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20 Exercise Dresses That Will Make You a Believer

Coming from a totally skeptical convert.

Headshot of Meg DonohueBy Meg Donohue
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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.

  • The Sportbody Dress

    Personal Favorite

    Set Active The Sportbody Dress

    $64 at setactive.co
    Read more
  • Conscious Dress

    Skater Dress

    Athleta Conscious Dress

    Read more
  • Marta Dress
  • Tennis Dress

    Amazon Pick

    Ewedoos Tennis Dress

    Read more
  • Exercise Dress

    Under $40

    Willit Exercise Dress

    Read more

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.

Personal Favorite

Set Active The Sportbody Dress

Editor’s Choice
The Sportbody Dress
Personal Favorite

Set Active The Sportbody Dress

Now 35% Off
$64 at setactive.co
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

Skater Dress

Athleta Conscious Dress

Conscious Dress
Skater Dress

Athleta Conscious Dress

Now 54% Off
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.”

Cool Cutouts

J. Lindeberg Marta Dress

Marta Dress
Cool Cutouts

J. Lindeberg Marta Dress

Now 50% Off
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

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Amazon Pick

Ewedoos Tennis Dress

On Sale
Tennis Dress
Amazon Pick

Ewedoos Tennis Dress

Now 20% Off
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.”

    Under $40

    Willit Exercise Dress

    Exercise Dress
    Under $40

    Willit Exercise Dress

    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!”

    Size Inclusive

    Madewell Plus MWL Flex Fitness Dress

    Plus MWL Flex Fitness Dress
    Size Inclusive

    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).”

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      Sweet Skirt

      Popflex Active Twirl Dress

      Twirl Dress
      Sweet Skirt

      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!”

        Country Club Chic

        Lacoste Pleated Piqué Tennis Dress

        Pleated Piqué Tennis Dress
        Country Club Chic

        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

        One Shouldered

        Outdoor Voices One Shoulder Dress – Unlined

        One Shoulder Dress – Unlined
        One Shouldered

        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!”

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        Buttoned Up

        Alo Yoga Charmed Tennis Dress

        Charmed Tennis Dress
        Buttoned Up

        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.”

        Cinched Waist

        Year of Ours Court Dress

        Court Dress
        Cinched Waist

        Year of Ours Court Dress

        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

        Budget Buy

        Cotton On Ultra Soft Active Dress

        Ultra Soft Active Dress
        Budget Buy

        Cotton On Ultra Soft Active Dress

        Now 40% Off
        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”

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        Sustainable & Stylish

        Reformation Daria Ecomove Active Dress

        Daria Ecomove Active Dress
        Sustainable & Stylish

        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

        High Slit

        Halara Half Zip Thumb Hole Split Hem Golf Dress

        Half Zip Thumb Hole Split Hem Golf Dress
        High Slit

        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!”

        Short Sleeve

        Tuckernuck White Sport Dress

        White Sport Dress
        Short Sleeve

        Tuckernuck White Sport Dress

        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!)”

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        Wear Everywhere

        Sweaty Betty Explorer Ace Mini Dress

        Explorer Ace Mini Dress
        Wear Everywhere

        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.”

        Legacy Dressing

        RLX Ralph Lauren Floral Racerback Tennis Dress

        Floral Racerback Tennis Dress
        Legacy Dressing

        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

        Cute & Comfy

        Splits59 Martina Rigor Dress

        Martina Rigor Dress
        Cute & Comfy

        Splits59 Martina Rigor Dress

        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

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        Ribbed

        Girlfriend Collective Heat Rib Bea Banded Dress

        Heat Rib Bea Banded Dress
        Ribbed

        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.”

        Sporty Spice

        LSPACE Patterson Dress

        Patterson Dress
        Sporty Spice

        LSPACE Patterson Dress

        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!”

        Headshot of Meg Donohue
        Meg Donohue
        Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

        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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