We Found the 15 Best Exercise Dresses for Working Out, Running Errands, and More

Best Overall

Girlfriend Collective Naomi Workout Dress

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Girlfriend Collective’s Naomi Workout Dress is our top overall pick because it has all the features we love in a high-quality exercise dress that’s ready for anything. Available in sizes XXS to 6XL, this dress has adjustable straps for a custom fit and shorts in your choice of light or medium compression. We also love that the fabric is rated UPF 50+, meaning it blocks 98 percent of the sun’s rays to protect your skin from UV radiation.  

The Naomi dress is soft, sweat-wicking, and lightweight, with a flattering fit. Mesh side pockets and a built-in bra make this dress as functional as it is stylish. But some wearers note that it runs on the smaller side, so you may want to size up. Still, we like that the short hem length has enough coverage for workouts, sports, errands, and everything in between. 

Girlfriend Collective strives to be environmentally friendly, and it shows in their fabrics—the Naomi dress is made from a blend of recycled plastic bottles and spandex. We also like that you can recycle it using the brand’s ReGirlfriend program. And care instructions are simple: toss it in a cold wash with light colors (using a microfiber bag if you want to be extra safe) and hang it to dry. 

Price at time of publication: $88

^{Key Specs: 
Materials: Recycled plastic bottles, spandex | Sizes: XXS to 6XL | Features: Shorts with pockets, high neckline | Care: Machine wash cold, hang dry}

Best Budget

HDE Exercise Workout Dress with Built-in Shorts

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At around a third of the price of some of our other top picks, we recommend HDE’s Exercise Dress if you’re shopping on a budget. With two layers of breathable compression fabric and built-in shorts, it’s supportive enough for court sports or sunny strolls outside. We also like the side pocket, which keeps your phone secure while you’re on the go. 

A scoop neck and strappy, racerback design make this dress is a stylish choice for hiking, cycling, or meeting up with friends. Although there’s no built-in bra, wearers say the layered material has plenty of hold and coverage. Others have found that the HDE Dress is similar to Ourdoor Voices’ The Exercise Dress in cut and style—it’s just a little longer. 

This dress is available in sizes XS to XL and is made from durable, easy-to-clean polyester. Note that it doesn’t have adjustable straps, unlike our top overall pick, Girlfriend Collective’s Naomi Workout Dress. 

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs: 
Materials: Polyester | Sizes: XS to XL | Features: Shorts with a pocket, 23 colors and patterns | Care: Machine wash, hang dry}

Best for Golf

Athleta Advantage Dress

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Athleta’s Advantage Dress is designed with golfing in mind (as well as tennis, running, or any other activity). It’s flattering and functional, with a sleek style and thoughtful design elements. It features layers of breathable mesh in the back for a breezy, cool feel. And the lightweight fabric is also sweat-wicking, to help you stay dry during long rounds in the sun. 

When testing this dress, our fitness editors loved the effortless look that can be worn both on and off the court. We also appreciated the built-in shorts that have grippers to prevent them from riding up and pockets to store extra golf, tennis, or pickleball balls, for when you miss a swing. Available in three colors, including a classic black and white, we loved the Deep Ocean Teal for a spring statement piece. We did find the dress to run slightly large, so you may want to consider sizing down for a more compressive fit.

A flared skirt with classic pleats in the back compliments a fitted, zip-front bodice for a flattering fit. And the hem hits above the knee, so it's not too short (even for our 5'8" tall tester). We love that the dress is made from recycled polyester and Lycra, so it's easy to toss in the washer and dryer. While it’s expensive and doesn’t come in as many sizes as some of our other top picks do, we love the unique design to help you stand out while teeing up. 

Price at time of publication: $139

^{Key Specs: 
Materials: Recycled polyester, Lycra | Sizes: XXS to XL | Features: Built-in shorts with pockets and grippers, layered back, high neckline | Care: Machine wash and dry}

Best for Running

Outdoor Voices Powerhouse Dress

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Outdoor Voices has made a name for itself in the exercise dress scene, and its Powerhouse Dress is our top pick for runners. We love the brand’s sweat-wicking SuperForm fabric, which is designed for high-impact workouts. It also has a UPF 50 rating, to protect your skin from the sun. 

The Powerhouse is Outdoor Voices’ most supportive dress, with firm compression throughout so won’t bunch up while you run. What also makes it stand out for runners are the thick, adjustable straps, which will support your chest without putting too much pressure on your shoulders. We like the locking zippers and swan hook closures for a secure fit, too. 

The design also features a stylish cutout in the back for breathable ventilation. Although the Powerhouse Dress doesn’t have shorts or pockets, we recommend this for runners. After all, peeling off a dress from top to bottom for a bathroom break can put a huge dent in your personal record. Some wearers also note that the dress’ bra band may run small. 

Price at time of publication: $100

^{Key Specs: 
Materials: Nylon, Lycra | Sizes: S/M to L/XL, B to DD cup | Features: Unlined, back cutout detail | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}

Best Moisture-Wicking

Nike Dri-FIT Advantage

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Nike’s Dri-FIT fabric has polyester and spandex to help wick away sweat, leaving you feeling cool and preventing chafing. The brand’s Advantage Tennis Dress is made from this high-tech material, making it our best moisture-wicking pick. We love that it can be worn on the court or in the gym, with a slim fit and a simple silhouette. 

Like other tennis dresses, this one has a traditional pleated skirt. But the notched V-neck and lower back cutout add interesting detail and more ventilation. It’s also stretchy, to provide comfortable, true-to-size wear. 

While this dress doesn’t have a built-in bra or shorts, we like that it’s made from one lightweight, breathable layer of fabric. (For extra coverage, try Nike’s Pro 3” Shorts.) But unlike Outdoor Voices’ Powerhouse Dress, which is also just one layer, this one also has side seam pockets for keeping keys, your favorite hair ties, or tennis balls close by. 

Price at time of publication: $90

^{Key Specs: 
Materials: Polyester, spandex | Sizes: XS to 2XL | Features: Neck and back cutouts, pleated skirt | Care: Machine wash}

Best Plus-Sized

Girlfriend Collective Paloma Racerback Dress

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Love Girlfriend Collective’s Paloma Racerback Bra? We recommend the brand’s Paloma Racerback Dress, which has many of the same features and comes in the widest size range on our list: XXS to 6XL. It’s made from stretchy, compressive fabric that provides medium support—no bra needed. 

Wearers love the comfortable, flattering fit and excellent coverage. Unlike Nike’s Dri-FIT Advantage Tennis Dress, the Paloma Dress also has built-in shorts with mesh side pockets. We also like the straighter silhouette and front seams, which create a contoured fit. 

While we like the neutral color range, some wearers have found that this dress’ compression makes it difficult to put on and take off. Others note that, if you want to wear this dress for low-impact activities like walking or hiking, you should size up for a looser fit. 

Price at time of publication: $88

^{Key Specs: 
Materials: Recycled plastic bottles, spandex | Sizes: XXS to 6XL| Features: Racerback, scoop neckline, shorts with pockets | Care: Machine wash cold, hang dry}

Best with Pockets

Halara Everyday Backless 2-in-1 Flare Golf Dress

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Finding an exercise dress you love is great—but finding one with pockets is even better. While several of our top picks have pockets, Halara’s Everyday Backless Flare Golf Dress stands out for its deep, stretchy side pockets that provide storage for your phone, lip balm, keys, and other necessities. 

We like the flared silhouette, which comes in a range of soft hues you can wear everywhere. Built-in shorts prevent chafing and wick away sweat, while offering enough coverage for cycling or hiking. Plus, it comes in a wider range of sizes than other dresses on our list do, from XS to 3X.

Although this dress doesn’t have a built-in bra, we love the silky, nylon and elastane fabric, which has four-way stretch that moves with you. For more support, you can always add a high-impact sports bra underneath—the low-cut back will highlight any strappy details. 

Price at time of publication: $50

^{Key Specs: 
Materials: Nylon, elastane | Sizes: XS to 4X | Features: Shorts with pockets | Care: Machine wash cold inside out}

Best for Everyday Wear

Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress

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For a reliable dress that’s ready for anything, we recommend Outdoor Voices’ The Exercise Dress. This dress's versatility is part of what makes it so popular—it’s stylish, comfortable, and works well as a base for all kinds of outfits (in or out of the gym). 

The Exercise Dress is made from ultra-lightweight, quick-drying performance fabric in a range of rich colors and bright patterns. It also has built-in shorts with two deep side pockets and adjustable straps for a custom fit. But our favorite feature is the grips on the shorts’ hem that keeps them firmly in place, without bunching or rolling up throughout the day. 

Wearers also love how comfortable this dress is, noting that unlike some of our other picks, this one is easy to slip on and off. But it doesn’t have a built-in bra, so you may need to layer underneath for more support. 

Price at time of publication: $100

^{Key Specs: 
Materials: Nylon, spandex | Sizes: XXS to XXXL | Features: Shorts with pockets, A-line silhouette | Care: Machine wash cold, lay flat to dry}

Most Comfortable

Sweaty Betty Womens Power Workout Dress

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For a comfortable, low-impact exercise dress, we recommend Sweaty Betty’s Power Workout Dress. A built-in shelf bra offers light support, while the not-too-thin, not-too-thick racerback straps keep things light and airy. We also like the removable pads, which allow you to customize the dress’ coverage. 

This dress’ silhouette is more slim and straight than others on our list. Four-way stretch fabric moves with you, while side pockets in the shorts have space for everything you need to carry with you. 

Since this dress is less compressive, it may not have enough support for larger chests. Still, we think the sleek design and functional details are worth the higher price tag. 

Price at time of publication: $118

^{Key Specs: 
Materials: Polyamide, elastane | Sizes: XXS to XXL | Features: Shorts with pocket, racerback straps | Care: Machine wash warm}

Best High-Impact

Athleta Levitate Dress

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Athleta’s Levitate Dress is made with compressive fabric that makes it ideal for medium- to high-impact workouts. Whether you’re into cardio or HIIT classes, this dress has the support you need to take it all on with confidence. 

We love the comfortable, cooling fabric, which feels soft and slick to the touch. It’s also abrasion- and wrinkle-resistant, making this dress a durable staple you can toss in the wash multiple times a week. Plus, UPF 50+ protection makes it ideal for long walks, hikes, or runs outside in warm weather. 

Although it only comes in black and white, we like that it has two side drop-in pockets. The high scoop neckline also offers additional coverage, where others on our list (like Free People’s Good Karma Dress Set) fall short. 

Price at time of publication: $99

^{Key Specs: 
Materials: Nylon, Lycra | Sizes: XXS to 3X | Features: High neckline, fit and flare silhouette | Care: Machine wash and dry}

Best for Tennis

Lululemon Everlux Short-Lined Tennis Tank Dress

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lululemon makes several tennis dresses, but the Everlux Short-Lined Tennis Tank Dress is our favorite for its sleek design and functional features. The inside of the sweat-wicking, quick-drying material is smooth and cooling, while the exterior is brushed and soft. We also like the deep, dual-entry pocket, which can hold your phone and a tennis ball. 

lululemon is known for its innovative fabrics, and this Everlux dress contains Lycra for stretch that will also maintain its shape over time. Elastane, nylon, and polyester are durable additions with a barely-there feel. But for how expensive it is, we wish it had a built-in bra. 

A half zipper in the front allows you to adjust the neckline if things start to heat up on the court. We like that the shorts have a 6-inch inseam—longer than most others on our list, for worry-free coverage. Four-way stretch and a breathable back cut-out make this dress a high-performance piece for pickleball, badminton, and more. 

Price at time of publication: $138

^{Key Specs: 
Materials: Recycled polyester, elastane, nylon, Lycra elastane | Sizes: 0 to 20 | Features: Back cut-out, shorts with pockets | Care: Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low}

Best for Hiking

The North Face EA Arque Hike Dress

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When you’re hiking on rough trails, your outfit should be the last thing you’re worried about. North Face’s Arque Dress is designed for hiking, with super soft, stretchy fabric that wicks away moisture and prevents odors from building up (even on long, sweaty treks). 

It has adjustable racerback straps and a supportive bodysuit underneath with two side pockets. We love the side slits, which are ideal for stepping over rocks and climbing steep surfaces. And it’s made with recycled materials that are durable and quick-drying. 

Wearers love that this dress doubles as a stylish option for casual wear. However, some have found that it’s tough to pull on and take off because of how compressive the fabric is. 

Price at time of publication: $109

^{Key Specs: 
Materials: Recycled polyester, elastane | Sizes: XS to XXL | Features: Shorts with pockets, scoop neckline | Care: Not listed}

Most Breathable

Nike Bliss Luxe Women's Training Dress

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Nike’s Bliss Luxe Training Dress is our pick for the most breathable exercise dress because its simple silhouette is made from lightweight, stretchy material. While it has a built-in shelf bra and shorts, the scoop neckline and scoop back encourage airflow during HIIT or weightlifting classes. 

We like that this dress has a compressive liner that gently shapes your figure, plus plenty of support for your chest. And the shorts have a pocket on the right side for storing essentials, although other dresses on our list have more storage.

The Bliss Luxe Training Dress is made from durable nylon, spandex, and polyester in sizes XS to XXL. We also like that it’s easy to care for—just toss it in the washing machine with the rest of your clothes. 

Price at time of publication: $95

^{Key Specs: 
Materials: Nylon, spandex, polyester | Sizes: XXS to XXL | Features: Scoop neckline, shorts with pocket | Care: Machine wash}

Most Stylish

Eleven By Venus Williams Galaxy Tennis Dress

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For a modern, stylish exercise dress that still has all the features of high-performance activewear, we recommend the Galaxy Tennis Dress from Eleven by Venus Williams. We love the asymmetrical starry lace details, combined with a criss-cross waist that’s subtle and flattering. 

This dress has four-way stretch, moisture-wicking material that moves with your body and dries quickly. The fabric is also made from recycled water bottles and offers UPF 50 protection from the sun. And we like that it’s anti-microbial, to prevent odors from building up over time. 

Although it only comes in white and doesn’t have a built-in bra or shorts, we think the unique design is worth adding a few extra layers underneath. 

Price at time of publication: $118

^{Key Specs: 
Materials: Recycled polyester, spandex, nylon | Sizes: XS to XXL | Features: Mesh cutouts | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}