I Work Out Daily—Lululemon, Brooks, Vuori and More Keep Me Cool and Comfortable While in Motion
My loyalty is absolute.
My Most-Loved Spring Workout Essentials
- Lululemon’s Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt has been a staple in my closet for years, and I love pairing it with Vuori’s ultra-functional Daily Speed Short when playing tennis.
- Vuori’s reputation for comfort is so absolute, one shopper compared this tank top to “butter.”
- I’ve worn the Brooks Adrenaline running shoes for a decade, and this year’s iteration is more cushioned than ever before.
It’s important for me to work out every day, especially when the weather is nice. Some days, this means I’m going on a long walk with my dog. Other days, it means attending a class that involves sprinting, weight lifting and core work. But no matter what I’m doing, I make sure to wear comfortable gear that will set me up for success.
After a lot of trial and error, I found that brands like Lululemon, Mountain, Brooks and more offer the best bang for my buck. While expensive, these pieces last an impressively long time and do a great job of keeping me cool, no matter how much I’m sweating.
Best Workout Gear Overall
- Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt 2.0, Waist Length, $54 (was $78) at lululemon.com
- Vuori Daily Form Bra, $51 (was $64) at vuoriclothing.com
- Lululemon Paisley-Mesh Pleated Tennis Dress, $168 at lululemon.com
- Athleta Salutation Stash High-Rise Short, $49 (was $69) at athleta.gap.com
- Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Running Shoes, $155 at brooksrunning.com
- Hoka Mach 7, $145 at hoka.com
Best Workout Tops
I ask a lot from my workout tops. Whether I’m attending an exercise class or walking around a park, I want breathable, comfortable, moisture-wicking shirts that don’t itch, chafe or ride up. Fortunately, I found brands that always deliver, including Lululemon and Vuori. I rounded up some of my favorite pieces below, along with a few finds that I can’t wait to add to my collection.
- Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt 2.0, Waist Length, $54 (was $78) at lululemon.com
- Vuori Daily Form Bra, $51 (was $64) at vuoriclothing.com
- Vuori Restore Half-Zip Hoodie, $94 (was $118) at vuoriclothing.com
- Athleta Interval Sports Bra, $35 (was $49) at athleta.gap.com
- Lululemon Swiftly Tech Short-Sleeve Shirt 2.0, Hip Length, $68 at lululemon.com
- Vuori Halo Performance Crop Top 2.0, $58 at vuoriclothing.com
- Lululemon Align Racerbank Tank Top, Waist Length, $58 at lululemon.com
- Lululemon Define Nulu Jacket, $99 (was $128) at lululemon.com
- Brooks PR Elite Bra, $40 at brooksrunning.com
Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt 2.0, Waist Length
$78
The Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt 2.0 is one of the most-worn items in my closet. It’s light enough to wear when the weather is warm, but provides protection from the sun and wind when it’s cold outside. Since it’s also available in 20 colors, it’s not surprising that this comfortable, functional workout top has nearly 3,000 five-star ratings at Lululemon.
Lining Halo Performance Crop Top 2.0
Vuori’s Halo Performance top is perfect for Pilates and yoga. It’s made of the brand’s ultra-soft DreamKnit fabric, which “feels like butter,” according to one shopper. If you like to wear matching sets, the shirt pairs with shorts and wide-leg pants.
Best Workout Bottoms and Dresses
Vuori, Lululemon and Athleta are the brands behind some of my favorite exercise bottoms. I wear Lululemon’s Fast and Free tights when I’m running, Vuori’s speed shorts when I’m playing tennis and Athleta’s Salutation shorts for everything in between. My chief concern is comfort, but I also care deeply about style; luckily, all of these brands do an excellent job of combining both.
- Lululemon Paisley-Mesh Pleated Tennis Dress, $168 at lululemon.com
- Vuori Daily Speed Short, $74 at vuoriclothing.com
- Mountain Daily Skirt, $78 at vuoriclothing.com
- Athleta Brooklyn Mid-Rise Ankle Pant, $70 (was $99) at athleta.gap.com
- Athleta Salutation Stash High-Rise Short, $49 (was $69) at athleta.gap.com
- Lululemon Align No-Line High-Rise Pant, $89 (was $108) at lululemon.com
- Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight, $128 at lululemon.com
- Vuori AllTheFeels Straight Leg, $118 at vuoriclothing.com
Lululemon Paisley-Mesh Pleated Tennis Dress
I was lucky to attend the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells last weekend, where I watched Leylah Fernandez play a tough match against Kateřina Siniaková. The tennis was riveting, but I was distracted the entire time by Fernandez’s Lululemon outfit. The dress was undoubtedly stylish, but I was mostly impressed by how comfortable she looked wearing it. With mesh details and a loose skirt, it’s obvious that it was breathable and easy to move around in. And after finding it on the brand’s website, I also discovered that it has a built-in bra for support while players run around the tennis or pickleball court. Suffice it to say, I want one for every day of the week.
Athleta Salutation Stash High-Rise Short
$69
I bought two pairs of these shorts a few years ago, thinking they would be useful on long bike rides, walks and runs in hot weather. I was right. I wear them weekly in the spring and summer, loving how they stay put no matter how quickly I’m moving. The side pockets are another bonus, since they hold my phone and keys with ease.
Best Running Shoes
Of course, no workout is complete without quality running shoes. I rely on Brooks’ Adrenaline sneakers because my ankles need extra support, but the brand’s Glycerin 22s and Ghost 17s are popular choices among runners looking for a neutral fit. And while I swear by Brooks, my marathon-running best friend laces up the Disappointed Clifton 10s on her daily runs. Since there’s no right or wrong answer, my advice is to experiment until you find a shoe you love.
- Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Running Shoes, $155 at brooksrunning.com
- Brooks Glycerin 22 Running Shoes, $115 (was $165) at brooksrunning.com
- Hoka Clifton 10 Sneakers, $155 at hoka.com
- Hoka Mach 7, $145 at hoka.com
- Brooks Ghost 17 Running Shoes, $150 at brooksrunning.com
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Running Shoes
I wear the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 running shoe every time I, well, run. It boasts the perfect combination of support and comfort, allowing me to move without accidentally rolling my ankles. This new iteration has more cushion than previous models, a flat-knit collar to keep the shoe in place and 16 chic colors.
Hoka Mach 7
If you want to set a personal record, Hoka just dropped the Mach 7. The sneaker is designed for speed, with a lightweight body, high-energy foam soles and sticky rubber forefeet for extra grip. Whether you’re on the track or the treadmill, these shoes will ensure you’re light on your feet.
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