Don’t sleep on Dick’s Sporting Goods: I’m still raving about my latest athleisure haul

I went to the mall for a casual brunch hang and accidentally left wanting to become a runner.

It started innocently enough: a lazy weekend morning, a table full of iced coffees and eggs Benedict and a conversation that drifted into how we hadn’t wandered a mall in years. 

So, we picked our local mall, parking in front of a newly renovated Dick’s Sporting Goods, and I remember thinking, vaguely, that it looked…different. Brighter, sleeker, almost like the kind of place you’d expect to see curated on your Instagram feed. Once inside, I did not want to leave.

The revival of Dick’s Sporting Goods

Truth be told, I had filed Dick’s Sporting Goods away as a functional stop: a place for last-minute sneakers, maybe a sports bra in a pinch, definitely not somewhere I’d browse for fun. But within minutes, I found myself touching fabrics, holding up matching sets and mentally rebuilding my entire wardrobe. It bridged the gap between athletic wear and athleisure sense — and I loved pretty much everything.

That’s largely thanks to DSG, the retailer’s exclusive in-house label, which feels designed to meet you wherever you are on the spectrum of activity. “DSG is Dick’s Sporting Goods’ exclusive, full-family apparel and gear brand, designed to deliver high-quality, performance-driven products at accessible, growth-spurt-friendly prices,” Alexsandra Camardo-Webb, senior brand manager of Dick’s Sporting Goods, exclusively shared with the New York Post. “Built for every member of the family, DSG makes it easy to gear up for an active lifestyle – helping families to embrace their best ‘sporthood’ moments, on and off the field.”

What struck me most was how stylishly functional everything felt. I picked up a pair of running shorts that were somehow both structured and soft, the kind you could imagine wearing for a workout but also for a coffee run.

My review

I will admit, I have been living a more active lifestyle and I credit Dick’s Sporting Goods in large part. Its pieces are comfortable, flattering and meant for movement. Honestly, I shop with the retailer more than lululemon.

Ahead, find the pieces that made their way into my collection.

CALIA Women’s Soft Scuba Mock Neck 1/4 Zip

The CALIA Women’s Soft Scuba Mock Neck 1/4 Zip has quickly earned a top spot in my rotation. It’s a clear contender to the lululemon Scuba Oversized Half-Zip Hoodie.

The fabric is what really sets it apart: that signature “soft scuba” material has a silky-smooth feel with just enough structure to look polished while still being incredibly comfortable. The relaxed fit and mock neck give it that effortlessly elevated athleisure vibe and the 1/4 zip lets you adjust coverage depending on the day. It delivers the same cozy, slightly oversized aesthetic people love from lululemon, but at a much more accessible price point, making it feel like a smart and stylish alternative that’s giving lifehack through and through.

What makes it even better is how well it holds up over time. After multiple washes, it still looks and feels just as good. I’ve noticed no pilling or loss of softness; it keeps its shape beautifully. It’s one of those pieces that transitions seamlessly from lounging at home to running errands.

Size options: XXS to 3X | Color options: 11 | Materials: 50% Polyester, 24% Modal, 21% Cotton, 5% spandex. Ottoman: 64% Cotton, 32% Polyester, 4% Spandex

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The DSG Women’s Movement Seamless Boxy Long Sleeve Tee feels tailor-made for those in-between days when getting dressed requires a bit of strategy. Cut in a relaxed, boxy silhouette with a seamless finish, it delivers an easy drape that looks as good as it feels.

I love how the lightweight fabric is impressively breathable, offering just enough coverage to take the chill off without tipping into overly warm territory — exactly what you want when the forecast hovers in that unpredictable middle ground.

It’s a piece I reach for on repeat— equally suited for a brisk morning walk, a casual afternoon out or simply navigating those tricky transition days when a sweatshirt feels like too much, but short sleeves aren’t quite enough.

Size options: XS to XL | Color options: 7 | Materials: Moisture-wicking fabric

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I recently picked up the CALIA Women’s High Neck Seamless Brami. The fit is snug in a really comfortable way — form-fitting without feeling restrictive — and the seamless design makes it feel super smooth against my skin.

I especially like the high neckline because it gives a bit more coverage than a typical bralette or tank, so I feel comfortable wearing it on its own for errands or layered under a zip-up or oversized shirt. The built-in shelf bra with removable cups is a nice touch, too; it gives light support without feeling bulky or overstructured.

It’s incredibly wearable for low-impact days. I’ve worn it for lounging, walking and even light workouts like stretching and yoga, and it stays put without riding up or needing constant adjusting. The fabric feels soft and breathable, and it does a decent job at staying dry and comfortable even when I’m moving around. I also appreciate how clean and minimal it looks.

Size options: XXS to XXL | Color options: 21 | Materials:  88% Nylon, 12% Spandex

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I’ve been wearing the New Balance & CALIA Women’s Fresh Foam X More v6 Merlot Running Shoes for both short runs and long days on my feet, and the first thing I noticed is how incredibly cushioned they feel.

The Fresh Foam X midsole really lives up to its reputation; it’s that soft, almost walking-on-a-cloud kind of comfort that makes easy miles feel effortless. Even at a slow recovery pace, the impact protection is noticeable, and my joints feel less beat up after runs. The wide, stable platform also gives me a sense of security, especially when I’m running on uneven sidewalks or just transitioning into a walking cooldown.

That said, these shoes are definitely built for comfort over speed. The plush cushioning and high-stack design make them feel a bit heavy and less responsive when I try to pick up the pace, so I keep them mainly for easy runs, errands, and recovery days. Breathability is also just OK, so they can feel a little warm on hotter days, but the soft upper makes up for it in overall comfort.

The ‘Merlot’ colorway is honestly a standout, too. Let me say, it’s stylish enough that I don’t mind wearing them casually outside of running. Overall, I’d call them a go-to recovery and everyday comfort shoe rather than a performance trainer, but they absolutely excel in that role.

Size options: US 6 to 10 | Color options: 1 | Materials:  Fresh foam

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I’ve tried a lot of workout shorts, but these quickly became one of my go-to pairs because they strike a really nice balance between comfort and performance. The outer layer is lightweight and silky without feeling flimsy, and the built-in liner gives me that extra coverage and confidence, especially during higher-intensity workouts or when I’m constantly moving.

I also love the high-waisted fit; it feels supportive without digging in, and it stays put through everything from long walks to quick HIIT sessions. The Dri-FIT fabric does a solid job of keeping me dry, even on hot days, which makes them just as good for errands as they are for workouts.

That said, they’re not completely perfect. I did notice that the inner shorts can ride up a bit depending on the activity, which can be slightly annoying during longer jogs. Still, for everyday training, lounging or casual wear, they’re incredibly versatile and easy to throw on.

Plus, the length is short but not overly revealing, and overall, they feel durable and well-made. If you’re looking for a flattering, all-purpose pair of athletic shorts that can handle a mix of workouts and daily wear, these are definitely worth considering.

Size options: XS to 3X | Color options: 19 | Materials: 100% Polyester

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As soon as my friends and I saw this dress, it honestly felt like I had to have it. Once I tried it on, I knew I had made the right call.

The fit is exactly what I was hoping for: snug and supportive up top with a really flattering, flowy skirt that moves beautifully. It’s one of those pieces that instantly makes you feel put-together, whether you’re actually playing or just showing up to the court looking cute. I also love that it has a built-in shelf bra with removable cups, so I don’t have to worry about layering anything underneath; it just feels easy and secure.

It’s also comfortable during play. The fabric is lightweight, breathable and stretchy, so I never feel restricted, even during longer matches. The quick-drying material is a huge plus too, especially on hot days, and the liner shorts with pockets are surprisingly useful for holding tennis balls or small essentials.

Size options: XS to XS | Color options: 2 | Materials: Quick-drying technology

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I’ve been reaching for the CALIA Women’s Renew Strappy Tank nonstop lately, especially for workouts and casual errands. The first time I wore it, I layered it over the CALIA Women’s High Neck Seamless Brami, and the combo instantly felt like a put-together athleisure.

The strappy Y-back design adds just enough visual interest, and I love how it shows off the high neckline of the brami underneath. It’s lightweight and breathable, which makes a huge difference during longer workouts, and I’ve noticed it keeps me feeling cool even when I start to sweat.

The fit is easy and not clingy, so it drapes nicely over the brami without feeling bulky. It’s one of those feel-good, affordable tanks that’s simply a wardrobe staple. It’s going to be my uniform during the summer months — I already know it!

Size options: XS to XXL | Color options: 9 | Materials: 80% Synthetic Fibers, 20% Spandex

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OK, I’ve been living in this.

I picked up this CALIA scuba pique crew sweatshirt from DICK’s Heritage Shop, and honestly, it’s giving effortlessly put together without me actually putting in effort. That’s exactly my vibe, especially on lazy weekends.

The fabric is that cool scuba-style material that feels smooth and a little structured, so instead of looking like I just rolled out of bed, I look like I planned my outfit (even when I didn’t). It’s soft but not flimsy, and it somehow manages to keep its shape all day. Plus, the fit is relaxed in a flattering way, so I can wear it with leggings, jeans or even throw it over bike shorts.

If I had to nitpick, it’s not the warmest thing, but I don’t think that’s its purpose.

Size options: XS to XXL | Color options: 1 | Materials: Scuba fabric

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How I tested

Ahead, here’s the testing criteria I kept in mind when trying out different fashion pieces from Dick’s Sporting Goods:

• All-day comfort test: I wore each piece for extended periods (running errands, lounging, working from home) to see how it felt over time.
• Fit and shape retention: I checked how well each piece held its structure after hours of wear and movement.
• Layering versatility: I styled each piece with different outfits (jackets, leggings, jeans) to evaluate flexibility.
• Temperature adaptability: I tested each piece in varying conditions (cool mornings versus warmer indoor settings).
• Durability check: I observed fabric quality after washing and regular use for any pilling, shrinking or loss of texture.

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