The Best Workout Clothes for Women and Men in 2024
Alphalete
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Clothing doesn’t make the workout, but it can certainly make the workout more comfortable. In some cases, what you wear can enhance performance by reducing fatigue and preventing chafing. Workout clothes should be appropriate for the sport or activity, be moisture-wicking and keep you warm or cool, depending on the season.
The best workout clothes also fit your personal comfort level. That may mean offering high compression or being loose and flowing, depending on the workout and weather. Today’s workout clothes go well beyond sweatpants and hoodies (though we like both) into highly specialized activewear that includes bike shorts, sports bras, leggings, joggers and bike shorts designed for comfort and performance. Put down that cotton T-shirt because we’ve put together a list of the best workout clothes for men and women of different body types and activity levels.
Our Picks for the Best Workout Clothes of 2024:
- Best Workout Top for Women: Alphalete Surface Limitless Bra
- Best Sports Bra: Lululemon All Powered Up Training Bra
- Best Workout Bottom for Women: Alphalete Surface Power Legging 27”
- Best Workout Leggings for Women: Lululemon Align
- Best Workout Shoes for Women: NoBull Trainer
- Best Workout Top for Men: adidas Power Workout Tank Top
- Best Workout Bottom for Men: NoBull Solid Stretch Short
- Best Workout Pants for Men: Nike A.P.S.
- Best Workout Shoes for Men: adidas Ultra 4D Running Shoes
Best Workout Top for Women: Alphalete Surface Limitless Bra
Alphalete
Key features:
- Materials: Polyester, spandex
- Sizes available: XXS–XXL
Alphalete is among the activewear brands that combine quality with performance in its garments. The Alphalete Surface Limitless Bra is a medium-support bra, which makes it appropriate for weightlifting, yoga and Pilates-type activities. The Limitless Bra balances comfort and support with an attractive, strappy design. Adjustable straps also let you get a better fit, while the fabric wicks moisture and enhances breathability. This bra comes in 11 colors and patterns and seven sizes. However, it’s not designed for high-impact activities like running.
Related Post: The Best Running Shirts for Women
Pros:
- Stretchy yet supportive material
- Sweat-wicking fabric
- Comes in fun colors and patterns
Cons:
- Not ideal for high-impact sports and activities
Best Sports Bra: Lululemon All Powered Up Training Bra
lululemon
Key features:
- Materials: Nylon, elastane
- Sizes available: 32B–42DDD
The All Powered Up Training Bra stands out from the crowd for a few reasons. One of the most prominent is the wide range of sizes, from a 32B to a 42DDD, with options for cup sizes up to G. The nylon/elastane blend fabric wicks sweat and features an adjustable crossback strap design. There are also three hook levels on the band to offer some adjustability. This bra is comfy enough that we wish it were also able to take on high-impact activities, like HIIT (high-intensity interval training) or running.
Pros:
- Offers a wide range of band and cup sizes
- Adjustable, crossback straps and an adjustable band
- Moisture wicking
Cons:
- Not for high-impact activities
Best Workout Bottom for Women: Alphalete Surface Power Legging 27”
Alphalete
Key features:
- Materials: Polyester, spandex
- Sizes available: XXS–XXL
Get ready for supportive leggings for high-impact (and high-intensity) activities with the Alphalete Surface Power Leggings. These 27-inch inseam workout leggings feature a cross waistband that hits around the belly button in the front but rises higher in the back. These leggings feature a polyester/spandex blend fabric that wicks moisture while offering gentle compression. They come in seven colors, including standard black, making them a staple piece that will work for any type of workout.
Pros:
- Attractive cross waistband design
- Stretchy and supportive fabric
- Excellent moisture wicking
Cons:
- No pockets
Best Workout Leggings for Women: Lululemon Align
lululemon
Key features:
- Materials: Nylon, elastane
- Sizes available: 0–14
Lululemon’s buttery soft leggings are comfortable and lightweight. The Aligns are made of Nulu, a nylon/elastane blend with four-way stretch, high breathability and excellent sweat-wicking properties. The high-rise waistband’s inner pocket has room for keys or ID, too.
The Align line of leggings comes in many variations and lengths, so you’re bound to find one that works for your comfort preferences and workouts. Keep in mind that Align is meant for yoga and similar workouts. Running and other high-impact activities may require a legging with more support and compression.
Pros:
- Super soft, stretchy fabric
- Inner storage pocket
- Many variations to choose from
Cons:
- Not designed for high-impact activities
Best Workout Shoes for Women: NoBull Trainer
SI Showcase
Key features:
- Materials: Phylon EVA, SuperFabric, high carbon rubber
- Sizes available: 5–11
NoBull makes gym shoes that are tuned for maximum efficiency for daily training. The NoBull Trainer is designed for everyday workouts and daily wear, making it an excellent option for transitioning from around town to the gym. The shoes feature a molded insole for comfort and a responsive, supportive phylon EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) midsole.
The SuperFabric upper has guard plates to minimize abrasion in a dot matrix pattern that maintains flexibility and breathability. The perforated tongue and padded collar create a comfortable fit while letting your feet breathe. These shoes provide a carbon rubber outsole as a stable platform for lifts and keep your feet connected to the ground during quick movements. We love that they come in over 19 color and pattern combinations, from bright to neutral, and there is a high-top trainer for those who prefer extra ankle support. This cross-training shoe is ideal for lifting, HIIT and workouts that include short running distances; however, we recommend running shoes if you plan to run distances longer than a mile.
Pros:
- Low stack height and 4-millimeter drop keep the feet connected to the ground
- Versatile and durable training shoe
- Wide toe box provides ample room for toe splay
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Workout Top for Men: adidas Power Workout Tank Top
adidas
Key features:
- Materials: Lyocell, recycled polyester single jersey
- Sizes available: S–2XL
The Power Workout Tank Top by adidas is a slim-fit crew neck top with AEROREADY fabric technology, designed for cardio, HIIT and weight lifting. This workout top is 70 percent lyocell, a soft, moisture-wicking material with anti-bacterial properties for odor control. The remaining 30 percent is recycled polyester single jersey with a smooth, flexible structure. There are side slits on each side for additional ventilation and more freedom of movement.
It comes in five colors and sizes and has a drop-tail hem that adds a touch of style and uniqueness. The only downside is that it might be too cold for the winter months. However, it’s the kind of workout gear that becomes a staple to an exercise wardrobe.
Pros:
- AEROREADY technology wicks away moisture to keep you dry
- Five color options
- Minimal logo and modern silhouette
Cons:
- Crew neck may feel restrictive to some
Best Workout Bottom for Men: NoBull Solid Stretch Short
NoBull
Key features:
- Materials: Nylon, spandex
- Sizes available: S–XL
The Solid Stretch Short is NoBull’s versatile, lightweight workout short for men. It's made of durable nylon with spandex to give flexibility for a custom fit while maintaining the short’s shape and integrity. These quick-drying shorts are comfortable enough for casual wear but durable enough for intense workouts.
This short has internal mesh ventilated pockets to avoid bulk and the gusset is constructed for secure movement that flexes with the body. The waistband has an inner flat drawstring to keep the shorts secure during vigorous workouts. The Solid Stretch Short comes in four colors and two inseam lengths—seven inches and nine inches.
Pros:
- Lightweight fabric offers four-way stretch
- Gusset allows better movement and flexibility while providing comfort
- Concealed zipper pockets
Cons:
- Expensive
- Limited size options
Best Workout Pants for Men: Nike A.P.S.
Nike
Key features:
- Materials: Polyester, spandex
- Sizes available: XXS–4XL
The Nike A.P.S. workout pants are an all-purpose wardrobe staple ideal for a quick pickup game or a strength-training session. The polyester material with Nike's Dri-Fit technology wicks sweat and looks sleek at the same time. The four-way stretch fabric stretches with you offering a full range of motion and a more comfortable fit. We like that these have several storage options—zippered side pockets, drop-in pockets and a center back pocket—for everything you need.
These workout pants come in a variety of sizes, including tall options, and are available in olive or black. There is an internal drawstring in the elastic waistband to keep them in place, and a faux front fly for wear outside the gym.
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Pros:
- Dri-Fit wicks away moisture for optimal temperature regulation
- Elastic waistband is comfortable
- Can be worn over base layers or tights
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Workout Shoes for Men: adidas Ultra 4D Running Shoes
adidas
Key features:
- Materials: Rubber, thermoplastic yarn
- Sizes available: 6–14
The adidas Ultra 4D Running Shoes offer excellent energy return and are an eco-friendly running shoe. These are made of recycled plastic and polyester, along with more standard materials like foam and rubber. The 3D-printed midsole uses liquid, light and oxygen to make a unique lattice structure that provides impressive energy return and reactive cushioning, which can reduce fatigue.
It has a rubber outsole that gives the shoes added stability without adding weight, and it has a diamond tread pattern for grip in all directions. The PRIMEKNIT upper is one continuous piece of thermoplastic yarn that is breathable and flexes with the foot. Overall, this is a fast shoe that works for daily training. However, longer-distance runners might not get the cushioning and foot support they need and may want to opt for a long-distance running shoe.
Pros:
- Partially made of recycled materials
- Midsole offers good energy return
- Strong stability without added weight
Cons:
- Expensive
How to Choose the Best Workout Clothes for You
Consider the following attributes when choosing the best workout clothes for you.
Fit
Workout clothes can be loose, tight or somewhere in between. Loose gym clothes leave you with free range of motion and space for ventilation. Some people are also more comfortable in workout clothes that are less form fitting. However, clothing that’s too loose can increase chafing because the fabric rides up into high friction areas. Additionally, loose, woven fabrics may not stretch as much as you need to comfortably move through Pilates or yoga poses.
Fitted, tight or snug clothing has its place, too. Yoga, for example, often works better with tight yoga pants because the pants move with your body without getting in the way of poses. Tight, stretchy clothing can also prevent skin-on-skin chafing when running. However, a bra band or short waistband that’s too small may dig into the skin and chafe as much as loose clothing. Some people aren’t comfortable in tight clothing because it makes them feel self-conscious.
Style
Style comes down to cut, colors and other design features. The cut should flatter your body type without restricting range of motion. For example, you may need to consider whether a racerback, U-back or cross back tank or sports bra will work best for your workout style.
Workout clothes can easily reflect your personal style. Lululemon, adidas, NoBull, Nike and many of the brands on our best of list make matching tops and bottoms that make you look put together. Don’t get too hung up on style, but paying a little attention to the silhouette can boost your confidence.
Performance
Before you buy, think about what you need the clothes to do and the features that will complement your workout style. Features like compression level, reflective trims and pockets can make working out easier and improve performance.
Compression reduces muscle movement, which can make you feel less fatigued. But you might not need much compression if your workouts are usually low impact. Reflective trims keep you visible to oncoming traffic. Pockets won’t make you run faster, but they can hold your phone, which plays your music, tracks your running apps and keeps your running cadence on track. Moisture-wicking materials and reinforced seams can also provide peace of mind, letting you focus on performance.
Extra Features
Side pockets, long or short sleeve shirts and squat-proof fabrics are just a few extras that could make or break your workout clothes. Don’t get caught up in trendy sportswear unless it has extras that will truly improve your workout experience. Reflective logos and seams, for example, improve safety for runners. A workout tank with a hidden pocket could give you a convenient place to stash your key.
How We Chose the Best Workout Clothes
Our search for the best workout clothes started with customer and independent reviews. We then researched the style, fabrics and design elements to make our final picks. Specially, we looked for:
- Fabrics: High-performance, sweat-wicking and durable fabrics made of nylon, polyester and some form of elastane (sometimes called Lycra or spandex). These fabrics are durable, breathable and prevent heat and moisture build-up.
- Cut: Both loose and tight clothing have their place in the workout world. We’ve included both on our list because of personal preference.
- Style: Today’s workout clothing lets you make a statement. We included both foundational garments for everyday workouts and those that could give your workouts a little something special. If you’re going to work out, you might as well look good doing it
FAQs
Should I wear loose or tight clothes at the gym?
Wear loose clothing if you prefer free range of motion and extra ventilation. Wear tight clothes to prevent chafing and wear your clothing like a second skin. If you prefer a little more coverage, loose clothes with a layer of tight clothing underneath is always an option.
What should I not wear to the gym?
Don’t wear street clothes to the gym. Street clothes may prevent you from pushing yourself and could rub or chafe.
What are some popular fitness clothing brands?
Alphalete, Athleta and Lululemon are popular fitness clothing brands. Footwear brands also make good workout clothes, like Nike, adidas and Brooks.
Do I need to splurge on workout clothes?
You don’t need to spend a fortune on workout clothes. For men, a breathable pair of running shorts or running pants with a moisture-wicking shirt or tank top is usually enough. For women, running shorts, leggings, and a shirt or tank top is also a good place to start. However, ladies should also add a high-quality, well-fit compression sports bra in the support level that you find most comfortable.
Related Posts: Best Workout Shorts for Men and Best Workout Shirts for Men
Final Thoughts
Workout clothes should let you focus on your lifts, run or poses. They can fit your personal style and body type. But most importantly, they should move with you and leave you with full range of motion. Whether you pick shorts or pants, crop top or T-shirt, your workout clothes should enhance your workout by either giving you a boost in performance or simply a dose of extra confidence.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
