it works well. It's also the only sports bra I've literally ever worn that's been comfortable on my DDD's." — Tamim Alnuweiri, ecommerce beauty writer
Best Eco-Friendly Workout Set
Used for: HIIT, kickboxing, weight training, running, dancing
Time Tested: Two months
What You'll Love: The waistband on the leggings is no-slip, and both the top and bottom are wash machine-friendly.
Keep In Mind: The label of the pants and bra tends to fade after a few uses (but the overall fabric and fit stays intact wash after wash).
Carbon38 T Back Bra In Diamond Compression BUY IT, $78
Carbon38 High Rise Full-length Legging In Diamond Compression BUY IT, $98
"Where my HIIT girls at? If you love a dynamic sweat sesh, you know the struggle of leggings that slip. And when it comes to boxing, you best believe I'm not taking off my gloves to hike up my pants. Luckily, this set from celeb-loved Carbon38 keeps up with my workout. (I mean, if it's good enough for Captain Marvel, it's good enough for me.)
While it's a bit pricier, it's well worth it. The sustainably-sourced fabric is made from plastic water bottles and the cut is built to hold up under pressure— meaning lots of sweaty workouts, lots of washing machine cycles, lots of use. I've worn this for everything from strength training to treadmill sprinting, boxing and cardio dancing, and this 'fit can handle it all." — Marietta Alessi, social media director
Best Eco-Friendly Workout Set (Another Favorite)
Used for: Cycling, hot yoga
Time Tested: Three months
What You'll Love: The shorts don't roll up, even on the toughest of runs.
Keep In Mind: The top isn't supportive enough for HIIT and the center seam on the shorts create a slight camel toe.
Allbirds Natural Run Form Tank BUY IT, $68
Allbirds Natural Bike Short BUY IT, $68
"Allbirds make some of my favorite sneakers, so I was excited when the company took a step into activewear. It did not disappoint. The workout tank is one of my favorites because it offers a flattering fit that hits just above the hips. It's essentially like an extra long sports bra, which I love for long runs. The matching bike shorts are equally as great because they're one of the few pairs that don't roll up on my legs. On top of that, it's nice to know that everything is made from sustainable materials." — Alex Warner, entertainment and e-commerce lead
Best Aerie Workout Set
Used for: HIIT, weight training
Time Tested: Nine months
What You'll Love: It's sculpting and sweat-wicking, so you feel and look good throughout your workout.
Keep In Mind: The bra and ribbed leggings are offered in limited colors — so if you love them and want to buy another pair, you only have four options.
OFFLINE Square Neck Sports Bra BUY IT, $35
OFFLINE Goals High Waisted Ribbed Legging BUY IT, $55
"If I could, I would live exclusively in matching sets. My friends and family know that when I'm working out it's always matchy-matchy and if I have to wear 'real clothes,' chances are that I'm in a jumpsuit. That being said, there's no shame in my game and if I find a color that suits me, I'm all in. Aerie's affordable prices make it easy to just add all the things to the cart. This set is sculpting, sweat-wicking, and has gotten me through several HIIT and strength workouts." — Marietta Alessi, social media director
