I’m a huge fan of capsule wardrobes: They’re streamlined, they’re chic and they prevent me from impulse buying random trendy pieces just for the hell of it. I’ve even gone so far as to convert my workout attire collection into an activewear capsule wardrobe. That’s right, rather than stocking my drawers with tons of different leggings, tops and sports bras, I’ve narrowed down my assortment to just a handful of holy grail favorite items. (Yes, this means doing laundry a bit more often than I’d like, but the ease of a pared-down collection more than makes up for the extra chores.) Note, of course, that you might need additional gear—a yoga mat, a duffle bag to carry resistance bands, etc.—depending on what your workout routine looks like, but below you’ll find a list of six basics that I think are the building blocks of a successful activewear capsule wardrobe.
The Only 6 Pieces You Need to Create the Ultimate Activewear Capsule Wardrobe
Streamline, streamline, streamline
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vuori
There are so many fun colors and prints to choose from in today’s leggings market, but in my opinion, if you’re trying to consolidate your workout wardrobe into just a handful of pieces, black leggings are the way to go. They match with everything, they’re easy to style outside of an athletic context (just check out these chic leggings and ankle boots ideas) and—if you’re anything like me and tend to run super hot—they conceal awkward sweat stains. I’ve tried tons of black leggings over the years, and the Vuori AllTheFeels Leggings (pictured above) are among my absolute favorites. They’re comfortable, totally opaque and hold up well over time.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XXS to XXL, also short, regular and long lengths
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lululemon
Ever tried to work out without a proper sports bra? It’s painful—literally. Investing in a high-quality, high-impact sports bra is an essential part of committing to any kind of fitness routine. Ideally you’d have both high- and low-impact options for everything from HIIT classes to yoga, but if you invest in just one, I’d recommend a high-impact style that can be worn for a wider range of activities.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 32B to 40D
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hoka
Sneakers, gym shoes, tennis shoes…no matter what you call them, these babies are crucial to nearly all forms of exercise. There are approximately a million brands to choose from (I might be exaggerating a bit), but if I had to single out just one, I’d say that Hoka makes some of the most comfortable, durable and good-looking sneakers on the market. If you’re not sure which style is right for you, Hoka has a super handy guide to choosing the right pair on its site.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 5 to 11
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nike
Where workout tops are concerned, you’re going to want something that keeps you as cool and dry as possible, making tops made with sweat-wicking material a must—whether you opt for a slim-fit tank, loose T-shirt design or anything in between. As far as which exact one to choose, I’m confident saying you really can’t go wrong with any of Nike’s offerings. (There’s a reason the company has dominated the industry for so long.) This popular style is made with Nike’s Dri-FIT technology, which moves sweat away from your skin for quicker evaporation, helping you stay dry and comfortable through all your activities. It’s also available in five colors and in sizes XXS to XXL.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XXS to XXL
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beyond yoga
Perfect for keeping you warm as you dart from your car to the yoga studio on chilly mornings, a lightweight jacket should be cozy without causing you to overheat too much. Ideally, it’s also cute enough that you can wear it outside of an activewear context, much like this chic Beyond Yoga topper is. I love the cropped silhouette, plethora of functional pockets (in case you want to go hands-free) and the fact that it’s machine washable.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XS to XL
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favorite daughter
This one might feel a little out of left field (get it…because baseball?), but a baseball cap has saved me from many a crazy hair moment walking out of the gym. Though you can of course go for a hat designed with performance in mind (like this one from Nike), I love adding a touch of personality to my otherwise basic workout fits via fun hats like this one from Favorite Daughter hat comes in ten different colors.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: one size
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