Exercise Dresses We Also Tested

We tested 22 exercise dresses, wearing them while hiking, running, chasing after our little ones, and more, but only 11 made it to our final list of recommendations. Although we liked some aspects of what they had to offer, the following exercise dresses didn’t quite meet our rigorous testing requirements.

• Under Armour’s Motion Dress was comfortable, soft, and stretchy, making it a good fit for casual walks and errands. However, we didn’t like that the shorts rode up, there wasn’t a built-in bra, and there was only one pocket.
• Vouri’s One Shot Tennis Dress is a soft, breathable, and comfortable option, but its lack of support—and higher price point—prevented it from earning one of our top spots. We found that even simple strength training movements, like stepping up onto a weight bench, caused the shorts to roll. 
• Vouri’s Daily Tennis Dress is a cute option, but we didn’t like that the shorts rolled up, the waistline was unflattering, and that the dress itself was too short. This option also lacked a built-in bra.
• We loved the strappy back design of Alo’s Alosoft Backspin Dress, but the lack of support, poor fit, and see-through shorts were disappointing. While this dress might be suitable for lounging, it wasn’t a good fit for any type of movement, as both the top and bottom of the dress required constant adjustment.

What We’ve Updated

• Since publishing our initial tested roundup of the best exercise dresses, we’ve re-evaluated our previous picks and hands-on tested 15 additional options, bringing our total to 22 tested options. We evaluated each one for its comfort, support, fit, durability, performance, quality, and value.
• Based on our testing insights, we’ve replaced our top picks for two superlatives, including Best Overall, and added nine new superlatives, including Best for Hiking, Most Breathable, and more, to our roundup.
• We’ve added additional information on what to look for when shopping for exercise dresses to help you make the right choice for your needs.

What to Look for When Shopping for Exercise Dresses

• Material: Opt for exercise dresses made from stretchy, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics. Nylon, Lycra, polyester, and spandex are all good options, as are performance fabric blends. Especially if you plan on wearing your workout dress for sweaty, warm-weather outdoor workouts, steer clear of materials that absorb moisture, like cotton, in favor of those that will keep you cool and dry. 
• Size Range: Not all exercise dresses are made in a wide range of sizes. While we prioritize dresses with an inclusive size range in our testing and research, look for dresses that fit you comfortably. When shopping online, consult the sizing chart and read reviews to determine if the dress tends to run large or small. 
• Care: Exercise dresses should usually be washed in cold water with like colors and hung or laid flat to dry. Some can be tumble-dried on low—a convenient option if you have access to a dryer and are short on time. Consider that drying your gym dress may shorten its lifespan, and always consult the manufacturer’s care instructions to keep your dress looking its best. 
• Activity Level: Consider the intensity of your workouts to find the best exercise dress for your needs. Dresses with stretchy, sweat-wicking, compressive fabrics are ideal for medium- to high-impact exercise, while dresses for everyday wear can be made of lighter, softer materials. While shopping for an exercise dress to wear during high-intensity workouts, look for one with either a robust built-in shelf bra or enough room to wear a sports bra underneath.  

How We Tested the Exercise Dresses

To find the best exercise dresses, we thoroughly tested 22 options from trusted activewear brands, wearing them while working out, running errands, and going about our daily routines. We also spoke to experts about key features to look for. When testing exercise dresses, we evaluate each one based on the following key criteria.

• Comfort: We wear each dress for hours to determine if it feels comfortable during exercise, everyday activities, and lounging. Is the material soft and breathable against our skin? Does it offer support elements without riding up or shifting with movement? Is it still comfortable after a long, sweaty day of running errands, or does it start to irritate our skin? Personal trainer Gabriella Harte, NASM-CPT, notes that comfort and confidence go hand in hand, making this factor crucial in our testing process. 
• Support: We consider whether each dress is supportive enough for high-impact exercise, such as running, or if it’s better suited for everyday wear. To be considered a dress that’s a good fit for high-impact activities, we look for options with a compressive built-in sports bra and shorts to hold everything in place during vigorous movement. 
• Fit: We consider the sizing of each dress to determine whether it fits true to size, or if it’s necessary to size up or down when ordering. Does the dress have a hug-like compressive feel, or is it looser? Is the length comfortable for all heights, or is the dress better suited for those who are taller or petite?
• Durability: We assess how each dress withstands days, weeks, and months of use, including multiple washes and sweaty outdoor workouts. Is the dress made to last, or does it stretch and fade after several wears? Do stains come out easily? 
• Performance: Does the dress perform well in a range of indoor and outdoor workouts? How well does it wick away sweat and keep us cool? If the dress has pockets, we check if they’re adequately sized to hold workout accessories, like a tennis ball. 
• Quality: Does the fabric feel like it will hold up after months of wear? Is the stitching consistent, without loose threads? Do the shorts underneath the dress provide full coverage, or do they become transparent when stretched? 
• Value: We consider each dress’s price point after the testing period concludes. Considering all the above factors, do we think the price is fair? If it’s on the pricier side, does the dress offer benefits that justify its cost?

How to Wear Exercise Dresses in All Seasons

Most exercise dresses leave your legs and arms bare, making them a great fit for spring and summer. To wear them comfortably in cooler weather, Schmitt recommends layering them with an athletic jacket and a pair of exercise tights. If the dress isn’t too tight, you can wear a compressive long-sleeved athletic top underneath for added warmth. Keep in mind that unlined dresses tend to be easier to layer—if you choose a dress with a built-in bodysuit, any garments you layer underneath will need to be quite thin.

Our Experts

We spoke with experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts helped us understand the key features to look for when shopping for a high-quality exercise dress. They also offered insights into how workout dresses differ from other activewear and how wearing one may impact your fitness routine. While we select products independently, expert insights influence our decisions. 

• Kayla Schmitt, lead Pilates instructor and member of the lead training team at Bodyrok in New York City 
• Gabriella Harte, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer at 24 Hour Fitness
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wear a dress to work out?

Yes, you can wear a dress to work out as long as it provides enough support and coverage for the type of exercise you’re doing. If you’re doing a movement that’s bent over, like downward dog or certain mat exercises, make sure your workout dress has built-in shorts, says Harte.  

Where can you wear an exercise dress?

You can wear an exercise dress virtually anywhere as long as you’re comfortable, says Harte. However, they’re often best suited for outdoor workouts, such as tennis, pickleball, walking, and golfing. 

Do you need to wear a sports bra with an exercise dress?

If an exercise dress doesn’t have a built-in shelf bra and you want to work out in it, you’ll likely need to wear a sports bra—especially for high-impact workouts. If you find that the built-in bra doesn’t give you the support you need, double up with your favorite sports bra. Unlined exercise dresses are ideal for casual wear, although you may still want to wear a sports bra for added coverage, depending on your comfort and personal preferences. 

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Amanda Berkey, M.Ed., has worked at Verywell Fit since 2022 and is currently a writer for the brand. As a former personal trainer and group fitness instructor, she specializes in testing fitness equipment, apparel, and recovery gear, including gym towels, Pilates mats, vibrating foam rollers, running shoes, and more. For this roundup, she tested several exercise dresses to recommend high-quality options to Verywell Fit readers.

Additional reporting contributed by Megan Foley

Megan Foley is a Verywell Fit writer and a professional ballet dancer based in New York City. During five-hour rehearsal days, cross-training sessions, and a subway commute, she wears athletic wear to stay cool and comfortable. She’s always looking for stylish options that can translate from an active rehearsal to comfortably writing in a coffee shop. For this article, Megan looked over the test results to help compile our top picks.