Free People

Spring is officially here, bringing with it the perfect opportunity to update your exercise gear with a new piece (or two). For crushing all your workouts during this transitional season, layering your clothes and opting for lightweight, sweat-wicking pieces will help you stay comfortable as you exercise. “With the warmer weather coming around, I’m looking for something that’s light but can still provide some warmth at the same time,” says Dan Go, a fitness coach and the mind behind High Performance Founder.

It’s also the perfect time to incorporate fashion-forward and brightly colored matching sets into your wardrobe. “I love matching sets because they feel pulled together and make my life easy when getting ready,” says SoulCycle master instructor and the creator of Housework, Sydney Miller. “I prefer fun, bright colors because they put me in a good mood in the morning, and I always choose sweat-wicking fabrics to get me through my workouts.”

Ahead, we spoke with four fitness professionals who shared some of their favorite spring workout gear.

Workout tops

A go-to of Miller’s, this moisture-wicking ribbed racerback bra is available in six sizes and eight different colorways. “I love their fabric, fun colors and the fit holds me in during any jumping around I might do in class,” Miller says.

When picking out clothes for her workouts, personal trainer and content creator Bonge Gumede puts breathability, comfort and versatility at the top of her list. This Nike sports bra that features removable pads is a favorite of hers and is “easy to pair with different options,” she says.

“Long-sleeve workout shirts are usually my go-tos when I’m working out at the gym,” Go says. A fan of classic-cut, long-sleeve shirts, Go likes ones that contour to his body and “the material absorbs sweat while allowing my skin to breathe.” This option from Lululemon is lightweight and designed to be breathable, helping you stay cool while you get your reps in.

“They’re moisture-wicking and lightweight, which is key for me,” Equinox Tier X trainer and founder of Vices Fitness Ideen Chelengar says. Chelengar owns this Reign shirt from Rhone, which is also available as a long-sleeve top and the Vapor Training Short-Sleeve tee, which comes in 14 different colors and is seamless. 

Gumede says that she likes the crop tops she works out in to fit well, plus have removable padding and a cute design. This longline bra top from Born Primitive is available in seven different colors and prints features a high-cut neckline for extra coverage and support.

Gumede is also a fan of this full-zip, cropped athletic jacket which she describes as, “very flattering on the body and comfortable to wear during warm weather.”

This lightweight and quick-drying T-shirt from Lululemon is “awesome for running,” Chelengar says.

“It’s low cut but holds everything in really nicely,” Miller says of this scoop neck bra from Alo Yoga. A bestseller, this bra features four-way stretch, is designed to provide light support and can be worn on its own or layered.


“I’m a fan of Reigning Champ hoodies,” Go says. “I find that the quality of the material is one of the best out there, and they are just comfortable to wear.” We like the look of this lightweight terry option, which features a full zip and has a slim fit.

If you need serious support for your high-impact or running workouts, this SheFit bra will help you keep all bouncing at bay. With adjustable and convertible shoulder straps and sizes XXS to 6XL, this bra is made to offer support to every type of body.

As you look to move some of your workouts outside during the spring and summer seasons, you’ll need a nice tank to keep you cool. This one from Bylt has a drop-cut hemline, four-way stretch and tech-knit fabric for ultimate performance. Reviewers also love the flattering way this tank hugs the chest and shoulders.

Workout bottoms

When it comes to workout bottoms, Go likes these breathable 7-inch shorts from Gymshark because they are reasonably priced, hit at mid-length and show off his legs. “I would pair them with a long-sleeve Drysense shirt and barefoot shoes like Vivobarefoot,” he says.

Go likes Lululemon’s License to Train Shorts for the same reason. Available in 5-inch or 7-inch lengths, these shorts can be bought lined or linerless. Chelengar is also a fan of these shorts.

These four-way stretch Alo Yoga leggings are a favorite of Miller, who says they are, “very high-waisted and flattering, and the material is very smooth and body-hugging.” To complete the look, Miller says she would pair these leggings with the Alo Yoga Wild Thing Bra.

Gumede loves these high-waisted yoga leggings that she says are great to wear during warm or cold weather and are comfortable to train in. “They are very lightweight and come in so many different colors,” she says. For a look that would work both inside and outside the gym, Gumede says she would pair these bottoms with this bralette.

A workout onesie? Why not. This Free People one-piece is designed for running with flowy shorts and a zippered back pocket, but you could also sport it for other medium impact workouts, yoga or hikes. You can also layer an extra sports bra underneath for even more support, but first you’ll have to chose which of the 20 stunning colors options you’ll grab this runsie in.

Other favorites of Gumede include these stretchy 3-inch shorts from Nike, these seamless high-waisted Alphalete Athletics shorts and these seamless, sweat-wicking Gymshark shorts.

Pants that have stretch to them are key for Chelengar, who likes these lightweight ASRV joggers with a tapered fit and four-way stretch, as well as the brand’s Tetra Lite Hybrid Joggers.

Go and Chelengar both like these Lululemon joggers, which are designed to be water-repellent and abrasion resistant and feature secure pockets that will keep your belongings safe.

Gumede likes to opt for seamless compression shorts that she finds flattering on her body and not too restrictive on her stomach. “They hardly roll up when training,” she says. “They are breathable and comfortable to train in and look really good.” These stretchy shorts from NVGTN are available in 17 different colors and five different sizes, and are designed from a mix of nylon and spandex. 

These shorts, which are available in six different colors and two different lengths, are designed for training and have a classic tapered fit. Other favorites of Chelengar include the brand’s Bowline shorts and the brand’s ABC joggers.

Miller likes these high-waisted, moisture-wicking leggings from Year of Ours. To complete the look, Miller says she would pair these bottoms with the brand’s ribbed gym bra.

These top-rated Fabletics shorts offer a ton of options for whatever might suit your workouts best. Chose lined or unlined shorts in 43 colors and patterns, three-length options, and sizes XS to 4X. And as a plus, these shorts also come with both hidden and external pockets.

Workout shoes

Gumede says flat shoes are best when weightlifting as “they provide great stability and grip on the floor.” She also adds that it’s important for her to find shoes that fit comfortably, especially around the toes, and shoes that look good, which is why she’s a fan of these Converse classic high-tops.

“I also carry my Nike Air Max as these are very comfortable to train in and the light material makes them breathable and comfortable,” Gumede says. “You can easily pair them with athleisure to wear outside the gym too.”

“I’m a big fan of Vivobarefoot shoes,” Go says. “I find that most running/training shoes have a narrow box when it comes to the toes. Vivobarefoot has a wider box, which allows my toes to spread evenly, making my feet stronger,” he says. “They also look good.”

“I am a HUGE fan of the Nike SuperReps and have been wearing them since they launched,” Miller says. “They are specially made for HIIT workouts, and I feel like I get a lot of bounce and support from them.”


As for socks, Miller says, “I’ve been loving Bombas Quarter Ribbed Socks.” Not only are they soft, Miller points out, but “for petite women, these hit just at the right height.”

“They are the most ‘barefoot’ shoes in the sense that they don’t add too much structure, are flexible, lightweight and have a wide toe box,” Chelengar says of the brand’s shoes. He also wears the brand’s Primus Asanas, which are made from natural materials and are available in two different colors.

Chelengar shares that he wears these flexible sneakers casually, around the gym and, on the rare occasion, to lift. “Flux Footwear are doing a cool job bridging the gap between classic sneakers and barefoot shoes,” he says.