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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Saskia Kemsley

Best workout dresses to take you from gym to brunch

A convenient, comfortable and athleisure-chic summer staple for women across the globe, the workout dress is far more than just a piece of gym wear.

With in-built anti-chafe cycling shorts delicately concealed by either a pleated or A-line skirt, these stretchy and sweat-proof dresses are a marvellous innovation.

Banish the image of high school-approved skorts and polyester culottes, for the workout dress is nothing of the sort. You can also forget about those revealing yoga-ready unitards worn by influencers and A-list celebrities alike which, though they work for some, are not a realistic or comfortable option for the vast majority of women.

The workout dress is the latest trendy item in the world of athleisure which, though having existed for as long as modern female tennis players, has witnessed a veritable renaissance in the world of fashion. Not least due to the fact that it makes wearing dresses and skirts in hot, yet windy, weather an absolute breeze.

From inclusive brands like Gymshark to female-centric brands such as Grace Beverley’s TALA, keep scrolling for a round-up of the best workout dresses on the market to complete your summer wardrobe.

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Vuori Volley Dress

Whether styled as a high street fashion piece, worn on the court or both, this tennis dress from Vuori works as a timeless, chic and incredibly sleek wardrobe essential. Equipped with a supportive built-in shelf bra with a barely-there feel, you can further customise your fit thanks to the removable cups.

This dress is, of course, fitted with spacious pockets to stash multiple tennis balls – making it further practical both on and off the grass, clay or hard court. Available in a classic white for the old-schoolers, or a deep grey-blue hue for the game-changers.

Buy now £105.00, Vuori

Girlfriend Collective Paloma Racerback Dress

This form-fitting dress by Girlfriend Collective is available in a deep green moss hue, as well as a classic black colourway. It utilises the brand’s cult-favourite compression technology and is further equipped with a built-in unitard and pockets on the shorts. The sleek and attractive look means you’ll never want to take it off.

Buy now £78.00, Girlfriend Collective

Alosoft Courtside Tennis Dress

Buttery soft and with adjustable straps, this is an ultra-flattering style that’s further enhanced by the sweetheart neckline. Though available in array of colours, we’re partial to the limited edition iced green tea.

The compressive fabric creates a cinched waist effect while providing great support, and is beautifully complemented by the shorter than usual flowing skirt. Fear not, because those essential built-in shorts will protect your modesty.

Buy now £120.00, Alo Yoga

Charmed Tennis Dress

We couldn’t help but include another option from Alo Yoga – their workout dresses truly take the biscuit. The collared, button-up top half of this piece is entirely business-casual, while the mini skirt and slit on the bottom half brings the action. Wear on and off the tennis court, no matter the occasion.

Buy now £120.00, Alo Yoga

Sweaty Betty Power Gym Dress

An option for those looking for slightly more coverage on the bottom half, the Power Gym Dress from Sweaty Betty has both a longer skirt and higher neckline for a modest, yet breathable workout dress. Plus, it’s currently on sale for 50 per cent off, so grab yours before they’re all gone.

Buy now £50.00, Sweaty Betty

Good Karma Dress Set

A skater style skirt with a unique criss-cross back finish? Athleisure has truly never looked so good than this white dress that is ready for the grass courts of the SW19 tournament.

Buy now £140.00, Free People

Slazenger ft. Wolfie Cindy Pleated Dress

Slazenger’s collaboration with model Wolfie Cindy has resulted in an incredibly chic, court-worthy tennis dres with street style flare. We’re big fans of the pleated skirt finish, as well as the Wimbledon green piping across the sleeves and the collar.

Buy now £32.99, Sports Direct

Gymshark Whitney Dress

Though this bodycon workout dress might not be the most suitable for a heavy gym session, it certainly still falls under the athleisure wear category thanks to its supple, breathable nylon and elastane blend. The brainchild of a collaboration between wellness expert Whitney Simmons and Gymshark, we couldn’t think of a more flattering addition to your fitness fashion collection.

Buy now £50.00, Gymshark

TALA Skinluxe Active Dress - Aloe Green

Available from sizes 2XS to 4XL, TALA is by far the most size-inclusive brand when it comes to workout dresses. Each product is made using recycled fibres and designed to provide a second skin feeling. Plus, you can hide your valuables in the handy hidden short pockets.

Buy now £30.00, TALA

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