For the past two years, Women's Health style writers and fashion contributors have tested over 30 activewear brands to compile the most comprehensive guide on the best workout clothes for women. The curated list, which includes categories such as Best Overall, Most Affordable, Most Comfortable, and Best Size-Inclusive, relies on firsthand experience from editors and consultations with fitness and fashion professionals. The goal was to identify brands that deliver on style, quality, durability, and value, ranging from high-end luxury staples to budget-friendly essentials. [1]
Lululemon remains the top choice for overall performance and quality. The brand is praised for its obsessive attention to detail, sweat-wicking fabrics that feel like a second skin, and precision tailoring. Denise Vitola, a motivational speaker and lulu enthusiast, notes that the brand blends endurance, performance, and fashion seamlessly. The Lululemon Align Leggings are highlighted for their breathability and barely-there feel, while the cult-classic Energy Bra is recommended for medium-impact activities like strength training. Despite the higher price point, editors and founder Echo Wang of Yoga Kawa agree that the durability holds the pieces up wash after wash, making them a worthwhile investment. [1]
For shoppers seeking affordability without compromising on style or comfort, Crz Yoga is identified as the best value option. The brand offers a wide array of pieces, including flare leggings, cropped tees, and longline sports bras. Courtney Virden, founder of iCORE Method, cites it as her all-time favorite due to its stylish designs and frequent new releases. The Butterluxe Workout Leggings, in particular, surprised testers by rivaling the comfort of Lululemon's top picks at half the price, proving that budget-friendly activewear can still deliver high-level performance. [1]
Vuori took the title for Most Comfortable, distinguished by its unbelievably soft fabric that provides compression without feeling tight. The Daily Legging is noted for contouring the body smoothly, while the Performance Joggers are favored by weightlifters for allowing free movement without waistband adjustments. Personal trainer Kim Strother emphasizes that Vuori is 'made to move,' fitting an active lifestyle perfectly. However, the brand’s sizing is less inclusive, ranging primarily from XXS to 2X, compared to competitors offering wider size ranges. [1]
Athleta earned the spot for Best Quality, recognized for its fashion-forward styles, comfortable fit, and superior fabrics. Certified personal trainer Rachel Macpherson praises the brand for never having to worry about see-through fabric during stretches or squats. The brand utilizes six proprietary fabrics, ranging from second-skin softness to cooling technologies, all designed to be highly stretchy and durable. Golf instructor Erica Larkin and Taryn Toomey, founder of The Class, also highlight the brand’s effective layering pieces and outerwear for various weather conditions. [1]
Nike was selected for Freshest Styles, maintaining its reputation for classic looks, reliable basics, and consistent sizing ranging from XS to 3XL. Dani Coleman, head trainer at Pvolve, describes Nike as the ultimate blend of streetwear and performance. The Zenvy Leggings are noted for being lightweight and squat-proof, while the Nike Swoosh Medium Support Bra, which previously won a best-overall spot for sports bras, is commended for its compressive feel during runs, Pilates, and HIIT. The brand is also valued for its diversity, innovation, and partnerships with top athletes. [1]
Other standout brands include Popflex, noted for its fresh designs and cute aesthetics. Founded by Cassey Ho of Blogilates fame, Popflex offers stylish sets like the It Girl Bra and Crisscross Hourgloss Booty Short, which feature unique designs like front-seam-less shorts to avoid unflattering fits. Splits 59 was chosen for Durability, with dietitian Maddie Pasquariello sharing her experience of owning a pair of their leggings for five years that retained their shape and color. The brand offers moisture-wicking options like the Ella Airweight collection and versatile layers. [1]
Girlfriend Collective was named the Best Size-Inclusive brand, offering sizes from XXS to 6XL. Its Float line is preferred for yoga due to its slightly thicker, compressive fabric. Amazon Essentials launched its own activewear line earlier in the year, featuring affordable pieces starting at $17, with its FormFlex fabric providing buttery-soft comfort for low-impact workouts. Alo Yoga, recognized as Most Popular, continues to lead with fashion-forward styles and signature fabrics like Airlift and Airbrush. [1]
Adanola was highlighted for Versatility, offering gym-to-office styles mostly under $100, with high-waisted bands that stay in place. FP Movement was chosen for Best Street Style, praised for its boho flair, versatile colors, and lifestyle-oriented designs that transition easily from workout to casual wear. The guide concludes by emphasizing that the best activewear should prioritize comfort, moisture-wicking capabilities, durability, and fit, encouraging shoppers to consider these factors when investing in their workout wardrobe. [1]
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