Dresses might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you are getting ready for a sweat sesh, but sometimes they can actually be better to work out in. If you’re imagining accidental flashings or lackluster support in the chest area while in one, you’re in luck — most workout dresses on the market now have built-in bras and shorts, making them more of a supportive bodysuit with a skirt rather than a billowing dress.
Wearing dresses during sports stemmed (unsurprisingly) from strict rules around how women should dress, even while exercising. Corsets and full-length skirts were pretty normal garb for tennis matches in the early 1900s, making it rather hard to run to return a shot or play at all. Needless to say, things have changed since then.
We’re definitely not donning our finest gowns to play a game of tennis, pickleball, or golf anymore, but wearing a dress can still offer more freedom of movement than stiff shorts or long sleeve shirts. And it seems we're not the only ones who think so, as workout dresses have been trending as of late. Thanks to the continued athleisure obsession and the recent tennis outfit trend (which Katie happens to dig), the style is a hit in and out of the gym, on or off the court.
Whether you’re looking for a workout dress to wear to a pilates class, toss on while you run errands, or you just want to channel your inner Princess Diana (the queen of sporty-chic), here are some workout dresses that you can wear for just about anything — no athletic ability required.
The Best Workout Dresses of 2026
lululemon Layered Racerback Tennis Dress
lululemon
This dress has a longer hemline, making it the ultimate dress for those who want a little more coverage. The shorts underneath have a seven-inch inseam to prevent chafing, and it has a built-in bra and an open back to help support you without restricting your game.
Tory Burch Performance Jersey Tennis Dress
Something about this dress screams “summer in the Hamptons.” Maybe it’s the color combo or the polo-inspired fit, but we’re loving every bit of it. This is a true dress, so there’s no built-in bra or shorts, but it's moisture wicking and made to be your go-to summer whites.
Abercrombie YPB sculptLUX Mini Dress
Abercrombie
Abercrombie & Fitch has come a long way from the days of logo T-shirts and low-rise jeans, and we’re excited to embrace the brand’s new style. While everyone is raving about their high-rise jeans and linen pieces, they also have a few workout dresses that are surprisingly chic. This classic cut has adjustable straps that can also be linked together to convert it into a racerback style, and it comes in three length options. Under the dress, built-in shorts ensure you won’t have any wardrobe malfunctions, and it has a pocket to hold your phone. There isn’t a bra built into this dress, but reviewers say the material is compressive enough to keep them feeling supported without the need to wear a bra underneath.
Quince Power-Up Square Neck Dress
Quince
For only $55, you're not going to get more bang for your buck than with this Quince number. Its thicker straps provide more support, but there's a flirty slit that makes it less frumpy. And don't forget to pair it with Quince's high-quality pickleball paddles!
Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress
Outdoor Voices
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to show a little skin, especially in the summertime! Outdoor Voices is known for this classic spaghetti strap workout dress, with a versatile silhouette made with built in shorts for exercising, but it also looks cute enough for daily wear.
Centerline Sleeveless Polo Dress
Centerline
Whether you're hitting the green or the tennis courts, this dress will put a prep in your step! From its bubblegum-pink color and flattering fit to its moisture-wicking, antibacterial performance fabric, this dress is designed to keep you comfortable and confident.
Line in the Sand Splash Around Swim Dress
Line in the Sand
This is one of Katie's favorite summer staples. If you hate putting on sunscreen, this dress is for you. Long sleeves keep you protected from the sun, but the ruched sides allow you to make the dress as short or as long as you’d like. Not only does the coverage protect you, but there’s built-in UPF 50+ to ensure you don’t get burned. There aren’t any built-in shorts or bra in this one, but because it’s built for fun in the sun, you can easily slip on a bathing suit underneath as a base layer.
