12 Must-Have Workout Pieces

Everyone knows that when you feel like working out, you have a better workout, and part of being in the mood to work out is dressing for it. Whether you’re looking for athletic wear or just leggings for athleisure, you can’t go wrong with these must-have workout pieces. I know that when I look cute in my workout clothes, it motivates me to go to the gym more.

1. Nike In-Season TR 9

The first of any must-have workout pieces of course is going to be tennis shoes. While Nike has a large selection of tennis shoes, these ones are one of the most versatile, made for active training and gym. The shoes are light, comfortable, and supportive.

Promising review: “These are EXTREMELY comfortable! I am currently 9 months pregnant and I have some swelling in my feet and ankles. I’ve worn these shoes on multiple occasions including walks in the park and hiking trails and I am so impressed how comfortable and durable they are and how well they treated my feet and ankles. Highly recommend.”

“These are the cutest shoes! They’re not the most durable but they fit like a glove. I just ordered the white pair.”

2. Nike Alpha

The next thing you’ll need to be covered is your bottom layer, aka a good and supportive sports bra. Nike’s High Support Women’s Sports Bra has molded cups for a more supportive fit and is extremely comfortable. It’s designed especially for high impact activities so this is a good one to have in your drawer.

Promising review: “This bra keeps everything securely in place when running (I generally wear a 36E bra). It’s tight enough without being constricting. The hooks and straps mean it’s easy to get on and off.”

“This sports bra is amazing! I highly recommend it to any runners. I bought it in two colors. It’s very comfortable and supportive and not too tight. I’ve had other sports bra that squishes my chest and is just painful. This is perfect.”

3. Adaptable Animal Seamless Sports Bra

While this bra only offers medium support, it still offers a wrap-around feature front and crosses over straps in the back. This bra offers support to girls with smaller cup sizes, but also for anyone who isn’t doing heavy cardio but walking, dancing, lifting weights, or more. Plus, it’s seamless which makes it a good bra to wear when you’re looking for something more athleisure. Also, it just makes your boobs look good…

4. Gym Shark’s Mid-Rise Leggings

These leggings are mid-rise and are seamless, making them a good every-day pair of leggings. They are soft, comfortable, stretchy, and supportive. Plus, the waistband gives it an extra flare. Honestly, I saw a girl running and wearing these leggings, and I immediately searched for them because she looked bomb.

5. Wunder Train High-Rise Crop 21”

Finally, we arrive at the staple Lulu Lemon leggings. While Lulu Lemon leggings are expensive, they are also incredibly comfortable and can last you years. The Wunder Train ones are one of the more light and comfortable leggings that have to offer, but their site has a ton of variety when it comes to leggings, all made from buttery soft fabric.

Promising review; “I’m a size 31 in pants which means I’m in between a Lulu size 10 and 12. I got the 13 and they fit perfectly!! The material is “suck you in tight” without feeling like the leggings are too small. I love doing yoga and cycling with these! I love the feeling of everything being held in. The material is thin and buttery.”

“I love these pants, they are perfect for running! My new favorites.”

“Did a HIIT workout with these and not once did I have to pull them up. They’re also super soft and fit like a glove. New favorites.”

6. Fast and Free Short

Of course, with today’s fashion, we have to include bike shorts. Lulu Lemon has these bike shorts in the same incredibly comfortable and buttery fabric as their leggings. They also have side pockets, waistband pockets, and a drawcord you can cinch if you feel you need to adjust them.

Promising review: “The red is such a beautiful color! Fit is great but will fit better once the quarantine weight is gone lol. They also did not show sweat marks after an intense spin class”

“The best shorts for running! They don’t ride up or slip. I’ve stuck a water bottle in one pocket and my phone in the other and ran 10 miles this way and never had to adjust the waistband.”

7. Dance Studio Jogger

Whether you’re looking for athleisure, something to throw on over shorts on your way to the gym, or just some nice joggers for low-intensity workouts, these are them. These joggers are not only comfortable but stylish and offer a flattering shape to any body size. They also have a waistband that lies flat to reduce bulk when layering (and sitting…).

Promising review: “Y’all! These pants are EVERYTHING! A few of my friends had been telling me that for a while now and I just kept not getting them because A. money and B. I was having some flashbacks to the competition dance days of my youth. I finally decided to get them, thinking they would be great for lounging while we’re all stuck at home but also great for throwing on over my summer hot yoga booty shorts for the commute home and I do NOT regret it. These pants are both so comfortable and also so flattering! They fit true to size for me which I was definitely a bit nervous about since I couldn’t try them on first. I wear a size 6 in my other lulu leggings and the 6 in these fit perfectly!”

8. Janis Muscle Tank

Of course, your top half should look just as cute, like with this muscle tank from Fabletics! If Demi Lovato loves it, I love it. This tank can be worn loose, or you can tie it up to turn it into a crop top, making it a good versatile go-to. Plus, with an inspiring mantra, it will motivate you to get your butt to the gym.

Promising review: “Super cute! Tied in a knot for a cropped look with my high waisted leggings!”

“This tank is very comfortable. I bought a small but probably could have sized down to an x-small. I like tying this one up for a cropped/fitted look. The armholes are long but I think that’s cute for showing off your sports bra.”

9. Trinity High Waisted Utility Legging

With comfortable fabric and “all-way” stretch material, these leggings also have a hidden zip pocket in the back, a mesh pocket on one side, and a secure zip pocket on the other. Designed to be sculpting and comfortable, the pockets make these leggings a must-have.

Promising review: “The way it fits it very well the high waist was good, and all the extra pockets go really well when I go for a walk to hold my phone and extra things”

“I really love these leggings and have received compliments! Such a great color too. Based on other reviews I sized down. I ordered a medium and I’m 5’7 / 160 lbs. The large probably would have fit too but wouldn’t be as form-fitting. The material on these is my favorite and the zippers at the ankle add a unique flare!! Definitely buy these!”

10. Mineral Wash Tank

If you’re looking for something more along the lines of a crop top, this one is perfect. A simple, casual, black crop top that is a light layer to wear when you’re working out or lounging around the house. Its relaxed fit makes it versatile, and a must-have for your next workout.

Promising review: “I loved working out in this shirt, but I also felt confident wearing it to the grocery store. I’m 5’10” and about 140lbs, and it fits great!”

“I got this top in 3 colors, and they have been in constant rotation since I got them in the mail. They are great quality, hold up well in the wash, and are nice and breezy even in the sweatiest of workouts! I love them!”

11. Large Logo Track Jacket

Track jackets are a nice light layer to wear on your way to the gym, out and about, or even while working out if you wanted to sweat more. This old school track jacket is comfortable and light with slip-in pockets, elastic cuffs, and a mesh inner lining.

Promising review: “Makes me super confident. It fits great and is so comfortable and trendy at the same time”

“ALREADY ONE OF MY FAVORITES! As an advocate for cropped anything, this jacket meets all the easy-to-wear, comfortable, and stylish expectations I was placing on it.”

12. Large Logo Hoodie

If you’re looking for something more comfortable and easier to slip on, this hoodie is for you. It’s bold, exactly what you’re looking for. It’s an oversized fit that makes it perfect for lounging, 100% cotton for more comfort, and comes in a variety of colors.

Promising review: “Lovely roomy hoodie. I love the large logo design… bought the legging to match.”

“Perfect for me. Comfortable, warm, and versatile. Ordered an extra size up as I prefer loose-fitting.”

Having a couple staples for working out is always a good idea, it’s important to have workout clothes that you feel comfortable and confident in.