Ready to Take a Swing at Tenniscore? You Need These Cute AF Exercise Dresses

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Listen, I love my lululemon leggings as much as the next person, but even I must admit that sometimes the summer calls for other options. Wearing skin-tight crossover leggings in 90-degree heat? No, thank you. This is when I turn to exercise dresses, and once you discover the appeal (both aesthetically and functionally) of the best exercise dresses, I promise you’ll be a convert, too.

Just like leggings, exercise dresses are the perfect all-purpose wardrobe staple. You can wear them to work out—though I personally find exercise dresses better for low-to-medium impact workouts, unless you wear a bra underneath—but you can also wear them for a casual day out running errands. The moisture-wicking fabric will keep you cool and comfortable, while the dress’ cute silhouette will make everyone think you've fully mastered the tenniscore trend in your tennis outfit era. Plus, all your fave activewear brands, like Outdoor Voices, Alo Yoga, and lululemon, have a version of the viral clothing item, and after much testing and combing through other tester reviews, I've rounded up the very best exercise dresses for your browsing pleasure.

Once you’ve hit purchase, grab your fave white sneakers, and you’ve got a look that’ll take you from the gym to a night on the town. You’re welcome.

Racer Lola V-Neck Dress

I took this exercise dress out for a spin—literally—and can confirm that it's easy to move in and has enough compression to hold everything in place. Made of thick yet breathable fabric, the Racer Lola V-Neck dress gives you support without feeling overheated. And it has a cute flounce skirt that'll give you a flirty shape whether you're in the gym or grabbing brunch.

• Sizes: XXS-6XL

• Colors: Black, ivory, racer, ultramarine, monaco

• Materials: 90% recycled plastic bottles (RPET), 10% spandex

• Features: Built-in shorts and bra with compressive lining

Glowing Customer Review: "I'm OBSESSED with this dress. It compliments my shape, I love the pocket features and the overall fit is amazing. I wear it all the time and it's the perfect exercise dress."

Tennis Dress

The main problem with exercise dresses? Having to completely undress to use the bathroom because most have full unitards underneath to add compression and built-in support. Great in theory, not so great if you have to pee every 20 minutes. This dress solves that problem by including shorts that you can wear with the dress, but they're not attached.

• Sizes: S-XXL

• Colors: 10

• Materials: 90% polyester, 10% spandex

• Features: Removable mesh shorts, 4 pockets

Glowing Customer Review: "I don't play tennis, but I love this dress! I prefer to wear shorts under my shirt dresses in the summer and I sweat a lot, so moisture wicking is important to me. Fit is flattering, stretchy, and the shorts were comfy."

Backless Cut Out Twisted Side Pocket 2-in-1 Exercise Dress

TikTok-viral brand Halara has a super impressive array of exercise dresses, and most uniquely, it offers multiple styles in "Easy Peazy," which is just a fun way of saying the built-in shorts have an open back, so you can use the bathroom without undressing completely. GENIUS. I like the backless dress because I don't have to worry about back sweat, and thanks to its halter neck and twisted back, it supports my bust while also giving it a little shape.

• Sizes: XS-3X

• Colors: 11 (only 5 available in plus sizes)

• Materials: 82% nylon, 18% elastane

• Features: Built-in shorts with easy off/on, removable padding

Glowing Customer Review: "This is the most flattering piece of clothing I own!!! It also has a way to pull the shorts down to go to the restroom without having to completely undress. Buy the dress!!"

Tennis Dress Built-in Bra & Shorts

The sweat-wicking material makes this affordable exercise dress ideal for hot weather. It's got side pockets and adjustable straps, plus reviewers love the fact that the built-in shorts never roll up.

• Sizes: XS-XXL

• Colors: 10

• Materials: 80% nylon, 20% spandex

• Features: Built-in shorts and bra with removable padding, adjustable straps
  

Glowing Customer Review: "Love this dress!! Have it in three colors and always get compliments. The built-in shorts and bra make it so easy to wear for a workout or dress up for brunch. Adjustable straps are a plus!"

The Doubles Dress

Not only is this exercise dress cute AF, it's also great if you're looking for extra support while working out. The dress features built-in shorts and a wrap skirt for freedom of movement and a fitted bodice made from compressive, stretch fabric, to hold your bust in place.

• Sizes: XS-2X

• Colors: Taupe, heather black

• Materials: 87% polyester, 13% spandex

• Features: Built-in shorts

Glowing Editor Review: "As someone who is large-chested, I have trouble finding athleisure that supports the girls. I love this one because of the added details including the fitted bodice, under-bust seamed detail, and the cross-back straps," says Cosmopolitan Associate Editor Siena Gagliano. "It's cute and functional, FTW!"

Plus Size Tennis Athletic Workout Dress

Amazon really came through with this ~stunning~ under-$40 option. You'll love the lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabric, as well as the no-ride shorts and thick straps for maximum support.

• Sizes: 16-24

• Colors: Black

• Materials: 90% polyester, 10% spandex

• Features: Built-in shorts and bra with non-removable cups, adjustable straps
  

Glowing Customer Review: "I am 6'2" and plus size. I got a size 22 and it fits me perfectly. It hits at the perfect spot and the shorts do not roll up. The straps are adjustable. I love this dress and will definitely be looking for the same dress in other colors."

Scoop-Neck Pleated Tennis Dress

Zendaya called, she'd like her Challengers costume back. This lululemon dress is giving serious tennis girl vibes, and I love it! Just imagine how good it would feel to run around a tennis court in that pleated skirt. But note that if you're an intense player, or have a bigger bust, you might need to pair this with an extra sports bra.

• Sizes: 0-14

• Colors: White, navy, cascadia green, black

• Materials: Nylon, elastane, polyester, lycra

• Features: Built-in shelf bra with removable cups

Glowing Customer Review: "I personally love that there are no built-in shorts because most dresses with built-in shorts never fit my bum or torso."

Alosoft Courtside Tennis Dress

The star of the show is definitely the sweetheart neckline, but other highlights include adjustable straps, a built-in bra, and breathable, velvety soft fabric.

• Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L

• Colors: Black, white, athletic heather grey, and seasonal colors

• Materials: 87% polyester, 13% elastane

• Features: Built-in shorts and bra

Glowing Customer Review: "It feels sooooo amazing. Great quality fabric. Fits true to size. Super cute style. Great coverage due to the built-in bra and underwear with pockets! Will wear it as a regular dress instead of a tennis dress. I don’t even play tennis but this was just too perfect to pass up."

PowerSoft Cami Athletic Dress

I'm obsessed with Old Navy's PowerSoft fabric. It's smooth, stretchy, and super soft to the touch, even after multiple washes, so it'll help keep you comfortable, even if you're pushing yourself in the gym. It's also very lightweight and moisture-wicking, so it'll keep you relatively dry during intense workouts.

• Sizes: XS-4X

• Lengths: Regular, petite, tall

• Colors: Blue overall, magnolia, light black heather

• Materials: 77% polyester, 23% spandex

• Features: Built-in shorts and shelf bra with removable pads
  
  Glowing Customer Review: "This dress is perfect for a day on the golf course, which is exactly what I bought it for. So cute and flattering, and holds the girls."

Ultra Form Active Dress

This dress from Quince might be the softest thing I have ever worn. The fabric is stretchy and thin, which is perfect for hot summer days. Though it does feature a built-in unitard with shorts, it lacks support in the bust area and doesn't have adjustable straps to make up for it, so those with bigger busts might not feel secure enough for high-intensity workouts.

• Sizes: XS-XL

• Colors: Merlot, plum, deep navy, black, forest green

• Materials: 78% nylon, 22% spandex

• Features: Built-in shorts, low-level compression lining

Glowing Customer Review: "I'm really glad I purchased this. I wore it to Pilates and it passed the test of being functional for a workout. The built-in shorts stayed put for the most part."

Charm Dress

If there's one woman I trust to make a great exercise dress, it's Venus Williams. The tennis legend's activewear brand EleVen by Venus Williams has a ton of great dresses, but the Charm Dress is my personal fave because of its wide, comfortable straps and square neckline.

• Sizes: XS-XXL

• Colors: White

• Materials: 84% polyester, 16% spandex
  

• Features: 4-way stretch

Mawu Active Dress

Who doesn't love a little fit-and-flare dress? The Mawu Active Dress from Roam Loud uses the classic silhouette to create a timeless exercise dress, complete with built-in shorts (with pockets, obvs), and made of moisture-wicking fabric.

• Sizes: S-L

• Colors: Satin, black, dark roast, ivory, white

• Materials: 75% nylon, 25% spandex

• Features: Built-in shorts, removable padding
  

Traveler Mini Dress

Much like its denim, Abercrombie's activewear is high-quality but not too expensive. The brand's exercise dress has a hidden cellphone pocket and adjustable straps—it's cute and comfy, according to reviewers. Oh, and it's available in 12 gorg colorways and three different lengths, including petite, regular, and tall.

• Sizes: XXS-XXL

• Lengths: Petite, Regular, Tall

• Colors: 12

• Materials: Nylon, elastane, polyester

• Features: Built-in shorts, adjustable straps
  

Glowing Customer Review: "So I have four of these...! Black, White, Light Brown (the older color), and Brown in XXS. Such a good staple, especially in NY when running errands with the shorts under the dress (thank you subway wind drafts)," one reviewer writes. "I have quite the booty and hips, and thankfully this slides past them easily. I love adding a sweatshirt or hoodie over it and tying it around my waist or shoulders if it gets too warm. Great for a day in the park, or anything really. Highly recommend."

Swift Floral Tennis Dress

How about a lil floral print moment? It's practically the definition of sporty chic!

• Sizes: XS-XL

• Colors: Plush plumeria, baby blue, baby pink

• Materials: 80% recycled polyester, 20% spandex

• Features: N/A

Glowing Customer Review: "Amazing quality and so buttery soft and comfy," one reviewer writes. "Looks put together without compromising comfort."

Everyday Cloudful™ Plus Size Dress-Wannabe

Designed for low-intensity activity and all-day wear, this comfy one features pockets on both sides and a built-in bra.

• Sizes: XS-3X

• Colors: 7

• Materials: 77% nylon, 23% elastane

• Features: Built-in shorts and bra with removable pads
  

Glowing Customer Review: "Love this! I wear it to hike, exercise, shop, and lounge. The built-in bra and bottoms offer good support," one reviewer writes. "Thighs do not rub together and it’s very soft."

Workout Dress

This one is an Amazon bestseller, thanks to the removable bra, side pockets, adjustable straps that crisscross in the back, and moisture-wicking, four-way stretch material.

• Sizes: XS-XXL

• Colors: 11

• Materials: 83% nylon, 17% spandex

• Features: Built-in shorts and bra, adjustable straps
  

Glowing Customer Review: "This dress is wonderful! Depending on how you dress it, you can make it look more sporty or dress it up a bit too. I really enjoy how comfy it is, it stretches well and feels so soft on the skin. It’s made of an athletic sport material."

The Exercise Dress

The exercise dress that started it all! Ideal for all levels of recreation and made from an ultra-lightweight performance woven fabric that moves with you, this OG design is worth the hype.

• Sizes: XXS-XXXL

• Colors: 7

• Materials: 85% nylon, 15% spandex

• Features: Built-in shorts, adjustable straps

Glowing Customer Review: "Nothing in this life fulfills me more than being locally known as the “exercise dress girl” because of how frequently I wear mine. SO cute, perfect for hot weather, can easily be dressed up or down, and 1000 percent I guarantee you will receive a compliment every time you wear it," one reviewer writes. "I am an XL in bottoms and a L in tops, and the XL was the perfect fit, especially for my thighs. I sometimes have to tighten straps but it’s super easy. I don’t even chafe in this dress so you know it’s legit. Join the brigade!!!"

Airbrush Real Dress - Black

With a stylish V-neckline, fabric that helps lift and sculpt, and a supportive built-in shelf bra, this is the activewear version of your dream LBD.

• Sizes: XXS-L

• Colors: Black, white, athletic heather gray

• Materials: 87% nylon, 13% elastane

• Features: Built-in shorts and shelf bra
  

Glowing Customer Review: "I bought this in black and am loving the versatility of it. I can wear it to the gym or pair it with a cropped jacket and sandals for a day dress. The fit is true to size and is comfortable. I would definitely recommend!"

Midi Chill Dress

Full disclosure: this dress might be too long for high-intensity workouts—no one wants to get tangled up in a skirt mid-spin class. That said, it's the perfect length for those that don't do mini-skirts, but still want to hit the tennis courts or go for a nice hike. This dress has built-in shorts for comfort, two hidden zippered pockets, and adjustable straps, so you can tailor it to your comfort.

• Sizes: XS-3X

• Colors: Black, indigo, maroon

• Materials: 83% nylon, 17% spandex

• Features: Built-in shorts, zippered pockets, adjustable straps, removable pads

Glowing Customer Review: "This dress is super flattering. It is not bulky in the stomach area. My boobs actually fit and are supported without a bra (which never happens for me.) The material is thick but has a cooling effect to it. Obsessed."

Court Dress

Outdoor Voices pioneered the exercise dress trend a few years ago, and this cutout style is one of its best—it's made with the brand's signature four-way stretch material that wicks away sweat while providing supportive compression.

• Sizes: XS-XL

• Colors: Black, White

• Materials: 86% polyester, 14% spandex

• Features: Built-in shorts and bra

Glowing Customer Review: "This is my go-to dress for playing pickle ball or tennis, or even workout classes. I also wear it quite often with just a sweatshirt over it as a more casual comfy outfit. It hugs the torso in all the right spots, making it a very flattering dress. I also love how it's compressive and has built-in shorts."

Why trust Cosmo?

Cosmo’s team of digital fashion experts—which includes Fashion Features Director Rachel Torgerson and Fashion Editor Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien—have decades of combined experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds—testing many brands IRL—to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we’ve curated the internet to bring you the chicest options like it’s our job (because it is, heh). We have pretty high standards when it comes to clothing and accessory recommendations.

Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes pieces for all sizes. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to. You're welcome!

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