Need a new pair of kicks? One SELF tester’s recommendation: APL’s TechLoom Bliss Knit Running Shoes, which she’s adored for years. “The mesh is really stretchy and comfortable, and the sneakers form to your feet for a custom-fit feeling,” she says. “I also like how they look! I think they’re pretty cool.”
Another standout we can’t help but mention: A pair of SELF Activewear Award–winning Zella leggings that are “uber soft and comfy,” according to our tester. “I loved putting these on, and they genuinely just made me feel comfortable and excited to go about my day,” she said.
Free People’s comfy, colorful styles extend far beyond their jeans and blouses. The site’s activewear label, FP Movement, has some seriously cute pieces that are also practical for Pilates, running, HIIT classes, and more.
The Righteous Runsie is one SELF editor’s closet must-have. “My entire college friend group bought this because it’s flattering, it comes in so many colors, and it’s really comfortable,” she says. “I can literally go without a sports bra underneath—it’s a miracle.” If you’re not into onesies, she recommends the lightweight and ultra-comfy Tempo Light as Air Run Shorts.
And you can bet FP movement is in on the exercise dress trend: Its Hot Shot Mini Dress has a built-in romper underneath, for some extra support (tennis match, anyone?). “It’s more loungewear vibes, but it’s so good for literally anything—yoga, laying around, a stylish hike,” our editor says. “I wore it fly-fishing once!”
I honestly don’t know what I was wearing before I found Aritzia’s activewear line. My favorite piece has to be the Golden Butter New Cheeky Hi-Rise Flare Leggings because they’re soft and stretchy, plus they don’t have an irritating top seam. If I want something slimmer, I reach for the Golden Butter New Cheeky Hi-Rise Leggings—they’re made from the same dreamy fabric. (I’ll be wearing one of these every weekend until the end of time.)
On days I go to the gym to strength train, I reach for the Golden Life Atmosphere Hi-Rise Shorts because they let my legs breathe. They’re really soft, with a slightly thicker, more brushed feel than the brand’s “butter” fabric. I also love that they come in multiple inseam lengths, so you can find ones that hit right where you want them to.
And the Golden Butter Essential Camisole is velvety soft, with a solid amount of stretch. It’s especially nice in warmer weather, when I want to wear as little clothes as possible.
Buying Abercrombie as a 29-year-old definitely wasn’t on my bingo card—but after the store rebranded a few years ago, it’s become hard to resist. The brand’s activewear line, Your Personal Best (YPB), offers a good mix of trendy and reliable styles that always catch my eye.
One of my favorites? YPB’s sculptLUX 7/8-Length Leggings, which are so compressive that they always stay up, even when I’m squatting or deadlifting in them. And I currently have my eye on YPB’s sleek-yet-sweat-wicking Tie Game Dress for this summer.
We’re also huge fans of A&F’s Essential Sunday Half-Zip and Essential Wide Leg Sunday Sweatpant. One SELF editor wears them as a set and says they look a little more polished than your average comfies. “The inside [of the sweatshirt] is ridiculously soft, and I haven’t overheated once while wearing it, a common problem for me,” she says. She adds that “[the pants are] super comfortable and flattering. Perfect for curling up in at home, but cute enough that I’d also wear them on a long flight.”
Spanx makes some of our all-time favorite leggings—the Spanxshape Booty Boost Flare Pant and the Spanxshape Booty Boost 7/8 Leggings have both won SELF Activewear Awards. They’re comfortably compressive and will stay up even through tough workouts (one tester wore the leggings to CrossFit, which is the ultimate test). The only thing you need to decide is if you want a flared or slim silhouette (or both).
It’s impossible to talk about Spanx and not mention the AirEssentials Half Zip and Wide Leg Pant. They feel insanely soft on the outside and cool on the inside, so I never sweat in them. The fabric also holds up well in the wash—I can tell because there isn’t a stitch out of place, and my black set hasn’t faded at all over the many months I’ve owned it.
Odds are, you’ve seen an influencer link to Revolve—at least, that was my introduction to the retailer. But perusing through the site, you’ll find a lot more than wedding guest dresses and trendy sets. “When I’m in a pinch—needing a last-minute outfit that’s within a reasonable budget—I turn to Revolve; like the one time I was woefully unprepared for a ski trip and was in dire need of a good puffer—hello, Cordova!” one SELF editor says.
Year of Ours
Recycled Cut Out Onesie
The site feels a little more curated than your average sportswear store. “I’m no athlete, so I don’t necessarily look for performance-only attire, and I find that the brands Revolve carries—Beyond Yoga, Alo, Year of Ours, and Salomon, for instance—offer workout essentials with a measure of style,” she says. “There’s also always a discovery item like cute Pilates socks or nicer-than-your-average sweatpants that’s fun to tack onto your cart, and the seasonal edits are usually helpful and fun to browse.”
Anine Bing
Jaci Sweatshirt
Shopbop can also help you fill your athleisure drawer. The site carries tried-and-true brands like Nike, Alo, and FP Movement, along with workout-adjacent pieces from labels like Anine Bing and Clare V. It’s one SELF editor’s go-to shopping destination: “It has a huge inventory, so you can get specific in sizing or interest. I bought my maternity underwear, maternity leggings, and my baby shower dress in one go at Shopbop!”
PS: Shopbop is owned by Amazon, so you can get free, two-day shipping with an Amazon Prime membership, in case you’re shopping at the last minute.
My TikTok has been flooded with people rediscovering Gap—and as someone who has always shopped there, I’m glad it’s finally getting the recognition it deserves. I’ve found some of my favorite supportive activewear there, including the GapFit High-Neck Brami, which looks a lot like an Athleta sports bra I love (the two stores are owned by the same company, ICYMI).
Another SELF editor recommends Gap’s leggings, since the Maternity Everyday Full Panel Leggings carried her through pregnancy. “They had the perfect combo of stretch and structure (which you need for your belly with leggings—so they both hold you up and don’t slide down),” she says. “I generally find leggings to be really oppressive, even when I’m not pregnant, but when I was pregnant, I had two pairs of these and wore them constantly.”
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