The Best Gym Wear for Women

Nail workouts in stylish gym wear that keeps you feeling and looking your best. Explore our picks of the best tops, shorts and leggings

Content editor

Else Hutt

Woman wearing a black cropped vest with black leggings

Find the most flattering gym leggings

Wearing the right gym leggings won’t only enhance your performance, it’ll boost your confidence too. So we recommend choosing a pair with a mid-to-high-rise waist, like Goodmove's Go Train leggings, to define and flatter your figure. Added bonus? They’re made from moisture-wicking fabric that also has blackout technology for extra coverage.

If you’re heading to a low-impact class, Lilybod’s Zara leggings are a great choice. They’re made in a sculpting design with a wide waistband and slim fit throughout the leg, then finished with a flared hem.

Feeling bold? Experiment with vibrant colour and pattern to boost your workout looks. Discover Sweaty Betty’s leopard-print Power leggings. They’re made with added stretch and shaped seams, plus they have an internal drawcord for an adjustable fit. Or, look to Sketcher’s Goflex style in fuchsia pink. The vibrant colour combined with the high-rise compression waistband will keep you feeling confident as you train.

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Woman wearing a navy sports vest and bike shorts.

Choosing the best women's gym shorts, tops and bras

Ideally, the best gym shorts should be made from airy, lightweight fabric that moves with you. We’ve got our eye on these Aeroready 2-in-1 shorts from Adidas, that have a close-fitting under layer that offers extra support and coverage. Or, Lilybod’s bike shorts are a great option if you’d like something more form-fitting.

When choosing gym tops and T-shirts, decide between a slim or relaxed silhouette depending on your needs. Sweaty Betty’s Athlete Seamless vest comes in sweat-wicking jersey with four-way stretch for a sculpting, no-hassle finish that's ideal for intense sessions. Alternatively, Lilybod’s cotton T-shirt is cut to a loose shape, ideal for more relaxed classes.

If you're looking for the best bras for the gym, it’s important to consider what kind of workout you’re doing. For high-intensity exercise, pick a style with extra support, like Goodmove’s Ultimate Support sports bra. Made in an underwired design with unpadded cups, it’ll keep you supported and comfortable. If you’re planning a low-intensity workout like yoga, we recommend a medium-support bra, like this reversible style from Goodmove. It’s made from super soft jersey in a seamless design.

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Woman wearing a pink sweatshirt with black leggings.

What to wear to the gym in winter and summer

The good thing about dressing for the gym is that you’re (hopefully) guaranteed to break a sweat and there should always be air con. So, your outfits can pretty much stay the same throughout the year, with the only exception being what you wear to and from the gym.

If you're stuck on what to wear to the gym in the summer, we recommend adding a few accessories to your usual outfits. A cap in extra breathable fabric, like this Under Armour style that's made with perforated panels, is a great choice. Or, look to sunglasses to complete your look on especially hot days.

Come winter, warm up your sportswear with a cosy sweatshirt. We’re currently coveting Goodmove’s relaxed sweatshirt in a soft blush mallow that’s perfect for bringing a touch of colour to your look. For ultimate comfort, pack some joggers to change into after your workout. We’re loving Sportscraft’s track-inspired pair in navy with white side stripes for a sporty touch.

No women’s gym outfit is complete without accessories — think a large water bottle and spacious bag to store your belongings in.

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Published 8.7.2025