the best chic workout clothes for running right now

Would you run more often if the outfits in your workout wardrobe were more fashionable? Um, yeah. We would (don’t judge). Does stylish luxury running gear actually exist, though? Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy went in search of the best chic workout clothes for running right now. These apparel brands are on-trend and stylish. And they also live up to our desire for performance and durability. Win-win!

what are the best chic workout clothes for running?

It’s hard to believe that up until the 1980’s, women were thought to be ill-suited to compete in long-distance running. (Really? We can bear children, but we can’t take a hard run every once in while?) Incredibly, for years, women were banned from running in the Olympics marathon.

It took a few literal trailblazers like Wilma Rudolph, Kathrine Switzer, Florence Griffith Joyner, Grete Waitz, and Jaqueline Hansen to change everyone’s minds about women, speed, and endurance.

Now, of course, we all know that women are running the world. In the past decade, female runners have been crossing the line in droves, making up 57 percent of finishers.

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If you’re one of those who are hooked on the endorphins and challenge of running (marathon finisher or not) you know that having functional running clothes is crucial to success. We need technical fabrics for inclement weather, compression, pockets, moisture-wicking layers and of course, the right sneakers for our pronation tendencies.

a wide array of options for chic on-trend running clothes

But what about style? We don’t know about you, but when we feel strong and confident in our gear, it affects our performance for the better. We’re not suggesting you have to go jogging in the latest runway inspired running shorts in order to beat your own time. After all, one of our favorite aspects of running is its simplicity and economy. Some people even do it barefoot!

If you’re in a plateau, running on empty or want to reward yourself for crossing a milestone, upping the style factor is such an easy and fun way to adjust your mental game. It could be a tee with a motivating mantra. Or a pair of leggings in an electric hue that gives you a little extra juice at the start. Stylish luxury running gear can’t hurt, right?

the best chic workout clothes for running right now

Here are our 10 favorite running brands for stylish luxury running gear. They’re catering to women runners, and their need for speed and style.

1. Running Bare

Running Bare is Australia’s oldest (longest-running!) women’s activewear brand. Since 1983, the company has been perfecting the craft of creating stylish luxury running gear. They deliver flawless garments that fit and support women’s bodies.

Aside from their premium finishing techniques and luxurious fabrications, we love that they offer up to 9 different themed collections each season. Each one has coordinating sports bras, tops and bottoms in colors and prints that never look too matchy-matchy.

This season, the Viviana, Warrior Spirit, Indigo Daze, Check Mate and Trail Blazer will suit those who prefer a more minimal, urban and monochromatic aesthetic. While French Kiss, Jungle Fever, Moody Blooms and The Wild Side favor fanciful florals, sexy animal prints and bolder colors.

For running, check out the Match Point 2 in 1 short ($54) with an inner short that gives compression and support with an outer short with a soft, drapey silhouette for movement and modesty. The Warm Down Marathon Tee ($57)is an ideal piece for layering during chilly mornings. And the Back to Bare tank ($44) is constructed from a proprietary mesh fabric that keeps you light and dry.

2. Oiselle

Seattle-based stylish luxury running gear company Oiselle started operations in 2007. It was born from an obsession for creating the first ever non-poofy and smooth-waisted women’s running shorts. The female-led company has expanded to making premium technical apparel with a strong sense of color, wearable prints and cheeky graphic tees.

Standouts include their most popular item. The Roga short which has an extra large, center back zip pocket, wide compression waistband, and a fluid stretch body fabric. And the Firecracker crop top ($58) which features a reflective all-over print, is perfect for those after dark runs.

3. The Upside

Australian brand The Upside knows that running is not for the faint of heart. So their women’s running line is built to be as tough and stylish as you are.  Running pants and leggings are made with signature 4-way stretch fabric for extreme range of motion and moisture wicking for comfort.

Their refined and wearable prints are striking enough that you just might want to pair them all for a killer outfit. This season, we are obsessed with the animalistic inspiration of the Army Leopard Power Pant ($89) and the Python Power Crop ($74). So. Cool.

4. 2xU

Pronounced “Two Times You,” 2xU has grown to become the world’s leading technical sportswear company. The brand outfits athletes in the NBA, NFL, US Navy SEALS and Olympians. Backed by LVMH, it’s got serious fashion cred, too. If you’re into compression when you’re running, 2XU’s apparel is a must have. Their proprietary fabric has a controlled gradation profile to increase blood flow, reduce blood lactate and increase lymphatic drainage.

But let’s get to the fashion part. The MCS Run Compression Tights ($119.95) have a well-placed and sleek reflective X graphic in silver, gold or teal. If you’re running in hot climates, there’s a shorts version ($79.95) with similar anatomical mapping for targeted support to muscles to reduce soreness and improve recovery. For super sweaty runs, consider the Perform Tri Single ($89.95). It delivers advanced cooling and ventilation technology with an easily accessible back pocket and figure flattering paneling.

5. TrackSmith

Based in Boston, TrackSmith certainly capitalizes on the classic collegiate good looks of its preppy university hometown. Their apparel is a palate cleanser from all the other trendy offerings. It’s like running in your old sorority t-shirt. But better.

The Van Cortlandt Singlet ($65), made of lightweight performance mesh, will have you feeling like a track star with a simple, yet iconic diagonal sash. You’ve got to match it with the coordinating Van Cortlandt Shorts ($60), made from the same material and finished with contrasting binding. We’re also a fan of the Hare A.C Stadium Jacket ($118), inspired by a classic tricot tracksuit jacket and updated with a tailored and sleek fit.

6. Kari Traa

For cold weather runs, who does base layers better than our Nordic friends? Kari Traa is a Norwegian Olympic champion freestyle skier who started her eponymous activewear company in 2002. The brand is known for its ultra fine, lightweight and incredibly soft 100% merino wool layers. They’re naturally breathable and odor resistant.

The AKLE Longsleeve ($90) comes in 8 soft, appealing color ways and is inspired by old Norwegian heritage and knitting traditions with an upbeat, modern twist. For a short sleeve option, the EVA Tee ($40) combines wool and moisture wicking materials in feminine and refreshing colors. And the TIKSE Pant ($75) provides next to skin comfort with fresh, multicolor designs set into its ergonomic lines.

7. Nike

Clearly, Nike needs no introduction. But in case you haven’t noticed, this ubiquitous brand has been producing some serious fashion-forward workout apparel lately. In both traditional and non-traditional sizing. So we had to include them. Plus, they make seriously functional and long-lasting gear.

Iridescent purple running shorts? Yes, please. The Nike Tempo Lux ($55) has an outer woven layer that feels lightweight and airy, while the inner knit shorts provide comfortable coverage. In case of rain, Nike’s Essential Rain Jacket ($90) keeps you covered with adjustable closures, strategic ventilation and a runner-specific hood that won’t impede your vision. Cropped tanks can be tricky to get right but this version ($44.97) hits at the perfect length.

8. Runjanji

Co-founders Mike and Dave were inspired to start Runjanji after running a 10k. While running, they had access to water stations every 100 meters, on one of the hottest days on record. Aware of the importance that water played in their race and all of the training that led up to it, they wished that everyone could have the same access to safe water. “Janji” means powerful in Malay and through a partnership with DigDeep, each piece of apparel bought provides 1 year of clean water to a person in the U.S.

The brand’s designs and colors are globally inspired and stand out from the competition. One of their best sellers is the Crop Tight ($69), with color blocking inspired by the sacred mountain Huayna Potosí. It’s made from our stretch jersey with an optimal ratio of compression, structure, and breathability. This Sports Bra’s ($44) colors are inspired by the neon signs and vibrancy of Cambodian night markets, with a pattern reminiscent of Southeast Asian Batik textiles. And we love the earthy tones of this Windrunner Jacket ($90), made for running in spring and summer showers.

9. Brooks

American company Brooks has a long history of creating premier athletic shoes – since the early 1900’s. While many athletic wear companies these days might produce gear that works across disciplines, Brooks is single-mindedly focused on the art of running.

Their women’s apparel leans towards the minimal and understated with a casual look. The Distance Tank ($30) is a wonderful basic for any runner with sweat-wicking and quick-drying powers. This Running Skort ($56) is surprisingly functional with pockets for cards and an interior liner short for a phone. And it gives you that extra swing with each stride.

10. Ronhill

Founded by Olympic runner Ron Hill, the first Briton to win the Boston Marathon, Ronhill designs reliable gear with a focus on design and innovation. The assortment is small, and curated with pieces that coordinate easily so you can throw them on without a second thought.

For runners who prefer a loose fit tee, we love the Infinity Air-Dry tee (£38) which has a drapey construction in a jacquard fabric that combines excellent wicking with superb evaporation. For a more form fitting style, the Women’s Stride Tee (£30) is made of super lightweight mesh for hot summer runs. For bottoms, check out the new to summer Infinity Crop (£50), made from a luxurious space-dye yarn in a modern silhouette.

the best chic workout clothes for running right now

If you’re ready to level up, check out these stylish luxury running gear brands. Happy trails to you!

join our community

For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.

Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, fitness and even investigating police misconduct. Julie lives in NYC where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing and spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.