The 8 Best Exercise Dresses of 2025, Tested By a Tennis Player

Sizes: XS to XXL | Materials: Nylon, Spandex | Built-In Bra: Yes | Built-In Shorts: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

IYKYK, this is the OG that started it all. Outdoor Voices’ Exercise Dress is a true classic, and for good reason — at one point, I owned eight of them (what can I say, I’m a sucker for seasonal colorways). It features adjustable straps for a nearly custom fit, a built-in shelf bra, and one of the best shorts liners I’ve tested, complete with sticky grippers that keep the shorts in place — even when loaded with tennis balls.

Over the years, I’ve worn this dress for everything from outdoor tennis in brutal heat to sparring sessions at my local boxing gym. The fabric is lightweight and breathable, though not quite as moisture-wicking as some other options, so it may not be the best pick for super-sweaty workouts. Still, it’s the one dress I’d pack if I had to choose just one — equally perfect for roller-skating, studio HIIT workouts, or a casual trip to the farmer’s market.

My Overall Score: 5 

Sizes: XS to XL | Materials: Nylon, Elastane | Built-In Bra: No | Built-In Shorts: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold

This stylish dress is almost as versatile as the Outdoor Voices classic, but with an edgier, more fashion-forward twist — think open-back cutout, side slit, and a slightly shorter hemline, all in a buttery-soft fabric that molds to your shape without feeling restrictive. I wore it to Saturday tennis, a post-match smoothie run, and even a hang with friends, and it nailed the vibe every time. The fit feels snug in the most flattering way, but it definitely runs small, so I’d consider sizing up if you’re between sizes.

Functionally, it delivers where it counts: built-in shorts with pockets, a breathable fit, and a square neckline that stays in place through movement. However, the chest support is minimal and only suitable for low-impact workouts. I ended up layering a bra underneath, but that was pretty tricky because of the open-back design. Unless you spring for the brand’s matching sports bra, be prepared for some visible straps or a little trial and error.

My Overall Score: 4

Sizes: XXS to XL (Regular/Tall/Petite) | Materials: Nylon, Spandex | Built-In Bra: No | Built-In Shorts: No | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

If I could only bring one exercise dress with me, yes, even to a desert island, it would be this one from Athleta. It blew every other dress out of the water in my hot-weather testing. The fabric is insanely lightweight and barely there, drying in a flash when I wore it during an all-day pickleball tournament (because yes, that’s a thing I do). Bonus: it has UPF 40+ sun protection, so you’re covered for hours on the court.

Here’s the twist: no built-in shorts or bra, which might make you roll your eyes. Normally, I’m all about built-ins for easy laundry life and less planning, but here, I get it. Skipping them keeps the dress feather-light and insanely breathable. Plus, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure moment where you get to rock your favorite sports bra and shorts combo. Just a heads up — some colors, like the Lilac I tested, are pretty sheer, so light-colored underwear is your best friend.

My Overall Score: 4

Sizes: 0 to 20 | Materials: Nylon, Lycra elastane | Built-In Bra: Yes | Built-In Shorts: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

This dres is so comfortable, you could wear it for yoga and accidentally fall asleep during savasana (not that I’d know from experience). Made from the brand’s signature Align fabric — aka the origin of the phrase “buttery soft” — this dress skims the body in the most flattering way without squeezing or clinging. It gives just enough shape while still feeling like you’re wearing basically nothing.

With built-in shorts and a shelf bra, it’s designed more for low-impact movement like yoga and Pilates, or long walks, than high-intensity workouts. I reach for it constantly on casual summer days when I want to feel put-together with minimal effort. I’ve even worn it to a laid-back wedding reception with boots and jewelry — and was very thankful for the open-back waist every time I visited the bar’s less-than-glamorous bathroom that night. As a 32B, I love the low neckline, but those with larger chests might find it more revealing than supportive.

My Overall Score: 4

Sizes: XXS to XXL | Materials: Nylon, Elastane | Built-In Bra: Yes | Built-In Shorts: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

I didn’t expect a workout dress from Abercrombie & Fitch to become a go-to, but this one seriously delivers. The drop-waist cut and flowy mini skirt nail the style factor, while the technical features check every functional box. It’s got built-in shorts with pockets, a padded shelf bra with adjustable straps, and the holy grail detail — an open-back waistband for stress-free bathroom breaks.

I’ve worn this dress for intense tennis matches on hot, stuffy indoor courts, and it holds up impressively well. The compressive fabric stays put without feeling restrictive, and the shorts don’t ride up at all. That said, the thicker material runs warm, so it’s better for workouts in cooler environments. At 5’3”, I love the shorter length, but taller folks might want to size up or skip. I loved this dress so much, I’m already eyeing (multiple) other colors.

My Overall Score: 5