When buying workout clothes, the first thing many people consider is the way they look. That makes sense, since looking good often translates to feeling good as you work out. Plus, cute workout clothes can easily transition into everyday athleisure wear.
The coronavirus pandemic has affected every facet daily life for many, and one side effect for non-essential workers quarantining at home has been the freedom to keep it casual all the time.
As we transition back to going outdoors without masks (as the CDC deems it safe, which will be different depending on where you live) and going back to work, it’s a good time to revamp your fitness wardrobe both for the gym (where you should be wearing a mask) and outside of your workouts.
There are plenty of brands creating workout attire that’s both functional and fashionable. At that intersection, there are some solid options you can wear for way more than just your workouts.
We’ve put together some of our favorite pieces to sweat in that are also presentable enough to earn compliments outside the gym. Some of these pieces wouldn’t even get a second glance when worn as office attire, so you can get even more bang for your buck.
Keep reading for the workout wear we can’t get enough of.
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Courtesy of Puma
PUMA Be Bold AOP Women’s 7/8 Leggings
With a bold yet wearable print, just enough compression, and a waistband that actually stays up—even through kickboxing and bootcamp—it’s tough to say anything bad about these leggings. And leave the running belt at home, because they have a total of five mesh pockets, including three that wrap around the waistband and one on the side of each leg.
They’ll stand up to your most brutal workouts, and they’ll elevate your pandemic grocery store run outfits (Who wears actual pants anymore?) way more than your standard old black leggings.
If you’re working from home permanently—or even if you’re heading back to an air-conditioned office as coronavirus restrictions ease up, it’s worth investing in some pieces that can do double-duty, like WONE’s fleece pullover.
This minimalist pullover is as comfortable as it is runway-ready, and it features some unexpected activewear tech in the form of Polartec Power Stretch Pro fabric. Whether you wear it with jeans on a cool summer night or leggings while you get warmed up for a morning workout, it’s not out of place.
Every good workout outfit starts with a comfortable base, and you’d be hard pressed to find a better one than this bra. Reebok’s PureMove tech actually adapts as you switch activities, offering more support while you’re doing a vigorous workout and less as you cool down (or sit on the couch with your laptop on deck).
The sizing is also gets specific, offering options between your typical small, medium, large, and so on. Plus, the edges of the bra are free-cut, meaning no annoying seams rubbing your armpits.
It doesn’t get more breathable than this tank top, which is about as lightweight as you can get without crossing into “old-school mesh bodybuilding shirt” territory. For runs or hikes on the hottest summer days, it’ll be a staple in your fitness wardrobe.
Transitioning straight from your run to a Zoom meeting? A sweater or blazer can make that work without double-takes from coworkers.
Target rarely disappoints, and this All In Motion top is no exception. The twist-front detail on this lightweight long sleeve takes it from basic to dual-purpose. It’s soft and fitted without being skin-tight, which makes it wearable even with a casual or work outfit.
Forget the notion that workout leggings can’t be soft. Under Armour’s Meridian leggings are ridiculously soft, have sizable pockets that your phone won’t slip out of, and come in super wearable muted jewel tones.
The fabric’s softness is a result of brushing the surface, but it still maintains its supportiveness. A wide, high-rise waistband—which features an extra pocket—keeps them up all day without adjusting every few reps.
NOBULL has made a name for itself in the cross training sphere, with quality footwear and athletic wear to last through any workout. With its quilted texture and drop hem, this pullover is just as at home in the gym as it would be in the office.
The fabric, Polartec Power Air, is also meets Bluesign® standards sustainability. It’s insulating, but is lightweight at the same time—perfect for getting outside early in morning or in the evening.
MoveBeyond High-Rise Leggings & Cross-Back Sports Bra
MoveBeyond is a brand that takes sustainability seriously, integrating Modal—a semi-synthetic fabric made from beech tree pulp—and eco-friendly dyes into their activewear.
Both their high-waisted leggings and cross-back sports bra make this list because they’re the perfect combo. They’re soft yet supportive, and great for low- to medium-impact workouts like yoga or boxing. Plus, throw a cute hoodie over them and you’ve got a comfy casual outfit that’s fitted and flattering.
