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Whether you’re a runner, hiker, cyclist, yogi, gym fan or just enjoy a power walk with the dog, there are lots of great workout clothes made just for you. Some of these pieces are made to excel at one specific activity, while many are multitaskers that you’ll love for all sorts of endeavors. But whatever sports and fitness pursuits you are into, all of the following are comfortable, will help you perform better and look fantastic while focusing on fitness and wellness.
Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt
Patagonia has been perfecting Capilene since before we knew polyester could be a good thing. The newest generation, Capilene Cool, wicks moisture, dries fast and is made to keep you comfortable when you’re working hard in the heat. The Trail line is Patagonia’s softest performance knit. It feels like cotton, yet performs with the wicking efficiency of a synthetic, making it perfect for running, biking, hiking and travel. The scoop neck and odor-control finish will make you welcome anywhere, plus it’s Fair Trade Certified sewn.
Lululemon Ignite Bra
A new, high-neck bra with an interesting cutout in the back, this provides both coverage and ventilation for hot workouts while looking good. With pockets for optional, removable cups and modest coverage in front, you can focus completely on your activity, no matter how you’re moving. Made of Lululemon’s Luxtreme fabric, Ignite wicks sweat, has four-way stretch and won’t shrink.
The North Face Motivation High-Rise Pocket Crop
I have a few friends who undertake even more active pursuits than I (indoor and out) and many came back with the same recommendation: the North Face motivation pocket crops. The capri workout pants come with low-key pockets, a smooth and flattering waistband as well as extremely breathable fabric.
Specialized Women’s Cycling Bib Shorts
Yes, cycling bibs for women make sense. I’ve been riding my whole life, but the thought of removing my jersey whenever I needed a bathroom break was always a deal breaker, and for years I took a pass on suspenders. But I gave the new generation of female-focused bibs a shot when they debuted a couple of years ago, and now I am a convert. Newer designs make it really easy to take them off. The new Women’s SL Bib Shorts by Specialized makes one of the best, with a magnetic closure that makes it super-easy to connect them behind your back, and then they latch closed. These top-shelf bibs have all you need in high-performance, super-comfortable bike shorts. Specialized also put their great HookUp magnetic connection in the new Women’s RBX Bib Shorts, made for riders who want a less race-oriented fit, but all of the technology to keep them comfortable on the bike.
Nike Tempo Shorts
A bestselling running short from Nike, the Tempo is made with their Dri-FIT technology to help you stay dry and comfortable. Two new tropical prints add some flair while checkered perforations deliver lightweight, breathable comfort. Made of recycled polyester, they have a 3-inch inseam, built-in briefs, relaxed fit, ruched elastic waistband with internal drawcord and an internal stash pocket.
ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh Bikini Brief
What to wear under it all? With an active fit, ultralight mesh and a smooth fabric waistband, ExOfficio’s Sport Mesh Bikini Briefs are extremely comfortable performance underwear for high-energy pursuits. Breathable nylon and spandex mesh fabric allows for airflow, helping to keep you cool despite the heat. They have an antimicrobial treatment and dry super-fast, making them great for travel as well.
Title Nine Skort
Whatever your workout, from the gym to running, hiking trails to bicycling, sometimes you just want to wear a skirt. As its name suggests, Title Nine is a well-established sports clothing company entirely for women, and its skorts, or skirts with benefits, have got you covered (pun intended). The Hollaback Skort is made from Title Nine’s Nimblene fabric, polyester and spandex with UPF of 50, has built-in mesh boyshorts with a pocket, a zippered center back pocket, plus a cute ruffle to up the girlie factor.
K-Deer Yoga Pants
Those ultra-popular striped pants that women are wearing to yoga—and raving about—are K-Deers. They are soft, light, stretch, wick moisture, have comfortable compression and are great for yoga, but also work very well for running, hitting the gym and more. With a high waist they are flattering, so don’t let the stripes scare you. All the clothes are made in the U.S. and come in their signature stripes in loads of colors, other designs and even basic black. The 7/8 sneaker length in Candice signature stripe is a particular favorite.
Terry Tech Tee
Cycling-focused Terry was an innovative pioneer, one of the very first gear companies specifically focused on women, and the company continues to excel. Terry recently took its many years of expertise in crafting performance-fabric cycling jerseys and replicated it in T-shirts with a relaxed style for more casual riding. It can work for any time you want a cute, semi-fitted, wicking top with stretch and anti-stink properties. Its Tech Tees are soft, lightweight and feature raglan sleeves, plus a back pocket that is always handy for keys, credit card or cash and comes in fun designs.
Orvis OutSmart Insect Shield Bandana
Nothing ruins an outdoor adventure like biting insects. Keep them at bay with this Orvis bandana, treated with permethrin. It’s a safe and odorless way to repel mosquitos, ticks, flies, ants and other flying and crawling annoyances. The treatment lasts through 70 washes. The 22-inch cotton/polyester square is sized for your neck or head, and your dog may want one too. ($18)
