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 four-pack of cooling towels to bring the heat down after you've just hit your PB on the stairmaster. But TBH, after 35 seconds on that torture machine, I am *sweating* so if you're the same, these will be a savior.
2. 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 mins 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 $23.49+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 37 colors).
3. 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 $18.99+ (available in sizes S-XXL and 20 colors).
4. A hands-free portable neck fan that will become your new summer savior during your workouts, and beyond. You can charge it with a USB and take it along with you wherever you go.
It has three speeds to choose from and also lights up, making you more visible at night. Reviewers also advise that you should definitely put your hair in a ponytail (but that it's easy to unsnag if it does get caught).
Promising review: "The MAIN reason I don’t exercise as much as I should is because I sweat so bad in my hair. I hate sweating my hair out and then having to wash, blow dry, flat iron....that’s just waaay too much! I purchased these honestly with high expectations and they did not disappoint!!! They kept me cool during my entire workout! I usually will have sweat running down and burning my eyes...not a single run!" —Nicole W
Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in eight styles).
5. Or a battery-operated flexible rotating fan complete with a tripod that you can attach to your bike, elliptical, or treadmill, or simply point it at your face during your next long walk to add some breeze *and* feel like you're in a Beyoncè music video.
Promising review: "This is a great fan to add to your treadmill. I love that I can aim it at my face, as the built in treadmill fan points at your stomach. It helps keep my cool while I am running, as it connects nicely to the treadmill with its bendable arms. It stays in position and does not move. The battery life is also great. I love the usb charging option versus utilizing a battery. I would definitely buy this again." —Alisha
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in three colors).
6. A set of popular wick-away sweatbands because no one wants sweat dripping in their eyes when they're working it out. These will keep the sweat out of your eyes and also cool you down in turn.
7. A facial ice roller you can stash away in the fridge or freezer ready for those moments you need to ~chill out~, whether you've been on a scorching park run or your AC has broken (IYKYK). Simply roll it over your face and feel the heat melt away.
Reviewers also swear by this for puffiness and migraines, so it's multitalented.
Promising review: "Well made for the price. I find it’s helpful in the morning for puffy eyes. It’s great to use after a workout in sunny Florida. I use it to cool down and reduce redness after exercising." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in 12 colors).
8. A set of three super lightweight racerback tanks with deep arm holes to make even the sweatiest of workouts 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 $23.99+ for three (available in sizes XS–XL and 14 color combos).
9. 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 the dreaded blisters.
BuzzFeed's Emma Lord has had these socks for a while: "I've had a set of these since April 2020 and not only have they held up for over a year, but they have kept my VERY blister- and chafing-prone feet snug and moisture-wicked since the day I got them. I bought two more packs of them over 2020 and they've essentially phased out any of my other socks, because they're extremely comfortable to boot. As a runner who clocks in 40+ miles a week and often in some "yikes!" summer heat, I cannot recommend these socks enough."
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 in the near future." —Deborah
Get them from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in sizes S–XL and five color combos).
10. A U-shaped neckline workout set for a unique look that goes way beyond the gym. Reviewers praise the high-waisted leggings and the top will keep 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. I ordered a small...I am 5'6 and about 130 lbs. But I think a medium would have been too big. 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).
11. A pair of fan-favorite Adidas ~Cloudfoam~ workout sneakers with a memory foam sock liner and stretchy mesh top for ultimate comfort and ventilation. It's time to let your feet ~breathe~.
12. A pair of UV arm sleeves to wear while you're exercising among nature. They'll protect your arms from the sun (no burned forearms here) while also being bright and colorful to help make you more visible. Reviewers say that they keep them comfortably cool and have been re-purchased by many.
13. A facial spray for spritzing and misting every time you need a quick cool down. It smells incredible and works *even* better if you pop it in the fridge for an hour or so before you use it.
14. A breathable running bra with adjustable straps complete with a racerback strap to make it easier to match with lightweight running tanks. And whether you're working out or not, it's a great summer essential. Say goodbye to boob sweat.
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 $30 (available in sizes S–XL and four colors).
15. A ventilated cooling cap you can wear under a normal cap or by itself. Simply get it wet (with either water or sweat, no one's judging), and it'll stay cool for up to two hours. It also offers UPF 50 sun protection!
16. 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).
17. A racerback workout tank so you can ~werk~ it out in serious style while also staying cool at the same time.
18. A set of seamless hipster underpants made with a performance fabric that wicks away sweat with ease. These are game-changing because there's nothing worse than sweaty undies after a workout. NOTHING.
19. A set of compression calf sleeves to help with those shin splints or leg pains that can occur when exercising. They'll make your workout more comfortable and look pretty darn great at the same time.
20. A lightweight, stylish, and innovative UPF 50+ protective running hat for shielding you from the blazing sun while on your daily run. It also folds up so you can slide it into your pocket when you're not wearing it.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.