When it comes to travel, our editors know the value of wearing activewear that moves with us—whether we’re on a long flight, hiking It’s easy to stroll through the hills or around a town. It’s not like loungewearThe best activewear for women is made to fit a wide range of activities. It can be worn all day or just during a quick workout. And as editors who are constantly on the go, we’ve learned that athleisure, especially for women, needs to be adaptable—working just as well for a Pilates class as it does for the airport lounge or a coffee run.
Our activewear is made by top-rated brands we love and trust. Our go-to athletic pieces are designed by top-rated brands we love and trust—to name a few, Athleta, Lululemon. Vuori—and deliver ultimate comfort without compromising style. We’ve collected the athleisure that our editors bring on every trip, no matter if it’s a long-haul flight or a short weekend getaway.
Jump to:
Tees & tanks
437
The Square tank
Four Three Seven is the brand that I wear most often. This square navy tank is one of my favorites. I wear it on hikes or to fitness classes. The full-length tank has a flattering fit that is made with a bra inside for support—and its moisture-wicking fabric does wonders for sweat control on the go. —Jessica ChapelCommerce Writer
Lululemon
Align tank top
The Lululemon Align tanks, which are famous for their buttery material, make you feel as if you’re not wearing anything. These are always in my suitcase when I go on vacation. They’re perfect for hiking, an adventure day, or even to wear on a plane. —Hannah Chubb, senior commerce editor
Athleta
Transcend V Neck top
Athleta’s V-neck top is my new favorite. It has a cami bra built in and it’s long enough to reach the top of leggings. It’s not too restricting and it wicks sweat well. Stretchy fabric makes it perfect for Pilates or yoga classes. —Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor
Hollister
Gilly T-shirt with graphic of Gilly Hicks
This cute, casual workout shirt is sweat-absorbent. It also has an integrated bra. It’s perfect for flights, workout classes or to and from my local park (especially in humid weather when I want maximum comfort). This top goes with everything from flared pants to an exercise skirt. —J.C.
Beyond Yoga
Impulse tank
Beyond Yoga’s Impulse tank in neutrals is the perfect combination of functional and stylish. These tanks have a flattering fit, a supportive fabric, and a versatile design. They are perfect for packing for any trip. —Alexandra Sanidad, research director
Vuori
Energy T-shirt
I fly in this shirt all the time—it’s so incredibly soft, and since it is moisture-wicking (though not as much as a true performance tee), it doubles as an exercise shirt if I’m popping into the hotel gym for a light workout, or going on a hike in cooler weather. —Madison Flager, associate commerce director
This slim-fitting tank is perfect for playing pickleball, tennis or other outdoor sports with friends. The breathable fabric is ideal for warm-weather destinations and makes for a buttery-soft and cozy wear—all while looking effortlessly cute and ready for movement. While I own it in green—to complete the set, paired with the YPB studio flex active mini skirt—the site currently offers more size variations in the flirty and bright red colorway. —J.C.
Outerwear
Hollister
GillyHicks Active Cooldown Off-the-Shoulder Top
The Gilly Hicks Cooldown is the perfect sweater for my list of things to pack. It’s somehow as cozy and it is breathable—and I can match it with any pair of shorts or sweats. It’s the perfect travel set with matching sweats and shorts. cooldown pants below.) Not to mention, this glacier green color is one of my favorites—it feels unique! —J.C.
Free People
My Time layer
This is the ultimate sweatshirt for layering. The fabric is soft and floats like a breeze. And the open back design keeps things cool. The fabric is not bulky and won’t weigh you down or take up much space in a suitcase. —H.C.
The curve jacket is the perfect layer for any outdoor activity or to get you from or to your workout class. Along with its flattering curve-hugging fabric, it offers a double-ended zipper for wear versatility—and it’s as soft as it is stretchy. A second plus? The product is made from recycled polyester. —J.C.
Leggings and Yoga Pants
Set Active
Sculptflex Power leggings with high-rise.
My go-to workout sets for the gym and Pilates classes are from Set Active—they’re nice and tight in all the right places and have a thick waistband that smoothes your mid-section. The high-waisted Leggings are my favourites from the brand. —M.K.
Janji
Transit tech pant
These are a go-to flying pant for me—the zippered pockets are especially handy when I’m dashing through the train station and want to keep my keys, ID, or AirPods case handy but not at risk of slipping out—and I like that they double as a solid pair of hiking pants when needed, thanks to the breathable material. —M.F.
Abercrombie & Fitch
YPB leggings
Nothing beats a pair. flare leggings That fit perfectly. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of these YPB Studio flare leggings. These bad boys are lightweight, buttery soft, and nonrestrictive—providing a barely-there feel that’s perfect for all-day wear. I particularly love the smoothing, no-top-seam waistband for extra comfort. The mini-flare detailing at the hem and the flattering, V-shaped back. —J.C.
Aerie
Offline high-waisted crossover leggings
The Aerie crossover leggings are my go-to travel pants. I wear them for light workouts and morning walks. The pair is designed to smooth out the tummy and provide support, but it’s not restrictive or uncomfortable. They are lightweight and have a crossover waistband that flatters all body types. —M.K.
Beyond Yoga
Spacedye Out-of-Pocket midi legging
I’m a fan of Beyond Yoga For everything from running clothes to a stroll at lunch. Spacedye’s line includes tanks, leggings and sweatshirts in vibrant colors, which other brands do not offer. These high-waisted Leggings in Summer Thyme Green Heather are my favorite. —A.S.
Hollister
Gilly Hicks Active Cooldown top & pants
These cooldown pants are perfect for post-workout and red-eye flight gear. They’re as flattering as “baggy” sweatpants can be. These ultra-comfortable sweatpants are made from the brand’s soft cooldown fabric. They have a soft drawstring at the waist and a flattering baggy shape. The fabric, according to the brand is made with a natural and sustainable raw material sourced from forests that are responsibly managed. —J.C.
Exercise dresses and skirts
Beyond Yoga
Score pleated Dress
The Score pleated dress from Beyond Yoga is adorable enough to wear to brunch or after a day at the park. Home Court Green is both fun and flattering! This is a must-have on my packing list due to its versatility. The open back is a great feature for both style and ventilation. —A.S.
Halara
Softlyzero Easy-Peezy active dress
This exercise dress is called the Easy Peezy dress because it’s made with built-in bike shorts that are detached from the sports bra in the back—meaning I don’t have to take the whole dress off to go to the bathroom. Halara’s workout dress was my first choice for a girls’ trip to the Bahamas last summer. Montauk, and I wore it everywhere—to grab coffee in the morning, on an afternoon walk with my friends, and to lunch with a pair of cute sandals. I will take it on all my trips. down the shore This summer too. The A line dress is flattering, and the fabric is soft enough to be worn all day. —M.K.
Hollister
Gilly Cinch Active dress
I’m obsessed with active dresses because—if you pick them right—they look just as cute worn out on the town as they do for some light physical activity. This pick from Hollister is one of my favorites—the cap sleeves elevate the style, and the built-in spandex shorts never ride up. —H.C.
Hollister
Gilly Hicks Active Ballet Shortie
I pack this sweet and airy ballet skortie—especially for girls trips—when I know we’ll be prioritizing fashion while staying active all day. It’s best worn on an outing to play pickleball, tennis, or padel—all the while, allowing me to feel empowered in my femininity, given its ballet wrap silhouette style. It has a built-in pocket, soft waistband and breathable shorts. —J.C.
437
The Sculpt onesie
I’ve never been a onesie girl when it comes to athleisure—but this sculpted version completely changed my mind. Four Three Seven’s best-selling robe inspired this design. Ballet TankThe scrunch neckline is flattering, the open cross-backs straps are wide and there’s a subtle flared leg. It is incredibly feminine and supportive, making it perfect for traveling, yoga, Pilates or simple walks. (Given its onesie nature, though—maybe not for the flight itself.) —J.C.
Aerie
Offline by Aerie mini skirt
A good skort is great for long travel days, and especially for those with lots of walking. This is my new favorite. I use it for walking, playing tennis, riding a bicycle, and even just to walk around. It was very comfortable to wear. I wore it for an outdoor concert in NYC on a hot, humid day. —M.F.
Sports bras
Set Active
Sportbody Sporty scoop bra
Set Active Sportbody Scoop bra It has a scoop neckline that flatters and provides great support. The sleek, soothing fabric makes it ideal for running, stretching, or walking. —M.K.
437
The Micro bra
The micro sports bra I use has proved to be supportive on many hikes, as well in fitness classes. The softest scoop neckline with delicate straps offers a two-layer fit for maximum functionality. It’s super breathable—and with removable padding, it lets you adjust the fit to your liking. This is best paired up with the brand’s Essentials leggingThey are high-waisted, and they have a comfortable fit. —J.C.
Accessories
Alo Yoga
Socks with a Pulse Grip grip
When I work out on vacation, I usually do so because I’m trying a new barre or Pilates studio. These unique grip socks are perfect for those occasions—and the unique mesh cut-outs add a little something special. —H.C.
Alo Yoga
Throwback Half-Crew socks
Alo Yoga’s half-crew Throwback socks are just the right length—and they are so cute! They are very comfortable and sporty chic. I wear them to work out but also when my feet are cold on long flights. —M.K.