When your life basically revolves around running, it feels like a big win to get dressed in something that isn’t shorts and a sports bra, but still feels just as comfy. Enter dresses that fit our athletic builds as women, but still feel cute!Bonus points for being breathable in the summer heat.
This summer, athletic dresses are having a serious moment. Bright colors, fun patterns, sweat-wicking fabrics and yes, pockets. Brands are finally figuring out that we want to feel good and look good without sacrificing functionality.
Honestly, some days I just want to look a little more put together, without inviting the “oh, did you just work out?” comments. Athletic dresses let me keep that comfy, stretchy vibe but look like I’ve actually made an effort.
Now, finding a dress that actually fits an athletic body? Not always easy.
If you’ve got broad shoulders, strong legs, a little extra junk in the trunk, or you’re just on the taller side like Amanda and me, you know the struggle. Too tight, too short, too long, weird gaping in places, sound familiar?
That’s why we pulled together a list of athletic dresses that go beyond the workout. In fact, we aren’t talking about exercise dresses at all!! These are the ones you’ll want to live in all summer long, whether you’re running errands or just trying to survive the heat without sacrificing your style.
Best Athletic Dresses
There’s nothing more annoying than spending your day adjusting a dress that just doesn’t sit right. Constant tugging, pulling, re-situating… nope.
Clothes should make you feel good, comfortable, confident, and yeah, maybe even a little stylish while you’re at it.
Every pick on this list checks the boxes: comfy, sweat-wicking, breathable, and available in a solid range of sizes. Because we’re not here for one-size-fits-some.
While those Instagram ads do get me with the “ooo, that’s cute” scroll-stopping power, I’m not clicking add to cart unless I know it’s more than just a thin layer of clingy fabric that shows every drop of sweat.
Got a favorite athletic dress we need to try? Send it our way, we’re always down to test out something new.
Title Nine Speed Racer Tunic
Coach Amanda has become a huge fan of rompers and dresses lately, especially when she travels. But they have to check the boxes for casual and athletic. Luckily that’s exactly what Title Nine specializes in.
She wore this dress to walk all over the Galapagos and now has the Getaway jumpsuit (listed below!) as well for her summer adventures around Colorado. This dress is perfect because you can wear it as a swim cover up, a post workout quick change to run errands, or a cute weekend outfit.
A fun feature is that this dress has UPF 50 protection, which is a super added bonus. Spending days outside, you want to wear not only something that’s a quick-drying drying breathable outfit, but feeling a little extra protected.
- Fit: relaxed fit
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Available in 7 colors (Amanda may now have 2)
- Check it out on Titlenine.com for $99
Title Nine Getaway Jumpsuit
Coach Amanda likes that the jumpsuit comes in regular and petite. While I’m tall, many of my closest friends are…not as vertical and that means they can be comfy and cute too! So finally something that looks intentionally cropped!
This one piece pulls on quickly and is SO STINKING light. Wearing it to walk around in the 100 degree temps recently, I wasn’t worried about sweating or feeling uncomfortable. I mean I was sweating, but you know how a normal dress just is icky in that heat?
Easy to pair with sandals or your On Cloudsurfer 2 for a longer day on your feet. Normally those of us with less of an hourglass shape can get lost in things like this, but instead we still felt cute and comfy.
- Fit: relaxed fit with a tapered leg
- Sizes: XS-XL; regular and petite
- Available in 5 colors
- Check it out on Titlenine.com for $149
prAna Heavana Every Minute Dress
prAna nailed the balance of comfort and style with this one. The Heavana™ fabric is exactly what it sounds like soft, stretchy, and made for movement, whether that’s hiking, travel days, or just grabbing coffee. I can never walk through REI and not help but feel the different prAna pieces because they’re so soft.
The open-back design features a single thin strap up the center, which means traditional bras are out, but no worries, it has built-in, removable cups for extra support.
You’re also getting UPF 50+ sun protection, which we’re seeing more and more in activewear, that we love
If you want to wear it beyond summer, just toss on a jean jacket, and you’re good to go for the fall and spring seasons….and maybe winter, depending on where you live!
- Fit: fitted
- Sizes: XXS-XXL
- Available in 4 colors
- Check it out on Rei.com for $98
KUHL Vantage Dress
I’m a sucker for any dress with a drawstring waist, it’s such an easy way to get that just-right fit without feeling like you’re wearing a potato sack. And the KUHL Vantage Dress totally delivers on both style and function.
Made with lightweight 4-way stretch fabric, it’s designed to handle the heat. We’re talking sweat-wicking, odor-resistant, and it even has UPF 50 protection, so basically, it’s built for summer.
The fit is athletic but not clingy, and there’s an internal shelf bra for a bit of extra support if you’re skipping the straps that day. Bonus points because it actually feels supportive, not like those flimsy “shelf bras” that barely count.
And yes, it has pockets. Two of them. They’re well-placed so they don’t bulge out awkwardly if you’ve got curves, and they even fit an iPhone without bouncing or shifting around as you walk.
Sizing feels true-to-size, but it depends on the fit you’re going for. Stick with your usual size for a closer fit, or size up for a little extra room to move.
It’s the perfect dress to wear with tennis shoes or a pair of slides from Bombas.
- Fit: semi-fitted, A-line
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Available in 4 colors
- Check it out on Rei.com for $85
Title Nine De Vivre Dress
This dress checks all the boxes, built-in bra, pockets, moisture-wicking stretch fabric, an empire waist, and a fun little keyhole back for just a hint of flair.
The De Vivre Dress from Title Nine is one of those magical pieces you can toss in your suitcase without a second thought. It’s just as perfect for a post-long-run brunch as it is for vacation days when you want to look cute but feel like you’re still in loungewear.
As Title Nine puts it, it’s the “one and done”, and we have to agree. No overthinking, no layering, no weird fabric surprises. Just throw it on and get going.
One of the things we really like about this dress is its structure. It’s not clingy, not too short, and doesn’t ride up when you walk. It’s designed to work with your athletic build, not against it, so you can feel confident without constantly adjusting or fidgeting.
- Fit: fit-and-flare
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Available in 3 colors
- Check it out on Titlenine.com for $98
Sweaty Betty Explorer Ribbed Racer Dress
If you’re on the hunt for an athletic dress that can go from errands to evening out without skipping a beat, this one from Sweaty Betty might just be it.
The Explorer Ribbed Racer Dress is made with ultra-light, quick-drying fabric that holds up on those extra hot, sticky days when you still want to look pulled together.
The top has a snug, flattering fit, while the poplin-feel skirt flows just enough to keep things breezy, and yes, it has pockets on both sides. Because who doesn’t love a dress with pockets?
You could keep things casual by throwing on a pair of Ryka sneakers or dress it up with a pair of heels and a statement necklace. Either way, it’s one of those rare pieces that does double duty without sacrificing comfort.
The fit runs tighter through the top, but the fabric has enough stretch that you won’t feel squeezed in. Just that nice, held-together feeling we all kind of love.
- Fit: fit-and-flare
- Sizes: XXS-XXL
- Available in 3 colors
- Check it out on Sweatybetty.com for $148 (currently on sale for $78.50)
Patagonia Seabrook Dress
If you’re looking for a shorter dress with just a bit more structure than the Tee Dress we mentioned earlier, the Seabrook Dress from Patagonia is worth checking out.
It’s got a sporty feel with a high neckline, racerback, and built-in shelf bra, simple, functional, and easy to wear.
The fabric is treated with miDori™ bioSoft for extra softness and moisture wicking, plus HeiQ® Mint odor control. Which means even if you’re out in the sun all day or sweating through a travel day, you won’t have to worry about feeling (or smelling) gross.
The fit is on the looser side, so if you’re not into tight or clingy clothing, this one’s a win.
The waistline might hit differently depending on your height, so it may look slightly different on you than it does in photos, but it still falls in that comfy, flattering zone.
This is one of those dresses you’ll reach for when you just want to throw something on and get out the door without a second thought.
- Fit: relaxed fit
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Available in 3 colors
- Check it out on Rei.com for $129
Factors to Consider When Choosing Athletic Dresses
There are so many athletic dresses out there right now, different fits, fabrics, styles… it’s a little overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’ve got you.
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect dress to keep you cool, comfortable, and feeling good all summer long, here are a few key things to look for before hitting “add to cart.”
Fit and Style
Athletic dresses aren’t one-size-fits-all, and thank goodness for that. The right fit can totally change how confident and comfortable you feel, whether you’re heading out for a walk, brunch, or post-run coffee.
Here’s a few of the most common fits:
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Flowy and A-line styles give you room to move, breathe,
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Fitted or body-hugging cuts lean into that sleek, sporty look. Great if you want something that feels more supportive.
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Adjustable features like drawstrings or side cinches. This is a total win for dialing in the fit just how you like it.
Fabric and Breathability
Just like with running gear, the fabric on your athletic dress matters a lot, especially if you know you’re going to sweat even a little (which, let’s be real, is always).
You want lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking material that dries fast and keeps things from getting sticky or clingy. Trust me, nothing ruins a cute outfit like sweat showing up in places it shouldn’t.
And if you’re spending time in the sun, check for fabric with UPF 50 protection. It’s like built-in sunscreen, blocking out 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays to help protect your skin while you stay cool and covered.
Built-in Support
Some athletic dresses come with a built-in shelf bra or even inner shorts (like a romper situation). Decide what kind of support you’re looking for. Do you want to go braless or still pair it with your favorite sports bra?
I’ve seen more brands adding cutouts in the back of built-in shorts for easy bathroom breaks. Because no one wants to completely undress in a public stall just to pee.
Length
Length can make or break how a dress feels on your body, especially if you’re tall, petite, or just want to feel comfortable. Here’s the general breakdown:
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Mini: Mid-thigh or higher. Great for heat and layering, but can feel a little too short on us taller folks.
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Above the knee: Just a few inches above the knee. I call this the perfect fit, not too short and not too long.
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Knee-length: Hits right around the knee. Great for all-day wear, travel, or a night out on the town.
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Midi: Mid-calf. A more casual length that may be more popular if you want a little more leg coverage.
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Maxi: Hits the ankles. Great sun protection, just make sure it’s breathable so you don’t overheat.
Pockets
If it wasn’t already clear: we’re team pockets over here. But not all pockets are created equal.
Make sure outer pockets are actually functional and don’t flare out if you’ve got hips (been there, hate it).
And if the pockets are part of built-in shorts, check that they’re big enough to hold your phone without making the dress sag or bounce like crazy when you move.
There you have it, our list of the best athletic dresses to wear this summer. Again, if you have an athletic dress you think we’d love, drop us a comment below!
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