You probably know the Free People clothing brand for its airy, bohemian-inspired clothing that marries a free-spirited California aesthetic with the charm of vintage. You might be less acquainted with the athleisure brand Free People Movement, also called FP Movement, which launched in 2012—designed with the same easy-wearing ethos as Free People’s main line with the wear-anywhere-wearability of workout clothes. Over the decade, the brand has garnered a cult-like following and includes celebrities like Kaia Gerber and Taylor Swift as fans.
Originally launched as a category on Free People's website with a tightly edited yoga wear line, FP Movement has expanded exponentially into an independent brand with a complete range of pieces made for all types of workouts—and has become a mainstay for editors and creators across social media.
With that growth has come more visibility and experimentation. In January of last year, pro tennis player Sloane Stephens joined the brand as an ambassador. In April 2024, FP Movement released the second installment of their collaboration with the running brand HOKA.
The Marie Claire team has long been fans of the buzzy brand but hadn't tried out some of its tried-and-true styles, like the black leggings and sports bras or new spring and summer arrivals—like their onesie or tennis dress.
Here, our editors test drive ten of the brand's key pieces, with feedback on what they love and what they can live without.
Julia Marzovilla, Fashion E-Commerce Editor
Throw and Go Onesie Singin’ in the Rain Packable Jacket
Throw and Go Onesie:
I'm into lower-impact workouts like Pilates, so I've been looking for a few pieces I can wear to the studio besides just black leggings, which I already own. I also have a serious amount of travel coming up in the next few months, and I've been looking for ways to elevate my airport wardrobe. I test-drove the Throw and Go Onesie and the Singin' in the Rain Packable Jacket.
The Throw and Go Onesie is exactly what the name suggests— it's an item I'll be throwing on a lot, and it's made from 100 percent cotton, so it's breathable. The navy blue shade is a nice break from my closet's usual black, and the open back gives it a cool, slouchy silhouette, but it's just a tad too swoopy to go completely braless. I'm 5'2, so I was worried the length of the top and the bottom pieces would drown me, but the fit worked well for a petite frame— just not the pants are a bit wide in the leg, something you may not be used to if you like a more tapered style. I offset the volume with my slim Adidas Sambas sneakers.
Singin’ in the Rain Packable Jacket:
The Singin' in the Rain Packable Jacket is quickly becoming my new favorite coat. Despite its many technical elements, like fully sealed seams and hidden interior snaps sewn behind the zipper, it remains a surprisingly chic raincoat for workouts and weekend errands. It's boxy enough through the body that I can layer pieces underneath it, but the lightweight design also means I won't overheat when I wear it in the summer.
Halie LeSavage, Senior Fashion Beauty News Editor
Light as Air Shorts
Running is my favorite form of exercise, and I feel my best when my activewear doesn’t get in my way. I’ve been loyal to the same pair of plain black, 3-inch inseam workout shorts for years as a result. Whenever they wear out, I swap in the same ones—no new colors or cuts. But every routine can use an update every once in a while. When the Marie Claire team decided to put FP Movement’s viral activewear to the test, I knew I wanted to log a few miles in its “Light as Air” running shorts.
It took one easy 5k around the park to see what I’ve been missing. These shorts have a slightly longer inseam and a flowy fit around the thigh; they look more playful than my old track shorts, but they’re just as breathable (and a lot cuter!). My favorite feature is the waistband, equipped with a teeny-tiny zip-up pocket for stashing keys or an AirPods case. That little feature is crucial for long runs where I don’t want to hand-carry my essentials. I like these shorts even more as a piece of weekend loungewear. For a long Saturday afternoon walking my dog through Central Park, I wore them with a crewneck sweatshirt and a quilted Free People jacket. The colors got so many compliments that I’ve been convinced to lighten up my workout gear for good.
Lucia Tonelli, Associate Director of Social Media
Timko Onesie All Clear Solid Cami
Timko Onesie:
I love a one-piece, but finding the right fit is always challenging, especially with looser styles. I’ve always been a barrel-leg denim girl, and this Timko Onesie, despite being made with a soft cotton blend, stays true to the structured silhouette. The fabric is on the thicker side, but it’s not heavy or hot (I wore it for hours in direct sunlight and never felt sweaty or sticky.) Even though I have wider hips, the drop waist was flattering and was balanced out by the wide pant leg.
All Clear Solid Cami:
I paired the set with the highlighter yellow All Clear Solid Cami, which created a perfect contrast against the deep (almost denim-like) grape blue of the onesie. The tank is classified as a workout top, but it totally works for non-athletic activities too. The sweat-slicking, air-flow-supporting design details will be appreciated when New York becomes a sauna this summer. The fit is lovely, the fabric is thick, and the straps are slim yet supportive. The onesie and cami are a perfect pairing, working as athletic, athleisure, and leisure apparel (or, depending on what you’ve got planned for the day, all three.)
Jonelle Afurong, Junior Visual Designer
Hot Shot Set
I'm always on the hunt for my perfect Sunday reset and running errands day. The Hot Shot Set is my new go-to for that. I have the set in the shade Black Grape (which is nearly sold out on the Free People website), but I can attest to how great the quality is regardless. The fabric is very buttery and soft. I love the baggy fit of this set. It's also stylish and makes me feel more put together than if I wore sweatpants and a hoodie. I recently moved, and this was perfect for all the unpacking and running around I was doing to get my new apartment set up. It's super light and breezy, so I wasn't feeling like I was overheating. And the stretchy waistband made me feel super secure.
The hot shot set is perfect for style and comfort. If I bumped into a friend while running errands and they wanted to hang out for a bit, I wouldn't feel like a mess and would be happy to accept a hang. My only issue with the set is that they can bunch weirdly when you first put on the pants, but nothing a little messing around can't fix.
Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
Easy Does It Dress
My go-to outfit formula for working out and running errands is leggings and a sports bra, but to adapt Tenniscore to my casual style, I wanted to try out a fun athletic dress. When I pulled the Easy Does It Dress out of its packaging, I was skeptical it would work for me—it looked tiny—but I was fooled once I actually put it on. It's made from a surprisingly soft, extra-stretchy material but still has a good amount of compression. I felt held in and supported without feeling squeezed to death like some of my leggings tend to do.
I took this dress for a spin during a grocery run and walk in the park, and I have to say I felt so much more put together than when I wore my usual workout outfits. Details like the open back and drawstring waist elevate it seamlessly. The built-in shorts were a thoughtful detail, too.
This dress makes me feel like a pro heading to the courts, even when I'm just running errands. For that, it's a new athleisure favorite of mine. I especially loved how it looked paired with chunky sneakers and crew socks.
Gabrielle Ulubay, Beauty Writer
Never Better Set
I try to work out at least four times per week, so I’m always looking for new workout sets that are comfortable, flexible, and suitable for both lifting and cardio (I like to mix it up). The Never Better Set from FP Movement, comprised of leggings and a matching bra, checks a few of my boxes. First, it’s lightweight yet still thick enough to keep me warm. On a cold, drizzly day in Brooklyn, I still felt cozy in the set, but it didn’t induce perspiration like so many thicker leggings do. Secondly, I love that the leggings stayed in place no matter how much I ran, jumped, or stretched. Even after stretching my core, the waistband refused to budge.
While the bra was comfortable, I found that it ran too small. I spent much of my time in the set keeping an eye on my cleavage, and the garment wasn’t high-impact enough for a serious cardio workout. Even after several readjustments, the bra continued to slump down my chest, and it didn’t have an adjuster on the back to strengthen its hold.
In sum, this is a great set for stretching or other low-impact workouts, but I wouldn’t recommend it for running or a high-impact workout that requires more robust support. I would also recommend sizing up in the bra.
Emma Childs, Fashion Features Editor
Easy Tiger Shorts Never Better Crop
Hot yoga is my new fixation. If you had told me a year ago that I'd willingly spend hours sweating in a dark room with strangers, I would have assumed you were referring to someone else. And yet, here I am, going to my 95-degree studio twice a week in my cute little exercise sets.
Most recently, I've been wearing the Easy Tiger Shorts in ruby red and the white Never Better Crop, an outfit that passed the sweat test with flying colors. The shorts' side pleats offer ventilation, and the bralette's water-wicking compression material is soft and supportive. Best of all, the shorts come with built-in briefs, and the top is secure yet stretchy, ensuring coverage and protection—even during downward dog.
