Considering the nature of gym clothes — wearing them once, getting them sweaty, immediately throwing them in the wash — you might not shop for activewear as often as you do for everyday clothes. But it’s always a nice treat and (let’s face it) a certified workout incentive to add some fresh, comfy leggings, supportive sports bras and rain-ready outerwear into the mix for a new season. Whether you consider yourself a novice yogi, pilates pro, or occasional weekend runner, there are tons of comfortably cute activewear pieces out there to choose from — you just have to know where to look. Plus, if you invest wisely now, you’re all set for years to come; doubling up your trusty new workout faves for travel (your comfiest yoga leggings are a godsend on long haul flights), music festivals (when you get all sweaty putting up the tent), or for simply surviving summer sweat and chafing (all hail the bike short!).
Check out our roundup of pieces you can add to your workout wardrobe this spring. We’ll meet you on the track in the morning, yeah?
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
The best sports bras for spring workouts
Finding a sports bra with the perfect supportive-to-stylish ratio can be tough. Here are some that offer both.
Under Armour Women’s UA Infinity High Sports Bra, £53 £26.97
Designed for high impact workouts like running, team sports or gymnastics, Under Armour’s Infinity Bra already has a team R29 seal of approval. It has adjustable criss-cross straps for a custom fit and just one piece of moulded padding for comfortable support that you can trust (no need to jostle with two, individual cups constantly twisting this way and that). Plus, it’s perfect for spring-into-summer workouts: with a sweat-wicking band for a quick take off post-work out, and mesh panels for extra breathability.
Under Armour Women’s UA Infinity High Sports Bra, $, available at Under Armour
Nike Swoosh Medium Support Padded Sports Bra, £39.99
Coming in a wide variety of colours, the Nike Dri-FIT Swoosh Sports Bra provides medium-impact support for activities such as spin, cardio, and dance classes. It even comes with a top-loading pocket to hold your small things while you exercise.
Nike Swoosh Medium Support Women’s Padded Sports Bra, $, available at Nike
Asquith Peace Bra, £40
Made Asquith’s unique fabric blend of bamboo, organic cotton, and elastane, this low-impact sport bra comes with zero clips or wires for maximum comfort — perfect for yoga.
Asquith Peace Bra, $, available at Know The Origin
Lululemon Bend This V and Racer Bra
Light Support, £38
Here’s the product you didn’t know you needed in your activewear arsenal: a sports bra that can be reversed from front to back and layered with other styles. There are four new Bend This bra styles, and this one in particular can either be worn as a V-neck or racerback… in the front.
Lululemon Bend This V and Racer Bra A-C Cups, $, available at Lululemon
Reflexone B-Confident Sports Bra, £30
Built with breathable vents under the bust and at the back, this flattering sports bra is perfect for those sunny (and sweaty) workouts in the sun.
Reflexone B-Confident Sports Bra Black, $, available at Reflexone
The best shorts for spring workouts
From sweat-wicking cycle shorts to breathable running bottoms, these won’t fall down mid-workout or end up rolling up your legs.
Lululemon Align High-Rise Short 6″, £48
These are Lululemon’s bestselling shorts and for good reason: they’re super soft, super stretchy, super comfortable and the thick, high-waist band just doesn’t budge. A good pair of bike shorts like this are a versatile spring and summer essential — if you’re not wearing them to work out in, you’re wearing with oversized tees for an easy look or layering under dresses and skirts to stop any chafing.
Lululemon Align™ High-Rise Short 6″, $, available at Lululemon
FP Movement Get Your Flirt On Shorts, £38
Finally, workout shorts that are stylish enough to wear outside of the gym! Free People’s bestselling ruffled design isn’t just style over substance though — they’re made with durable, water resistant polyester and with built in briefs to keep you dry and feeling extra secure. Also, pockets! Properly deep ones too.
FP Movement Get Your Flirt On Shorts, $, available at Free People
Girlfriend Collective High Waisted Run Short, £58 £46.40
These high-waisted exercise shorts provide both a flattering compression fit and impressive breathability, so that you can feel free and flexible all day long.
Girlfriend Collective Moss High Waisted Run Short, $, available at Girlfriend Collective
Pangaia 365 Shorts, £80
These cosy medium-weight active shorts from Pangaia are perfect for the transition from gym to sofa as you bask in your post-workout glow.
Pangaia 365 Shorts, $, available at Pangaia
The best leggings for spring workouts
A workout staple, especially for those sudden spring showers.
Pocket Sport Claude Legging, £58
With built-in pockets for your phone, keys, etc., these leggings from Pocket Sport come in a wide variety of colours to fit your every exercise mood and the (hopefully) sunnier weather. This bold red shade, for example — way more inspiring than your usual basic blacks.
Pocket Sport Claude Legging, $, available at Pocket Sport
Sweaty Betty Power 7/8 Gym Leggings, £88
Sweaty Betty’s bestselling Power Leggings have already converted our shopping writer Esther. Their thick, compressive material hugs your curves, feeling supportive where it really matters (your bum and thighs), and keeping the leggings firmly in place.
Sweaty Betty Power 7/8 Gym Leggings, $, available at Sweaty Betty
Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 25″, £88
Lululemon’s Align Pants are a gym classic for a reason — they’re ultra stretchy and buttery soft, designed to fit like a second skin for low-impact workouts like yoga.
Lululemon Align™ High-Rise Pant 25″, $, available at Lululemon
Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging, £88
Made from recycled plastic bottles and with an inclusive size range that goes up to 6XL, Girlfriend Collective and its bestselling leggings have already gained a cult following.
Girlfriend Collective Black Compressive High-Rise Legging, $, available at Girlfriend Collective
The best long-sleeve tops & jackets for spring workouts
Unfortunately, the British weather makes these layering pieces a necessity for any well-rounded gym bag.
Tala Sculpt Seamless Mock Neck Zip Through Jacket, £56
If there’s one thing that Tala knows, it’s super flattering activewear that fits like a glove and feels great to work out in. For example, this jacket is made with breathable, lightweight recycled polyamide.
Tala Sculpt Seamless Mock Neck Zip Through Jacket- Navy Marl, $, available at Tala
Sweaty Betty Breathe Easy Long Sleeve Top, £65 £39
A long-sleeve version of Sweaty Betty’s bestselling running top, this tee is lightweight and super breathable.
Sweaty Betty Breathe Easy Long Sleeve Top, $, available at Sweaty Betty
FP Movement Infinity Wrap Layer, £44
The perfect transitional activewear piece, this trendy shrug just screams ballerina-core.
New Balance Athletics Packable Jacket, £80
For spring through to summer workouts, you want a jacket that’s lightweight but still provides warmth and lots of room for movement. New Balance has nailed it. Bonus points for the packable design.
New Balance Athletics Packable Jacket, $, available at New Balance
FP Movement Way Home Packable Jacket, £88
With a trendy cropped length, adjustable drawstring waistband, and a hooded neckline, this is a great option for an on-the-go lifestyle as it easily packs up into a back zipper pocket.
FP Movement | Free People Way Home Packable Jacket, $, available at Free People
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
How To Find The Right Sports Bra For Your Workout