The 22 Best Exercise Dresses to Wear to Workouts or Brunch
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If you’ve noticed more people dressing like they’re headed to play tennis (without a court in sight), welcome to the summer of the sports dress. The best exercise dresses have become a must-have for warm days, and with good reason. These all-in-one pieces of athleisure combine a tennis skirt with a dress, offering support, style, sweat-wicking fabric, and side pockets for your essentials.
Outdoor Voices brought the exercise dress into vogue, but now that most major brands have caught on, you’ll find tons of breathable, beautiful exercise dresses from brands like Lululemon, Girlfriend Collective, Nike, and Madewell. With their built-in sports bras, adjustable straps, and quick-drying, compressive fabric (not to mention a range of necklines, including V-neck, racerback, and high-neck), these dresses can be worn for a variety of low-impact to high-impact activities such as working out, running errands, grabbing brunch, or lounging at home.
Below, we’ve assembled the best exercise dresses we’re seeing now (including ones we wear ourselves) from Abercrombie, Nordstrom, Sweaty Betty, Reformation, Target, Athleta, and more. Once you’ve invested in one, you won’t want to wear anything else.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
1Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress
SELF editors put the original Outdoor Voices Exercise Dress to the test and were pleased with how comfy and pretty it is (though they noted that it’s best for low-impact activities). “I love this little dress! I think it fits great, it’s generous, and also flattering. So if you were to fluctuate in weight, it would still fit and look nice,” says our associate health director.
Available in sizes XXS to XXL.
2Girlfriend Collective Midnight Paloma Racerback Dress
This commerce editor is a big fan of her Girlfriend Collective Paloma Racerback Dress and finds herself wearing it pretty much every day. The sports dress is surprisingly supportive, with a durable sports bra and side pockets in the biker shorts. It doesn’t hurt that the dress is made of a blend of recycled plastic bottles and spandex, is recyclable, and comes in many sizes (though we recommend sizing up).
Available in sizes XXS to 6XL.
3Lululemon Everlux Mesh-Back Tennis Dress
For that classic all-white tennis-dress look, Lululemon makes this pleated, A-line number which has a mesh back for ventilation. Shorts are not built in the dress so you can decide what length you prefer to wear. Notably, reviewers advise sizing up.
Available in sizes 0 to 14.
4Reformation Daria Ecomove Active Dress
Your search for the perfect summer dress or wedding-guest dress might’ve led you to Reformation, which makes some of the cutest exercise dresses we’ve seen. This marvelous mini features a square neckline, a tiny side slit that shows a little leg and hidden shorts.
Available in sizes XS to XL.
5Halara Cloudful Barre Ballet Dance Dress
This pretty dress is made of super soft Cloudful fabric, and has a crisscross back, with side pockets in the shorts. The best part is that the shorts are separate from the dress which is excellent for anyone who doesn’t want to pull the whole dress off to use the bathroom.
Available in sizes XS to XL.
7Outdoor Voices One-Shoulder Dress with Liner
Show some shoulder with this best-selling OV exercise dress, which has UPF 50 sun protection and is supportive enough for high-impact exercise like running and training (with shorts that have two pockets). “As an owner of over 10 OG exercise dresses, the one-shoulder has taken its rightful place as my new go-to,” says one shopper.
Available in sizes XXS to XL.
8Madewell MWL Flex Fitness Dress
This stretchy best-selling fitness dress from Madewell is made of buttery soft, recycled materials, and has a flattering crisscross back. It also has a phone pocket built into the shorts and its fabric is UPF 40+ sun protective. Shoppers love that the dress is easy to slip on and off.
Available in sizes XXS to XXL.
9Zella Live-in Active Dress
In addition to SELF reader–favorite pajamas and workout leggings, Nordstrom makes these sleek, soft active dresses, which one shopper calls “perfection.” They’ve got pockets too.
Available in sizes XS to XL.
16Free People Good Karma Dress
The strappy detailing on the back of this UPF-protected Free People dress makes it stand out. Paired with a jean jacket, this would be a cute look for date night or a hang in the park (or, sure, yoga class).
Available in sizes XS/S and M/L.
20Old Navy Powersoft Sleeveless Shelf-Bra Support Dress
With a scoop neck, built-in bra with removable cups, and side slits, this stretchy, moisture-wicking active dress from Old Navy is a sporty staple.
Available in sizes XS to 4X, including tall and petite.
21Beyond Yoga Essential Space Dye Dress
“I absolutely love this. I am 23 weeks pregnant and sized up to a medium and it fits perfectly. Love the bodysuit underneath—this will definitely be a staple,” says a Nordstrom shopper of this scoop-neck sports dress with adjustable straps.
Available in sizes XS to XL.
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
