As a writer who covers both style and fitness, I own an embarrassing amount of activewear. But there’s one set I reach for more than any other — including options that cost more than twice as much: Quince’s Ultra-Soft Performance Leggings and matching V-Neck Racerback Bra
My husband jokingly calls it my “uniform” because if it were feasible, I’d wear it every single day. The true testament to my love, though, is that I already ordered the set in more colors after just a few weeks of testing through weightlifting workouts, Pilates classes, errands, and countless washes
Here’s why it’s become my favorite affordable activewear set. Plus, check out our wide-ranging Quince clothing review, where we reviewed almost every piece of apparel on the site to determine which are great buys and which pieces aren’t worth your money
$29.90
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$39.90
View at Quince
The fabric is exceptionally soft
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With “Ultra-Soft” in the product name, I had high expectations for the fabric — and it did not disappoint. The leggings and bra both have a brushed feel that’s almost suede-like. Seriously, if I could build an entire wardrobe out of one material, this would be it
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They strike the perfect balance between compression and comfort
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A lot of workout clothes seem to fall into one of two categories: shapewear-tight or loungewear loose. These pieces are neither: they provide the perfect level of support without feeling restrictive in the slightest
Because the Ultra-Soft Leggings and bra feature an impressive amount of stretch, they move withmy body through the full range of motion whether I’m squatting, side-lunging, or cycling
They actually stay put
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Nothing throws a wrench in a workout quite like having to constantly adjust your bra or leggings mid-set. Luckily, that’s not an issue with the Quince pieces — thanks in part to the four-way stretch, they feel like a second skin that never rolls, bunches, or shifts around
They’re great for workouts
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The Quince Ultra-Soft collection is made with moisture-wicking, anti-microbial material. That’s a huge perk when I’m sweating during a particularly intense workout, or when I’m running errands on a sweltering summer day
While the bra is really only designed for lower-impact exercise, the leggings are suitable for a wide range of activities. And since the material is thick and the waistband is high, I’ve found that they’re squat-proof, too
But they’re not just for workouts
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Between the luxe heathered fabric, timeless neutral colors, and flawless fit, I always feel put together in this set — whether I’m grabbing coffee, dropping my son at daycare, or taking a stroll around the local lake. And I love that I can mix and match the pieces, too
The leggings look equally cute with a workout tank as they do with a V-neck tee and denim jacket. In the cooler months, I could definitely imagine wearing them with a slouchy off-the-shoulder sweater and Chelsea boots
The value is outstanding
Rebecca Strong/Business Insider
I originally bought this set hoping it’d be a budget-friendly alternative to my Beyond Yoga Spacedye bra and leggings. For the sake of comparison, that set costs $167 — and this one is $70
As it turns out, the quality is still up to par. The fabric hasn’t pilled, stretched out, or faded despite frequent wear and washing — and if anything, it’s become even softer over time
What to know before buying
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There are only two potential drawbacks that I can find to this set: The leggings don’t have side pockets, and the bra is designed for low- to medium-impact workouts only
The bra may not be suitable for high-impact activities like running and HIIT, but it’s perfect for walking, yoga and Pilates, resistance training, travel, or everyday wear. And keep in mind that you can always pair the leggings with a more supportive bra
The bottom line
Historically, I’ve abided by the philosophy that you get what you pay for — but once again, Quince has proved me wrong. Even though this workout set costs half as much as I’d pay for similar options from popular activewear brands, I don’t feel like I’m compromising on fit, quality, or style. That’s why it’s a win-win in my book
Is it the perfect fit for every workout? No, not necessarily. But it’s flattering, supremely soft, supportive without feeling restrictive, and held up beautifully — and most importantly, makes me want to work out
