Don't Know Which Athletic Dress To Buy? These Are The Most-Loved Styles
If you want to upgrade your summer-to-fall workout wardrobe, the perfect addition is an athletic dress. While they might make you think of tennis or golf, they're surprisingly versatile and work for a range of physical activities. Think: running, hiking, or hey, even bar hopping. Not to mention, sports dresses have technical features that make them both pretty and practical. For example, many of them have built-in bras and shorts, making them the perfect all-in-one solution to toss into your bag for a quick after-work gym session. Also, built-in bike shorts help eliminate another one of summer's less-pleasant side effects: thigh chafing.
Of course, not all athletic dresses are created equal, and not all are suitable for every situation. Luckily, we’ve taken the work out of your workout dress shopping and created a Top 10 list filled with options that are sure to fit the bill no matter what your sport of choice is—even if that choice is running errands.
How We Found The Best Athletic Dresses
At Rank & Style, we use a proprietary algorithm to create our Top 10 lists. We take into account things like best-seller lists and social media buzz, as well as the opinions of industry experts to make the final call. Because our algorithm is unbiased, you can trust you’re really learning about best-in-class products when you scroll through our lists. So check out the list below to find out which exercise dresses you should buy this summer.
Next up, check out the 10 Best Tie-Back Workout Tops.
Words:Rank & Style
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Move It Dress
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: This slim-fitting dress has built-in shorts, plus thick straps and a shelf bra for moderate bust support. But the signature spacedye fabric is what really sets it apart. It has an incredibly soft and comfortable feel and four-way stretch, so it moves with you no matter how strenuous your workout is. It also wicks moisture and has UV protection, is easy to care for, and was made in the USA.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: Customers say this dress runs a bit small, so consider sizing up if you’re between sizes.
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Aerie OFFLINE Exercise Dress
WHO IT’S FOR: For the person who wants a workout dress that doesn’t look like a workout dress, this one is for you. It features a slight cowl neckline and vertical seaming to help visually lengthen the silhouette. However, the real surprise is the low, strappy back that you never saw coming in a sports dress.
WHERE TO WEAR: This dress is perfect for low-impact activities—you’ll really appreciate its open back at a hot yoga class.
Reformation Bella Ecomove Active Dress
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: This one gives off major modern tennis dress vibes. The performance fabric in the fitted top means you have the support to wear the deep V-neck style without a sports bra if you choose to, and there are shorts built into the flared mini skirt, so you’re covered there too.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: The Bella active dress also comes in white and a very cute polka-dotted print.
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Eco Friendly
Athleta Expedition Dress
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: Reviewers love this athletic dress for its unique silhouette and easy-to-move-in fabric. From a zippered top to mesh ventilation, it's designed to be breathable, so you can where it anywhere–think hiking, climbing, and exploring the outdoors.
USER REVIEW: "I love this dress so much I now have it in two colors! The material is perfect to help keep me cool in this Texas heat, and sweat dries quickly. Very comfortable and flattering and easy to get in and out of. True to size fit as well. I hope they offer more colors so I can add them to my closet!"
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Madewell MWL Flex Fitness Dress
WHERE TO WEAR: This Madewell best-seller is a jack-of-all-trades dress, ready to be worn anywhere and everywhere. Complete with built-in shorts, a phone/tennis ball pocket, sweat-wicking fabric, and UPF 40+ sun protection, it's as effective as it is stylish. So while you're on the go, you'll be sure to rake in the compliments as well.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This dress does it all. In addition to the aforementioned qualities, it's also sustainably crafted from recycled polyester taken from plastic water bottles.
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Eco Friendly
Alo Yoga Alosoft Courtside Tennis Dress
WHO IT'S FOR: With its sweetheart neckline, this is one of the most unique options in the bunch. As the name suggests, the signature Alosoft fabric is cozy, but don't be afraid to wear it in warm weather. It's still super lightweight and breathable, and there are adjustable cami straps for a just-right fit.
HELPFUL TIP: This dress runs small, so consider sizing up for a looser fit.
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Girlfriend Collective Paloma Racerback Dress
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Girlfriend Collective took its best-selling bra and turned it into a dress. Not surprisingly, it’s amazing. The dress has compressive fabric and medium bust support, and it's available in a range of sizes from XXS-6X.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: When you’re done with this dress, you can send it back to the brand's ReGirlfriend program so they can recycle it into other clothes.
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Eco Friendly
HDE Exercise Workout Dress
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: With its lightweight and quick-drying material, this dress is perfect for an outdoor workout on a hot summer day. It has built-in shorts with pockets so you can be hands-free while you exercise, and it comes in 13 color and pattern options.
USER REVIEW: “I was nervous about ordering at first, as I was afraid it would be really cheaply made. But it's actually great quality, very cute, and fits me perfectly. It comes with built-in shorts, which is great. It's also very lightweight and not see-through."
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Abercrombie & Fitch Traveler Mini Dress
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: This strappy mini dress is as much about fashion as it is about function. It has a cute '90s style that’s all the rage, but the supportive fabric and built-in shorts make it perfect for light exercise.
USER REVIEW: "I've gotten so many compliments every time I've worn this! It's super cute and comfy and by far my favorite dress I've bought. I don't usually write reviews, but if I could live every day in this dress, I would. I want it in every color!"
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Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Originators of the modern exercise dress, this style from Outdoor Voices covers all the bases. The back has adjustable straps, the built-in shorts have leg grips to keep them from riding up, and there are two pockets for all of your valuables.
USER REVIEW: "The hype for this dress is completely warranted. I now own three colors and want to get a fourth for summer. It is so versatile and so flattering. I love to tell people that you can exercise, go grocery shopping, or day drink in this dress. It is a closet staple."
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