If your wardrobe could use a staple crewneck to pair with biker shorts or leggings (hello, model off-duty), we recommend the 2023 SELF Activewear Award–winning Alo Crew Neck Pullover. It has a nice preworn feel and runs big—qualities that only add to how comfy it is. “It’s the perfect weight to throw over a sports bra when you’re commuting to and from your workout,” one tester wrote. “The inside is soft, and it’s roomy, but not so much that it looks frumpy.”
Dramatic or not, sometimes trying to squeeze your head through a neck hole is just annoying, especially when you just perfected your slicked-back pony. You can wear zip-up sweatshirts like robes around your house or layer one between your sweaty gym clothes and heavier puffer jacket during colder months (because who’s trying to wash their winter coat that often?). Another 2023 Activewear Award–winner, the Beyond Yoga Spacedye Everyday Hoodie is lightweight, stretchy, and runs true to size. “It’s lovely in every way,” one tester said. “The quality and functionality is worth the price point.”
Bralettes
On days when you need some support but don’t feel like battling tiny hooks or stiff bands, turn to our favorite wireless bras. Light and breathable, they offer gentle shaping benefits without too much (suffocating) compression.
For D+ cups, one SELF editor recommends her mainstay: Skims Fits Everybody Scoop Bralette. It doesn’t have crinkly padding or painful underwire, but it never creates that “uniboob” look that some sports bras are known for. Plus, it feels super silky against the skin and is virtually invisible under clothes. As she puts it, “Kimberly really did it with this one!”
Harper Wilde’s Lounge Rib Scoop Bralette is another SELF staffer fave that belongs in your rotation. “It’s so soft and comfy while still feeling supportive. It’s my go-to home bra but if I need to emerge to run an errand or just want something low-key, it’ll still work when I’m out and about,” one editor says, adding that both of hers still feel like new even after a year of wearing them.
Best Loungewear Bottoms
Sweatpants and Joggers
Nothing signals “unbothered” and “ready to chill” quite like a pair of sweatpants. Maybe you want a fitted pair of joggers to wear out and about, or perhaps some wide-leg, fleece-lined bottoms sound more your speed. The only requirement here is that you love them so much they become your emotional support pants.
One SELF editor says Vuori’s Performance Joggers are the only pair she’s been willing to spend almost $100 on. “I might be trying to fool myself, but I think they don’t look quite as casual as some others,” she says, adding that she hasn’t found any other “short-person-approved joggers that beat these.”
For a pair of true-blue sweats that won’t hug your legs, look no further than the 2022 Activewear Award–winning Spanx Aire Essentials Wide Leg Pant. They keep things super simple, without logos, noticeable seams, or even pockets. But don’t worry, they have a drawstring you can adjust (take that, bloating!) and four-way stretch that moves with you. “When you touch them, you instantly want to be wearing them,” one tester said.
Leggings and Yoga Pants
These are not your average workout leggings. A far cry from compressive running bottoms or sets made for HIIT classes, the pairs below are designed for lounging or chiller movements like stretching.
