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The 14 Best Exercise Dresses, According to Personal Trainers and Reviews

They’re the key to staying cool during sweaty summer workouts.

Headshot of Kayla BlantonBy Kayla Blanton
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exercise dresses two woman standing in front of two blue triangles, one wearing a blue outdoor voices exercise dress and the other wearing a black spanx exercise dress
Outdoor Voices, Spanx

Everyone loves a good pair of stretchy, durable leggings for working out—but when warm weather rolls around, the thought of peeling them off after a gym sesh is...not the most appealing. A great breathable alternative? Exercise dresses. If you thought the fad was just about style—think again. Outdoor Voices, Old Navy, Abercrombie & Fitch, and more brands are selling iterations that prove these pieces of activewear are just as functional as they are cute.

Meet the Experts: Amy Rosoff Davis, celebrity fitness trainer and wellness coach; and Katie Corio, certified strength and conditioning specialist, fitness model, and owner of Corio Fit.

“Exercise dresses help you stay cooler and drier during workouts, and feel so much lighter to move in,” explains Amy Rosoff Davis, celebrity fitness trainer and wellness coach. And when you’re finished breaking a sweat, it’s so easy to transition them into an everyday outfit by throwing on a denim jacket or cardigan, Davis adds. The best part about exercise dresses is that most of them have built-in shorts, bras, and pockets—a rare trio of attributes to find in women’s clothing.

On top of that, stretchy-yet-supportive compression fabric helps you feel secure in workouts of most intensities. “They work well for activities like yoga, Pilates, dance fitness, casual cardio workouts, outdoor activities, and low-impact exercises,” says Katie Corio, certified strength and conditioning specialist, fitness model, and owner of Corio Fit.

Our top picks

  • 1
    The Exercise Dress

    Best Exercise Dress Overall

    Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress

    $100 at Outdoor Voices
    Read more
  • 2
    PowerSoft Sleeveless Shelf-Bra Support Dress

    Best Affordable Exercise Dress

    Old Navy PowerSoft Sleeveless Shelf-Bra Support Dress

    Read more
  • 3
    Advantage Dress

    Best Moisture-Wicking Exercise Dress

    Athleta Advantage Dress

    Read more
  • 4
    Tennis Dress with Shorts

    Best Value Exercise Dress

    Heathyoga Tennis Dress with Shorts

    Read more
  • 5
    Alosoft Courtside Tennis Dress

    Most Stylish Exercise Dress

    Alo Yoga Alosoft Courtside Tennis Dress

    Read more

Temperatures are already climbing, so act fast to stay cool. Here are the best exercise dresses, recommended by experts and reviews.

1
Best Exercise Dress Overall

Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress

The Exercise Dress
1
Best Exercise Dress Overall

Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress

$100 at Outdoor Voices
Credit: Outdoor Voices
Pros
  • Available in 7 colors
  • Built-in pockets
  • Adjustable straps
Cons
  • Some users say it runs large

This dress gets the top spot because it’s not only a best-seller with rave reviews, but Corio loves it. In fact, she recommends all of Outdoor Voice’s exercise dresses, as they are “known for their comfort and versatility,” she says, adding that they’re lightweight, breathable, and allow for ease of movement. “They have stylish designs and come in various colors,” she continues. This one is the brand’s original style, featuring built-in shorts and straps that won’t dig in to your shoulders.

MaterialNylon, spandex
Size rangeXXS-XXXL
2
Best Affordable Exercise Dress

Old Navy PowerSoft Sleeveless Shelf-Bra Support Dress

PowerSoft Sleeveless Shelf-Bra Support Dress
2
Best Affordable Exercise Dress

Old Navy PowerSoft Sleeveless Shelf-Bra Support Dress

Credit: Old Navy
Pros
  • Extended sizing
  • 11 Color options
  • 2,300 Ratings and Nearly 5 Stars
Cons
  • Some reviewers say shorts roll up while wearing

With over 2,300 ratings on Old Navy’s website and nearly five stars, this affordable exercise dress is a favorite among shoppers and we can see why. The loose fit and shelf bra are great for those looking for a less fitted option that still has support. “This is my favorite dress. I have it in multiple colors. It’s so easy to throw on and not have to worry about undergarments because they’re already built in,” writes one satisfied Old Navy customer. “I am 5’10” and weigh around 180 and I got the large. I usually need tall sizes but the regular length fits me fine as well in this dress.”

MaterialPolyester, spandex
SizesXS-4X
3
Best Moisture-Wicking Exercise Dress

Athleta Advantage Dress

Advantage Dress
3
Best Moisture-Wicking Exercise Dress

Athleta Advantage Dress

Now 28% Off
Credit: Athleta
Pros
  • Roomy zip-up pockets
  • Supportive compression
  • Stylish skirt pleats
Cons
  • Users say attached shorts make for challenging bathroom visits

Athleta dresses are “highly regarded for their quality construction and durability,” says Corio, and they effortlessly blend functionality and style, which is why she recommends them. The Advantage Dress is a customer-favorite for its moisture-wicking fabric, ventilating mesh cutouts, and built-in shorts that feature zip-up pockets to keep belongings (like tennis balls!) secure. And if you tend to suffer from thigh chafing, you’ll appreciate that the shorts in this dress have grippers to keep them from riding up.

MaterialPolyester, lycra
Size rangeXXS-XL (regular, tall, petite)
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4
Best Value Exercise Dress

Heathyoga Tennis Dress with Shorts

Tennis Dress with Shorts
4
Best Value Exercise Dress

Heathyoga Tennis Dress with Shorts

Credit: Heathyoga
Pros
  • Available in 5 colors
  • Adjustable racerback straps
  • Under $50
Cons
  • Some users say the shorts ride up

Just as matching workout sets can get pricey, exercise dresses can, too. But this affordable one can check all the right boxes if you’re on a budget. It’s made of four-way stretch moisture-wicking fabric and features built-in shorts, pockets, and removable padding. “Very supportive. The straps are amazing,” one reviewer wrote.

MaterialNylon, spandex
Size rangeXS-XXL
5
Most Stylish Exercise Dress

Alo Yoga Alosoft Courtside Tennis Dress

Alosoft Courtside Tennis Dress
5
Most Stylish Exercise Dress

Alo Yoga Alosoft Courtside Tennis Dress

Credit: Alo
Pros
  • Ultra-soft fabric
  • Adjustable straps
  • Available in 10 colors
Cons
  • Some reviewers say it could be more supportive

At first glance, this piece looks like a classic LBD. But it’s not! The built-in bra and shorts make it fit for your next spin class, tennis match, or hot girl walk. “I love the fabric and how it moves. It’s super flattering!” says Davis.

MaterialAlosoft fabric
Size rangeXXS-L
6
Best Exercise Dress for Yoga

lululemon Align Dress

Align Dress
6
Best Exercise Dress for Yoga

lululemon Align Dress

Credit: lululemon
Pros
  • Available in 6 colors
  • Built-in shelf bra with removable cups
  • Four-way stretch fabric
Cons
  • Could be more supportive

The ever-popular Align line at Lululemon has a dress that maintain’s the style’s good reputation. Corio recommends it for its “breathability and moisture-wicking properties,” as well as “thoughtful design details” like hidden pockets, optional removable cups, and an open-back waistband that makes the shorts easily detachable for simple bathroom visits.

MaterialLycra, Nulu
Size range0-20
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7
Most Supportive Exercise Dress

Split59 Martina Rigor Dress

Martina Rigor Dress
7
Most Supportive Exercise Dress

Split59 Martina Rigor Dress

Pros
  • Available in 4 colors
  • Chafe-free flatlock seams
  • Comfortable, secure scoop neckline
Cons
  • Pricey

If you love the look of separates but are looking for an exercise dress, this one is perfect for those looking for a supportive bra built-in. “This one is form-fitting, soft, and very supportive,” says Davis. “It’s great if you want to show off your legs but still has some good length.”

MaterialsNylon, spandex
Size rangeXS-XL
8
Most Size-Inclusive Exercise Dress

Girlfriend Collective Paloma Racerback Dress

Paloma Racerback Dress
8
Most Size-Inclusive Exercise Dress

Girlfriend Collective Paloma Racerback Dress

Credit: girlfriend collective
Pros
  • Ample length
  • Available in 5 colors
  • Built-in bra and shorts with pockets
Cons
  • Some users say it runs small

By popular demand, Girlfriend Collective turned their best-selling sports bra into an exercise dress, and it was a brilliant idea. Whether you’re headed to the gym or on a grocery run, you can easily throw on this cute, comfortable dress and go without worrying about support or wardrobe malfunctions. “It easily could be dressed up or dressed down,” one reviewer wrote.

MaterialRecycled plastic bottles, spandex
Size rangeXXS-6XL
9

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Movement Dress

Spacedye Movement Dress
9

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Movement Dress

Credit: Beyond Yoga
Pros
  • UV-protective fabric
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Available in four shades
Cons
  • Limited size range

Although it’s nice for exercise dresses to have some level of compression and support, there has to be room for movement, too, and this dress hits the sweet spot in between. It’s ultra-soft, features a built-in bodysuit with pockets, and the flared skirt paired with its deep v-neckline sets it apart from other workout dresses. “This is my favorite workout dress I have ever owned! It is so soft, it fits like a dream, and the cut is adorable,” one reviewer raved.

MaterialPolyester, elastane
SizesXS-L
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10
Best Fashionable Exercise Dress

Madewell Flex 2.0 Fitness Dress

Flex 2.0 Fitness Dress
10
Best Fashionable Exercise Dress

Madewell Flex 2.0 Fitness Dress

Now 33% Off
Credit: Madewell
Pros
  • Built-in shelf bra
  • Available in 4 colors
  • Built-in shorts with pockets
Cons
  • Some users say it’s not ideal for those with larger chests

It can be tricky to reinvent the wheel when it comes to exercise dresses, which results in many of them looking, well, the same. This one’s boxy neckline sets it apart and gives it a fashionable flair—and the unique color ways, including this burnt orange shade, help, too.

MaterialRecycled polyester, spandex
Size rangeXXS-4XL
11
Best Exercise Dress With Sun Protection

Spanx Yes, Pleats! Dress

Yes, Pleats! Dress
11
Best Exercise Dress With Sun Protection

Spanx Yes, Pleats! Dress

Credit: Spanx
Pros
  • UPF 50 protection
  • Moisture-wicking fabric
  • Stretchy, breezy material
Cons
  • Only available in 2 colors

A flirty loose-fitting option that doesn’t sacrifice support? Yes, pleats! (Sorry, we had to.) This is the first-ever active dress from Spanx and it has it all: stylish asymmetric pleating, hidden pockets, and a built-in smoothing bodysuit that features patent-pending Take Off Technology for easy shorts removal when nature calls. “Love everything about it,” a happy customer wrote.

MaterialPolyester, elastane, nylon
Size rangeXS-3X
12
Best One-Strap Exercise Dress

Abercrombie & Fitch One-Shoulder Traveler Mini Dress

One-Shoulder Traveler Mini Dress
12
Best One-Strap Exercise Dress

Abercrombie & Fitch One-Shoulder Traveler Mini Dress

Credit: abercrombie & fitch
Pros
  • Available in 4 colors
  • Easily transitional
  • 1 pocket
Cons
  • Not ideal for high-impact exercise

Whether you’re jet-setting or taking off to spin class, this fashionable and comfortable dress can handle the occasion. It has a chic one-shoulder neckline with an optional add-on spaghetti strap and features built-in shorts with a hidden cell phone pocket. “This dress is perfect for everything summer! It’s so easy to throw on, the bodysuit slip underneath is so comfortable and supportive, and it’s so flattering,” a reviewer wrote.

MaterialNylon, elastane, polyester
Size rangeXXS-XXL (regular, petite, tall)
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13

Summersalt The Do-It-All Tennis Dress

The Do-It-All Tennis Dress
13

Summersalt The Do-It-All Tennis Dress

Credit: Summersalt
Pros
  • Removable padding
  • Available in 2 colors
  • Moisture-wicking fabric
Cons
  • Does not feature built-in shorts

This A-line dress offers a looser, more casual fit and longer length than many on this list, which makes it a great transitional piece that wears easily from the gym to weekend plans. Believe it or not, it does feature a shelf bra and pockets, and the contrasting trim gives it a cute, retro vibe. “Every time I wear it, I get tons of compliments,” a shopper said.

MaterialRecycled polyester, elastane
Size range2-22
14
Best Exercise Dress for Tennis

Terez Tennis Dress in Black Daisy

Tennis Dress in Black Daisy
14
Best Exercise Dress for Tennis

Terez Tennis Dress in Black Daisy

Credit: Terez
Pros
  • Machine washable
  • Doesn’t pill
  • Pockets
Cons
  • Pricey

Looking for an exercise dress to wear for your weekly tennis match? This one is pricey but worth every penny. Terez is a favorite brand among Prevention editors (specifically, Senior Editor Emily Goldman). “The brand has the best buttery-soft, breathable fabric that is perfect for workout wear,” she says. This

MaterialPolyester/spandex
SizesXS-XL

How to choose the best exercise dress

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Check for built-ins: After all, what sets workout dresses apart from regular ones is their support and coverage while you’re moving around. Having to wear layers like shorts and a bra underneath kind of defeats the purpose, so you’ll likely want one with those built in, Davis says.

Look for special features: The more adjustable and customized to fitness a dress is, the better. “I think having features like adjustable straps, internal grips [to prevent thigh chafing], and extra pockets gives support while still being practical,” Davis says.

Find one that suits you: “Choose a style that makes you feel confident and reflects your personal taste,” Corio recommends.

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Benefits of an exercise dress

pvn line break

Exercise dresses “offer comfort, freedom of movement, and breathability,” explains Corio, especially during outdoor workouts, heated classes, or intense sessions that get particularly sweaty. They also are versatile staples to have in your workout wardrobe because they can easily make a cute outfit outside of the gym. In general, dresses are also easier to throw on and require less planning than multiple-piece outfits.

How we chose the best exercise dresses

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We spoke with fitness experts Amy Rosoff Davis, celebrity fitness trainer and wellness coach and Katie Corio, certified strength and conditioning specialist, fitness model, and owner of Corio Fit for their input and exercise dress recommendations. We also consulted dozens of customer reviews to narrow down the best picks.

Why trust us

pvn line break

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

Headshot of Kayla Blanton
Kayla Blanton
Kayla Blanton is a freelance writer who reports on all things health and nutrition for Men’s Health, Women’s Health, and Prevention. Her hobbies include perpetual coffee sipping and pretending to be a Chopped contestant while cooking.
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