Bring your A-game with our 10 favorite exercise dresses that ace style and performance

Step aside leggings, exercise dresses are here for the taking.

Years ago, the only time you’d wear an exercise dress with built-in shorts would be during a tennis match (hello, Serena Williams!), but these days, people are rocking these ultra-versatile dresses on many occasions.

Whether you’re playing pickleball, going for a hot girl walk or even meeting friends for brunch — active dresses are starting to take over street style (not to mention, TikTok) and we’re not mad about it! Besides, now that the weather is also warming up, we all seem to be searching for low-effort, swear-proof styles, and exercise dresses are just that.

Fun, sporty, and so comfy you feel like you’re wearing pajamas in public, what’s not to love? Dozens of brands are debuting workout dresses, including the oh-so-popular Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress and other great picks from lululemon, Alo Yoga, Old Navy, and more.

Looking for other athlesiure essentials? Check out our guides on the best belt bags and the best of lululemon’s “We Made Too Much” sale section.

Best Editor-approved: Girlfriend Collective Lucia Sleeveless Mini Dress

Girlfriend Collective

This dress might just make you someone’s girlfriend. It’s just that flattering. According to our editors, Gilfriend Collective sculpts, shapes, and smoothes, all at the same time, and still manages to feel like you’re wearing nothing. You’d never guess that this dress is made out of trash, but Gilfriend Collective also manages to recycle while making you look and feel your best.

Miska Salemann wearing Girlfriend Collective. Miska Salemann

New York Post Review: “I’ve tested over 20 activewear brands, and Gilfriend Collective remains my favorite as far as materials and sustainability go,” shared Commerce Writer, Miska Salemann. “The outer FLOAT fabric is made with 90% recycled water bottles and 10% spandex, which offers just the right amount of stretch to contour your curves. On the inside of Gilfriend dresses, you’ll feel some more compression for a stronger hold. The one-shoulder style that I adore is no longer in stock, but the similar Lucia sleeveless option is just as stylish. Simple, elegant, and offered in extended sizing. My only negative remark: All your girlfriends will try and steal it.”

Color Options: 5 | Sizes: XXS-6XL

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Best Shaping Exercise Dress: SPANXshape Get Moving High-Neck Dress

Spanx

Exercise dresses have shown to be incredibly versatile, but it’s rare to come across a style that also doubles as shapewear. Leave it to Spanx to design one that does both. Our editors have been raving about this brand for years — and for good reasons. Spanx technology offers targeted compression to smooth and snatch, so you can look and feel your best, no matter the activity. Not to mention, a little more compression makes Spanx exercise dresses a great choice for higher-impact activities.

Camryn La Sala wearing her exercise dress from Spanx. Camryn La Sala

New York Post Review: “While the exact style I own and love is no longer available, I am a huge fan of Spanx exercise dresses!” shared Commerce Editor, Camryn La Sala. “They’re ultra comfortable, fit in all the right places, and honestly make me feel like a million bucks. The material feels luxurious and soft while giving a put-together feel, no matter what I’m doing — running to the grocery store, getting a quick workout in, or even grabbing drinks at happy hour. In this case, I was spending a summer evening on a boat with my family and paired it with the Spanx Air Essentials Half Zip.”

Color Options: 4 | Sizes: XS-3X

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Best Exercise Dress with Shorts: Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress

Outdoor Voices

Arguably the most well-known exercise dress, Outdoor Voices’ number comes in a variety or colors, adjustable straps, and a built-in shorts liner with two pockets. Not to mention, it’s a Post Wanted favorite.

New York Post Review: “The Outdoor Voices exercise dress is by far my favorite I’ve tried,” Julie Fuschetti, commerce partnerships coordinator, shared. “It’s stretchy and comfortable while keeping everything in place.”

What’s more, she loves to wear it working out, running errands, or even traveling. “It’s so easy to throw on and makes you look put together,” she added.

Color Options: 8 | Sizes: XXS-XL

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Best Budget Exercise Dress: CloudComfy Cami Athletic Dress

Old Navy

Soft, stretchy, and super flattering, the CloudComfy Cami Athletic Dress is made with one of our writers’ favorite fabrics. That said, if you’re looking for an exercise dress that’s ultra-compressive, this might not be the one for you. But if you prioritize comfort, this might just become a gem in your closet.

New York Post Review: “Old Navy’s Powersoft fabric is a longtime favorite of mine due to it being soft and stretchy without super compressive, so, of course, the Powersoft workout dress is the first one I’ve found that’s comfortable enough to wear all day (not just working out!) and actually flattering to my body type,” Angela Tricarico, Decider commerce writer/reporter, said. “I wore this dress last summer on vacation, on walks in my neighborhood, and even to outdoor concerts during the warmest, most humid nights of the season.”

Color Options: 3 | Sizes: XS-4X

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Best Exercise Dress Worth the Splurge: Alo Yoga Alosoft Courtside Tennis Dress

Alo Yoga

Ready to get a million compliments, our Commerce Writer says that’s exactly what’s going to happen if you wear the Alo Yoga Alossoft Courtside dress anywhere. The unique cut makes it look a little less athletic, and a little more courtside-causal.

New York Post Review: “I love that this dress is so chic, but still built for movement,” Miska Salemann, commerce writer/reporter, said, after reviewing the Alo Yoga Alosoft Courtside Tennis Dress. “It features a built-in sports bra and shorts, but it’s also stylish and versatile enough to wear out around the city.”

She also loves how the adjustable straps are “lifesavers” since you can adjust the amount of support you want. “There’s even a sleeve in the hidden shorts that fits a phone. I get so many compliments on it. It’s probably the only sporty dress I will ever wear on and off the court,” Salemann added.

Color Options: 5 | Sizes: XXS-L

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Best Exercise Dress with Built-In Bra: lululemon Align Dress

lululemon

With a pleasing color assortment and an even more divine fit, the lululemon Align Dress is one to watch. We love its inclusion of an inner sports bra, fitting similarly to the brand’s much-adored Align Tank. Known for being buttery soft and ultimately weightless, the full ensemble is ideal to pair with your white sneakers, too. Comfy and chic.

Color Options: 3 | Sizes: 0-20

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Most Comfortable Exercise Dress: Abercrombie Traveler Mini Dress

Abercrombie

Abercrombie’s Traveler Mini Dress is another stylish choice. Armed with built-in shorts, adjustable straps, and a slim phone pocket, you have everything you need to tackle the day. Keep in mind, the spaghetti straps may not offer as much bust support for high-impact activities, but they sure are cute. Our personal recommendation — layer up if needed!

Meaghan Roche wearing her Abercrombie exercise dress. Meaghan Roche

New York Post Review: “I’m obsessed with the clean, comfortable design and effortlessness of this exercise dress from Abercrombie,” Meaghan Roche, Senior Manager, Commerce SEO, told The Post. “With built-in shorts complete with a slim phone pocket, and adjustable straps, this dress is perfect for errands, walks, or actual exercise like tennis, golf, or pickleball.”

However, the classic contrasting colors of the navy and white detailing allow this dress to “even be dressed up for brunch with the girls,” she added.

Color Options: 2 | Sizes: XXS-XXL

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Best Plus-Size Exercise Dress: Halara Backless Cut Out Twisted Side Pocket 2-in-1 Barre Ballet Dance Dress

Halara

The Halara Backless Ballet Dress is fairly priced and hails from a shopper-loved brand. Not to mention, Post Wanted adores its material, especially for work pants. It comes in plus sizes offered in the most colors of any other option on this list, ranging from red, white, sea green, and more. Plus, built-in shelf bra and shorties with pockets for ultimate convenience.

Color Options: 22 | Sizes: XS-4X

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Best Maternity Exercise Dress: Ingrid and Isabel The Tennis Maternity Active Dress

Gap

Staying active during pregnancy can be a momentous challenge, especially when you start working up a sweat just getting out of bed. A comfy and cute workout dress can make all the difference. This one is built with extra stretch to mold to your growing belly, and features wide, nursing-friendly straps for postpartum, too. Good-looking maternity clothing is not easy to come by, which is all the more reason you should consider adding this maternity dress to your collection ASAP.

Color Options: 1 | Sizes: XS-XL

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