Activewear isn’t just for the gym anymore. With high-tech performance fabrics that provide UPF sun protection and stretch comfort, 21st-century combines comfort and fashion in one all-day look.
Adding high-quality activewear to your wardrobe keeps your clothing versatile and ready for anything, whether it’s an intense workout or a night on the town. From active dresses to performance polo shirts, we’ve made a list of essential activewear clothing items that look just as great as they feel.
What Is Activewear?
The term “activewear” describes performance clothing made with stretchy, breathable fabrics. You’ll see them as part of the “athleisure” style movement, which includes both workout clothes and format articles made from these specialized fabrics.
While activewear is ideal for the gym or outdoor workouts, it’s also an important part of your everyday outfit. You’ll stay cool and comfortable, transitioning easily from the indoors to the outdoors, all while looking effortlessly put together.
Women’s Activewear
Want activewear that transitions from errands to date night? Check out our favorite active clothing for women suggestions for any style or time of year.
Active Dresses
A variety of patterns, cuts and colors make performance dresses a chic option for a warm day. Made with stretch fabrics to keep you cool from the office to an outdoor lunch (and back again!), active dresses offer UPF sun protection and wicking fabric technology to keep moisture off your skin.
Women’s Activewear Shorts, Skirts and Skorts
For a coastally inspired ensemble, incorporate performance skirts and skorts into your active wardrobe. Women’s activewear shorts are made with a stretchy, comfortable fabric, while performance skirts are ready for brunch on the patio or a game of tennis. Mix and match your favorite tanks and tees with cute shorts for the perfect laid-back look this season.
Performance Outerwear
Stay breezy while blocking the wind when you slip on a pullover or jacket. Quarter-zip and half-zip pullovers are a great way to finish a midday exercise outfit, while striped hoodies and crewneck sweaters add a comfortable, casual look to your day-to-day performance clothing.
Men’s Activewear
Gone are the days of stiff collars and starchy fabrics. When you add men’s activewear into your rotation, you can enjoy the breezy comfort of performance fabrics into outfits for everyday errands, date nights and the office.
Shirts and Button-Downs
Perfect for anything from boat days to bar excursions, a casual, lightweight button-down is an activewear staple. Performance technology prevents the fabric from sticking to your skin and protects you from UV rays, and classic designs help these activewear shirts fit into every setting.
Performance polo shirts are another option for transitioning between hot afternoons and crowded restaurants when you’re out. And if you’re looking for a weekend casual activewear look, you can’t go wrong with t-shirts made with stretch fabric and vibrant designs.
Performance Pants and Shorts
Experience sweatpant comfort in chino style when you try on a pair of active casual pants. Available in multiple colors and fits, these performance pants look great in a board meeting, across the table at a cafe or stopping by the golf course between projects. Men’s activewear shorts are another option for hot afternoons or warm beach days, as their wicking fabrics and light colors keep heat (and sweat) away from your skin.
Outerwear
For men’s activewear that keeps you warm without overheating, bring a lightweight jacket or vest along on your evening adventures. Quilted vests and long-sleeve shirts layer well on top of t-shirts or polos, while hoodies or pullovers pair with your favorite pants and tops for warmer days throughout the year.
Stay Active, Stay Cool
Although spring and summer months tend to be warmer, activewear keeps you comfortable all year long. Dresses, button-downs, polos and pants made in performance fabrics are a stylish way to stay cool and look great, no matter what the thermostat has to say about it.
For more ideas for warm-weather wear, follow our guide to men’s summer clothes for any occasion, and get ready for cooler temperatures with suggestions for transitional fall dresses.
