Women’s Workout Clothes That Are Both Flattering and Functional

As much as we might hate to admit it, clothes matter — especially women's workout clothes. Because finding the perfect workout top, shorts or leggings can improve more than just your performance: It can also improve your confidence and motivation. When you look good, you feel good!

The trouble is, finding great workout clothes can be a challenge. With so many options out there for active women, it can be hard to find workout gear that checks all the boxes.

To help narrow your search, we've rounded up the top brands for workout clothes for women, along with expert advice for what to look for on your next shopping trip.

Your best bet for workout tops that stay put and don't irritate your skin is to look for seamless options. And avoid cotton at all costs: "I recommend a moisture-wicking material to avoid chafing and keep cool," says running coach Nicole Gainacopulos, CSCS, owner of Momentum of Milwaukee.

Some performance-enhancing, comfy materials include polyester, nylon, wool and spandex, but bamboo is another great option. "It's becoming increasing popular because it's eco-friendly, sustainable material," Gainacopulos says. Unlike synthetic materials (such as polyester and nylon), bamboo is also naturally antimicrobial, which helps minimize unwanted odors.

If you're taking your exercise outdoors, tops with UPF protection (fabric that guards against UV rays) are a great bonus. Meanwhile, reflective elements can help keep you visible and safe if you're exercising outside at dawn or dusk.

Sports bras are very individual — what suits one woman won't necessarily suit another. In general, however, you can't go wrong with a bra that offers a snug fit and a simple design, with full coverage to avoid wardrobe malfunctions, says certified personal trainer Eliza Nelson.

As if finding the right sports bra weren't already hard enough, the search can get a bit more complicated when you're pregnant or you've just had a baby. If you're a new mom, look for sports bras with easily adjustable shoulder straps and enough compression to keep everything secure, Gainacopulos says. There are even sports bras specifically designed for nursing mothers.

If you're a shorts kind of gal, look for a pair made with sweat-wicking material to nip chafing in the bud. Pick gym shorts that offer enough coverage and feature a stretchy waistband for comfort. An inner brief can provide added coverage, Nelson says. And if you prefer tighter shorts, try a pair with a bit of grip around the thighs to keep them from riding up too much.

When shopping for workout leggings, think about the type of exercise you'll be doing in them. Running in the cold? Look for thicker material and styles with pockets to stash your keys, gels and phone. Squatting, jumping and lunging? Make sure the leggings aren't see-through. "This can be checked by simply squatting in front of the dressing room mirror," Nelson says.

Also, look for leggings with a waistband that doesn't dig into your midsection or slip with every move. Few things are more frustrating than hiking up your leggings every minute or two of your workout.

If you need a bit more direction about where to shop for women's activewear, we've rounded up some of our favorite products from best-selling brands. Each of the following clothing brands has something great to offer runners, yogis, weight lifters and everyone in between. So, without further ado, here are our picks for the best women's workout clothes.

Athleta offers a wide variety of high-quality workout clothes, with sizes tailored to fit every body type, including tall, petite and plus-size. Gainacopulos loves the All In Capri for the side pocket that holds her belongings on every run.

​Buy it:​ Athleta.com; ​Price:​ $54.99

With its high level of support, back-zipper closure and breathable mesh panel, this sports bra is excellent for all kinds of activity, whether you're going to a yoga class or doing a high-intensity interval session.

Available in a flattering orchid color, this bra has padding that you can leave in or take out according to your preference. Powerfit also offers a convenient sizing chart based on chest circumference and the high point of your shoulders to ensure the perfect fit.

​Buy it:​ PowerfitAthletics.com; ​Price:​ $22

Although Alo Yoga is primarily a yoga brand, its gear is also great for high-intensity workouts. "Their stuff is so comfortable," says Danielle Pascente, a Los Angeles-based personal trainer and creator of the Kick-Ass Training Guides. "I wear their outfits for HIIT workouts and running."

She pairs the Alo Moto Legging with their Slit Metallic Bra. Just be aware that sweat may show through if you opt for light-colored leggings.

​Buy it (leggings):​ AloYoga.com; ​Price:​ $114

​Buy it (bra):​ AloYoga.com; ​Price:​ $58

This classic brand offers an impressive range of women's workout clothes in both fun and basic patterns — and in regular, tall, petite and plus sizes. Old Navy gym clothes are also pretty affordable (think: $20 for a sports bra).

Try the on-trend Breathe ON Mesh-Back Tank for the soft fabric, moisture-wicking technology, forgiving fit and cute mesh detail. Scoop it up in a fun color like lacquered lilac or cornflower blue.

​Buy it:​ OldNavy.com; ​Price:​ $15 to 19.99

These top-selling shorts offer coverage and style in one package. They're made of lightweight, moisture-wicking, antimicrobial fabric and feature a soft and stretchy waistband. A discreet back pocket makes it a cinch to stow valuables during your workout. Bonus: They're available in a variety of pretty colors like mesa rose and rouge red.

​Buy it:​ CaliaStudio.com; ​Price:​ $40

Nelson loves these capris from tennis champ Venus Williams for their superb fit. They feature a slimming high-rise waistband, contouring side panel and stretch fabric. They're also available in a range of colors, from basic black to moody blues.

​Buy it:​ ElevenbyVenusWilliams.com; ​Price:​ $85

These top-selling shorts are lightweight, quick-drying and ultra-flattering. Choose from nine different regular and seasonal color options, including polka dot, and store essentials in the slim side pocket. Did we mention they're made of recycled plastic? Eco-friendly and cute is a win-win in our book.

​Buy it:​ OutdoorVoices.com; ​Price:​ $58

With a variety of coordinating tops and bottoms, you won't have any trouble putting together a cute gym outfit with this UK-based athletic brand. Not to mention, the 10-percent student discount (if you're actually in school, that is).

Check out Gymshark's Vital Seamless Long Sleeve T-Shirt. Made of nylon, polyester and elastane, this form-fitting performance top features sweat-wicking technology, thumb holes and a seamless design for zero friction.

​Buy it:​ Gymshark.com; ​Price:​ $35

There's nothing quite like walking into a yoga class wearing a matching set. This bodysuit makes gym apparel even easier, taking out the need to mix and match two separate pieces. Take some inspiration from the suit's pattern and stand tall like a Marula tree while you're in Tree pose.

​Buy it:​ PruApparel.com; ​Price:​ $90