There are no more excuses to skip your workout when you've got the best gym clothes for women in your bag. Whether you're a yoga guru, a dedicated runner or a HIIT enthusiast, having the perfect workout attire can significantly impact your performance and motivation. With so many of 'the best' shorts, tank tops and sports bras on the market, it can be challenging to pinpoint the gym gear that truly makes a difference. That's where we come in.
Your gym clothes aren't just about looking good (though that's certainly a bonus). They play a crucial role in your performance. The right gym wear should enhance comfort, boost confidence and provide the support you need to tackle your workouts with enthusiasm. It's not just about staying on-trend; it's about investing in your well-being - one piece of gym gear at a time.
The best gym clothes for women at a glance:
• Best leggings for women: ColorfulKoala Women's Buttery Soft Full-Length Leggings - View now on Amazon
• Best gym jacket for women: QUEENIEKE Women's Running Jacket - View now on Amazon
• Best sports bra for women: Nike Swoosh Light Support Non-Padded Sports Bra - View now on Nike
Discover the perfect fitness fashion with our recommendations. Ensuring you look as good as you feel on your journey to health and wellness.
SHOP: The best gym clothes for women
Best leggings for women
Revolutionising athleisurewear comfort standards, these leggings go beyond the ordinary. Boasting a high-waisted, tummy-controlling design, they ensure a flattering silhouette and exceptional support throughout your workouts. Made from a polyester and elastane blend, these leggings strike the ideal balance between stretch and durability. The thoughtful addition of a side pocket brings practicality to the forefront, allowing users to carry essentials such as keys or a phone effortlessly. With a diverse array of colours to choose from, these leggings excel in performance and make a bold, stylish statement in your activewear collection.
Pros
- Four-way stretch buttery soft fabric for comfort and flexibility
- Tummy control (without a sewn-in elastic band)
- V-contour seam on the back to flatter your figure
Cons
- Best fit for shorter individuals
| Material | Polyester, Elastane |
| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL |
| Colours | Various colours available, including: Black, Pink, Red, Green |
- Our review: "The Colorfulkoala leggings are my holy grail piece of gym wear (even WFH wear too). I have three pairs of these and they are PERFECT. From the gorgeous fabric that honestly makes you feel like you're not even wearing leggings, to the colour selection, this leggings are definitely worth it. And for under £20 too? Such a gym wear gem." Tried & Tested by Health & Fitness Writer Gemma Lavers.
Best gym jacket for women
The QUEENIEKE Running Jacket, aka the BBL jacket, elevates your outdoor workouts and makes you feel great. The design includes a full zipper closure for easy on and off, while the stand-up collar provides extra coverage for when the morning runs are a little chilly. Whether you're hitting the pavement or navigating the trails, the QUEENIEKE Running Jacket ensures you stay on top of your game with a fashion-forward design and practical features.
Pros
- Made of high-stretch lycra fabric to snatch your waist
- Thumbholes to keep the jacket in place while exercising
- Stand-up collar for increased coverage and warmth
Cons
- Quite a short, cropped fit
| Material | Nylon, Lycra |
| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
| Colours | Various colours available, including: Black, Blue, White, Pink |
- Customer review: "The QUEENIEKE Women's Running Jacket is a good running jacket that is perfect for a variety of weather conditions. It is lightweight and breathable, yet it still provides enough warmth to keep you comfortable on cool days. The jacket has a slim fit for a flattering silhouette, its stylish and would suit all training occasions, inside or outside. Nice little jacket."
Best sports bra for women
Engineered for those seeking lighter support, this sports bra is designed to keep you comfortable during low-impact activities. The Swoosh branding offers a touch of iconic flair, while the non-padded design ensures a natural feel perfect for yoga or weight training. Not forgetting the back - with its racerback silhouette. This style enhances movement and adds a sporty (and still chic) edge to your workout ensemble.
Pros
- Nike's famous Dri-FIT technology moves sweat away from your skin for quicker evaporation
- Stretchy fibres make for an easy on-and-off experience
- Available in three different types of support: Light, Medium and High
Cons
- Great for low-impact exercise, but may not be as effective for high-impact exercise
| Material | Polyester, Elastane |
| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL |
| Colours | White, Black, Blue |
- Our review: "I love the Nike Swoosh Light Support Sports Bra. It's basic, it's supportive, it's tight-fitting, and most importantly - it's effective. It's not a sports bra with a particularly interesting design, so if you are looking for one like that, maybe try Sweaty Betty. But, it does the job, and it does it well." Tried & Tested by Health & Fitness Writer Gemma Lavers.
Best asymmetric sports bra
www.sweatybetty.com
What sets this sports bra apart is its daring and unique asymmetric design. Made from a blend of polyamide and elastane, it seamlessly combines comfort and performance. Plus, for those who find insufficient support in a normal sports bra, the thoughtful inclusion of built-in bra padding ensures the additional support you might need.
Pros
- Made of sweat-wicking fabric to keep you dry during your workout
- Built-in bra padding for extra support
- Flattering asymmetric neckline with one-shoulder strap
Cons
- Because of the asymmetric design, it can be quite awkward to get on and off
| Material | Polyamide, Elastane |
| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
| Colours | Various colours available, including: Blue, Pink, Black, Purple |
- Customer review: "I have struggled to to buy a perfect fit sports bra for years. I bought this Sweaty Betty one due to its interesting back design. Super plus point is that it is a perfect fit!"
Best long-sleeve gym top for women
uk.gymshark.com
Behold the Gymshark Everyday Seamless Long Sleeve Crop Top in blue—a fitness fashion marvel that will make your workout wardrobe as enviable as your gym gains. This top is like a second skin but cooler (literally and figuratively), while the seamless design means no awkward adjustments mid-burpee, just pure, uninterrupted fabulousness. After all, life is too short for boring workout wear, and abs are too hard-earned not to flaunt them a little.
Pros
- Seamless design for a comfortable fit
- Cropped length to go with matching leggings and shorts
- Three colours available
Cons
- If you do intense exercise, the long sleeves might make you too hot
| Material | Nylon, Elastane |
| Sizes | XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
| Colours | Black, Navy, Teal |
- Customer review: The Everyday Seamless Long Sleeve Crop Top has an average rating of 4.7 stars on Gymshark.
Best gym t-shirt for women
uk.gymshark.com
Gymshark's Vital Seamless 2.0 Light T-Shirt is the not-so-secret weapon against plain workout wear. With its loose fit and mesh dots, this shirt is so light and airy; it's like wearing a cloud, the only one that won't rain on your parade during your sweat session. Wear it to the gym, brunch, home gym or living room - this tee is so versatile it will become your go-to gym top.
Pros
- Lighter fabric for better breathability
- Sweat-wicking technology to keep you dry
- Breathable mesh dots for air-flow
Cons
- Some reviewers found it was a good idea to size down for a tighter fit
| Material | Nylon |
| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
| Colours | Various colours available, including: Black, Blue, Brown, Magenta |
- Customer review: The Vital Seamless 2.0 Light T-Shirt has an average rating of 4.6 stars on Gymshark.
Best cycling shorts for women
www.wearetala.com
Behold the Sculpt Seamless Scrunch Cycling Shorts, the superhero of workout gear. What sets them apart is the scrunch detailing on the back, adding a playful and trendy element to the overall aesthetic. After all, the aim is to accentuate your natural curves. Other features to note are its super soft material for maximum comfort and the fact it's sustainably made from recycled polyamide and polyester.
Pros
- Scrunch bum to flatter
- Super soft material for maximum comfort
- Sustainably made for the more environmentally-conscious fitness enthusiast
Cons
- Sometimes can be hard to get hold of due to their popularity
| Material | Recycled polyamide, Recycled polyester, Elastane |
| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL |
| Colours | Various colours available, including: Brown, Green, Purple, Black |
- Customer review: "These are the most comfortable, perfect shorts I've ever worn. The length is perfect, they don't ride up or give a camel toe. The scrunch is in the perfect spot and the waist is compressed but not suffocating. Only thing that sucks is now I have to buy every colour."
Best crossover leggings for women
uk.gymshark.com
Made with a blend of nylon and elastane, the Crossover Leggings offer unparalleled support, ensuring a sculpted and comfortable fit during the most demanding workouts. The unique crossover waistband adds a touch of contemporary flair and provides a secure, confidence-boosting fit. Elevate your active wardrobe with Gymshark's new and best-selling leggings, where fashion meets function for a workout experience that exudes confidence and style.
Pros
- Crossover design to snatch the waist
- Buttery soft fabric for comfort
- Variety of colours available so you can match your activewear
Cons
- Some reviewers found the leggings come up slightly loose
| Material | Nylon, Elastane |
| Sizes | XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
| Colours | Black, Brown, Blue, Lavender, Fuchsia, Teal |
- Customer review: The Crossover Leggings have an average rating of 4 stars on Gymshark.
The best gym clothes for women: FAQs
Do gym clothes matter?
While dismissing the importance of gym clothes as mere fashion may be tempting, they play a key role beyond any aesthetics. Gym clothes are designed with specific features aimed at enhancing your workout experience. For example, sweat-wicking fabrics keep you dry and comfortable by drawing sweat away from your body, preventing irritation.
Additionally, well-designed gym attire often provides different levels of support to different muscle groups and reduces the risk of chafing.
Beyond the practical aspects, the psychological impact of wearing purpose-built gym wear shouldn't be underestimated. Donning attire meant for exercise can create a mental shift, signalling to your brain that it's time to focus and engage in a productive workout. While gym clothes might not make or break your workout, choosing the best ones can certainly contribute to a more comfortable, effective and mentally stimulating exercise routine.
What should a beginner wear to the gym?
As a newbie to the gym, opt for moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you dry and comfortable during your workouts. A good starting point is a loose-fitting (but not overly baggy) top and the best pair of leggings. This is for ease of movement without hindering performance.
A well-fitted sports bra is also crucial for female beginners to provide the proper support you need. A lot of sports bras come in various levels of support.
So, As you explore different types of exercises, consider investing in versatile activewear that suits various activities, from cardio to strength training.
What should you not wear when exercising?
There are a certain clothes you should steer clear of when exercising. For example, avoid overly restrictive or tight clothing that prevents movement and hinders flexibility, as this can lead to discomfort. Also make sure to skip cotton fabrics. This is because they tend to trap moisture and can become heavy and uncomfortable, all while increasing the risk of chafing.
Another thing to note is to remove all dangly jewellery before exercising. Now, we don't want to sound like your school PE teacher, but jewellery is best left behind while working out to prevent any accidents. By minimising any accessories, you can create a safer and more comfortable exercise environment.
Gemma Lavers is a Health & Fitness writer for What's The Best. From understanding nutrition to practising yoga and Pilates to delving into the psychology of motivation – she enjoys demystifying the latest fitness trends and staying on top of the dynamic health landscape, whether the best gym leggings, fitness trackers or the benefits of yoga.
When Gemma’s not writing, she can be found attending Pilates, yoga and Zumba classes. She’s also a bit of a home workout aficionado, constantly trying out new ways to keep her moving at home. Between writing, exercising and shopping, there’s nothing she loves more than hopping on a plane and exploring new cultures.
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