Best Summer Workout Apparel for Women 2024

Updated June 28, 2024 11:15AM

Crushing your summer workout isn’t just about mental fortitude or a high heat tolerance—what you wear can seriously impact performance, too. Clothing that wicks moisture, shields harsh rays, and provides ample ventilation can spell the difference between a workout high and a full-on sufferfest.

We spent over 200 hours testing nearly 50 products in conditions as hot as 100 degrees. Our goal: identify the best women’s summer workout clothing to elevate your exercise game. Here are the tops and shorts to shop now.

At a Glance

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Summer Workout Tops

Vuori Pose Plyo Tank

Pros and Cons
⊕ Stylish design
⊕ Soft, comfortable fabric
⊗ Not enough support for running
⊗ Crop cut and bust support may not be comfortable for some

This cropped tank earned top style points, with three testers scoring it a 10 out of 10 for aesthetics. The high neck and racerback design created a sleek, sporty look that lead tester Jenny McCoy enjoyed wearing both during and outside of workouts; it quickly became her go-to option for running errands and lounging at home. Colorado-based tester Megan Giehl described the rayon-elastane fabric as soft, comfortable, and breathable for barre, indoor cycling, and outdoor walks in conditions as warm at 95 degrees.

The built-in bra secured Jenny’s chest as she performed a variety of movements in HIIT and strength workouts, including jumping jacks and squat jumps, but she noted it didn’t provide enough support for longer-duration high-impact activities, like running. Lastly, not everyone was a fan of the trendy, cropped style: Jenny only felt comfortable wearing the shirt with high-waisted bottoms, and another tester found it too short for any occasion.

Helly Hansen Tech Split Back Tank 2.0

Pros and Cons
⊕ Silky fabric
⊕ Split back design provides ventilation
⊕ Versatile adaptability
⊗ Minimalist style may not appeal to all

The split-back design of this top kept testers cool during a variety of workouts, including hiking, HIIT workouts, strength sessions, and walks in 90-degree heat. Though two testers found the loose, billowy style to be ill-suited for moves like pikes and yoga inversions, NYC tester Elle Brunsdale discovered that by tying the two back ends together, the shirt transformed into a more secure, form-fitting garment. “I like having the back open while I’m running or otherwise moving around vertically for the extra air flow to keep me cool,” she said. “For horizontal movements, like pendulum push-ups, I like having the back tied together for a tighter style.” Another tester praised the recycled polyester-elastane fabric for its breathability, and called it, “very smooth,” and “silky to the touch,” while a third tester enjoyed the shirt’s generous length, which covered her crotch and the top of her thighs so she felt confident wearing it with tight shorts.

Fabletics Dry-Flex Muscle Tank

Pros and Cons
⊕ Butter-soft fabric
⊕ Loose, comfortable styling
⊕ Wide range of inclusive sizes
⊗ Cropped, flowing design not suitable for activities like yoga or Pilates

Testers loved the soft, lightweight fabric of this shirt; Jenny described it as “velvety” and “buttery” and even slept in the top several times—because it was that comfortable. Beyond its luxe feel, the flowy, loose style proved functional as testers wore it on long hikes and during cardio and resistance classes without overheating. Jenny appreciated that the cropped bottom was longer in length than some that she says feel “inappropriately short,” and liked that the high neck provided sun protection for her chest, such as on a 90-minute hike in 60-degree weather. Another tester raved about the overall aesthetic, saying the barely-there feel and muscle top style made her feel “strong and confident.” Though the cropped, loose style was a hit for cardio workouts, testers warned that it may not be suitable for activities like yoga or Pilates where the excess fabric could be distracting.

Nathan SportsWomen’s Sprinter Sleeveless Shirt

Pros and Cons
⊕ Quick drying fabric
⊕ Flowy design boosts ventilation
⊕ High neck adds sun protection
⊗ Boxy design more functional than stylish

This mesh fabric top is marketed as having “superior moisture management,” and Jenny discovered that claim to be spot on. During a sunny 6-mile high alpine hike, an unexpected downpour soaked Jenny but this lightweight, water-wicking top didn’t get saturated, helping her avoid hypothermia as her temperature dropped. In less extreme conditions, one tester said the loose, crop-style top provided ample breathability on sweaty outdoor runs and didn’t stick to her skin.

Jenny said the arm holes—which were a “nice balance between loose but not too baggy”—prevented sweat from pooling during a 60-minute indoor strength workout. One tester appreciated how the high neck design helped shield her chest from the sun, but docked the top’s style. “It’s not as cute as I’d typically want,” she said, describing the boxy style as “more utilitarian.” And, given the loose cut, she wouldn’t recommend the top for any activity involving inversions.

Nathan Dash 2.0 Short Sleeve Shirt

Pros and Cons
⊕ Soft, stretchy, and sweat-wicking fabric
⊕ Flattering, stylish cut
⊕ Versatile for any type of workout
⊗ Limited sizing range

By far our testers’ favorite pick in 2023, this minimalist t-shirt is functional, comfortable, and stylish. Made with a polyester-nylon-elastane performance blend that’s oh-so-soft and stretchy, this top wicked away our testers’ sweat during a variety of workouts, including a walk in 80-degree weather and a 30-minute indoor strength session. The flattering, relaxed fit, which Elle described as “loose in a good way,” provided ample ventilation and breathability, and, she said, remained comfortable as she busted out burpees. The top even performed well in an impromptu workout: Jenny was wearing it when she had to sprint a mile through the airport and arrived at her gate with zero chafing or obvious sweat stains.

Workout Shorts

Alder Roots x alder Cargo Short

Pros and Cons
⊕ Thick, supportive waistband
⊕ Durable fabric
⊕ Wide range of inclusive sizes
⊗ Too bulky for high-intensity activities like running and yoga

A favorite of all three testers who tried them, these high-waisted, cargo-style shorts ranked high in fit and comfort. Jenny enjoyed the “snug but not constricting” waistband and Megan appreciated the inner drawstring that she called “comfortable” and “not bulky.” The fabric, a water-resistant nylon-spandex blend, felt “very practical and durable,” said Megan, who tested the shorts during hiking, biking, and walking workouts.

The 5-inch inseam and loose fit through the legs provided ventilation that helped Jenny avoid a sweaty crotch as she taught a 45-minute fitness class in 81-degree weather and walked outside for an hour in 90-degree heat. The short’s pockets were another plus: two deep, open pockets on the side and one zip pocket in the back provided generous storage options for necessities like a phone, keys, and wallet. Testers loved these shorts for strength training as well outdoor activities like hiking and walking, but noted they would be too bulky for running, yoga, Pilates, and barre workouts.

Alo Yoga Ivy League Dolphin Short

Pros and Cons
⊕ Thick, supportive waistband
⊕ Lightweight, soft fabric
⊕ Functional pockets
⊗ Limited sizing for folks with bigger bodies
⊗ 2.5-inch length may feel too short for some

These flowy, lightweight bottoms ticked all the boxes Megan looks for in shorts: “They had pockets, a thick waistband, were stylish, cool/breathable, and had built-in underwear support,” she said. Another tester raved about the soft, quick-drying fabric, which kept her dry and comfortable during indoor strength workouts as well as outdoor walks and hikes. That same tester noted the loose cut around the legs also made them an easy choice for running, and especially loved the bright coral color, which differed from many bottoms in her closet.

The downside: Both Jenny and Megan found the retro, high-cut, billowy style to be too high for comfort in some settings. While doing on-the-floor exercises in an indoor strength class, like bicycle crunches and leg pulses, Jenny worried about indecent exposure. Also, though Megan liked the coverage provided by the built-in underwear, she found it a smidge small and prone to wedgies.

Nike Universa Women’s Medium-Support High-Waisted 8″ Biker Short

Pros and Cons
⊕ Supportive high-waist design
⊕ Breathable fabric
⊕ Chic style
⊗ Skin-tight fit may not be comfortable for some
⊗ Lack of drawstring can cause waistband to roll down

As someone who typically prefers loose-fitting shorts, Jenny found these body-hugging bottoms to be the best biker shorts she’s tried to date—out of about a dozen. The 8-inch inseam length–longer than most styles–didn’t bunch as she squatted, lunged, and jumped during strength classes, and the medium-support style felt tight but not constricting. Another tester reported the nylon-spandex fabric was “surprisingly breathable” given the form-fitting design, and loved how the high waist provided support around her core as she completed Pilates, cardio, and physical therapy workouts.

A bonus: The bottoms made her feel “athletic and chic,” like “Kim Kardashian on a coffee run.” Unfortunately, the seamless design and lack of drawstring meant the waistband occasionally rolled down annoyingly on one tester.

Vuori Clementine Short 2.0

Pros and Cons
⊕ Breathable, soft fabric
⊕ Flowy fit provides good ventilation
⊕ Supportive waistband with thick drawstring
⊗ Only one small pocket; low-cut waist uncomfortable for some

These flowy, low-waisted shorts ticked a lot of boxes: lightweight, breathable, comfortable, and stylish. The fabric—a blend of polyester (50 percent recycled) and elastane—was soft and breezy, while tough enough for 90-minute strength sessions, one tester reported. They kept Jenny cool and free from crotch sweat on a summer run with temps pushing 70 degrees.

The waistband struck the ideal balance between supportive and too tight, and the drawstring allowed for easy adjustments. The thickness of the drawstring cord was a particular plus since it meant minimal risk of the string getting lost inside the shorts. A single small zip pocket in the front provided a secure place to stash a key, but wasn’t large enough to store anything else. In sum, testers named this a standout, lightweight and breathable short for running, hiking, or HIIT.

Smartwool Women’s Active Lined 4” Short

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight, breathable fabric
⊕ Supportive and easy-to-adjust waistband
⊕ Soft, odor-resistant merino-blend liner
⊗ Thick waistband can get sweaty
⊗ Rides up thighs in inversions

Testers felt comfortable and supported in these shorts thanks to the thick elastic waistband and sturdy drawstring that allowed for easy adjustments. The lightweight polyester-elastane body fabric with a liner of merino blended with Tencel Lyocell was also a plus: during indoor cardio and strength training sessions, Elle said, “It felt like I was wearing nothing.” Another tester, based in sunny Colorado, described the fabric as “super light and breezy,” noting that it prevented her from getting too sweaty as she hiked and played with her grandkids outside on warm days. In fact, the quick-drying shorts became her “go-to” for hot hiking workouts.

One negative: They’re not ideal for any upside-down movements–like handstands or yoga inversions–as the loose style exposes your upper thigh, noted Elle. Another ding: One tester found the thick elastic waistband got slightly soaked during really sweaty workouts.

How To Choose Workout Apparel

First consider a garment’s material: You want breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that allows ample airflow and prevents sweat from pooling on your skin. Steer clear of cotton, which tends to absorb and retain moisture, and instead reach for synthetic, technical blends.

Then, evaluate how the clothing fits and feels on your body. Walk around and do squats and jumping jacks to ensure it’s comfortable, stays in place, and doesn’t chafe as you move. Notice how tight or loose it feels against your skin, and consider how functional the fit is for your preferred workouts. For example, you may want body-hugging attire for activities like yoga, cycling, and barre, since extra fabric could impede your movements. In contrast, you may prefer looser garments for ventures like hiking and running where ample ventilation is key.

Next, consider how much sun protection the clothing offers. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends attire with a UPF rating of at least 30, noting that a UPF of 50+ is “excellent.” They also suggest looser-fitting clothes in dark or bright shades as well as garments that cover as much skin as possible.

Lastly, look in the mirror and take stock of how you feel wearing a given item. Does a shirt elevate your confidence, giving you mojo to crush your workout? That’s the type of attire worth spending your bucks on.

How We Test

We enlisted eight testers of varying ages, sizes, body shapes, and workout preferences. They lived in differing climates across the U.S.–including the high Colorado desert, the muggy Midwest, and coastal Northeast–and tested gear at home and in vacation spots that included British Columbia, the Bavarian Alps, the suburbs of Detroit, and Big Sur, California.

In most cases, three different testers evaluated each piece of clothing, trying it in at least two workouts–everything from running, walking, hiking, and biking to yoga, HIIT, Pilates, and weightlifting. During the testing process, reviewers scrutinized fit, style, comfort, and price, as well as a garment’s ability to breathe and wick sweat. The products listed here scored highest in these categories.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Jenny McCoy is a freelance journalist and fitness instructor in Louisville, Colorado. She stays active with trail running, gravel biking, hiking, swimming, strength training, and neighborhood walks with her dog, Lucy. For this review, Jenny tested 21 tops and 14 shorts, logging 2,905 total exercise minutes. Her most memorable test experience: a sunny hike at 10,000 feet that unexpectedly morphed into a torrential downpour. Luckily, she avoided hypothermia thanks to moisture-wicking, quick-drying garb.

Elle Brunsdale is a sustainable infrastructure investor in New York City. An avid outdoorswoman and former Division 1 collegiate athlete, Elle maintains her fitness with track workouts, HIIT sessions, strength training, and swimming. She also enjoys fly fishing, horseback riding, and skiing. Elle tested the gear in contrasting climates–from the deserts of southern Utah to the temperate forests of Germany to the humid coast of New York. All in, over two testing seasons, she logged 1620 minutes assessing 15 tops and 11 shorts. Her hottest workout? A tempo run in Central Park in 85-degree weather.

Megan Giehl is a licensed couples therapist in Westminster, Colorado. Her fitness routine includes a mix of cycling, barre, yoga, hiking, and weight training. A lover of summer weather, Megan recorded the hottest workout of all the testers: a 45-minute walk in 100 degree heat. She evaluated eight tops and five bottoms for this review, taking 300,500 total steps and completing 46 workouts in the process.

Rebecca Kay is a Chicago-based writer. Her fitness routine includes a mix of yoga, running, barre, and cycling workouts. In the summer, you can find her dodging tourists while biking the lakefront path. She spent a total of 1,050 minutes testing 5 tops and 5 bottoms for this review, logging 23,412 steps and discovering a new appreciation for biker shorts in the process.

The Best Summer Workout Apparel for Women