When it comes to travel, our editors know the value of wearing activewear that moves with us—whether we’re on a long flight, hiking through the mountains, or casually strolling around a new town. Unlike loungewear, which leans toward cozy comfort, our favorite activewear pieces are designed to support a range of activities, from quick workouts to all-day wear. And as editors who are constantly on the go, we’ve learned that athleisure, especially for women, needs to be adaptable—working just as well for a Pilates class as it does for the airport lounge or a coffee run.
From breathable leggings and supportive sports bras to versatile tanks and performance jackets, we’ve found well-made activewear that is just as functional as it is fashionable. Our go-to athletic pieces are designed by top-rated brands we love and trust—to name a few, Athleta, Lululemon, and Vuori—and deliver ultimate comfort without compromising style. Below we’ve gathered the travel-ready athleisure our editors pack on every trip, whether we’re headed on a cross-country flight or a weekend getaway.
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Hollister Gilly Hicks Active Cinch dress
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Tees and tanks
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The Square tank
Four Three Seven makes some of my most-worn activewear. Among my favorite pieces is this square tank in navy that I wear on hikes and to workout classes. The full-length tank has a flattering fit that is made with a bra inside for support—and its moisture-wicking fabric does wonders for sweat control on the go. —Jessica Chapel, commerce writer
Lululemon
Align tank top
I mean, they’ve gone viral for a reason: Lululemon’s Align tanks are made from some of the butteriest material I’ve ever put on my body, so even though there’s a built-in bra, you barely feel like you’re wearing anything at all. You’ll always find one of these in my bag on vacation, whether for a hike, a day of adventuring, or just to wear on the plane ride home. —Hannah Chubb, senior commerce editor
Athleta
Transcend V-Neck top
I’m a new fan of Athleta’s V-neck top that has a built-in cami bra and is long enough to hit the top of your leggings. It wicks up sweat pretty well and isn’t too restrictive. Thanks to its stretchy fabric, it’s great for Pilates and yoga classes. —Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor
Hollister
Gilly Hicks graphic T-shirt
This cute and casual workout tee is sweat-absorbent and comes with a built-in bra. I often wear it on flights, to workout classes, or even to my neighborhood park and back (especially when it’s humid, and I want to optimize comfort). It goes with anything from flared leggings to an exercise skort. —J.C.
Beyond Yoga
Impulse tank
I own several of Beyond Yoga’s Impulse ribbed tanks in neutrals, which are just the right blend of dressy and functional. With a versatile design, supportive material, and flattering fit for all body types, these tanks are a ready-to-go option on my packing list for any kind of trip. —Alexandra Sanidad, research director
Vuori
Energy T-shirt
I fly in this shirt all the time—it’s so incredibly soft, and since it is moisture-wicking (though not as much as a true performance tee), it doubles as an exercise shirt if I’m popping into the hotel gym for a light workout, or going on a hike in cooler weather. —Madison Flager, associate commerce director
Abercrombie & Fitch
YPB tank & mini skirt
This slim-fitting active tank is a top pick for taking advantage of any on-site fitness amenities, or playing pickleball or tennis outside with friends. The breathable fabric is ideal for warm-weather destinations and makes for a buttery-soft and cozy wear—all while looking effortlessly cute and ready for movement. While I own it in green—to complete the set, paired with the YPB studio flex active mini skirt—the site currently offers more size variations in the flirty and bright red colorway. —J.C.
Outerwear
Hollister
Gilly Hicks Active Cooldown off-the-shoulder top
Ideal for flights or beginner trails in cooler climates, this Gilly Hicks Cooldown sweater is a no brainer for my packing list. It’s somehow as cozy and it is breathable—and I can match it with any pair of shorts or sweats. (It’s the perfect set for flying with the matching cooldown pants below.) Not to mention, this glacier green color is one of my favorites—it feels unique! —J.C.
Free People
My Time layer
Trust me, this is the ultimate layering sweatshirt. The super-soft fabric flows like a dream, and the open back detail is super chic while keeping things breezy. It also isn’t too bulky, so it won’t take up much room in your suitcase or weigh you down if you want to tie it around your waist or across your shoulders on the go. —H.C.
Paired fabulously with the square top I mentioned above, this curve jacket from Four Three Seven is an ideal layer for outdoor activities or on the way to or from any workout class. Along with its flattering curve-hugging fabric, it offers a double-ended zipper for wear versatility—and it’s as soft as it is stretchy. Another plus? It’s made with recycled polyester. —J.C.
Leggings and yoga pants
Set Active
Sculptflex Power high-rise leggings
My go-to workout sets for the gym and Pilates classes are from Set Active—they’re nice and tight in all the right places and have a thick waistband that smoothes your mid-section. I like to mix and match my pieces from the brand, but I find myself reaching for its high-waisted leggings the most. —M.K.
Janji
Transit tech pant
These are a go-to flying pant for me—the zippered pockets are especially handy when I’m dashing through the train station and want to keep my keys, ID, or AirPods case handy but not at risk of slipping out—and I like that they double as a solid pair of hiking pants when needed, thanks to the breathable material. —M.F.
Abercrombie & Fitch
YPB leggings
There’s nothing quite like a pair of flare leggings that fit just right. These YPB studio flare leggings pleasantly surprised me with just how well-made they are. These bad boys are lightweight, buttery soft, and nonrestrictive—providing a barely-there feel that’s perfect for all-day wear. I especially love the smoothing waistband (with no top seam for added comfort), the mini-flare detail at the hem, and the flattering V-shaped back. —J.C.
Aerie
Offline high-waisted crossover leggings
I rarely travel in anything other than my super-soft Aerie crossover leggings, so if I’m packing light, I usually toss these on for morning strolls or light workouts. The pair was designed for support and helps smooth the tummy area, without being at all restrictive or uncomfortable to sit in for hours. The crossover design on the waistband makes them ultra-flattering on every body type, and they are so lightweight. —M.K.
Beyond Yoga
Spacedye Out-of-Pocket midi legging
I’m a huge fan of Beyond Yoga for everything from running gear to a lunchtime stroll. Its Spacedye line has tanks, leggings, and sweats in vivid colors that other brands just don’t have. I especially like these high-waisted leggings in Summer Thyme Green Heather, a shade which just makes my eyes happy. —A.S.
Hollister
Gilly Hicks Active Cooldown top & pants
For red-eye flights and post-workout gear, these cooldown sweats are as flattering as breathable “baggy” pants come. The ultra-comfortable pants are made with the brand’s super-soft cooldown fabric with a soft drawstring waist, flattering baggy silhouette, and deep pockets. According to the brand, the fabric is made from a natural and renewable raw material carefully sourced from responsibly managed forests. —J.C.
Exercise dresses and skirts
Beyond Yoga
Score pleated dress
Beyond Yoga’s Score pleated dress is cute enough to wear out to brunch after park activities. I have it in Home Court Green, which is as flattering as it is fun! It’s a go-to on my packing list given its versatility and functionality. I love its open back cut-out for breathability and style, too. —A.S.
Halara
Softlyzero Easy Peezy active dress
This exercise dress is called the Easy Peezy dress because it’s made with built-in bike shorts that are detached from the sports bra in the back—meaning I don’t have to take the whole dress off to go to the bathroom. I first tried out Halara’s exercise dress last summer on a girls trip to Montauk, and I wore it everywhere—to grab coffee in the morning, on an afternoon walk with my friends, and to lunch with a pair of cute sandals. It will be in my weekender bag for all of my trips down the shore this summer, too. The A-line dress is so flattering and the material is buttery soft, making it comfortable enough to wear all day long. —M.K.
Hollister
Gilly Hicks Active Cinch dress
I’m obsessed with active dresses because—if you pick them right—they look just as cute worn out on the town as they do for some light physical activity. This pick from Hollister is one of my favorites—the cap sleeves elevate the style, and the built-in spandex shorts never ride up. —H.C.
Hollister
Gilly Hicks Active Ballet skortie
I pack this sweet and airy ballet skortie—especially for girls trips—when I know we’ll be prioritizing fashion while staying active all day. It’s best worn on an outing to play pickleball, tennis, or padel—all the while, allowing me to feel empowered in my femininity, given its ballet wrap silhouette style. For function, it offers breathable, built-in shorts with a pocket and a soft banded waist. —J.C.
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The Sculpt onesie
I’ve never been a onesie girl when it comes to athleisure—but this sculpted version completely changed my mind. Inspired by Four Three Seven’s best-selling Ballet Tank, it features a flattering scrunch neckline, open cross-back straps, and a subtly flared leg that moves gracefully. It’s incredibly supportive yet feminine, perfect for yoga, Pilates, or easy walks while traveling. (Given its onesie nature, though—maybe not for the flight itself.) —J.C.
Aerie
Offline by Aerie mini skirt
I love a good skort for travel days with lots of walking, especially when it is sweat-wicking. This one is a new favorite, and I’ve found over the summer that it’s great for playing tennis, hopping on a bike, or just walking around. I wore it recently to an outdoor concert on a very hot day in NYC and stayed comfortable throughout. —M.F.
Sports bras
Set Active
Sportbody Sporty scoop bra
Set Active’s Sportbody Scoop bra offers great high support and a flattering scoop neckline. Its sleek and soothing performance fabric is ideal for staying comfortable while running, walking, and stretching.. —M.K.
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The Micro bra
While I usually opt for a tank with a built-in bra when it comes to athleisure, this micro sports bra has proven its supportive nature on plenty of hikes and in workout classes alike. Designed with the softest scoop neckline and delicate straps, it offers a double-layered fit for ultimate functionality. It’s super breathable—and with removable padding, it lets you adjust the fit to your liking. It’s best paired with the brand’s Essentials legging, which are high-waisted and have a supportive fit, too. —J.C.
Accessories
Alo Yoga
Pulse Grip sock
I’m not really a “workout on vacation” person, but when I do, it’s likely because there’s an amazing local barre or Pilates studio I want to try out. These unique grip socks are perfect for those occasions—and the unique mesh cut-outs add a little something special. —H.C.
Alo Yoga
Half-Crew Throwback socks
Alo Yoga’s half-crew Throwback socks are just the right length—and they are so cute! I’ll admit I love them for their sporty-chic look, but they’re also extremely comfortable. I workout in them, but also usually slip them on during a long flight when my feet get cold. —M.K.