From sports bras to leggings, these are the workout clothes that actually survive a workout

As summer approaches and days grow longer and warmer, motivation to build fitness peaks. And whether you’re hitting the gym, joining a running club, or attending yoga classes, high-quality workout clothes are non-negotiable. In fact, the best workout clothes for women do some of the heavy lifting for you: crafted from moisture-wicking fabrics, they’re breathable and durable, yet they offer just the perfect amount of support and stretch where needed. It’s the sports bras, gym leggings, and activewear sets that help bolster your motivation – the ones that get you to your workout even on your most reluctant days.

​With trends like ‘hot girl walk’, ‘Pilates princess’ and ‘balletcore’ sweeping the zeitgeist in recent years, the market has become saturated with activewear and workout clothes for women that promise to strike the sweet spot between functional and fashionable. But sweaty sessions call for a wardrobe that can actually survive the workout, not simply look the part. Issues like lack of sweat control, sheerness, thigh chafing, and poor fit and quality are exactly what we want to avoid, and they can sometimes be difficult to detect until it’s too late.

​But fret not. Ahead, Vogue Scandinavia has sifted through the masses to curate the ultimate edit of the best workout clothes for women to shop now. From sports bras for all support levels, and gym leggings that don’t roll or turn sheer, to activewear sets that double as a styling shortcut, explore our shopping desk’s definitive selection below.

Finding the right sports bra – arguably the cornerstone of workout clothes for women – comes down to one key factor: support. The best sports bras are those that combine comfort, durability and functionality with a secure fit. Nothing throws off a workout quite like a sports bra that doesn’t stay put, is too loose, or, conversely, feels too restrictive and digs in. Ultimately, the ideal option depends on the kind of workout you’re doing, i.e. whether your exercise is high-impact or low-impact, or something in between. Here’s how to find the perfect style to suit your needs:

​High-impact sports bra: High-intensity workouts like HIIT and running require a sports bra with maximum support and stability. Opt for pieces made from quick-drying, compressive fabrics or styles with encapsulation (contoured cups), finished with wide straps and a secure underband. These features will help minimise excessive movement. Meanwhile, racerback design and adjustable straps often achieve a better fit.

​Medium support sports bra: If your workout routine mostly consists of strength training and cycling, a medium support sports bra will fit the bill. It offers a great balance of support and comfort, without feeling overly compressed or restrictive. Look for sports bras crafted from softer, stretchier fabrics that still offer gentle compression.

​Low support sports bra: Pilates, yoga, stretching, power walks. These are the exercises suited for a low-support sports bra. Akin to a second skin, this style offers only light support and prioritises softness over structure. These seamless, supple sports bras, often crafted from lightweight, flexible fabrics, move effortlessly with you.

Throw away that big old T-shirt you’ve been wearing to the gym – a proper workout top is as important as a supportive sports bra and reliable gym leggings. The best gym tops make your workout more enjoyable. They don’t cling uncomfortably, trap heat or leave sweat marks, even if you are breaking a sweat at the gym. The options for workout tops for women are wide-ranging, and the best practice is to choose a style that’s suited to your exercise routine.

​Moisture-wicking performance tops harnessing technical fabrics are ideal for high-intensity workouts like running and HIIT training. For gentler sessions such as yoga or Pilates, look for soft, lightweight tops, preferably form-fitting, to avoid excess fabric getting in the way of movement. Cropped styles work well in warmer environments, especially when paired with high-waisted leggings, enhancing breathability and eliminating bulk. Meanwhile, full-length gym tops offer more coverage and comfort and are often better at absorbing and disguising sweat.

Sweatshirts and gym tops go hand in hand. After all, you’ll want to ensure your muscles stay warm and primed between sets. Leave heavy, unbreathable fabrics in the locker room. A good workout sweatshirt keeps you warm without overheating. It’s easy to throw on without being too bulky to move in, and it boosts comfort while your body catches a break. Cotton blends and technical fabrics are the safest choices here.

​Opt for a relaxed silhouette for breezy wear and cosiness. Meanwhile, a cropped sweatshirt works well in warmer settings. Zip-ups offer practicality and ventilation. If you’re training in colder climes, look for styles with fleece-lined interiors.

A pair of hard-wearing gym leggings is a workout wardrobe essential. Great leggings are the ones that you barely even notice wearing. They don’t roll, slip or go sheer, letting you fully focus on the session at hand, no matter how intense it might be.

​One of the biggest frustrations during a workout is having to constantly adjust your leggings that don’t stay put. To avoid rolling or slipping, look for high-waisted styles that feature wide, supportive waistbands. Sheer fabrics are reserved for other occasions. The best gym leggings remain fully opaque even when stretched, and conceal sweat marks.

​Select thicker, well-constructed fabrics that retain breathability and allow for easy movement. Fabric recovery is key: a pair of great gym leggings will hold their shape and see you through countless workouts (and washes) without piling, stretching and fading.

​Summer is just around the corner. For warm-weather workouts, gym shorts are a must-have. Favour similar features to those found in high-quality gym leggings: a generous, secure waistband that prevents rolling. Breathable yet structured fabrics with minimal seams for coverage and a snug fit. This will also help to avoid thigh chafing. For low-intensity workouts, reach for styles fashioned from lighter – but not flimsy – fabrics for ease of movement and to avoid excess heat.

​A common issue with gym shorts and biker shorts is their tendency to ride up. Choosing a slightly longer inseam with a well-fitting pair with a good grip can help prevent this. When it comes to length, styles that sit mid-thigh or just above the knee usually hit the sweet spot.

​Running shorts, on the other hand, are a different ball game. Typically designed with a flowy and relaxed silhouette, their mesh or ventilated panels provide a welcome breeze during long summertime jogs. Some brands, such as Lululemon, also offer double-layered styles for added comfort. The best pairs should sit securely at the waist, while remaining ultra-lightweight and airy, never weighing down.

​Activewear sets are the true workhorses of this edit. A smart styling shortcut, they save you the hassle of sourcing separates and instead offer a ready-made workout outfit rendered in cohesive colours and materials, with no risk of mismatched shades or textures. While they are convenient and travel-friendly, lending themselves to an intentional look that can be easily remixed, the same rule applies here as with other workout clothes for women: choose function over fashion.

​Whether it’s a sports bra and leggings set or a gym top and leggings set, the best activewear sets combine performance with versatility. Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that offer enough support are key. Make sure each piece is designed with the same features you’d look for in separates, ensuring a secure, well-fitting result across both.