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20 Exercise Dresses That Will Make You a Believer
Coming from a totally skeptical convert.
What’s functional and comfortable, perfect for an active day, but still cuter and more put together than running shorts and an old tee? Answer: an exercise dress. Although I used to be wary of the concept, I’ve come to appreciate the polished ease an athletic frock provides.
While I still rely on my favorite workout leggings and exercise sneakers for the nitty gritty of my training—because, no, I don’t propose you start trail running in a dress—the style definitely serves a purpose. Obviously, exercise dresses are great for people who play court sports, sure. But beyond that, I think they’re a great option for everyone, even if you don’t work out. Think of it as a catch-all for instances where you’re unsure if you should stay in loungewear or put on real clothes.
So, what should you look for when shopping for an exercise dress? Outdoor Voices design director Zehra Naqvi recommends three questions to ask while on the hunt. First, “Does it have a built-in liner? A built-in liner, preferably one with shorts, ensures you can truly do anything in a dress,” she says. “You can ride a bike or do cartwheels in the park with the comfort of knowing you are covered to be as carefree as you want!” Cartwheels in the park? I love the sound of that.
Next, Naqvi poses, “Is it comfortable enough to wear all day? A good exercise dress should take you from day to night and all the activities between. You can layer and wear it to work, dress it up and wear it out dancing, or throw on some hiking boots and take it for a hike.” This is the precise reason I’ll be wearing athletic dresses on heavy rotation this summer, and I feel pretty sure you’ll love the option, too.
Last but certainly not least, Naqvi asks, “Do you feel good in it?” She continues on. tosay this is the most important question. “If you never want to take it off, it means you found the right one.”
And now, I’ll let the dresses speak for themselves. Ahead, find 20 of the best dresses for fitness, lounging, cartwheels, and everything in between.
Set Active The Sportbody Dress
Pros
- Stylish
- Versatile
- Built-in shorts
Cons
- Limited sizing
- Thin straps
Here it is, the dress that changed my life. I’m not even being dramatic when I say I adore this dress. It’s so flattering, so comfortable, and so fun. I wore it with black wedge flip flops and some thin black sunnies last summer and thought I was truly That Girl. As an added bonus, it’s the perfect thing to pack for travel because it’s versatile and doesn’t wrinkle.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Canyon or Stone
Material: Nylon, spandex
Pros
- Pockets
- Extended sizing
- UV Protection
Cons
- No built-in bra or shorts
This Athleta dress is just like your old favorite skater dress but made with even more stretchy and flexible fabric. It’s positively perfect for doing literally anything, sports or otherwise.
Sizes: XXS-XXXL; Regular, Tall, or Petite
Colors: 6 options
Material: Nylon, lycra
Customer review: “Perfect dress. So comfortable and easy to move in.”
J. Lindeberg Marta Dress
Pros
- Stylish
- Quick drying
Cons
- Expensive
- Bad tan lines
Cutouts! Bringing sex appeal to the pickleball court, as you should.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Green or Black
Material: N/A
Pros
- Many colorways
- Built-in shorts
- Removable bra
- Phone pocket
Cons
Is there anything you can’t get on Amazon? This option is an unbelievable dupe for more expensive athleticwear brands that would cost three times the price.
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: 11 options
Material: Nylon, spandex
Customer review: “It’s extremely flattering and so, so, so comfortable...I can see this being easily dressed up or down...I feel like it’s super versatile.”
Pros
- Thick
- Detached built-in shorts
Cons
- Runs Small
- Not That Breathable
This type of neckline is my absolute favorite on almost any type of top. Slightly rounded, borderline halter neck, with a flattering cut along the shoulders. No worries about armpit bulge here.
Sizes: M-XL
Colors: Red, Orange, Navy Blue, Light Blue, or White
Material: Polyester, spandex
Customer review: “It’s a good dress and the material is comfortable; however, the sizing was a little small...It’s good everywhere else and still cute with an athletic jacket!”
Madewell Plus MWL Flex Fitness Dress
Madewell Plus MWL Flex Fitness Dress
Pros
- Extended sizing
- Phone pocket
- Built-in shorts
- UV Protection
Cons
Most athletic wear brands haven’t done a good enough job of being size inclusive, historically speaking. Madewell, though, makes this comfortable exercise dress in a wide range of sizes, so there’s one for every body type.
Sizes: XL-XXXXL
Colors: 7 options
Material: Recycled polyester, spandex
Customer review: “The material looks like a good quality and the dress is soft...very weirdly cut (especially around the neck and shoulders).”
Popflex Active Twirl Dress
Popflex Active Twirl Dress
Pros
- Built-in shorts and shelf bra
- Extended sizing
- Stylish flair
- Pockets
Cons
Cassey Ho (a.k.a. Blogilates) was a fitness teacher and influencer for years before starting her own line of apparel and accessories. Let’s just say she puts all the thought into her designs, making sure Popflex products are actually functional.
Sizes: XXS-XXXL
Colors: Moss, Black, Blue, Pink, or Peppercorn
Material: Polyester, spandex
Customer review: “I’m a fairly busty girl...the built-in bra is maybe a couple of inches too short but it’s so stretchy that I can sort of get away with it! It’s so soft and I’m fussy with textures, no complaints from me! Also, love the pockets! I’m never taking it off!”
Lacoste Pleated Piqué Tennis Dress
Lacoste Pleated Piqué Tennis Dress
Pros
- Stylish
- Built-in shorts
Cons
- Expensive
It’s called preppy. Look it up.
Sizes: X-XL
Colors: White
Material: Polyester, elastane
Outdoor Voices One Shoulder Dress – Unlined
Outdoor Voices One Shoulder Dress – Unlined
Pros
- Built-in shorts
- Fan favorite brand
Cons
- Unlined
- Limited support due to single shoulder strap
Before you scroll on, I know what you’re thinking. A one-shouldered exercise dress? Sounds like a contradiction. But, hey, don’t knock it ’til you try it, especially when it comes from Outdoor Voices. But if it’s really not your speed, they have many other dress styles to browse.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: White, Azalea/Ruby, Nectarine/Dijon
Material: Nylon, lycra
Customer review: “Very comfortable. I always get lots of complements when I wear it, and it’s a very practical dress for when you’re on the go!”
Alo Yoga Charmed Tennis Dress
Alo Yoga Charmed Tennis Dress
Pros
- Stylish
- Sculpting
Cons
- Runs large
- No built-in bra or shorts
I’m obsessed with this style. I don’t play court sports, but I envision this paired with cute sneakers and a big tote to stroll around a weekend flea or farmer’s market.
Sizes: XXS-L
Colors: White or Black
Material: Signature airbrush fabric
Customer review: “Love everything about this dress! So flattering on and soft.”
Pros
- Moisture-wicking
Cons
- No built-in bra or shorts
A cinched, elasticated waist provides an ideal shape to this otherwise loose-fitting, flowy collared dress.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Black
Material: Polyester, spandex
Cotton On Ultra Soft Active Dress
Pros
- Affordable
- Built-in shorts
Cons
- Strap are too thin
The straps on this dress might be a tad thin, but it’s the obvious choice for multitaskers who have a work meeting and barre class in the same afternoon.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: White
Material: Polyester, elastane
Customer review: “Great quality, love the built-in shorts but a pain to go toilet having to remove everything...such a staple outfit and love the pockets”
Reformation Daria Ecomove Active Dress
Reformation Daria Ecomove Active Dress
Pros
- Cute
- Sustainable
- Built-in shorts
- Designed for high-impact
Cons
- No built-in bra
Barbells before brunch? There’s no better option to don for both your gym mirror pics and your golden hour selfies.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Black, White, or Polka Dot
Material: Repreve polyester, spandex
Halara Half Zip Thumb Hole Split Hem Golf Dress
Halara Half Zip Thumb Hole Split Hem Golf Dress
Pros
- Soft and stretchy
- Thumb holes
- Built-in shorts
Cons
- Runs Large
If long sleeves are your preference, look no further than this stretchy ensemble from the TikTok-loved brand Halara. I love the added flair of seeing the shorts beneath the slit.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Pink, Midnight, or Black
Material: Polyester, elastane
Customer review: “A great fit and well made. I wear this to work. It’s perfect!”
Pros
- Sweat-wicking
- Perfect length
- Relaxed cut
Cons
- No built-in shorts or bra
Exercise dress or T-shirt dress? You decide.
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: White
Material: Polyester, spandex
Customer review: “I absolutely love this dress! Fantastic wrinkle-free breathable fabric, non-clinging cut, and great length (not too short!)”
Sweaty Betty Explorer Ace Mini Dress
Sweaty Betty Explorer Ace Mini Dress
Pros
- Quick drying
- Wrinkle resistant
- Relaxed fit
Cons
- Runs large
This dress does-it-all. You can wear it at the beach, on the plane, to your kid’s dance recital...should I keep going?
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Colors: Navy
Material: Polyamide, elastane
Customer review: “Bought this dress to take on my first sailing trip in Greece (I know, how lucky) lived in it for days, got wet, dried easily, protected from sun, etc. Now it’s my cycling go-to.”
RLX Ralph Lauren Floral Racerback Tennis Dress
RLX Ralph Lauren Floral Racerback Tennis Dress
Pros
- Fun print
- Built-in unitard
Cons
- Expensive
A fun floral print is paired with the dreamiest pastel color palette in this Ralph Lauren tennis dress.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Floral
Material: Polyester, elastane
Pros
- Built-in shorts
- Versatile
Cons
- Limited colors and sizes
This flattering style features my all-time favorite skirt silhouette. The little slit? Perfecto.
Sizes: XS-L
Colors: Teal
Material: Nylon, spandex
Girlfriend Collective Heat Rib Bea Banded Dress
Girlfriend Collective Heat Rib Bea Banded Dress
Pros
- Stylish
- Sustainable
- Extended sizing
Cons
- Limited colors
In case you’re a ~texture~ person, this sustainable ribbed option from Girlfriend Collective might be just for you.
Sizes: XXS-6XL
Colors: Breeze or Heat
Material: Recycled plastic, spandex
Customer review: “I love this dress so much. I ended up buying both Breeze and Heat and would love more. It’s flattering but still athletic/versatile.”
Pros
- Stylish
- Flattering
- Adjustable waist
- Built-in shorts
Cons
- Expensive
It is acceptable to wear an exercise dress on a date? Just asking because this makes you look THAT good.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Bone, Mist, or Cafe
Material: Polyester, spandex
Customer review: “This dress just makes you feel, WOW! Definitely recommend if you are on the fence!”
Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country. Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.
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