12 Pieces of Cute Athleisure to Keep You Cool This Summer

Becky WilliamsGear, lifestyle, Recommendations

 

It’s officially summer, and the temps and humidity is only rising.  I live in Texas, where dressing for the weather (and not getting heat exhaustion) is always a challenge.  As a personal trainer, I live in athleisure year-round, but it’s definitely a necessity when you’re sweating buckets.  If it doesn’t wick sweat and feel soft and cool on my skin, I’m not wearing it.  ;-P

 

 

So, I’m sharing my favorite pieces of clothing for when stepping outside feels like opening a hot oven door (but a thousand times worse).  From tops to bottoms and dresses to rompers, I’ve got you covered — literally.

 

 

 

 

Athleta Salutation Stash 14.5″ Skort

athleta.com
$79 (get 2% cash back from Rakuten)
Sizes XXS-3XL

 

I love love LOVE the Salutation Stash capris and shorts, so it’s no wonder that the skort is a slam dunk.  The breathable, wicking fabric is buttery soft with gentle compression for support in all the right places. 

 

Got stuff to stash?  This skort has side pockets.  It’s made from recycled plastic water bottles, so it’s better for the environment.  Rated UPF 50+ (excellent protection from the sun).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lululemon Like a Cloud Bra

lululemon.com
$58
Sizes 0-14 (LLL tends to run small, so I recommend to size up)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This bra lives up to its name!  It’s made with marshmallowy-soft foam cups and supple fabric to keep you comfortable all day long.  It’s sweat-wicking with light support for A-C cups.  It has built-in light padding, so no separate cups to get folded or lost in the wash.
 
 
 
 
 

Adidas Own the Run Tank Top

$35 (get 8% cash back through Rakuten)
Sizes: XXS-XL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to my soccer background, I’ve always been a fan of Adidas, and this lightweight, slim fit tank top is versatile no matter your activity (or just lounging).  The top features sweat-wicking AeroReady technology to help keep you feeling dry.  Mesh panels on the back and sides keep things breezy and it’s finished with reflective details that shine in low light.
 
 
 
 
 

Athleta Santorini Thera Printed Dress

athleta.com
$89 (get 2% cash back from Rakuten)
Sizes XXS-3XL (regular and tall lengths)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hands down, my favorite casual summer dress.  The empire waist is flattering and comfortable, and the high neckline easily covers bra straps.  The lightweight material feels so soft against the skin and can be dressed up or down.

 

 

 

Yitty Headliner Shaping Midi Bralette

yitty.com
$69.95
Sizes: XS-6XL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This bralette is too cute to hide under a tank or shirt, so I’d pair this with an open button-up shirt or a sheer top, or on its own with a maxi skirt.  It’s made with Yitty’s “liquid shine fabric” with medium compression to shape and hold.  

 

 

 

Lululemon Swiftly Tech Racerback Tank Top 2.0

lululemon.com
$58
Sizes: 0-20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My top choice for working out in the heat due to its lightweight and breathable fabric.  The seamless construction keeps chafing at bay.  The fabric’s Silverescent™ technology inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria = no stink!  The tank also comes in what LLL calls “race length,” which hits at the top of the hips, a bonus for us shorties.  I have this top (and the short and long sleeve versions) in a rainbow of colors, because not only are they super comfy, but they go with everything, whether you’re going for a run or heading out for dinner with friends.

 

 

 

ReoRia Womens Sleeveless Romper

amazon.com
$28.99
Sizes: S-XL

 

This casual tank top romper has an adjustable waist drawstring and two front pockets.  I like how loose and stretchy it is, making it an easy item to just throw on, add some flip flops or sneakers, and go.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oiselle Obsession Toolbelt Running Shorts

titlenine.com
$62
Sizes: 2-14, 16/18, 20/22, 24/26

 

I’m a big fan of this woman-founded company that truly supports and promotes female athletes.  One of my favorite items is the toolbelt running shorts.  Instead of just one front or back pocket, this has five roomy pockets around the waistband for snacks, a phone, or cash/ID.  Made of fast-drying poly/spandex with a mid rise waist, 4 inch inseam, and built-in liner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cirque De La Vie Dress by Title Nine

titlenine.com
$99
Sizes: XS-XL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Summer dresses are made for hot weather when you want to wear the least amount of clothing possible yet want to look put together.  This strappy dress is fitted on top with a wireless, built-in shelf bra with removable cups.  We’re talking about sports-bra level support and sweat-ready performance fabric (made with 88% recycled nylon and 12% nylon).  Plus, there’s a zippered pocket to stash your ID and lip balm.  Yes, please!

 

 

 

Nike Dri-FIT Eclipse Mid-Rise Running Shorts

$40.97 ($65; 36% off)
Sizes: XS-XXL
 
 
You can’t go wrong with Nike running shorts.  The buttery-soft feel, breathable fabric (made with 75% recycled polyester fibers), and relaxed fit keeps you cool and comfortable.  Plenty of pockets let you stash a key or whatever you might need to take with you on the go.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Offline By Aerie Real Me Crossover Flowy Short

ae.com
$41.21 (on sale)
Sizes: XS-XXL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want a little compression but also a loose fit so you’re not showing off all the goods?  This is your short.  They’re ultra-light with soft support & a weightless touch.  The high-waisted, crossover waistband a V-seam made to fit you in all the right ways and built-in Real Me shortie underneath with an interior pocket.

 

 

 

Sun Goddess Hat

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’ve got a small noggin like me and struggle to find hats that fit and look cute + keep you cool in the sun + don’t force you into a low pony, this hat meets all your qualifications.  It’s actually designed for the anatomy of female head.  The breathable material wicks away sweat and has UPF 50+ to protect eyes and skin from UV rays.  The design in the back adjusts to fit your ponytail or bun at any height.