Shopping·9 min read

Workout Clothes to Keep You Cool and Comfortable This Summer

summer-workout-clothes
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Alo Yoga, Abercrombie & Fitch
May 14, 2024

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Warm weather is incoming, so we're planning our outdoor running routes, unrolling our yoga mats on the deck, and trading our leggings for bike shorts and tennis skirts. So in the spirit of shedding a few layers, we’ve found sports bras you can wear as tops, tops that don’t require a bra underneath, and the most breathable fabrics. Don’t worry, all of these styles are also running-errands approved.

muscle-tank
FP Movement

A tank top that doesn’t require a bra…

The last thing you want when it’s hot outside is to feel like you have so many layers on you can’t breathe. This tank is made of a compressive ribbed fabric, so it’ll hold you in without wearing it over a sports bra (even reviewers with bigger boobs confirm it offers support sans bra). It’s stretchy and cropped for the perfect fit. You can’t go wrong with the white, but the other colors are fun, too. ($40, FP Movement)

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good-karma-bra
FP Movement

A sports bra you can wear as a top…

Anything in the Good Karma line at FP Movement, we’re buying. This bra has a flattering square neckline and wide, supportive straps that never dig into your shoulders. We love pairing it with the bike shorts for a matching set. Since it’s a longline style, you can also get away with wearing it as a top with some high-waisted shorts for brunch. ($48, FP Movement)

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nike-bra
Nike

A sports bra we’ve been wearing forever…

One of our editors is a staunch supporter of this classic Nike sports bra and has been wearing it since middle school cheer practice — maybe even the same one, don’t @ her. Though it’s not padded, she finds it’s compressive enough even for high-intensity workouts. The best part? There are no removable pads, so you won’t have to go fishing in the dryer after you wash it. ($26.97+, Nike)

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longline-bra
Nordstrom

A longline bra that’s better than more expensive versions…

Pro tip: We've found this bra to be just as cute as a pricier, similar version you may have seen on Instagram. It’s stretchy and soft, but keeps everything in place for yoga, Pilates, you name it. It pairs nicely with leggings, bike shorts, and a tennis skirt. ($49, Nordstrom)

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bike-shorts
Alo Yoga

The perfect bike shorts…

We will never be letting go of our Alo bike shorts. The length is just right for the summer heat, and the fabric is soft, sculpting, and wicks away any moisture. Grab the black to pair with a matching top, then also grab the fun pink. It’s too good to resist. ($64, Alo Yoga)

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running-shorts
Lululemon

Our favorite running shorts with added length…

We hoped for days like these. Lululemon finally made the Speed Up short with a few extra inches of coverage. Plus, these are high-rise for even more comfort. We love that they’re light and breezy and have a built-in lining, so you don’t have to wear anything underneath. ($68, Lululemon)

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short-sleeve-shirt
Lululemon

A cropped short-sleeve shirt that’s so versatile…

We bought the long-sleeve one in the fall and could not believe how much we wore it, so we were delighted to find this one. It’s seamless, feels like wearing nothing, and is just cropped enough. It’s great to throw on for Pilates, daily walks, or running errands. You’ll reach for it more than you think, and it pairs nicely with the shorts above. ($68, Lululemon)

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amazon-bra
Amazon

A sports bra with removable padding…

This classic spaghetti-strap bra has padding for extra support, but you can remove it for a lighter-weight feel. The Y-back design allows for maximum arm movement and the material feels like butter. It comes in more than 40 colors, so it’s not hard to find a match to your other workout gear. ($28, Amazon)

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athletic-dress
Abercrombie & Fitch

An athletic dress to get into tenniscore…

If you’ve seen Zendaya’s new movie, you immediately went home and started browsing tennis outfits. Just us? This polo dress features a zippered neckline, a cute collar, and a cutout in the back for extra ventilation. Wear it on the courts, then add sandals to head to brunch. ($80, Abercrombie & Fitch)

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skort
Girlfriend Collective

A sporty skirt with built-in shorts…

We love Girlfriend Collective’s high-rise leggings, so when we saw this skort, we knew we had to have it. It’s made with the same comfy compressive material and has shorts underneath, so you’re fully covered. There are even pockets to stash your phone or lip balm. Grab the matching top and you’re out the door. ($72, Girlfriend Collective)

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old-navy-bra
Old Navy

A longline bra that’s super comfortable…

We’ve said this before, but do not sleep on the activewear at Old Navy. This top is affordable, breathable, and requires no bra underneath. You don’t have to worry about anything popping out when you’re bending over or jumping up and down. Plus, it’s made of a special cotton that stays cool. ($13.47+, Old Navy)

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prince-shirt
Target

A short-sleeve T-shirt from a classic tennis brand…

Target’s collaboration with heritage tennis brand Prince is too good to pass up, including this bright green, cropped short-sleeve tee for days you want a little more coverage. It’s soft, loose-fitting and looks cute with the matching tennis skirt. ($20, Target)

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beyond-yoga-bra
Beyond Yoga

A bra that supports larger chests…

It’s made with body-contouring material that’ll hug you in all the right places, while allowing you to breathe and move as you please. The heathered fabric is breathable and sweat-wicking, and the pads are removable. It comes in sizes XXS–4X and looks great with the matching bike shorts. ($66, Beyond Yoga)

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socks
Amazon

The best athletic socks we’ve ever worn…

We’ve been wearing these Balega socks for years. They’re made of breathable yarn that never rubs and keeps our feet from overheating, no matter the activity. The extra cushioning in the toe and heel will relieve pressure while you’re walking or running. Plus, even the discreet, no-show styles don’t roll down. ($15, Amazon)

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