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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.
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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