We have the 15 workout wardrobe essentials you’ll be wearing on repeat for 2025.
Welcome to the new year! We made it through the holiday crunch, and now we’re ready for a different set of crunches (ah, gym humor). Maybe you’re stepping back into the gym after the holiday hiatus, just starting your fitness journey, or you are that perennial, seasoned gym-goer, looking to crush that PB. Whatever your level, starting the new year with some fresh essentials is a great way to put some extra pep in your step
Our Editors are right there with you, and we’ve pulled together our fifteen favorites to power through your workout sessions and own the gym in style.
So let’s get moving!
SPIN TO WIN
For the gals who love a high-energy kick with a great group atmosphere. Spinning stans know these cardio workouts build muscle strength with low joint impact. And with the right apparel, you can really step things up.
Starting with this seamless tank that has all the technology you need to keep you comfortable as you work up your sweat.
The minimal seams reduce chafe, while the mesh construction along the waist and sides give plenty of ventilation. There’s added elastane to improve stretch and shape retention, and the Silverescent™ technology, powered by X-STATIC®, inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the fabric. Comes in extended sizing from size 0 up to 20.
What more could you want? How about 100% of the polyester in this product is recycled.
Peloton Apparel x lululemon, Swiftly Tech Racerback Tank Top 2.0
$68
More so than other gym workouts (lifting, yoga, etc) when you spin, your feet are really gonna sweat.
You need a solid pair of highly breathable socks, that won’t slide into your shoes as you push that pedal to the metal. You also don’t want something too high up on the ankles that can catch or chafe.
The Targeted Run sock by Smartwool is made of ultra-light, quick-drying Merino wool, with a reinforced toe, a compression arch support, cushioned heel and a non-chafe blister tab that also ensures your sock stays put.
Comes in several color options, so you can easily find your favorite (or two…or three).
Smartwool, Run Targeted Cushion Low Ankle Sock $19
For over a decade, Peloton has been the powerhouse of spin. So let’s just all agree they know a thing or two about creating a great bottom for biking.
This shimmering blue beauty of a legging has all the boxes checked. The high rise, thick waist won’t ride down when you’re leaning forward. The moderate compression keeps your fit look sleek, but the breathable, moisture wicking double-knit fabric feels super soft, with plenty of movement to keep you comfortable (no chafing here, TYVM).
Peloton Apparel, Cadent Shimmer Glaze High Rise Pocket Legging
$88
NAMASTE ALL DAY
Whether you’re just beginning your first hatha, ready to challenge yourself in ashtanga, or prefer to handle the heat in your hot yoga class, these essentials will give you that extra leg up.
With its wide mesh band and glossy black fabric, the Lavish bra is a real editor’s favorite.
Breathable (moisture-wicking) and versatile (4-way stretch), this medium support bra is sturdy enough for your most challenging positions, and pretty enough to go straight from class to post-workout hang out without breaking a sweat.
And did we mention those slim, sleek and super cute back straps that really give this sweetheart bra just the right amount of cool edge?
Wear it by itself with your fav baggy jeans or maxi skirt. Or try it underneath one of this season’s big on-trend mesh top looks (Alo has a Mesh + Velvet one that would go perfect with the Lavish bra).
Peloton Apparel, Cadent Shimmer Glaze Strappy Elevate Bra
$58
Hello, goddess!
These sweat-wicking, soft-brushed leggings are literally giving you the moon and stars. Made with The highrise waist stays in place as you move, while the There’s even a hidden pocket in the back inner waistband that’s large enough to fit your phone.
Marika, The Marley Legging in Starry Night Sky $51.99
(on Sale NOW from $75)
Unlike passive recovery footwear, active recovery footwear, like Birkenstock’s Arizona, gives you firm stable support as your feet recover. The deep heel cup cradles your heel, the longitudinal arch gives proper support and the roomy toe box allows your feet to spread out, breathe, and stretch.
Welcome to your new ‘ahh’ in Namaste.
Birkenstock, Arizona Soft Footbed Oiled Leather $145
LIFTING YOU UP
Long gone are the days when lifting was just a male gendered exercise. Women today understand that strength training is a critical component of any workout routine. Not only does lifting help improve your other workout activities (injury resistance, faster recovery), it builds stronger bones along with those stronger muscles.
So with that in mind, here’s some great essentials that are sure to weigh heavily on your plus side.
A few factors make up a great pair of lifting shorts. You don’t want an inseam that rides up and pinches as you’re lifting or lunging. Nor do you want a waist that gapes or rolls down during your strength training. You do want something that stretches and breathes and shows off your amazing definition.
Enter the Hazel by Marika. The 7″ inseam gives it the goldilocks length (not too long, not too short). Princess seams contour your silhouette with just a hint of highlighting to the butt. A generous sized zip pocket lets you keep your belongings safely in place without disrupting your movement (the 4-way interlock stretch helps too!). Last, but certainly not least, the lace-inspired pattern adds a pretty, fem-forward touch.
Marika, Hazel Zipper Pocket 7″ Shorts $33.99
When it comes to lifting, light support is fine, but freedom of arm movement is very key. That’s why most experts will recommend a racerback style sports bra, which allows for full range of shoulder and arm.
The Aeroimpact by adidas offers plenty of range, along with adjustable straps to give you your perfect fit. It’s also constructed with a breathable mesh back panel, to keep you cool while you lift.
It comes in ten colors, including pink fusion (shown left), and as of right now, it’s on sale for an incredible price from its regular $40. Talk about a great time to stock up!
adidas, Aeroimpact Training Light Support Bra $16
GoFit, Women’s Pro-Trainer Gloves with Padded Go-Tac Palm $79
With a solid 5-star review rating, this trainer glove is specially designed to ensure a confident grip, no matter if it’s bar, kettle or dumbbell, thanks to the silicone Go-Tac Grip. 4-way stretch material between fingers keep you snug but not constricted, and the vented jersey back helps you keep your cool.
The high-performance padding helps reduce hand fatigue, while the reinforced, double-stitched, synthetic leather fingers ensure you’ll have these great gloves for a long, long time.
CONQUER THE CROSS-TRAINING
Whether you prefer circuit, interval or crossfit, one thing holds true with cross-training – your exercise is anything but routine. Combining cardio, lifting, calisthenics and more, what you wear needs to be just as adaptable as your workout.
Which is why we’re loving these nimble pieces…
You may be looking at this and thinking, “why would I ever choose wool in my sports bra?”. Good question. Here’s the answer – Merino wool is a natural material that excels at thermal regulation, odor control, and softness. When combined with materials, such as elastane, and lycra, the combined result is a supportive bra that doesn’t feel like you’re squeezed into place.
The Intraknit by Smartwool comes with high marks for its ribbed bottom band that sits a little lower, but comfortably against the ribcage. The racerback allows for optimum arm and shoulder movement. It also offers removable pads for those who prefer a lighter fit. Comes in five color options, including this nicely neutral, heather gray. Sizing options are generous too, ranging from sizes 2 all the way up to 18.
Finally, our Editors really loved the wide-size back pocket. It comes with plenty of room to fit today’s larger phones, while keeping your items firmly in place with a sturdy but flexible reinforced stretch material along the spine.
All in all, this is a solid performing bra that will stay in place throughout a variety of movements and exercises. Exactly the thing you need when working your way from burpee to dumbbells, to rowing machine and all things in-between.
Smartwool, Intraknit Racerback Bra $65
When the workout calls for moving back and forth between cardio and curls, this two-in-one short will be your new go-to.
The outer short is made of adidas’ super lightweight HEAT.RDY fabric that’s cool to the touch with a barely there feel that won’t slow you down when things heat up.
The inner short lining is made of 70% recycled material, and 16% elastane to keep you covered during squats, deep lunges and headstands.
Comes in three colors, including this airy, silver gray, and sizing from 2XS all the way up to 2XL.
adidas, HIIT HEAT.RDY 2-in-1 Shorts $28
With cross-training in general, and crossfit especially, there’s a whole plethora of lifting movements. In order to properly produce those movements without injury, you need a stable wrist. Even when their done correctly, sore wrists are pretty common.
That’s why so many crossfit experts and veterans will tell you a good set of wrist wraps is a real must.
What’s great about the Sling Shot is its versatility. It’s made to provide support for a variety of movements from squats to bench and even accessory work. It’s also made to work on not just your wrist, but your forearm, elbow, even knees for that addition support and compression to keep you on task. It also comes with a handy thumb loop to help adjust the tension in the wrap.
Mark Bell, Sling Shot Wrist Wrap $41.50
RULE THE RACE
It’s the number one sport for good reason. Running is a natural movement that allows you to adapt and improve at your own pace, and with some of the best results including stronger bones and muscles, improved cardiovascular, and lest we forget to mention, it burns a ton of calories.
Keeping the twins in their happy place is paramount for enjoying a great run.
The Under Armour Infinity bra is exactly what you need for full chest support during even the most high-impact exercises. The back straps are fully adjustable for a custom fit in the back, and in the front absorbs shock and keeps unwanted movement and friction to a minimum. Added bonus, the heat gear material in the front and sides is quick drying and moisture wicking.
Under Armour, Infinity High-Impact Sport Bra $36
(on Sale NOW from $60)
For those who love a great shorty-short, the Fly-By Elite doesn’t disappoint. The built-in brief delivers enhanced coverage while the external shell is fast-drying, moisture-wicking, and has super-breathable mesh panels ready to dump any excess heat.
4-way stretch keeps you moving, and our Editors are very partial to the ultra-comfortable, soft knit waistband with internal drawcord that won’t chafe.
Under Armour, Fly-By Elite 5″ Shorts $29.95
Finally, we have one of the most ultra-lightweight running tops on the market today.
Made of feather light, sweat-wicking AEROREADY material, the Adizero running tank goes even further with perforations all around the waist and chest area to reduce weight and add even more airflow.
This running staple is also proudly made with 86% recycled polyester, so not only is it light to wear, it’s light on the carbon footprint too. Sizing is available from 2XS up to XL.
adidas, Adizero Running Tank Top $47
(on Sale NOW from $55)
And that’s our list! We hope you found a few items here to get you motivated to move into the new year!
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