Sure, the baggy sweats and t-shirt you’ve worn since high school gym class might be comfortable for lounging, but they might not be the most functional workout wardrobe. They also probably don’t make you look and feel your best or make you look forward to exercising.
We rounded up our favorite, most comfortable workout clothes for 2022. From the materials to the cut, fit, and colors, everything about these pieces is designed to flatter your form while effortlessly flowing with your movement, and lifestyle. We’ve curated this list in the order of bottoms, bras, and tops for your ease of discovery.
Which of these clothes would make your fitness routine more focused and more you?
Our super stretchy and carefree Excel Workout Shorts allow a wide range of motion while providing a medium level of coverage.
Christina says, “I have 7 pairs of these shorts and they fit me perfectly. I’ve run 5ks, CrossFit workouts, yard work, trips to grocery store, almost everything in these shorts. I also like that there is no liner.”
A traditional athletic short with a classic look and next-gen feel, the Indie Sport Short is built to give female athletes top-tier comfort and coverage.
Cherry says, “Finally mid length shorts that don’t cause chub rub/ride up! Cool colors and classic piping detail. Look flattering and feel lightweight and super comfy.”
Fast & Free Women’s Crossfit Shorts are our shortest option for the ultimate freedom to move. The woman-centric design gives this short a body-skimming fit that doesn’t bunch up or restrict.
Courtney D. wrote, “I always struggle to find a good pair of athletic shorts. These are SO comfortable and I don’t feel I have to tug on them! Just the right length and they don’t ride up, and they stay covering my booty! I bought 2, and deciding what color to be my next pair.”
The meaning behind the Triple V Training Short’s name is veni (she came), vidi (she saw), vici (she conquered). It’s crafted with adaptability as the number one priority.
Customer Becky T. says, “Really love how they fit, true to size and so comfy for coaching in. The pockets are an amazing add on to store everything I need whilst on the field!”
The Sheva High Rise Running Short is perfect for women who are into running, one of the best workouts to try at home.
Diane says, “Have purchased many Goal Five shorts and the new Sheva is just what I’d hoped for — liner especially. I like the pleated legs and wide waistband, good for pickleball. Size is great.”
When slide tackles and ground contact ratchet up the intensity of your game, the Slide Force Women’s Spandex Shorts have you covered.
Mia wrote, “I love these spandex shorts so much! My practices and games are on turf and these help me avoid nasty turf burns. I've been looking for tight spandex that doesn't ride up as I run and I finally found these perfect shorts. Many thanks to Goal Five for finally creating the perfect pair of spandex for running and soccer.”
Unmatched fit, feel, and function come together in the Combo Women’s Soccer Tight with Shin Guard Pocket.
Soccer player Liz says, “I'm so happy I decided to try these out. I love the shin guard pocket, will be great for soccer workouts come fall and winter. Wore these on a longer run the other day and I didn't have to pull them up once - number one thing I look for in workout tights and they passed the test. For sure would recommend them to my teammates and friends!”
Valia Women’s Jogger Pants bring the weightless agility of a pair of leggings to a slim, relaxed-fit performance jogger.
Dorene purchased these for all-occasion wear: “Purchased a pair of the XL about a month ago and have hardly used any other pant for my walking/hiking/preswim cover/training pant. I tend to be toward the fuller figure side, and I've found the fit to be exactly what I want. Most pants tend to be too long, but these hit just right. The coverage up to the waist is perfect and the zipper makes for easy off over shoes or swim booties.”
The 99’er Padded Sports Bra exemplifies next-level comfort where it truly counts. Support your fitness goals and your natural shape with a molded fit that never pinches, binds, or constricts.
Natalie wears hers all day! “This bra is by far the all around bra. The colors are so cute. The material is buttery soft. I love that the padding is sewn in so it doesn’t go all over the place. It holds the girls in place all while keeping them supported. You can also wear this bra all day — it’s that comfortable.”
With a modern and stand-out color-blocking design, the Pionxr Bra Top embraces your form and your fearless attitude.
Julia G. writes, “This sports bra promised comfort, high-quality material, and support, and, oh boy, did it deliver! I love the slightly longer length, and the support was enough to get me through my longest run in a while. The material is soft, seamless, and the colors are simply beautiful. This bra will make you feel like a superhero, ready to take on your next active day.”
Never too tight or bulky from excess fabric, the Foudy Women’s Longsleeve Workout Top has sleeves with thumbholes and a just-right hem to stay down and keep you covered.
Customer Stephanie says, “This top is my new favorite long sleeve! The material is so soft I wish all of my clothes could be made from this! The fit is great - enough room to move around in but also fitted enough that I can layer over it if I need to. It’s great for working out or just wearing around town. I would definitely recommend — in fact I’m going to order more!”
For a full-force workout or a comfy day off, reach for the curve-conscious lines of the no-nonsense Advance Women’s Workout Top with luxurious moisture-wicking fabric.
Natalie B. wrote in a review, “This shirt is incredibly soft and comfortable. It won't be coming off and I will be buried in it! No but seriously this shirt is so comfortable and soft. It keeps you dry and cool during those hot sweaty workouts. Not to mention how nice the fit and color of this tee are.”
The fabric, fit, and stitching of the Advance Workout Tank are engineered to keep active women unstoppable. The best workout tops are the ones you barely notice after getting dressed and realizing you feel powerful and motivated to chase your fitness goals.
Tennis player SR says, “I have this top in 4 out of the 5 colors. I love the way the fabric feels; more comfortable than other brand’s dri fit. The style and cut is just right - not too tight and not too loose. I don’t play soccer but this is my top when I play tennis..
Throw on a layer of peak comfort over that tank or tee shirt. The stretchy and lightweight Freasy Hoodie goes great with your warm-up routine and your commute to practice or the gym.
This hoodie is comfy enough for everyone! Jack says, “It's so freaking comfortable and such a breathable, soft material. It totally has that worn in feel to it which I love. It feels like I've been wearing it for years. I also love how the hood lays flat on your back and isn't super puffy like some other hoodies. Definitely one of my favorite hoodies I own now, and I can not recommend it enough, for both guys and girls!”
It can be frustrating to navigate the variable sizes and styles of all the workout brands out there, especially when shopping online. But if you know what to look for, finding the perfect gear at affordable prices comes down to a basic formula of the following factors:
Small, medium, large, and even numbered sizes can vary. Use a tape measure to get your body measurements. Find a size chart to match yourself to the right size in the individual brand and garment you want.
Notice the shape, size, and measurements of your favorite, best-fitting clothes and compare.
If something doesn’t fit quite right, you’ll want to send it back or get a different size. Check stores’ policies to make sure you can return or exchange your purchase.
Moisture-wicking fabric will draw sweat away from your skin and evaporate it quickly instead of absorbing too much. COOLMAX® and SUPPLEX® are examples of moisture-wicking materials in workout clothes that draw moisture away from you without becoming soaked.
At first glance, natural, soft cotton can seem like the logical go-to since it’s a breathable fabric, but it’s actually too absorbent to wick away moisture. Cotton clothes can get weighed down when you sweat, and are typically better as a sweatshirt or other top layer.
Many workout clothes have specific purposes. For example, yoga pants need to be fitted, flexible, and stretchy, and wide-legged pants are a no-go for running or riding a bike. The type of activities you do will determine the balance between a movement-promoting loose fit and a more fitted structure.
On hot sunny days, you may need extra-moisture-wicking, breathable clothes that incorporate mesh to cool you down. Counterintuitively, you might also need the right fabric and the right amount of coverage for sun protection.
The best thing for an outdoor workout in cold weather is to wear several layers you can easily remove as your body temperature rises. In particularly cold temperatures, cover your head, hands, and ears.
For wet conditions like snow and rain, opt for items that insulate and have a protective, water-resistant outer barrier.
The best clothes to work out in have the right shape, fit, weight, and fabric to allow for the movements and conditions of your workout.
The best women’s workout clothes are breathable fabrics that keep you dry. They’re structured to fit the female body in a comfortable way without a distracting excess of fabric and without inhibiting movement.
Do you already have any of these pieces? Did anything grab your attention? Browse the rest of our selection, and tell us what you love about these comfortable workout clothes on Instagram @goalfive.
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