Dopamine Dressing

We get it — winter can be cold, dreary, and downright exhausting. Definitely not any kind of workout motivation. But you know what can be? New clothes. And now, there’s (somewhat) actual science to why we need a new set or two. It’s called dopamine dressing, and it’s a real thing. Wearing clothes you love boosts your mood. Because dressing for the vibe that you’re looking to put out while you work out — or even the workout itself — can amplify your exercise, your yoga class, or even a walk down the block.

Two color stories have evolved in the activewear space: dopamine dressing-inspired brights and more muted sunset hues, two almost dichotomous color edits. But they both work hard while obviously looking really, really good. Amp up your next mat session — or choose a workout outfit for the vibe you want to exude — with a set from one of our edits.

Why What Color You’re Wearing to Work Out in Actually Matters

What you wear has an impact beyond how cute you’ll look (which is ridiculously cute, of course). “Colors relate to emotions or feelings,” says Madi Murphy, an astrologer in New York City who also reads auras — an energetic field that surrounds a person, composed of different colors that correlate to different meanings, feelings, and emotions.

And while auras are ever-changing, the meaning behind the color — and the feeling they represent — is not. She points out sweat-session shopping has to take color into account for reasons that are two-fold: “When we feel an emotion, we're sort of projecting a color into our energy fields...and also we feel a certain way when looking at a certain color.”

Translation? The color of your workout wear can reflect the emotions you’re feeling, the workout you’re doing, or the entire vibe you want to exude from the studio to the street.

The Trend Edit: Dopamine Brights

Dopamine dressing’s origins are in super bright shades — think vivids like neon pink and scarlet red. It’s proven that brighter colors tend to convey more positive emotions, but these are eye-catching in particular, exuding confidence and strength. “Red helps us plug into higher energy, inner fire, and inner motivation,” says Murphy. She recommends trying red for a cardio kickboxing class — or anything where you really need to show up as your whole self and then some.

(Hot tip: Murphy also recommends rocking a red look if you’re not a morning person and need a little kick in the ass for a pre-work workout. No judgment.)

Pink has a different energetic meaning, but a saturated version of the color still embodies the powerful happiness that comes with vivid hues. Generally, pink is known to be the color of the heart center and self-compassion, self-tenderness, and self-love, says Murphy. And that’s where she really believes that choosing a bright pink helps to empower your own intuitive nature in choosing your workout — and trusting your body.

Shop the Trend

The Starter Set

Nike Women's Air Zoom SuperRep 3

New Balance Sports Bra

The Sport Rib Tempo Set

Nike Women's Air Zoom SuperRep 3

Le Ore Sorelle One Shoulder Bra

Muv Active Andana Shorts

HÉROS The Crop

The Trend Edit: Sunset Shades

Alternatively, if you’re looking to exude a calm vibe or check out a Yin yoga class, opt for our edit of muted, sunset pastels. While not explicitly nor obviously considered dopamine dressing in theory, it’s imperative to remember the point of dopamine dressing: that wearing what you love can boost your mood. And when you choose to embody a color — or even just wear it for a sweat session — it can be a become a part of your aura, no matter how temporary or permanent that may be.

Yellow typically translates to exuberance, but in a buttery soft pastel shade, it’s a quiet kind of victory. Pale, pastel oranges, greens, and blues are incredibly peaceful, and are as harmonious when used in activewear as they exist naturally on the earth. Pastel orange injects creativity into your energetic space, says Murphy, while a sky blue is incredibly relaxing for a yoga class — or even for your new everyday yoga mat.