We once thought sleek-looking workout sets were reserved for the celebs and influencers in our Instagram feed. But now, matching leggings and bras have gone fully mainstream. Seriously, half our trampoline class was wearing the look on Monday, and all the instructors on our favorite workout apps are sporting them. And we can see why: A coordinated workout outfit actually helps us get in the mood to do downward facing dog (or maybe, even burpees!).
fashion
24 of the Best Workout Sets That Will Inspire You to Up Your Fitness Game in 2023
Published Jan 20, 2023
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What Should You Look for in Workout Outfits for Women?
Women's fitness wear sales are on the upswing after a 2020 doldrums brought on by Covid-19, according to industry analysts. That's good news for shoppers, since it means there's a wide selection of matching pieces that are designed for your sweat-of-choice. Are you practicing hot yoga? Look for thin, moisture-wicking leggings and sports bras. Or perhaps you're playing pickleball...then you'll want a breezy shorts-and-top that are loose enough to allow for range of movement and with plenty of pockets to stash extra balls. And of course, if you're a runner, you'll want a waist pocket for your keys, and a supportive bra for your girls. See below, where we've recommended the best sets for various pursuits.
Where Can You Shop for Matching Activewear?
PureWow readers are crazy about Lululemon, where the leggings alone have achieved cult status, and pieces are helpfully organized by tennis, hiking and more. Carbon38 helpfully bundles coordinating pieces together for one-click shopping, and look to Tracksmith for an unbeatable collection of cold-weather activewear. Looking for a bargain? Old Navy has coordinating separates at great prices, and Amazon is chockablock with great sets, many for under $50.
The 5 Best Workout Sets at a Glance
- Best for Running: Lululemon Half-Zip, Longline Bra and High-Rise Tight
- Best Athleisure Staple: Athleta Warrior Longline Bra and Elation Tight
- Best for Hot Yoga: Lululemon Align Reversible Bra and High-Rise Crop
- Best for Cold-Weather Training: Tracksmith Fells Turtleneck and Tights
- Best for Racquet Sports: Outdoor Voices Windbreaker Pullover and Shorts
Lululemon
1. lululemon Half-Zip, Longline Bra and High-Rise Tights
Best for Running
• Why We Love It: Tush-flattering leggings, Bra supports up to C/D sizes
Is it just us, or has Lululemon really upped its style game lately to meet its high standards for technical performance and figure-flattering fit? This set of separates in the Blue Nile colorway are a case in point: The It's Rulu Run Cropped Half Zip top is going to be perfect for your warmup, since it's made of lightweight but extra-warm fabric in a fitted style that still lets you move around, thanks to special underarm gussets to eliminate chafing. By the time you're warm enough to peel down to your Wunder Train Longline Bra, you're in supportive comfort (suitable for C/D size gal training) with sweat-wicking Everlux fabric keeping you dry. And of course the Fast and Free Brushed Fabric High-Rise Tight is designed for running, so you know that the two drop-down side pockets, five waistband pockets and waist drawcord is going to keep you contoured and well-covered, even if you're dropping down for some post-jog squats.
2. Athleta Warrior Longline Bra and Elation Tight
Best Athleisure Staple
• Why We Love It: Non-transparent matte black fabric, no side seams
We appreciate that this bra top comes in a A to C fit as well as D to DD sizing, so you can have just the right amount of support for your barre class, or just running errands. And these tights, in all their matte, non-transparent glory, are high-waisted and flattering enough to be the new backbone of your wardrobe. Made of Athleta's buttery soft Powervita fabric, they retain their shape with four-way stretch.
3. Lululemon Align Reversible Bra and High-Rise Crop
Best for Hot Yoga
• Why We Love It: Reversible top, Leggings are ultra-lightweight
It's two tops in one, with the leggings' matching diamond dye pattern on one side and a neutral spruce hue on the other. Lululemon's buttery Nulu fabric is so weightless, it's perfect for hot yoga; the crop leggings have a card pocket in the waistband so you can tuck in your locker key or, when you're wearing outside on a hot day, a credit card for safekeeping.
4. Tracksmith Fells Turtleneck and Tights
Best for Cold-Weather Training
• Why We Love It: Odor-resistant Merino top, Three pockets on the tights
Want to enjoy the technical know-how of runners who dress for top performance in any kind of weather, but don't want to give up the chance at looking great during an outdoor, cold-weather workout? Boston-based running apparel outfitters Tracksmith have you covered with a turtleneck and tights from their Fells collection, inspired by the British tradition of running through the misty-damp barren hills. (Think cross-country, but clammy.) On the tights, tech fabric (nylon and elastane) is ribbed for warmth, and the turtleneck is a soft Merino-wool waffle weave that wicks moisture, isn't itchy and doesn't retain odor.
5. Outdoor Voices Windbreaker Pullover and Shorts
Best for Racquet Sports
• Why We Love It: Roomy pullover lets you stretch for shots, Shorts have plenty of pockets for ball stowing
You're hitting the pickleball or tennis courts, so there's going to be lots of start-and-stop movement. These three-inch shorts and loose pullover will keep you warmed-up yet free to really stretch, thanks to lightweight recycled nylon fabrication and a roomy silhouette.
6. Wolven Racerback Bra And Bike Shorts
Best for Softness
• Why We Love It: Lightweight cottony-feel fabric, crisscross waist
Made of post-consumer recycled plastic with 16 percent spandex added, this supersoft set includes a top with removable padding and a reinforced band. The shorts have a flattering crossover waistband, side pockets and a ruched backside detail.
7. Alo Airbrush Mesh Corset Tank and Leggings
Best Fashion Statement
• Why We Love It: Sexy mesh bra panels, High-waist leggings
Lightweight mesh in corset-style panels makes this a cute top for everyday wear (we love it under a loose jacket) as well as a workout essential. The high-waist leggings have a wide waist band that lifts, sculpts and contours while it dependably stays in place.
8. Gymshark Adapt Sport Bra and Leggings
Best for Weight Training
• Why We Love It: Double-layer bra, Seamless leggings
Comfort is number one when you opt for a seamless garment, as this highly engineered set demonstrates. The pants have a wide waistband that doesn't cut into your midsection, and the double-layer bra top offers medium support without friction. "Very comfortable bra," writes one reviewer. "I wore this all day without any issues." Best of all, it all comes in a flattering ombré pattern.
9. Alo Peak Bra and Biker Shorts
Best for Spin Class
• Why We Love It: Sculpting fabric, Asymmetrical crop top
In Alo's signature lifting, sculpting Airbrush fabric, the black biker shorts combo is cuter than ever before. Ditto that when the crop top has a cutout design that is unique while still being tastefully minimalist. The biker shorts are just long enough to avoid chafing, while the the fashiony crop top is going to show off your abs when you rise out of the saddle.
10. Actics Sport 2 Piece Set Legging & Sports Bra
Best for Value
• Why We Love It: Seamless, Padded racerback sports bra
Value-priced (and loved, with 229 five-star ratings on Amazon), this set has an ombré colorway that's trending in athleisure, and is thick enough material to be squat-proof but still cool. Also, the long-line top is nice for days when you don't want to bare too much skin, and it offers ample support in addition to removable pads.
11. Beach Riot Leah Top and Piper Leggings
Best Patterns
• Why We Love It: Vibrant prints, Comfy tank-style bra top
This top's simple design makes it look as though it won't keep you from bouncing like crazy, but in fact the extra support under the best and thicker straps offer medium support. And the leggings are perfectly sized for petites—the inseam of the size small is 26 inches. We also can't get enough of Beach Riot's colorful prints and the super-soft poly/spandex fabric.
12. FP Movement Cool Off Set
Best for Beach Workouts
• Why We Love It: Easy-to-layer pieces, Lightweight poly fabric
A slouchy top and high-rise shorts with are rugged enough to do a full beach workout in, yet still cute enough to hang out afterward for brunch. Bonus: The loose fit of the top means it's easy to pop on over workout bra for warm up and cool down if you decide to really go for it, exertion-wise.
13. Core 10 Sports Bra and Bike Shorts
Best Color
• Why We Love It: Affordable, Trending neon fabric
Neon is the new neutral when it comes to workout wear, and this seven-inch bike short and sports bra combination is the look perfected. When you're wearing such an electric color, you want to keep designs simple, classic and versatile.
14. Sweaty Betty Velo Biking Jersey and Padded Biker Shorts
Best for Cyclists
• Why We Love It: Zip front cycling jersey, Padded seat and gusset
One staff workout fiend says the longline shape doesn't feel too bare, and this seamless style supports up to a C-cup with sweat-wicking dependability. And the way the top picks up one of the colors in the blue texture print of the pocketed legging? So pretty.
Girlfriend Collective
15. Girlfriend Collective Plum Paloma Racerback Bra and Sport Skort
Best Skirted Set
• Why We Love It: High waistband, Built-in compressive shorts
Compressive workout-ready fabric is cut into a fashion silhouette from this affordable fan-favorite brand. The skort has built-in shorts and two side pockets, and the top has a built-in bra with soft wide elastic under the bustline. And both are sustainable—made of 79 percent recycled plastic bottles.
16. Mpg Ribbed Serena Sports Bra and Remy Leggings
Best Ribbed Set
• Why We Love It: Bra has cooling cotton support, Leggings have 25-inch inseam
This set is made of four-way stretch compression ribbed material. The high-waist legging has a sleek side pocket and the top has a medium-high neckline that is suitable for medium- to high-impact workouts. And the spice hue? It's a nice balance between on-trend neutrals and complexion-flattering colors.
17. Old Navy PowerSoft Sports Bra and Biker Shorts
Best Shiny Set
• Why We Love It: Moisture-wicking fabric, Flat-lock seams prevent chafing
The light compression fabric is buttery soft and the racerback straps are wide enough that they don't cut into our skin but are still thin enough to be flattering to our shoulder and chest area. The biker shorts have an eight-inch inseam, so they won't ride up annoyingly. Oh, and did we mention the handy side pockets?
18. Adam Selman Foundation Bra and Hi-Rise Leggings
Best Animal Print
• Why We Love It: Fashiony contrast underbust band, Wide, slimming black waistband
These high-waist compression leggings and bra each have a hidden soft elastic underband that adds a little lift. And the micro-leopard pattern is simultaneously trendy and classic.
19. Koral Tie Top and High-Rise Leggings
Best Tank Top Set
• Why We Love It: Top can be worn tied or untied; Diagonal stripe on leggings is figure-flattering
The tie-top is made of slinky polyamide that's a lightweight layering piece for workouts and casual wear. It picks up the color in the diagonal stripe climbing the high-rise leggings. The four-way compression stretch fabric, as well as the stripe, are slimming.
20. Bandier High Waisted Leggings and Front Row Bra
Best Lightweight Compression
• Why We Love It: Opaque coverage, Sweat-wicking fabric
This is Bandier's best-selling set, and for good reason—the lightweight nylon-spandex fabric has a compression back that makes the tip suitable for high-impact workouts as well as high-heat outdoor summer sweat sessions and indoor heated yoga.
21. Beyond Yoga Featherweight Maternity Tee and Midi Legging
Best Maternity Set
• Why We Love It: Comfortable T-shirt ruching, Wide band on legging to tuck under or pull over bump
This brand is known for its buttery-soft performance fabric, which is just what you deserve as a reward for swathing your pregnancy heft into workout clothes. The leggings can be worn pulled up over the baby bump or nestled underneath, and the soft shirring on the side of the T-shirt makes this comfy for lounging as well as a killer spin class.
22. Spanx Go Lightly Tank and Beauty Boost Leggings
Most Creative Design
• Why We Love It: Flattering back-tie tank top, Complementary colorway
Not looking to expose your midsection in your sweat sesh? This well-fitted, flattering and comparatively covered-up set is a great option. The relaxed-fit tank can be worn two ways—tied or hanging free—and the micro-ribbed lightweight fabric is made to wick moisture. The nylon-elastane blend leggings are high-waisted enough to eliminate muffin top and have Spanx's trademark butt-lifting design.
23. Lululemon In Alignment Bra and Flared Pants
Best for Big Busts
• Why We Love It: Wide, pinch-free straps, Brilliant color
Ever have the issue that workout bras for your large chest are just too turbo for your low-impact workout? This bra will rock your ideas of how comfy and not suffocating, yet still useful, a workout bra can be. Designed for D to G cups, with a nice wide hook-and-eye closure and plenty of coverage, the smooth fabric and wide straps keep the girls in place. The flare-leg pants are made of Lululemon's buttery Nulu fabric, so they flow right along with your sun salutation, and stay in place no matter what crazy twists you attempt in class.
24. Crz Yoga Sports Bra and Board Shorts
Best for Surf Workouts
• Why We Love It: No-slip bra design, Fast-drying shorts material
Removable padded cups and a web of fetching straps in the back make this sports bra actually pretty—and in basic black, it's a sports wardrobe hero item. The featherweight board shorts are three inches long and have wide leg openings for coverage while still allowing for unhindered movement.
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