Not all workouts are created equal. As such, not all workout sets can (or should) serve the same purpose. While I respect those who approach their closet as a curated capsule, I’m afraid that my activewear drawers look more like a spandex rat king, a mass of hyperspecific and highly important workout outfits, all necessary for a very specific duty.

When I’m in Pilates class, my limbs are trembling; my balance is highly questionable. I want something soft and stretchy. That shows off the baby abs I’ve been working so hard for, while still keeping me supported as I bend, stretch, and twist. It’s a bonus if it looks cute in the selfie mirror for a post-class snap. For running, it’s a totally different story. Aesthetics take second fiddle to the fact that my clothes have a job to do. A workout set needs to stand up to sweat, stay snug as I move, and not serve as a constant annoyance—chafing or slipping—as I log my miles. Otherwise, I’m in for trouble.

Outside of the gym, the matching set has managed to become something of shorthand for an easy off-duty weekend look, beloved by celebs like Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, and Kaia Gerber. I’m not here to dispute its power as a styling essential when you’re bopping from hot Pilates to the farmers market. In fact, for those capsule-wardrobers, there is no quiet luxury outfit as powerful as the black workout set you wear popping out of a private training session, The Row’s Margaux bag in hand.

So, however sweaty you plan to get in your own matching set, I’m recommending a few of my favorites below.

Lululemon

Wear this matching high-rise legging and strappy long-line bra top for a no-fuss, sleek gym look. The super soft and lightweight feel is beloved by customers, but I also appreciate that despite being lightweight it never gets sheer.

Alo Yoga

Alo’s signature Softsculpt fabric smooths and lifts for a truly compressive feel with a light-as-air touch. I always appreciate a thick strap on a bra top, and I know this leggings set will stay put at my next yoga or Pilates class.

Nike

I probably own almost a dozen of Nike’s signature Swoosh bras, my go-to for running and boxing classes. The compressive design keeps my chest snugly in place, and a pair of matching high-waisted leggings stays put through long runs.

Varley

When you want secure, no-slip coverage, a sky-high pair of leggings and a supportive top will give you peace of mind during a grueling set of burpees. The bold red color feels oh-so-fresh.

On

Living on the East Coast, I have separate workout wardrobes for summer and winter. This matching set is perfect for warm days or hot yoga classes, but still offers me enough coverage to feel comfortable as I move.

Girlfriend Collective

This sports bra paired with a compressive, high-rise legging will keep you supported at a strenuous bootcamp class and beyond. Available in sizes ranging from XXS–6XL, there is something for everyone.

Adidas by Stella McCartney

Made primarily from recycled materials, Adidas by Stella McCartney sets are worth keeping your eye on if you seek more sustainable designs—plus, this warm-toned bra and leggings set will keep up with a sweaty spin session or cardio dance class.

Vuori

Supportive with an understated design, this ’90s-inspired set is one of Kaia Gerber’s favorites—totally cute but hardworking at the same time. When I’m in off-duty mode and want to throw on a comfy matching set that suggests I’ve worked out today, even when I haven’t, this is it.

Year of Ours

Ribbed and ready, this set will bring a little elegance to your weekly activewear lineup. The black-and-white color-blocked separates are anything but basic.

Beyond Yoga

Beyond Yoga’s space dye fabric is so soft, I love to wear it on days when I’m working from home and just want to be comfortable. Its racerback cropped tank and leggings set is a must-try, and not just for yoga—it’s actually a favorite of mine for hiking too.

Live the Process

Channel your inner ballerina in a cutout set that has a slightly sexy vibe, a playful choice for your next barre or Pilates studio visit.

Adanola

Start your morning workout by grabbing a medium-support set that is cute to boot. I love the clean lines and stylish feel of this one in dark cherry. Studio-to-street never looked so good.

On x Zendaya

This may look like a low-impact set, but the fabric is advanced enough for high-sweat sessions, offering chafe-free support and moisture-wicking capabilities. I once wore a similar set for a dance class with FKA Twigs, and can confirm, it did the job.

Tracksmith

From sprints on the treadmill to marathon training outdoors, Tracksmith has some of the best top and legging combos that dedicated runners can attest to.

Literary Sport

It’s all about good fabrics and simple designs, when it comes to Literary Sport’s masterful assortment. We can’t help but gravitate towards this easy, everyday option in chocolate brown. If you’re looking to complete the look, I love to run in the brand’s wool cardigan.

Tory Burch

Tory Burch’s customer-favorite set features a sculpting compression bra and weightless leggings that will hold you in while looking sporty and sleek.

Satisfy

On long run days, I love to throw on Satisfy’s ultra-lightweight separates. These shorts have a traditional brief liner, but if you struggle with chafing issues, I’d suggest swapping for a similar pair with spandex lining instead.

Nike x Skims

For lower impact days, when you’re going for a fashion statement, this baby pink combo embraces ballerinacore with a modern twist.

Hommegirls x Fruit of the Loom

You know those ’80s movies with a sweaty running montage? It always involves a gray sweatsuit. While spandex may have won out in the modern era, for anyone who prefers to work out in cotton, this set is a great option (or a perfect topper to a sports bra and spandex shorts).

FP Movement

The capri is staging a comeback, and this sunny yellow matching set is the kind of cutesy ensemble you can wear from low-impact stretching to an outdoor brunch.

Pruzan

Designed specifically for women runners, Pruzan is an emerging name to know in the running space. Designed with thoughtful pockets, this set can handle a full-on marathon.

Salomon

I’ve gotten into trail running this year, and Salomon’s separates are some of my favorites for when I head out on the trails. They don’t ride or chafe, and they have a cool throwback vibe design-wise.

Rhone

If you’re planning to work up a sweat, Rhone’s supersoft yet supportive set is also odor-resistant and has UPF 50+ protection, ideal for that next hiking excursion with friends.

Spanx

Lightweight, buttery feels coming right up. Spanx’s signature fabric smooths and holds you in all the right ways for an unbothered and seamless workout experience. Grab the matching top and bottom for your next low-impact class.

Bandit Running

Not only has this material been tested to be chafe-free, with a name like Stamina, this set was also built to last. Plus, there are plenty of pockets (both on top and bottom!) to store your phone and necessities while in motion on the road.