You've probably narrowed down exactly what you like to wear for your workout of choice, but finding the best gym layers to wear over the top of your core kit during the colder months is where things get tricky.
They may not seem like the most essential investment for day-to-day, but gym layers are far more valuable than you might think. From keeping you at the right temperature during your warm-ups to protecting against the elements when you're on your way to the gym, it pays to have some reliable basics at the ready.
Myself, Marie Claire UK's Senior Health and Sustainability Editor Ally Head and News Editor Jadie Troy-Pryde have tried out a fair few activewear brands in our time - so you can trust that the pieces we recommend are worthy of the investment. Below, we've shared our personal favourite gym layers, as well as the items on our wish list. From comfortable tees to stylish bomber jackets, your every need is covered.
To make shopping a breeze, I've split it up by short-sleeved layers, long-sleeved layers and cosy outerwear like hoodies that you can wear for weightlifting, strength training, or just lounging at home on your rest days. And if you're also in need of some base layers, you can't go wrong with our edit of the best gym leggings, best sports bras, cool girl activewear brands, and the best yoga flares, either.
Best gym layers: Quick shopping links
- Best short sleeved gym layer: £34 at Adanola
- Best gym t-shirt: £58 at lululemon
- Best gym vest: £58 at Alo
- Best long sleeved gym layer: £44 at Free People
- Best gym jumper: £48 at Oner Active
- Best gym fleece: £110 at BAM
Best short sleeved gym layers
lululemon's activewear range is unparalleled, and that extends to gym layers. This boxy tee has an oversized fit but a cropped length to keep things chic. It's designed for running and training, and it's fabricated with Silverescent™ technology, powered by X-STATIC®, which inhibits the growth of odour-causing bacteria. The perfect gym floor layer.
The MC UK team's love for Adanola is very well documented by now, and this sleek tee is one of many stellar investments you can make. Supportive, lightweight, and with a longer cut, it will layer seamlessly over your sports bra with a breathable finish. It's also a brilliant option if you're after a lightweight layer with a little more coverage.
It can be tricky to find workout vests without a built-in bra, which is what makes this tank top a worthwhile addition to your gym kit. It has enough room to layer but still offers a form fit and breathable signature Alosoft fabric that will keep you cool on the gym floor - ideal if you get particularly sweaty during your workouts. If you ask me, it's also stylish enough to wear out and about with jeans.
Another brand that I frequently rave about is Oner Active. Brilliantly affordable yet high quality, you can't go wrong with any purchase. This oversized tee is great for those who want a comfortable, baggy layer that can be worn over anything without compromising on style. The dropped sleeves provide a relaxed fit with ample coverage to keep you comfortable.
Best long sleeved gym layers
I own this top in two different colours, and it is one of my all-time favourite gym layers. It is extremely soft and stretchy, and the seamless finish means it stays comfortable no matter what type of workout I'm doing. Made from breathable fabric, it keeps me covered without causing any overheating, and it layers well over any sports bra with enough room around the chest while having a tighter fit.
Balletcore is still all the rage, and this sweet wrap cardi nails the look. Activewear brand Sisterly Tribe needs to be on your hit list if you're after functional and fashionable workout gear or layers to wrap up in before you break a sweat. It features thumbholes, a flattering neckline and adjustable ties to allow you to customise the fit, and it's made from extra soft Lenzing™ Modal fabric. This is definitely more of a pre-gym layer or a warmup top, but it can also be used for Pilates or Barre classes as well.
"Free People are the absolute queens of designing cute workout tees for any sweat session, and their Tempo Ruched long-sleeved is no exception. I personally wouldn't wear it for running, as it's cotton-based and so gets sweaty, fast. That said, it's a really great, soft and wearable layer for throwing on for the gym, Pilates, home workouts or yoga. It's a flattering cropped length, comes in a range of cute colourways and has thumb holes for keeping your hands warm in winter, too." - Ally Head, Senior Health and Sustainability Editor
Few long sleeve tops in my collection are quite as soft as this one. This breathable and stretchy base layer is designed for all types of movement, but is particularly good for low impact in my experience. It keeps me cosy when I need it but is also light enough to wear to the gym or for a Pilates class, and it doubles as a gorgeous casual top too. With added stretch, it caters to all types of movement too.
I bought this top last time it was on sale, and I liked it so much I even bought an extra one to gift to my mother-in-law. It's the perfect mid-weight layer, thanks to the pure cotton fabrication - it adds some cosiness without being bulky or trapping heat, it is chic enough to wear anywhere, and I love the thumb hole details that keep it on and protect my palms. It's perfect as a piece to travel in (as suggested by the name), but it's also great for warm-ups and low-impact classes alike.
If you're after a wrap top that can wick sweat, this is the one for you. The fabric is beautifully thick and buttery, and it has great compression levels without being uncomfortable. I regularly wear this as my outer layer as it's so much more elevated than a sweatshirt, and it can be worn for the duration of my workout too.
Best outer gym layers
I got this BAM fleece earlier in the year and have been patiently waiting for colder weather so I can wear it on a regular basis. However, I did take it camping with me during the summer, and it was the cosiest (and most stylish) outer layer to battle against the chilly nights. Not only does it look seriously elevated, but the spacious pockets and double zip feature makes it ideal for chucking on over gym kit and storing your essentials inside. You can also remove the collar for a sportier look, and the fleece lining is ideal for trapping heat whilst making your way to the gym.
"lululemon has so many great gym layers; it was hard to choose my favourite - but this seriously cosy, soft and stylish scuba pullover gets my pick. It's not designed for movement, per se, but is a great option for chucking over your gym kit pre a weights session or Reformer class. It's lightweight but warm, has ribbed panels on each sides for added mobility, and will become a firm favourite in both your gym and day wardrobes." - Ally
"I’ve been reluctant to take this jumper off since it was delivered two weeks ago. It’s incredibly soft and super comfy, with the fit hitting that dreamy balance of being slightly oversized without being shapeless. Now that the weather is picking up, it’s the perfect throw-on over my gym gear, too. I’m obsessed." - Jadie
This article was first published in March 2025 and has since been updated.
What are the best base layers?
When it comes to base layers for the gym, there is no one right answer. You'll want to wear clothes that you feel comfortable in and you can move in, as well as opting for items that wick sweat and keep you cool. There's no going wrong with a supportive sports bra, a breathable t-shirt and some stretchy leggings, but you could also invest in some stretchy bike shorts or a long-sleeved top for extra coverage.
