We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.
1. A Happiness Runs crop top from FP Movement you may quickly become obsessed with thanks to its perfect blend of compression and comfort. It's perrrfect for gym workouts and daily lounging.
BuzzFeed Shopping senior writer Emma Lord says: "That's me in the green version (Stargazer) on my way to be a big dweeb, as per usual. I also own it in ~Brushed Taupe~ and ~Violet Quartz~. I love it because it's versatile with all my high-waisted leggings and shorts, but also because the compression is close to a bra without actually feeling like one, so it supports without constricting. The fabric's also ridiculously soft too."
Get it from Free People for $30 (available sizes XS–XL and dozens of colors).
2. A seamless ribbed set you'll never want to take off thanks to its magical squat-proof powers *without* making you feel like you're suffocating. You can go straight from yoga class to the coffee shop in these!
Promising review: "This outfit fits so well but doesn't feel suffocating. The pants at first looked too small but once I put them on they stretched out easily and the material is thick enough for it not to be see-through or show panty lines. The top is cozy to wear, supportive, and va-va voom if you wear it as a top on its own. It covers the back well too. I plan on ordering more colors." —Jenny
Get it from Amazon for $29.59+ (available in sizes XS–L and in 26 colors).
Psst: This item is included in Prime Wardrobe, so you can give it a trial run if you're a member!
3. Compression shorts with pockets for excellent support that allows you to move freely — whether that means a long run outside or a short walk to the couch is up to you.
Promising review: "These are made of a stretchy cotton material which is not too thin and not too hot. They wash up nicely and look good as new after a wash. The pocket leaves plenty of room for my Samsung S9+ in one pocket, keys and small change and lip gloss in the other." —JEC1
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in sizes XS–3XL, three lengths, and 38 styles/colors).
Psst: This item is included in Prime Wardrobe, so you can give it a trial run if you're a member!
4. A versatile tank top with a padded bra you can wear when working out but also when hangin' around the house on lazy days. You may just need it in every color.
BuzzFeed Shopping senior writer Emma Lord says: "TBH, this crossed my radar because of Stephanie Buttermore, a popular YouTuber who shares stories of her gym routines on Instagram — but I've had a few friends who do yoga, lifting, and lower-impact activities swear by these both for workouts and for just chilling in."
Promising review: "I saw these blow up on social media, so I decided to order one, and I was not disappointed! It’s long enough to wear as a crop top under flannels, but strong and comfortable enough to go work out in as well. It’s a great staple I think you should have in your wardrobe!" —Heather Taylor
Get it from Amazon for $20.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and 20 colors).
5. A pair of TikTok-famous textured leggings that went viral for a reason! Well, three reasons: They're comfy enough for daily wear, they're squat-proof, AND they're booty hugging!
Promising review: "As a millennial mom, I’m halfway on the TikTok bandwagon without shame. So when I saw these leggings come up again and again, I decided to trust the sea of people who rave about these leggings and purchased them. I usually buy my athletic wear at lesser prices but occasionally have spent this same amount for something I really liked. And TikTok did not let me down! These leggings are very soft and comfortable to wear and for my nearly 5'9" curvy frame. What I really like is the material pattern stretches over the curvy parts of me really nicely. These leggings make me feel great, don’t ride down below my waist and belly when I’m doing actual exercise. I started off with black and now want a couple of different colors to add to my athletic wardrobe." —Brianna Storch
Get them from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in sizes S–4XL and dozens of colors and styles).
6. A supportive sports bra for gym days, hiking days, and do-nothing-at-all days. The stretchy quick-dry material is basically a pleasant hug that'll have your back *and* your front at all times.
Superfit Hero is a woman-founded activewear brand that offers inclusive sizing and stylish performance pieces. You'll find clothes that are perfect for both the gym and daily wear.
Promising reviews: "I’ve been on the search for a supportive sports bra and I have found one! I love wearing this for low- and medium-impact activities." —Emilie S.
"This fit is IT! I have never felt so comfortable and secure in movement-inspired apparel. While practicing yoga the waist stays in place. I feel supported while still maintaining breathability. I am smitten!" —Siri
Get it from Superfit Hero for $69 (available in sizes L–7XL and in 12 colors).
7. Or a Bali seamless bralette when you need a go-to bra with lightweight support for easygoing days. If you prefer a bra with zero padding or wiring, this is it! Reviewers love the wide nonslip straps, too.
Promising review: "I love this bra, this is my third time ordering. They fit so comfy and the stretch is nice. When I get home from a long day, I love to wear this bra under my jammies. It's also a comfortable workout bra." —Kindle Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in sizes XS–3X and in 18 colors).
Psst: This item is included in Prime Wardrobe, so you can give it a trial run if you're a member!
8. A pair of soft hybrid leggings and joggers to make you feel like you're wearing pajamas both at home and while exercising! You'll wear these for morning walks with the pup and those impromptu afternoon naps.
Promising review: "I work from home and now I only want to wear these pants. They are super comfy and very versatile. Perfect for a casual look, working out, traveling, or as just mentioned, working from home. Definitely my new fave." —Alejandra V.
Get it from Amazon for $14.87 (available in sizes S–3X and dozens of colors).
9. A stylish corset-style sports bra that'll easily earn a recurring role in your wardrobe. It'll be sooo effortless to switch from workout mode to relax mode in this bra.
Promising review: "My most comfortable sports bra ever. Love a fashion and function bra top I can also go out in. Comfortable for workouts and comfortable for going out. 11/10 recommend." —Samantha W.
Get it from Alo Yoga for $78 (available in XS–L and five colors).
10. And while you're at it, a super soft moisture-wicking tee you can pair with your fave leggings for a loungewear/activewear combo made in heaven.
Promising review: "These are perfect workout shirts. I got one in orange and one in lime green for visibility. They are super moisture-wicking during the hardest run/bike ride and look dry and fantastic even if I am soaked. They also seem nice enough to wear with a pair of jeans for a casual day out." —D. Reeves
Get it from Amazon for $13.95 (available in sizes XS–4X and in 15 colors).
11. Printed bike shorts to let your legs breathe while you enjoy everything from running and biking to maxin' and relaxin'. They come in several fun patterns and have a moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry.
Promising review: "This product is perfect for all outdoor activities! I recently got into bike shorts because I was tired of my thighs chafing when I run, hike, and bike. These shorts are shorter than other bike shorts, but long enough to prevent chafing. The patterns are perfect and vibrant and the cloth is so soft. They are incredibly breathable and comfortable for lounging in, or taking on a long run or bike ride." —Kindle Customer
Get them from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL, in sets of two, and in 19 colors/patterns).
12. A truly wonderful pair of solid leggings with medium compression so you can get your workout on without a worry in the world. They're so cozy and stretchy that you may also find yourself wearing them on chill days.
13. A pair of seamless leggings that reviewers say are similar to those from Gymshark. They're soft and offer plenty of compression so you can squat your lil' heart out in them OR give into that midday snooze that's been calling your name.
Promising reviews: "These leggings are amazing!! I washed them in cold water with other leggings flipped inside out and dried on delicate (just to be safe). They are not see-through at all and they have a lot of compression to them!! Perfect for working out and lounging! They fit true to size for me. I also have long legs and they were the perfect length with plenty of tummy control/compression." —Sydni Pfeil
"This is the second pair I have bought. The quality is no doubt comparable to Gymshark or Abyl. One of my favorite pieces of clothing to wear lounging or working out!" —Caroline Hafey
Get them from Amazon for $26.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and a variety of colors/patterns).
Psst: This item is included in Prime Wardrobe, so you can give it a trial run if you're a member!
14. Quick-dry running shorts for warmer days when you need something light to keep you comfy. They have an underwear liner, elastic waistband, and airy material that dries quickly!
My colleague Emma Lord owns these and said: "I recently bought these shorts because I'm in love with the similar ones you can get at Old Navy, but they sell out so fast. Turns out I love these even more! I love the huge range of colors you can buy these in (at other places they often sell out too quickly to get to pick!), love that the high-waistedness of them meets about where my running crop top ends so I don't have to get bonkers with sunscreen, and love love loooooove the side pocket for my keys or face mask. I only have them in purple so far, but I'm excited to try other colors!"
Promising review: "These shorts are PERFECT for running! They stayed in place the whole time, they are the perfect lightweight, sweat-resistant material, and a good length! Definitely recommend! Waist is a bit snug and otherwise true to size!" —Katie Micc
Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 38 colors).
15. A perfectly strappy high-impact sports bra you'll want to wear every day just for the cute details. The wireless design, molded cups, and sweat-wicking material are just a few bonus perks.
Promising review: "I like to run a lot (especially long distances) and I do HIIT every day, so a high-impact sports bra is a necessity. I had the idea that in order to get a good sports bra that works for me, I needed to spend a lot of money and I was used to spending twice (or even more) for a bra that did half the job that this one does. It’s comfortable to wear (and easy to take off after working out) and as soon as you put it on you will feel that everything is in place and makes you feel good." —BaWha
Get it from Amazon for $37.99 (available in sizes S–5XL and in 15 colors).
Psst: This item is included in Prime Wardrobe, so you can give it a trial run if you're a member!
16. OR a low-impact sports bra with just enough lift and support for those low-intensity activities where comfort is key. It also has a zip-front detail, smoothing knit fabric, and wireless cups.
17. An Outdoor Voices exercise dress so you can add a stylish and functional piece to your rotation that you'll reach for again and again. It has built-in shorts, adjustable straps, and a versatile design.
BuzzFeed contributing writer Rachel Dunkel owns this dress and said: "I wore the exercise dress on a camping trip and absolutely loved it. It's tight enough that you feel agile but not SO tight that it's restricting. It was great for hiking, too! I even scaled some big ole' rocks and exposed mountain faces, and it fared really well. Despite me literally sliding down a giant rock on my butt, the dress never got caught, ripped, or showed wear. It's a trooper."
Promising review: "We should all keep talking about the exercise dress forever I think. Nothing compares. So many fun colors. So breathable. So comfy. You can do it all in this dress." —Ellie
Get it from Outdoor Voices for $100 (available in sizes XXS–3X and eight colors/patterns).
18. A pair of iconic Lululemon yoga leggings if you want your mind to be blown by the softness and supportiveness of the Nulu fabric. You'll feel like you're hardly wearing anything at all, which you'll appreciate during tough workouts and on rest days.
BuzzFeed Shopping senior editor Melanie Aman says: "I don't know what kind of witchcraft was necessary to create these leggings, but they are damn near the softest thing I've ever worn. I will admit that I bought these to be lounge leggings, so I can't vouch for them during workouts — but they have more than 4,000 5-star reviews from some very satisfied customers so you'll have to take their word for it."
Promising review: "These leggings are so comfortable!!! Initially purchased to go to the gym, but I wear them all the time now! They are the best and I have been totally hooked for several years now!!!!" —Satisfiedbuyer
Get it from Lululemon for $98+ (available in sizes 0–20, three lengths, and 18 colors).
19. And fleece-lined leggings for the few brave souls who exercise outside during cold snaps. They're also cozy enough to wear when you're inside hiding from those frigid temps!
These leggings have a wide waistband to keep them in place without any slipping. They're also made of a water-resistant fabric to keep you dry!
Promising review: "These are by far my favorite legging that I own! I initially bought the unlined version about a year ago and decided to get these fleece-lined leggings to wear under dresses at work. They are thick enough to wear on their own without being see-through, and they are warm enough to wear as the weather gets cold. They are my go-to for running errands on the weekend and the material looks so nice. l wouldn't say that it's shiny, but the material looks more like a compression/athletic material than the thin, cottony leggings you get for cheap. Love, love, love them! I would absolutely buy again!" —Andrea
Get them from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in sizes XS–3XL and 21 colors).
20. A pair of Girlfriend Collective compressive high-rise leggings because tbh you won't find a better pair of leggings to support you when you're putting in that hard work — or taking it easy.
You can check out the full Girlfriend Collective leggings review for more deets!
My colleague Melanie Aman swears by these: "The tl;dr is that they will faithfully support you through any and every exercise. I love these leggings so dang much that I've purchased eight (winces) pairs during quarantine and they're all in heavy rotation. I love the compression fit; it's supportive without constricting my movement or breathing. And as someone who sweats a lot, I especially love that these leggings wick away moisture. If you can afford the splurge, I highly recommend snagging yourself a pair before I buy all of them."
Promising review: "I love the color. I got the matching set with the Paloma bra! I’ve been wearing them nonstop, hiking, yoga, and just lounging. They’re so comfortable and I’ve gotten a lot of compliments!" —Stacie D.
Get them from Girlfriend Collective for $78 (available in sizes XS–6XL, three lengths, and seven colors; get the matching bra here).
21. A twist-front crop top with a wonderfully lightweight design to keep you feelin' cozy-cool on workout days and rest days because they're equally important!
I own this crop top and I love wearing it for lots of workouts, including running and walking outside. It doesn't roll up when I'm moving, it's super breathable, and it's not too tight on my chest. Plus, it easily layers under a hoodie or sweatshirt in case you feel a bit chilly.
Promising review: "I love this workout tank! The material is very breathable. I do wear a sports bra under it because it doesn’t have any padding in the tank but it’s the perfect cropped tank for pairing with leggings, tennis skirts, bike shorts, etc." —CC
Get it from Amazon for $18.98+ (available in sizes XS–XL and in 23 colors).
Note: Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.