The no-sweat dress that will get you through the heatwave

In a city where it’s entirely acceptable to sport your gym kit for all leisure pursuits — treadmill optional — it can be tough to coax Londoners out of their leggings.

But in the height of summer, when post-rooftop yoga Lycra can prove more clingy than comfy, many fitness buffs have begrudgingly reacquainted themselves with the changing room.

If you are among them and resent the extra six precious minutes this has sapped from your day, behold the exercise dress (aka your summer salvation). It’s brought to you by Outdoor Voices, the cool New York fitness export which seeks to “bridge the gap between your gym-life and your life-life” and actually delivers it.

Now I know what you’re thinking: “I’m not downward-dogging in a dress, thank you very much.” And, granted, this may not be the most practical accompaniment to your sun salutations. But as far as most other outdoorsy activities are concerned, it’s a no-brainer. And that goes for activities which don’t require much activity at all.

As one satisfied customer on the brand’s website extols, “This exercise dress will take you everywhere; I’ve worn it out, worked out in it, gone to the country club in it, golfed, hiked, ran, danced — I’ve even napped in it.”

Praised for its versatility pops up in countless other reviews, including one which states, “within the first two days I’ve worn it running and out to dinner”. Another agrees: “I genuinely need one for every day of the week”.

Much of its appeal is down to engineering. Crafted from lightweight sweat-wicking fabric, the exercise dress features a four-way stretch fit so you can move freely. Crucially, it also includes a built-in leotard lining, so you don’t need to worry about flashing your pants to the rest of your barre buddies. As one fan puts it: “This dress is cartwheel-inspiring!”

But, as any athleisure addict in the capital will tell you, function alone doesn’t make for a gym-class hero — the rest is down to how it looks. Which is where the exercise dress comes out on top.

With an A-line shape that hits mid-thigh and a strappy racer-back neckline, the style — available in four colours (black, navy, blush pink and a grey scribble print) — has an of-the-moment Nineties vibe. “I feel like a Spice Girl when I go hiking now and I love it,” proclaims one convert. Further proof of its ability to make you look ace in your gym selfies is available in abundance on the brand’s Instagram feed. Plus, its cool cut will blend in seamlessly with the slip dress-clad after-work-drinks crowds.

Of course, the exercise dress’s spiritual home is on the tennis court. And as Wimbledon gets into full swing, seek out Monreal for inspiration. The London-based brand, which specialises in high-end, fashion-forward clothing for the court, has 14 dresses designed to work out in, ranging from the crisp white style which features built-in bra support to the navy and neon-trimmed wrap dress.

Meanwhile, Nike’s stretchy, sweat-wicking selection is ace for both on the court and in the middle of a heatwave.