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 pair of high-waisted quick-dry running shorts so lightweight that it'll feel like you're not wearing anything at all. Reviewers compare these to more expensive brands, and they also feature a handy underwear liner and a sizable side pocket — and we all know that pockets make everything better.
BuzzFeed's Emma Lord says: "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 arrange of colors you can buy these in (at other places they often sell out too quickly to get to pick!), love that the high-waisted-ness 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: "Love these shorts! Super comfortable and lightweight, feels like you’re wearing nothing! Just used them for the first time last night jogging for 35 minutes in 80-degree weather. Kept me cool the whole time. No wedgies (some other reviews mentioned this, I have a larger behind for my size and did not experience wedgies but I did size up 1–2 times from my usual size). Side pocket works best for small things like keys or headphones when running and can handle larger things when walking (running with a phone in that pocket is uncomfortable as the phone would bounce too much, almost tugging my shorts down)." —Camille I.
Get them from Amazon for $21.49+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 37 colors).
2. A set of three super lightweight racerback tanks with deep arm holes to make even the sweatiest of workouts a little bit easier. Clothes with arms? Overrated.
Psst to anyone breastfeeding — lots of reviewers mentioned that the deep sleeves in this also made it easier to breastfeed at home!
Promising review: "Wore one of the three shirts today for two workout videos. It is very light and airy, great for summer or indoor workouts. It feels very soft and love the big side cutouts. The colors are great, just like the pictures. Overall, I am very happy with this order and will most likely order the other colors." —R. Scott
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ for three (available in sizes XS–XL and 14 color combos).
3. Or a cropped workout tank complete with a padded built-in bra to see you through any and all low- and high-intensity workouts in the summer heat.
BuzzFeed's Emma Lord swears by this tank: "TBH, this crossed my radar because of Stephanie Buttermore, a popular YouTuber who shares Stories of her gym routines on Instagram. I love it so much I now own it in black, pink, AND blue. They're basically my summer uniform now, because they're compressive enough for me to wear on long-distance runs in the park but comfy enough that I love to throw 'em on with high-waisted shorts for an easy summer fit. It is hot as all HECK in New York City in the summer, so finding something this comfy and breezy at this price point has been a total boon!"
Promising review: "I really like this tank. It has a built-in padded bra which is super convenient, and the material is nice and cooling. I don’t find myself having to readjust at all during my workouts which is great! I do wish it was, like, one inch longer, but that’s just my personal preference. I wear it with extra high-waisted leggings and it looks great! Highly recommend!" —Morgan
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in sizes S-XXL and 20 colors).
4. A set of popular moisture-wicking exercise socks because sweaty feet can make your workout feel like you're exercising in the depths of hell. These bad boys are here to keep your tootsies cool and prevent any dreaded blisters.
Promising review: "These are very nice, indeed. Super comfortable, great cushioning and my feet stay cool, all day, working inside a hot warehouse. I'm not a runner, but I walk a lot at work and the tab does keep the socks from bunching up inside my footwear. You can't go wrong with these very well-made socks and I will be purchasing more soon." —Deborah
Get them from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in sizes S–XL and five color combos).
5. A pair of high-waisted cropped leggings reviewers say will keep you cool while also being super squat-proof (a very important factor when it comes to choosing workout gear).
6. An adorable tennis dress so you can bring your A-game to the court without getting too hot and sweaty. It's made from sweat-wicking fabric and the cutout back gives it some extra ~airflow.~
7. A U-shaped neckline workout set for a unique look that goes way beyond the gym. Reviewers praise the high-waisted leggings and love that the top keeps your chest cool during any yoga seshes.
Promising review: "I was surprised by how supportive and cute the top is. I feel so much more confident in my yoga classes! The outfit looks expensive. It kept me warm on my walk to hot yoga and kept me cool during my class. It was a tiny bit smaller than I expected. The pants stretch and don't show through." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes XS–L and 24 colors).
8. A breathable running bra with adjustable straps complete with a racerback strap to make it easier to match with lightweight running tanks. Say goodbye to boob sweat for good — and whether you're working out or not, it's a great summer essential.
Promising review: "I used the bra during an 8-mile steady-pace run. To my slight surprise, the bra performed well, just as well as my VS bras. The bra moved with my movements; never once did it pinch or chafe. No obvious bouncing. (I mean, there's always going to be a little movement, but I didn't feel like they were bouncing like two energetic monkeys bouncing in a cage.) I felt comfortable and supported throughout my entire run. Granted it was a cool evening, but I did feel like the bra wicked away what little sweat I had. The mesh/ventilated fabric kept me cool even to the last mile. I was not sore after my run nor were any sensitive areas irritated. ;)" —RocknRunner
Get it from Amazon for $26.50+ (available in sizes S–XL and four colors).
9. A versatile racerback tank so you can ~werk~ it out in serious style while staying cool at the same time.
10. A pair of fitted workout shorts made with a lightweight and breathable fabric that has been designed to keep you cool throughout any workout, and beyond.
11. A ventilated tank top because there's *nothing* worse than having a sticky, sweaty back during your workout (or anytime during the sweltering summer, for that matter). The breathable mesh material will keep you nice and dry, while the racerback design will look great with your sports bras.
Promising review: "I bought the small and it fits perfectly. It’s long enough to wear with leggings, not too tight, and not see-through. The color is bright and vibrant. The mesh-back is a nice touch for airflow during my more intense workouts and cute with sports bras. I’ll be buying this in more colors." —Colt and Missy
Get it from Amazon for $18.98 (available in sizes S—XXL and in 16 colors).
And here's a similar plus size version (XL–5X) for $23.99+.
12. A sports bra and shorts set so you can say goodbye to gym outfit planning. Yes, I love working out in an oversized T-shirt that doubles as a pajama top, but there's just something extra motivating about wearing some cute matching activewear.
Promising review: "This product was squat-proof! The colors were vibrant and stayed vibrant after wash! The shorts also stay in place when doing lunges, squatting, etc. Perfect material for any workout! Very breathable!" —Xochitl
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in sizes XS–L and in 27 colors).
13. A lightweight twist-front crop top perfect for ~twisting~ and ~turning~ in during your next Zumba class.
BuzzFeed's Courtney Lynch loves this top: "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).
14. A mesh, asymmetrical tiered skort that's just as great off the tennis court as it is it on. The cooling fabric is super soft and the hidden zipper pocket is the perfect place for storing your valuables.
15. Or a hot pink mesh romper to take your workout look straight back to an '80s aerobics class. Just add a bunch of sweatbands plus some leg warmers, and you're good to go!
16. A moisture-wicking tee for those who like to be a little more covered up during their workout sessions but also know the importance of staying ~chill.~ Basically you can protect your shoulders from the harsh sunrays on your next hike while still keeping the sweat at bay.
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 $14.95+ (available in sizes XS–4X and in 15 colors).
17. A pair of flowy skirt-like shorts with two lightweight layers, so you literally don't have to worry about showing your undergarments if a (much welcomed) cool breeze comes along while you're exercising outdoors.
Promising review: "Seriously get these shorts. I’ve never been more in love with an Amazon order in my life. They’re amazing material, so so comfy. There’s a pocket!! And they fit great. I love that they have shorts under and the flowy skirt/short over is super cute. Definitely size up!!!!!! I read reviews all saying to size up. They fit perfectly!!! Definitely get these!! I will be living in these now and buying every color for the summer." —Isabelle
Get them from Amazon for $13.50+ (available in sizes S–XXL and in 29 colors).
18. And a pair of TikTok-viral cross-waist bike shorts because you can wear these bbs during your next workout session or style them under your favorite dress to stop the dreaded summer thigh chafing.
Promising review: "These shorts are everything! I saw a review on TikTok and I had to get these. As a plus-size woman, I have found that it is very hard to find cute and affordable gym shorts that actually look good! BUT THESE!?!? They are perfect." —Siani Herrera
Get them from Amazon for $23.95+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 28 colors).
19. A pair of track pants that are giving major Sporty Spice vibes. They're made of moisture-wicking fabric and have large zip pockets so you can store all of your essentials without having to carry a purse around.
20. Or a pair of quick-drying cargo joggers that are *so* perfect for your next hike. They have FIVE (!!!) pockets, UPF 50 protection, and will ward off any pesky bug bites that always seem to happen when you're just trying to enjoy your scenic nature walk in peace.
Promising review: "These joggers fit the bill for me. I needed lightweight pants to wear while working in the yard. We live in the heavily wooded boondocks of Florida, and working in the yard without getting eaten up by mosquitoes and other insects is a challenge. These pants are lightweight and breathable enough to wear when it's warm, and at the same time, help to ward off the bug bites." —Hello
Get them from Amazon for $34.98 (available in sizes XS–3XL and 16 colors).
21. A lightweight ruched-front top that allows you to control how much skin you show (or don't show). With just a pull and a tie, you can go from a regular tee to a crop top in no time flat.
22. A game-changing lightweight mesh jacket with UPF 50 protection that's cooling, breathable, and will become your new favorite item of clothing — for both working out *and* going out!
23. A pair of running shorts that are not just limited to running miles. You can wear them for a leisurely walk or for simply ~running~ errands. They are super lightweight, have an adjustable waistband, and come complete with built-in underwear.
24. A bright and bold two-piece matching workout set to bring some color to your next workout. The set comes with a top and bottom and is *perfect* for mixing and matching with your existing pieces.
25. And an exercise dress that you can literally take straight from the hiking trail to a well-deserved cocktail brunch. It's soft, lightweight, and comes with built-in shorts *and* a removable bra.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.