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I rotate between five pairs of leggings when working out -- each with their own virtues and benefits. Sharing details below.
Beyond Yoga SpaceDye Leggings.
Shop my current favorite color here. I love to pair with the matching tanks. I'm wearing above with this lightweight running jacket from Tracksmith.
+More compressive than Lululemon Aligns, but still very comfortable -- you could wear these all day long with no complaints.
+On the heavier weight side -- good for fall/winter.
+Well-suited to mat-work and stationery bike.
+Shows sweat the most clearly of all the styles here -- probably not great for hot yoga.
+Tag says "meant to be washed and dried" -- the lowest-maintenance of any performance sportswear I've ever owned! Deeply appreciate that they took into account cleaning. I don't feel bad tossing these in the laundry/dryer.
+I take an XS, and find they run TTS even accounting for compression.
Lululemon Align Leggings.
Old faithful for a reason. (Also available in a cropped length.)
+Soft, brushed handfeel.
+The most stretchy and comfortable -- not compressive. Have heard many Magpies wore these throughout pregnancy.
+Great for lounge, low-impact sports. I also run in these -- I know some of you gasp at that idea but they stay up great, don't dig in / compress, launder well, and have lasted for years and years. In general, though, I like these as "chore pants" when I'm cleaning the house, organizing, taking care of outdoor things, etc.
+I size up to a 4 in Lululemon. (Usually I'm a size 0.)
+Great for petites, as they come in a 25" cropped length that I typically go for.
Splits 59 Airweight 7/8 Leggings.
Shop here -- available in two lengths and lots of colors.
+The most compressive/restrictive.
+The thinnest fabric -- almost feel like tights when pulling them on.
+Read as "daytime appropriate" -- not just for fitness. You could absolutely pair with a sweater.
+I took an XS, and find they run a tad snug.
+I wear these the least of the lot, but they still fill a void.
ColorfulKoala Leggings.
Shop here.
+Least expensive ($22) and therefore my preferred legging when conditions are muddy/wet/rainy/etc.
+Have most "performance-like" look -- a definite sheen that reads as fitness wear.
+I find these as comfortable as Lululemon Aligns -- stretchy and non-restrictive.
+A little long for us shorties (I'm 5'0); I find myself fiddling with them so they don't bunch at knees or folding hem at ankle to tuck into socks.
+I took an XS and find they run the tiniest bit big -- in a pleasant way. The waist does not feel like it's cutting into me at all.
+Because they're less expensive, I don't mind tossing them in the laundry more frequently. I still do separate performance/fitness/sportswear loads from cotton/regular laundry -- I've heard this makes the biggest difference on the longevity of your performance-wear.
Tracksmith Turnover Tights.
Shop here.
+The ultimate for long, cold-weather runs. The best quality and wonderfully insulated.
+Run very small - I size up to a S in these (I'm typically an XS) and they still feel a tiny bit snug. These are cut for long, lean, wiry runner bodies, and are not as kind to hips!
+Definitely read as performance/fitness wear owing to the tag and the sheen of the leggings.
+Most high maintenance to launder -- you are not supposed to launder often, so I usually hang dry between a few runs and then launder on delicate cycle and hang dry.
+Super long for us shorties -- I have to fold up the hems and tuck into socks when running. Not a huge deal because I wear these only in the winter when ankles are already covered by socks.
Other Fitness Favorites.
+My favorite sports bras. I reach for these first thing when they come out of the wash. Super stretchy but supportive bralettes that don't dig in / compress at all. I take an XS/S in these.
+My favorite running socks. A Magpie introduced me to this brand years ago and I've never looked back. They are thicker / more cushioned than many fitness socks, which I personally love.
+My favorite running sneakers. I'm able to run the most naturally in these. Featherweight but still offer ankle support.
+My favorite water bottle. I love the screw top model -- won't leak when toting around in bag, but you can still rest it in the stationery bike / elliptical with cap undone for quick swigs.
+Running gloves. In cold weather, I find it imperative to keep exposed skin to a minimum. This means full-height socks (I like these), gloves, hat, earwarmers, a neckline that comes up to chin. I just added two buffs to my running closet for this reason -- this lightweight one and this heavier weight one. Will report back with thoughts!
+They do such limited releases of performance wear, but I have had excellent luck with the quality and functionality of New Balance's jackets and vests. I find these pieces hold up really well over time and keep me very warm.
+Tracksmith long-sleeved merino tees for cold weather runs -- my absolute favorite. I have a few of the Harriers and the Brightons and they're all I wear from October-March/April.
I want to write a review of a few different "fancy" sweats I'm testing out. I've been on the hunt for a new pair and ordered Vuori's Boyfriend Joggers (their performance joggers are more popular but I prefer the fit/look of the boyfriend style) and Halo Hoodie as well as The Great's cropped sweatpants and tiny tee. I'd been eyeing the sets from Mate the Label but my neighbor (who is much taller than I am) ordered and said they were frumpy / oversized in a not cute way, so I decided to nix. Are there any other pairs you're eyeing or loving that you think I need to know about?
P.S. More recent fitness finds here.
P.P.S. Extending the notion of "smidgies" (e.g., inessential things we can "let drop") into the new year.
P.P.P.S. Barnacles and joy.
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