Top Activewear Picks for Spring 2024

With spring approaching, it's time to refresh your fitness wardrobe. Our editorial team has curated a selection of activewear essentials designed for both performance and style in the milder weather. From innovative layering pieces to everyday workout staples, these items are perfect for transitioning your fitness routine into the new season. We've highlighted top picks from popular brands that offer comfort, durability, and a fashionable edge, ensuring you look and feel great during your workouts and beyond.

The editors at Women's Health are enthusiastic about embracing spring with refreshed activewear. They're swapping out heavy winter gear for lighter, more adaptable items, focusing on pieces that offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal. This season's collection includes versatile items suitable for a range of activities, from high-intensity workouts to casual strolls. The emphasis is on comfort, breathability, and flattering designs that seamlessly integrate into a dynamic lifestyle.

Among the highlighted items, Sidney Lee, Deals & Trends Editor, raves about SET Active's Lux Shorts. These shorts feature a unique brushed, fleece-like fabric that provides an unexpected warmth, making them ideal for those early spring days when you want to show a little leg but still need some insulation. This blend of comfort and style makes them a standout for the season.

Shannen Zitz, Associate Style & Commerce Editor, expresses her fondness for layering a lightweight fleece over her workout outfits during cooler spring mornings and evenings. Her preferred choice from Old Navy offers an oversized fit and a breathable cotton/spandex blend, making it a versatile piece that complements everything from leggings to denim. This adaptability is key for navigating fluctuating spring temperatures.

The Lululemon Define Jacket Nulu is another editor favorite, lauded by Associate Health & Fitness Editor Addison Aloian. She praises its flexible and breathable fabric, along with its practical pockets for small essentials. Aloian particularly loves its flattering silhouette, often wearing it beyond workouts for casual meetups, underscoring its dual appeal for active and social settings.

For everyday comfort, the Amazon Essentials Women’s Active Soft Cotton Crewneck stands out. Shannen Zitz notes its affordability and versatility, making it a go-to for both gym sessions and hiking. The smooth, stretchy blend of cotton, modal, and elastane ensures comfort and ease of movement, proving that quality activewear doesn't have to break the bank.

Olivia Luppino, Editorial Assistant, favors the Athleta Transcend Wrap Crop Top for its stylish and functional design. This lightweight wrap is perfect for workout classes, featuring sweat-wicking fabric that feels barely there, allowing for unrestricted movement and a flattering look. It's a testament to how activewear can blend performance with chic aesthetics.

Cori Ritchey, Fitness Editor, highlights the Free People Horizon Zip-Up as an excellent layering piece for spring. Its slight stretch, relaxed fit, and pleated details make it perfect for brisk mornings or casual errands. The jacket's exceptional softness and smoothness make it a comfortable and stylish addition to any spring wardrobe.

The Nike Metcon 10 cross-training shoes are another must-have for Shannen Zitz. She anticipates wearing these throughout spring and summer due to their stability and support for various workouts, including lifting and dynamic exercises. Beyond their athletic performance, their sleek design makes them suitable for daily wear, combining function with fashion.

Sidney Lee also recommends the Left of Friday Barre Tank for low-impact workouts, travel, and lounging. This tank features a buttery soft fabric, low compression, and a built-in shelf bra for support. Its flattering scoop neck and back design further enhance its appeal, making it a comfortable yet elegant option.

Cori Ritchey finds the Lululemon Thermal High-Rise Running Tight indispensable for cooler spring runs. These leggings offer a perfect balance of warmth and comfort, feeling like regular leggings but with added thermal benefits. Their buttery soft texture and light lining provide just enough protection without causing overheating.

The Old Navy SoComfy Oversized Button-Front Sweatshirt is celebrated by Shannen Zitz for its exceptional softness and comfortable, flattering drape. Its breathable cotton/spandex blend makes it an ideal transitional piece that pairs effortlessly with a variety of bottoms, proving to be so comfortable that taking it off becomes a challenge.

Finally, SET Lux Shorts are praised by Sidney Lee for their thick, brushed, and highly compressible Luxform fabric. These shorts offer warmth while still allowing for leg exposure, making them perfect for spring. Their high-rise, seamless design provides a secure and smooth silhouette, embodying the blend of fashion and functionality essential for spring activewear.