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Athletic wear has become mainstream, driven by staying at home for a few years. But even though we’re back out in the world in 2023, the athleisure movement has stuck. From leggings to bike shorts to skorts (yes, skorts), these styles have become less about fitness and more about fashion in the last few years. For months and months, I’ve been seeing tennis dresses everywhere—from the gym to the pickleball courts. These aren’t your ’90s polo dresses, made from thick, pique fabric and paired with pearls. No, these are exercise and workout dresses made from athletic fabric, with a bodysuit underneath, and they’re everywhere. Not only are they cute AF, but they’re also functional if you do plan to work out in one.
I wanted to see what the fuss was about and if these dresses would give me the comfort and breathability for the spring and summer weather, but with the coverage of workout clothes. So, I got the chance to test three of the most popular ones on the market from Outdoor Voices, Aerie, and Girlfriend Collective. Each dress has thin straps and a stretchy bodysuit with shorts underneath, but that’s about as far as the comparisons go. Each had a set of pros and cons, but what I’ve deduced is that you really can’t go wrong if you want to be comfortable and stylish. Tennis dresses are a go.