Why workout dresses are the only thing I want to wear right now–and 10 styles I’m crushing on

The UA Motion from Under Armour was a favorite from minute one. I just love the clean and simple silhouette–it’s like the LBD of exercise dresses. (Also it does actually come in black.) The fabric is super soft and breathable even on hot days, and while it does offer some compression, it isn’t overly squeezy. It’s got a built-in romper with a supportive top and a single pocket in the shorts which I’ve yet to use for anything but like having the option. The thicker straps don’t dig or slide off and it’s a great length on my 5′ 2″ frame!

From the fabrics to the innovative details, I’m a total Spanx fangirl. The piece I’m currently obsessing over? The Get Moving V-Neck Dress in the season’s hottest bold blue shade. It’s made with their sweat-wicking performance fabric which feels luxe and smoothes like a dream. Medium compression and their built-in Booty Boost shorts make it ultra-flattering but still court-ready. Add in a reasonable v-neck, a sweet little pop of mesh at the back and it’s just as suitable for a lunch date. All of that is reason enough to be obsessed, but you know how most workout dresses require getting basically naked in a bathroom stall? Not with this one, sis. The built-in romper is designed with an open back so you can shimmy the shorts past your bum to pee, no removal required. Genius!

Outdoor Voice’s OG Exercise Dress has been a fan favorite for quite some time. (Here in Vermont it’s practically a summer wardrobe requirement.) The sporty design is a go-to for hiking and biking thanks to deep double pockets in both sides of the shorts as well as grips on the inner hem to keep them from rolling up. The thin y-back straps are comfy and adjustable with enough support up top to wear it for higher impact activities like tennis or even a HIIT class.

Lulu’s Align collection can do no wrong in my book. The leggings? My holy grail. The tank? Fab. The dress? LOVE. The Nulu fabric is breathable even when it’s scorching and hugs you in without feeling oppressive. It’s on the shorter side but thanks to the built-in shorts, flashing isn’t an issue. And I’m not sure what it is about the v-neckline, but it’s wildly flattering. Not too deep you worry about falling out but just enough to be a little sexy, ya know?

From Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye collection, the Essence Dress is a great sporty option. Fitted but not overly so with a full built-in bodysuit, it’s made for those days you’ve got to hit the gym and then roll right to soccer practice. The buttery soft outer fabric is totally obsession-worthy and judging by the other pieces I’ve had for years, never seems to fade or pull. And because the internal bodysuit is made from their slicker performance fabric, it keeps you from feeling sweaty even if you are.

I’ve been crushing on Popflex since Taylor Swift sold out their Pirouette Skirt in a hot second last spring. Designer Cassy Ho is meticulous in her creations so I’d be remiss not to mention one of her absolute best–the Tie-Breaker Superdress. I adore the flirty leg slit which is serving straight Serena vibes as well as the wide, adjustable straps that keep the girls perfectly contained. Toss in the princess seams at the bust and horizontal seams at the waist and that snatched look is all yours. Seriously, it’s a winner all the way around.

I’ve been singing the praises of Old Navy’s StudioSmooth collection since the minute it dropped, so I’m thrilled they keep adding to the line. One of the more recent adds, The StudioSmooth Athletic Dress keeps with tradition of punching far above its price point, with a flattering fit, top-notch fabric and inclusive array of sizing. And how sophisticated is that high, square neckline?

While the built-in shorts aspect of most exercise dresses can be a value add, it isn’t always. If you’re looking for an option that’s incredibly versatile and ready for anything sans shorts, this is it. From the women-led Wild Rye, the Parker Action Dress is made from a supremely lightweight and packable material which is not only super breezy but quick-drying as well. I love it for beach or boat days since you can throw it on over a still damp bathing suit, though it’s just as suitable for a day spent trekking around a new city. Even if it spends time balled up in your suitcase, it still looks put together the second you put it on!

Maybe you’re working on your golf swing or maybe you’re slinging backyard mimosas while ignoring a sandbox full of kids. Either way, you’re going to want this Lilly Pulitzer dress. The luxe La Vie Powerstretch is silky soft and moisture-wicking so it’s ideal for hot days, but what makes it so compliment-worthy are the very Lily-esque details. A smocked waist that’s incredibly forgiving, gorgeous gold buttons, and a preppy ribbed collar are what drew me in, but it’s the completely separate undershorts that sold me.

Chic but sporty, this one shoulder piece from Berlook is one I want to wear 24/7. The sassy little side cut is a fun addition to an otherwise simple A-line bodice–just swap between sneakers and sandals and it’s day-to-night ready.

From their body-inclusive design ethos and sustainability efforts to their cult-favorite fabrics, Vitality is totally crushing it. Another indicator? They took years of feedback into crafting the flawless Cloud II Square Dress. Available in sizes XS to 4XL, every detail–the adjustable, no-dig straps, anti-microbial and sweat-wicking fabric, functional high/low hem, built-in romper–make it clear they did just that.