As temperatures continue to rise, it can become harder to motivate yourself to move, especially if your activewear could use a refresh. After all, there’s nothing like a saggy, sweat-filled sports bra to weigh your workout down, and chafing from uncomfortable, damp shorts? Forget about it.
The good news is that many of your favorite brands are rising to the challenge, with breathable, moisture-wicking styles designed to keep you cool and dry (not to mention stink-proof).
From breezy crop tops to flowy shorts (including the water-resistant belt bag that you’ll want to wear everywhere), read on for a range of stylish, smart pieces that will carry you through the final stretch of the season.
NIKE Indy Mesh-Trimmed Dri-Fit Stretch Sports Bra
If your sports bras aren’t offering the same support as they used to (or you could just use a breather), this racerback from NIKE could be just what the trainer ordered. It’s made with a special sweat-wicking Dri-Fit fabric for keeping sweat at bay and trimmed with mesh for added ventilation. Thin straps and pad inserts make the low-impact style compatible (and customizable!) for a range of shirt styles and occasions (there’s also a ‘Swoosh’ style for medium-impact workouts like cycling, hiking and dancing .)
Longline Sports Bra
Take it down a notch with this longline wrap-back sports bra, which doubles as a yoga tank (or really anywhere tank) and has a near-perfect rating on Amazon. It also comes in whopping 8 shades, as well as a strappy design, for days and nights when you want to mix things up.
Sweaty Betty Seamless Workout Tank
Seamless workout tanks are a fitness staple, and Sweaty Betty has garnered a cult-like following for its sweat-wicking racerback. The fabric is so lightweight that it glides on like a second, softer skin and the breathable, four-way stretch means it moves with you as you go. Scoop up a new hue or two (we’re loving the Electric Blue and Shocking Orange for summer months) and never run out of something active to wear again. The last time we checked, the brand was also having a sale on select colors.
Mippo Cropped Tank
If the crop is more your style, it doesn’t get much cuter than this top-rated muscle tank from Mippo, which has a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric and can be worn loose (cool breeze!) or tied at the side, front or back for a tighter fit (great for looser bottoms, such as skirts). It also comes in 16 shades for all of your fitness and everyday needs.
Outdoor Voices Flow 7” Short
Speaking of bottoms, you can’t go wrong with a pair of high-rise studios, and fashion meets function in these beloved shorts from Outdoor Voices. They boast a five-star rating for their soft (read: butter-like) FreeFoam fabric that offers sufficient coverage without feeling heavy, along with a flexible fold-over waistband and 7” inseam. Plus, they’re machine washable for easy cleaning.
Blooming Jelly Quick-Dry Running Shorts
For a looser style, consider these jogging shorts from Blooming Jelly, which feature a comfortable, flat elastic waist, are made of a quick-drying fabric, and have insets along the sides for added breathability. Compression underwear lining helps keep the shorts in place so you don’t have to keep adjusting throughout your course and side pockets offer additional storage space. Opt for a cheetah or tie-dye pattern to make it a fun run!
BMJL High-Waisted Elastic Waistband Workout Shorts
If you like the style of a jogger, but the support of a high-waisted yoga short, opt for this hybrid from BMJL, which features a full short lining and waistband cover made of lightweight, yet durable fabric. Like some of the other styles on our list, this pick also has pockets for keeping small essentials close.
KuaCua Workout Dress
If you’re ready to get back out there, but not quite ready to ditch your stretch pants, try easing in with a workout dress. This sweat-wicking style from KuaCua, complete with a short liner and pockets, is a star on the tennis court, golf course and well beyond, including weekend errands and Sunday brunch.
Allbirds Women’s Tree Dashers
Mid-summer slump? Put a little pep in your step with these new Tree Dashers from Allbirds, which boast a mesh upper for breathability, along with odor-minimizing fabric for sweat and stink-free stride. They’re also made of renewable materials so you can feel even better about your workout (and they’re machine washable — a savior for lighter shades and adventure-filled days!).
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
Last, but certainly not least, go hands-free with this belt bag from Lululemon, which offers just enough storage space for your keys, phone, sunscreen, and other necessities without feeling bulky or weighing you down and has a water-resistant fabric for staying dry. Once you own one, you will understand where the bag gets its name because you will find yourself wearing it literally everywhere.
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