When the exercise dress finally went mainstream (beyond court sports and golf courses), I made it my mission to try as many as possible — in the name of journalism, of course. As both a tennis player and personal trainer, I’ve turned wearing exercise dresses into a sport of its own, testing the best styles for whatever workout or activity my busy schedule throws my way. From pickleball to Pilates, running to strength training, I truly always dress for success (pun intended!).
The best athletic dresses should be just as sweat-wicking as your go-to leggings, come with built-in shorts (complete with pockets) and adjustable straps for a custom fit, and offer supportive yet breathable fabric that moves with you — not against you. I tested dozens of options to see how they held up during high-intensity workouts and everyday errands. After years of wear-testing across brands and activities, these dresses passed every test — and looked good doing it.
The Shape Scoring Scale
1 – Don’t Recommend
2 – OK, But Nothing Special
3 – Good, But Needs Some Work
4 – Now We’re Talking
5 – In Perfect Shape!
Credit: Outdoor Voices
Why We Like It
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Lightweight fabric feels airy
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Adjustable straps for a better fit
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Sticky grippers keep shorts in place
Sizes: XS to XXL | Materials: Nylon, Spandex | Built-In Bra: Yes | Built-In Shorts: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
IYKYK, this is the OG that started it all. Outdoor Voices’ Exercise Dress is a true classic, and for good reason — at one point, I owned eight of them (what can I say, I’m a sucker for seasonal colorways). It features adjustable straps for a nearly custom fit, a built-in shelf bra, and one of the best shorts liners I’ve tested, complete with sticky grippers that keep the shorts in place — even when loaded with tennis balls.
Over the years, I’ve worn this dress for everything from outdoor tennis in brutal heat to sparring sessions at my local boxing gym. The fabric is lightweight and breathable, though not quite as moisture-wicking as some other options, so it may not be the best pick for super-sweaty workouts. Still, it’s the one dress I’d pack if I had to choose just one — equally perfect for roller-skating, studio HIIT workouts, or a casual trip to the farmer’s market.
My Overall Score: 5
Credit: Amazon
Sizes: XS to XL | Materials: Nylon, Elastane | Built-In Bra: No | Built-In Shorts: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold
This stylish dress is almost as versatile as the Outdoor Voices classic, but with an edgier, more fashion-forward twist — think open-back cutout, side slit, and a slightly shorter hemline, all in a buttery-soft fabric that molds to your shape without feeling restrictive. I wore it to Saturday tennis, a post-match smoothie run, and even a hang with friends, and it nailed the vibe every time. The fit feels snug in the most flattering way, but it definitely runs small, so I’d consider sizing up if you’re between sizes.
Functionally, it delivers where it counts: built-in shorts with pockets, a breathable fit, and a square neckline that stays in place through movement. However, the chest support is minimal and only suitable for low-impact workouts. I ended up layering a bra underneath, but that was pretty tricky because of the open-back design. Unless you spring for the brand’s matching sports bra, be prepared for some visible straps or a little trial and error.
My Overall Score: 4
Credit: Athleta
Sizes: XXS to XL (Regular/Tall/Petite) | Materials: Nylon, Spandex | Built-In Bra: No | Built-In Shorts: No | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
If I could only bring one exercise dress with me, yes, even to a desert island, it would be this one from Athleta. It blew every other dress out of the water in my hot-weather testing. The fabric is insanely lightweight and barely there, drying in a flash when I wore it during an all-day pickleball tournament (because yes, that’s a thing I do). Bonus: it has UPF 40+ sun protection, so you’re covered for hours on the court.
Here’s the twist: no built-in shorts or bra, which might make you roll your eyes. Normally, I’m all about built-ins for easy laundry life and less planning, but here, I get it. Skipping them keeps the dress feather-light and insanely breathable. Plus, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure moment where you get to rock your favorite sports bra and shorts combo. Just a heads up — some colors, like the Lilac I tested, are pretty sheer, so light-colored underwear is your best friend.
My Overall Score: 4
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Credit: Shape
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Credit: Shape
Credit: lululemon
Why We Like It
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Body-skimming fit that doesn’t constrict
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Open-waist shorts for easy bathroom breaks
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Soft, barely-there fabric
Sizes: 0 to 20 | Materials: Nylon, Lycra elastane | Built-In Bra: Yes | Built-In Shorts: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
This dres is so comfortable, you could wear it for yoga and accidentally fall asleep during savasana (not that I’d know from experience). Made from the brand’s signature Align fabric — aka the origin of the phrase “buttery soft” — this dress skims the body in the most flattering way without squeezing or clinging. It gives just enough shape while still feeling like you’re wearing basically nothing.
With built-in shorts and a shelf bra, it’s designed more for low-impact movement like yoga and Pilates, or long walks, than high-intensity workouts. I reach for it constantly on casual summer days when I want to feel put-together with minimal effort. I’ve even worn it to a laid-back wedding reception with boots and jewelry — and was very thankful for the open-back waist every time I visited the bar’s less-than-glamorous bathroom that night. As a 32B, I love the low neckline, but those with larger chests might find it more revealing than supportive.
My Overall Score: 4
Credit: Abercrombie
Why We Like It
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Made with sculpting, slightly compressive fabric
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Flattering square neckline with padded shelf bra
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Open-waist shorts for easy bathroom breaks
Sizes: XXS to XXL | Materials: Nylon, Elastane | Built-In Bra: Yes | Built-In Shorts: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
I didn’t expect a workout dress from Abercrombie & Fitch to become a go-to, but this one seriously delivers. The drop-waist cut and flowy mini skirt nail the style factor, while the technical features check every functional box. It’s got built-in shorts with pockets, a padded shelf bra with adjustable straps, and the holy grail detail — an open-back waistband for stress-free bathroom breaks.
I’ve worn this dress for intense tennis matches on hot, stuffy indoor courts, and it holds up impressively well. The compressive fabric stays put without feeling restrictive, and the shorts don’t ride up at all. That said, the thicker material runs warm, so it’s better for workouts in cooler environments. At 5’3”, I love the shorter length, but taller folks might want to size up or skip. I loved this dress so much, I’m already eyeing (multiple) other colors.
My Overall Score: 5
Other Shape-Loved Exercise Dresses
We’ve spent years testing the best exercise dresses on the market. And while the five above are my personal top picks, they’re far from the only ones we love. These standout styles bring their own unique features to the table, whether it’s ultra-flattering fits, breathable fabrics, or versatile designs that move seamlessly from workout to weekend. If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect match for your personal style, these editor-approved favorites are well worth a look.
Credit: Amazon
“I love dresses that are super functional, but still look cute — and this one delivers. It stays in place and has a convenient pocket for small essentials like balls, tees, cards, and more. It’s sleek, understated, and perfect for a tee time to country club pipeline.” —Michelle P., certified Pilates teacher, holistic health coach, and Shape editor
Credit: Alo
“I honestly can’t believe this is meant for exercise! And that’s not because it’s not functional — it truly is breathable, supportive, and flexible enough for low-impact workouts. But it’s just so cute and flattering that I also love wearing it on coffee dates, to the grocery store, to brunch, and more! I do wish there were built-in shorts, though.” —Michelle P., certified Pilates teacher, holistic health coach, and Shape editor
Credit: Alo Yoga
“This exercise dress is super comfortable and easy to throw on, whether I’m working out, traveling, or going for a walk. The fabric is lightly compressive — enough to hold me in during a Pilates flow, though I wouldn’t recommend it for higher impact exercise. The interior pockets are large enough to hold my phone and wallet, leaving one hand free for dog walking and the other for a coffee! I feel super chic when wearing this.” —Abby M., Shape product tester
How I Tested the Exercise Dresses
For this article, I wear-tested both longtime favorites from my wardrobe and a handful of promising new releases. Each dress was worn for at least two full days, covering both casual and athletic activities. On the low-impact side, that meant dog walks, errands, and working from home. For higher-intensity testing, I took them through boxing, tennis, pickleball, and even hiking to see how they held up in motion.
Throughout testing, I paid close attention to breathability (especially in heat), comfort during movement, and whether seams or shorts caused any chafing or rolling. I also evaluated unique features like built-in bras, pockets, or open-back waists. After weeks of testing across settings and sweat levels, I feel confident these are the best exercise dresses worth adding to your lineup.
Shape
What to Know About Exercise Dresses
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Materials: The best materials for an exercise dress are lightweight, flexible, and sweatproof, says Michaela Gordon, an All-American and former singles player from Stanford University. She specifically recommends nylon-spandex or polyester-spandex blends, as well as more sustainable options like recycled polyester or bamboo blends. These fabrics move with you, dry quickly, and help regulate body temperature, she says.
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Fit: The top of an exercise dress should be snug-fitting to maximize support, says Peri Sheinin, tennis broadcaster and Brown University Assistant Women’s Tennis Coach. Look for an exercise dress that fits well so you’re not distracted by a slipped strap or rolled-up shorts during play. Sheinin also recommends a slim-fitting dress if you’re going to be outdoors, where wind might be a factor.
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Care: Performance fabrics break down quickly if not taken care of properly, says Gordon. Experts recommend turning the dress inside-out and machine-washing in cold water and on the delicate cycle (skip the fabric softener, which may impact texture). Instead of using the dryer, lay flat or hang to dry; this will preserve the shape and the snap-back, says Clare McSweeney, MSc. Exercise Science, CEO of Kuul Play.
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Activity Type: Your choice of exercise dress will largely depend on the activities you plan to do while wearing it. For golf, McSweeney recommends built-in shorts with side pockets for tees and balls, plus a slightly longer hem for coverage during swings. For tennis or pickleball, prioritize built-in support in the sports bra and shorts, plus materials that wick sweat quickly. If you’re wearing a dress for pickleball specifically, Sheinin notes that you may not need built-in shorts with a side pocket, since pickleball players only get one serve attempt.
Why Trust Shape
Kristen Geil, NASM-CPT, is a writer at Shape. While she’s run marathons and is a NASM-certified personal trainer, her biggest passion right now is improving her tennis ranking — so she wears exercise dresses at least three times a week. Kristen has tested over 4,000 products in the fitness category, including lots of apparel. For this article, Kristen also interviewed several expert tennis, golf, and pickleball coaches to better understand how professionals select exercise dresses, including:
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Michaela Gordon, Team Atlanta captain of Intennse and an All-American and former singles player from Stanford University
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Peri Sheinin, tennis broadcaster and Brown University Assistant Women’s Tennis Coach
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Clare McSweeney, MSc. Exercise Science, CSCS, CES, ARTC, and Kuul Play CEO
