The Women's Gear We're Wearing Now (and Loving All Season)
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August Favorites for Women Who Never Sit Still
August is a funny month. The forecast says summer, but the calendar keeps whispering fall. One day we're paddleboarding, the next we're chasing sunsets in a sweater, squeezing in trail miles before school pickup, or packing for one last adventure.
That's why our August favorites aren't just trending—they're hardworking pieces that earn their spot by doing more than one job. From the best sports bra for high-impact workouts to the sweater we'll reach for well into winter, these are the women's apparel and gear picks we keep grabbing.
Whether you're searching for the best women's sweater, best sports bra for larger busts, best rash guard for sun protection, best swimwear for active women, or versatile travel clothing, here's what made our August list.
Best Sweater: Stevie Sweater by Toad&Co
Some sweaters are for looks. The Stevie Sweater is for life.
Made from 100% wool with an oversized blanket-knit feel, it wraps us up without weighing us down. The flowing silhouette layers over leggings, jeans, dresses, or whatever adventure the day requires, while the attached hood and handwarmer pockets make it feel equal parts cozy cabin and neighborhood coffee run.
It's the sweater we start wearing on cool August evenings and don't stop reaching for until spring finally shows up.
Why it's an August favorite:
- 100% wool for natural warmth
- Beautiful drapey blanket knit
- Hood for extra coziness
- Handwarmer pockets
- Easy layering from late summer through winter
Most Versatile Top: Plaiditude Flannel Shirt by Toad&Co
If a flannel and a performance shirt had a very capable kid, it'd be the Plaiditude Flannel Shirt.
It combines soft brushed recycled cotton with moisture-wicking recycled polyester, giving us the comfort of a classic flannel without feeling bulky. Wear it buttoned as a shirt, open over a tee, or as a lightweight shirt jacket when mornings cool off.
Bonus points for elbow patches that look as good around the campfire as they do around town.
Why we love it:
- Layers over everything
- Moisture-wicking performance
- Soft brushed fabric
- Durable elbow patches
- Great for travel, hiking, and everyday wear
Most Loved Sports Bra: Tech Athena Sports Bra
Finding a supportive sports bra shouldn't require Olympic-level effort.
The Tech Athena 2.0 Sports Bra has been one of our highest-rated bras for over a decade because it delivers exactly what active women with C-DD cups need: dependable support that stays comfortable mile after mile.
Adjustable straps, a redesigned chest band, wireless comfort, and COOLMAX® moisture management make it just as ready for long runs as strength training or everyday wear.
Best for:
- Running
- HIIT workouts
- Gym training
- Hiking
- Everyday support
Why it made August's list:
- High-impact support
- Adjustable fit
- Wireless comfort
- Moisture-wicking COOLMAX® lining
- Built specifically for C-DD cups
Best Sun Protection in the Water: Surfspray & Cloudbreak Rash Guards
Surfspray Rash Guard
Some rash guards feel like they're wearing us.
The Surfspray Rash Guard does the opposite. Soft, stretchy, and fitted without being clingy, it delivers UPF 50+ sun protection whether we're surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or spending an entire afternoon building sandcastles.
Thumbholes keep sleeves in place while long sleeves provide full coverage.
Why these made August's list:
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Soft stretch fabric
- Comfortable all-day fit
- Perfect for surfing, SUP, swimming, and beach days
Cloudbreak Cropped Rash Guard
For warmer days, the Cloudbreak Cropped Rash Guard offers the same UPF 50+ protection with a shorter length and cap sleeves that pair perfectly with high-rise swim bottoms.
Best Swim Collection: Better Swim
Better Bikini Top
Supportive enough for waves, adjustable enough for a personalized fit, and comfortable enough to wear all day.
Why Better Swim is our August pick:
- Adjustable fit
- Supportive for active swimming
- Sand-resistant lining
- Quick-dry removable cups
- UPF 50 protection
- Designed to stay put in the water
Better Tankini Top
More coverage without sacrificing freedom to move. Great for swimming, paddleboarding, beach volleyball, or chasing little adventurers.
Better One Piece Swimsuit
Secure support from B-DD cups with adjustable straps, UPF 50 protection, and sand-resistant lining that keeps grit where it belongs.
Best Swim Bottom: Lehua Bikini Bottom
Some swim bottoms spend the day being adjusted.
The Lehua Bikini Bottom spends the day staying put.
Maximum coverage, an adjustable interior drawcord, and our durable SurFlex™ fabric mean we can dive, swim, paddle, and play without giving our bottoms a second thought.
Why it's an August favorite:
- Maximum coverage
- Adjustable waistband
- Won't ride up
- UPF 50 protection
- Built for active water days
Best Hot Weather Hiking Pants: Limitless Barrel Pants
Late-summer hikes call for breathable pants that can handle changing terrain—and changing weather.
The Limitless Barrel Pants combine a modern barrel-leg silhouette with lightweight stretch fabric, cargo storage, cinchable hems, and trail-ready durability.
They're roomy enough for airflow, tough enough for rocky trails, and stylish enough to head straight into town afterward.
Perfect for:
- Hiking
- National park trips
- Travel
- Everyday adventures
Best Layering Piece: Mendocino Sweater
Not every August morning starts warm.
The Mendocino Sweater bridges the gap between summer and fall with a Merino wool blend that naturally regulates temperature and resists odor.
Light enough for cool mornings. Warm enough for mountain evenings. Easy enough to wear every day.
Why it's a seasonal favorite:
- Merino wool blend
- Lightweight warmth
- Odor resistant
- Packs easily for travel
- Layers over tees and tanks
Most Versatile Dress: Dream Short Sleeve Dress
Some dresses only work for brunch.
This one works for everything.
The Dream Short Sleeve Dress combines soft stretch performance fabric with a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette, side pockets, and our signature Swift Snap® hem, making it equally ready for bike rides, weekend trips, backyard dinners, or everyday errands.
Why we love it:
- Stretch performance fabric
- Built-in pockets
- Fit-and-flare silhouette
- Packs beautifully for travel
- Adventure-ready comfort
Why These Are Our August Favorites
August is all about versatility.
These pieces earn their place because they don't belong to one season, one activity, or one destination.
They're built to move from warm afternoons into cool evenings, from the trail to town, from paddleboards to patios, and from late-summer adventures into fall without missing a beat.
Every item here solves a real problem:
- Support that lasts through long workouts.
- Sun protection you'll actually wear.
- Swimwear that stays put.
- Layers that adapt as temperatures change.
- Clothing versatile enough to pack less and do more.
That's exactly the kind of gear we want this time of year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best women's clothing picks for August?
Look for versatile layers, lightweight hiking pants, supportive sports bras, active swimwear, and transitional sweaters. August weather can shift throughout the day, so clothing that layers easily offers the most value.
What should I wear hiking in hot weather?
Choose lightweight, breathable pants with stretch and secure pockets, like the Limitless Barrel Pants, paired with moisture-wicking tops and supportive sports bras. If you're hiking at higher elevations, pack a lightweight sweater like the Mendocino for cooler mornings and evenings.
What is the best sports bra for larger busts?
The Tech Athena 2.0 Sports Bra is one of our top recommendations for C-DD cups thanks to its adjustable fit, high-impact support, wireless comfort, and moisture-wicking performance.
Which swimwear is best for active women?
Swimwear designed with adjustable straps, supportive construction, secure coverage, and UPF-rated fabrics performs best for swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and beach adventures. The Better Swim Collection was built with movement in mind.
Why wear a rash guard instead of sunscreen alone?
A UPF 50 rash guard provides consistent sun protection that doesn't wash off, helping reduce repeated sunscreen application while adding comfort during long days on the water.
What should I pack for late-summer travel?
A versatile flannel, lightweight sweater, supportive sports bra, comfortable hiking pants, active swimwear, and a travel-friendly dress create a capsule wardrobe that handles changing weather, outdoor adventures, sightseeing, and everyday wear with fewer pieces.
What makes good transitional clothing?
The best transitional clothing layers easily, regulates temperature, performs during activity, and works across multiple settings. Natural fibers like Merino wool and wool blends, moisture-wicking fabrics, and versatile silhouettes help maximize every piece in your closet.
More Stories & Guides
The Best Warm Weather Travel Gear for Women
The best women's travel clothes for hot and humid weather are breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant pieces with built-in UPF sun protection, and this Title Nine expert guide covers the top tops, bottoms, dresses, shoes, and performance fabrics (like WickID, Matahari, and Nimblene) for packing light and staying cool on any warm-weather trip.
Your Guide to the Best Women's Hiking Clothes
The best women's hiking clothes stretch with you, wick sweat, dry fast, block the sun with built-in UPF, resist abrasion, and carry your essentials in functional pockets, and this Title Nine expert guide covers top hiking pants, shorts, skorts, tops, jackets, footwear, and performance fabrics for every season and trail.
Swimsuit Guide for A & B Cups
Find the best athletic swimsuit for small busts with our guide for A and B cups, covering the features, styles, fit tips, and care advice that keep bikini tops and one-pieces supportive and gape-free through every water sport.
