We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Fashion Clothing Reese Witherspoon Talks Draper James Sport and Spills Her Favorite Pieces From navy gingham sports bras to soft and cozy sweatshirts By Erin Johnson Erin Johnson Erin Johnson is the associate editorial director of commerce at PEOPLE with over 9 years of experience in the digital media space. She covers the best and newest home, kitchen, travel, and outdoor products to help make your life easier, including the most affordable vacuums, space-saving kitchen gadgets, clever travel gear, and more. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 6, 2024 01:44PM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Reviews FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? Is there anything Reese Witherspoon can't do? The Oscar-winning actress created Draper James (a clothing line named after her grandparents, Dorothea Draper and William James Witherspoon) in 2013, founded the production company Hello Sunshine in 2016, and continues to put women's stories at the forefront of the entertainment industry. It's safe to say that she is one busy woman (she even wrote a children's book titled Busy Betty) but she made time to tell PEOPLE about her activewear line, Draper James Sport. "Staying active is a big part of my daily routine, and I know it is for Draper James fans, too," Reese Witherspoon exclusively tells PEOPLE. "It's why I'm so excited to introduce Draper James Sport activewear to the collection this year and be able to offer our customers more options to wear during their daily walks, yoga classes, pickleball games, and all the other ways they keep active every day." Witherspoon created Draper James to honor her Southern upbringing while offering quality, buildable wardrobe items that are fun to wear. Draper James now has three locations, multiple clever collaborations (including an accessible line at Kohl's), and now, an activewear line. As a fellow Tennessean, I love stopping in the flagship Draper James store in Nashville, and not just because they fawn over my tiny dog, but because the floral prints and What Would Dolly Do merchandise instantly lift my mood. Draper James is truly Southern charm at its best. "Draper James is a brand that is very comfortably rooted in its own identity," says head of design Kathryn Sukey, adding that the brand's aesthetic is joyful, colorful, and optimistic (if that wasn't obvious). I wasn't sure how the brand was going to put a Southern spin on activewear, but the gingham print and matching floral sets scream Draper James. All of the Draper James Sport pieces are fun and timeless, and the quality remains top-notch. "Staying true to our brand mission of delivering products to customers that look good and feel good, so they can go out into the world and do good, the Draper James Sport line was intentionally designed for great fit and comfort, with the iconic, Southern-inspired prints Draper James is known for," says Witherspoon. Read on for Witherspoon's favorite Draper James pieces right now, as well as our reviews of the Draper James Sport line. Draper James Sports Bra in Navy Gingham PHOTO: Draper James View on Draperjames.com It really doesn't get much more "Draper James" than this navy gingham sports bra. It's a known Witherspoon favorite, and she's posted pictures working out while wearing this piece with other coordinating Draper James Sport pieces like these panel leggings and this navy warm-up jacket. Love the gingham print, but want to Elle Woods-ify it? Try these bike shorts in pink. Sizes: XS-XXL | Color: Navy gingham | Material: 74% nylon, 26% spandex Draper James Natalie Sweatshirt in Navy Gingham PHOTO: Draper James View on Draperjames.com Complete the look with a gingham headband or a coordinating top, both favorites of Witherspoon. The Natalie sweatshirt can do it all: Throw it over your workout gear for an extra layer or pair it with jeans for an easy outfit for school pick-up or errand-running. Sizes: XS-3X | Color: Navy gingham | Material: 100% cotton Draper James Kelsea Sweatshirt PHOTO: Draper James View on Draperjames.com We weren't kidding when we said the blue and white stripe is a Draper James classic. Witherspoon said that this striped drop-shoulder sweatshirt is another one that she's loving right now. It's a great, affordable option that can double as a warm layer for evening walks or a fun top for a casual lunch with friends. Sizes: XS-3X | Color: Blue and white | Material: 100% cotton Draper James Pink Gingham Bike Shorts PHOTO: Draper James View on Draperjames.com Draper James sent over a pink gingham activewear set for me to try, and I'm not exaggerating: These bike shorts blew my mind. The fabric strikes the perfect balance between not-too-thick and not-too-thin. The print is obviously adorable, but the fit is what impressed me the most. Bike shorts don't always look amazing on me because sometimes they cut into my leg in an awkward place (you know what I'm talking about), but these bike shorts are different. The fit is a little roomier at the bottom, and when I tried them on with the matching sports bra, I couldn't believe how perfectly the set fit me. And that custom-fit feeling is not a coincidence. "We spent a year developing this line and wear-tested each and every piece until it was perfect," says Sukey. She adds that the team was hyper-focused on making sure the leggings and bike shorts stay in place. When I wore the pink gingham matching set to my Brooklyn Pilates class, I felt like a pink peony in a sea of black fitness apparel, and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I felt great, and it also felt like I had a little piece of home with me, too. Sizes: XS-3X | Color: Pink gingham | Material: 74% nylon, 26% spandex Draper James Denim Field Jacket PHOTO: Draper James View on Draperjames.com Speaking of field jackets, Witherspoon shares on the Draper James site that this denim jacket is one of her top picks. Having seen (and felt) this one in person, we can say with confidence that this is a quality, soft denim jacket that will quickly become a staple in your wardrobe. Sizes: XS-XXL | Color: Medium wash | Material: 97% cotton, 3% spandex The 25 Best Jeans for Curvy Women Draper James What Would Dolly Do Rainbow T-Shirt PHOTO: Draper James View on Draperjames.com Like any good Tennessean, Witherspoon is a loud and proud fan of Dolly Parton, so it's only fitting that Draper James has an entire section of the site called The Dolly Shop. From rainbow coffee mugs to children's WWDD clothing, a quick browse through the merchandise will definitely have you feeling sunnier. Sizes: XS-3X | Color: White | Material: 100% cotton Draper James Sang My Heart Out in Nashville T-Shirt PHOTO: Draper James View on Draperjames.com It's no secret that Nashville is a top destination for bachelorette parties and girls' weekend trips, and Draper James has a specially curated section of the site for you and your girls to commemorate your time together. There's everything from a $10 enamel pin to a Nashville Music Club sweatshirt (and even a Nashville umbrella), so you're sure to find something for even the pickiest ones in your friend group. Sizes: XS-3X | Color: White | Material: 100% cotton Draper James Tie Scarf Scrunchie in Wildflower Bouquet PHOTO: Draper James View on Draperjames.com I mean, come on, we're adding this to our cart immediately. Tie scarf scrunchies are a unique way to bring an outfit together or add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral ensemble. If you're more of a headband girl, Draper James has you covered with a colorful knot headband, too. Sizes: One size | Color: Wildflower bouquet | Material: 100% polyester Draper James Frequently Asked Questions Why did Reese Witherspoon start Draper James? "Reese started the brand to fill a space in the retail landscape that was true to her personality, was a joy to wear, and was never over-designed or overly complicated," says Sukey. Draper James is named after Witherspoon's grandparents, Dorothea Draper and William James Witherspoon, and the timeless but fun pieces are a nod to her Southern upbringing. What is Draper James return policy? Draper James has a 20-day return policy, and items must be in original condition with tags attached. You can read more about the specifics and how to make a return to Draper James here. Why Trust PEOPLE? Erin Johnson is an associate editorial director of commerce, at PEOPLE who specializes in testing and reviewing the best products available for your home, wardrobe, and wherever life may take you. You can find more of her work on Real Simple, InStyle, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living. For this piece, she tested new items from the Draper James Sport line, visited the Nashville flagship store (as if she needed an excuse), and drew from her experience wearing Draper James clothing throughout the years. Reese Witherspoon and Draper James head of design Kathryn Sukey also shared their favorite picks as well as insight on the brand.