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Best Leggings for Fashion, Lounge, and Exercise


In addition to styling people’s wardrobes and cleaning their closets, I also teach fitness classes at my local gym. I’ve been running, lifting, and stretching for decades trying to keep my inner beast calm.  Having crossover expertise in clothing and fitness, I wanted to share what I’ve learned through years of personal fit tests and client research on leggings for fashion, lounge, and of course exercise.

When it comes to clothing there are times to save and times to invest.  In general, I believe in buying quality.  I keep exactly 6 pairs of leggings in my workout drawer.  And while most cost around $98 a piece, I get at least 130 wear out of each of them.  I wear them once per week wear, for two to three years.  To calculate the cost per wear, take the cost and divide it by the number of times it is worn (ie $98/130=$0.75).  Paying 75 cents to avoid itchy seam rashes, sweaty crotchlines, and jiggly embarrassment is 110% worth the investment to me.

However, there are definitely times it makes more sense to save: if you are under 18 and still growing, if you are in-between sizes, if you are on a tight budget, or if you just like to switch things up a lot.  In this case, I have found you great options that have at least 70% of the quality for about 20% of the price.

Next, a few disclaimers:

  1. Rise – the only rise I consider is high rise.  After giving birth to three babies and having two internal organs reattached #notjoking, I figure my abdomen deserves it.
  2. Length – I am 5 ft 5 in tall.  I wear a 7/8 length almost exclusively.  Full lengths are typically too long, and hemming a tight is usually a poor solution.  You’ll end up with a pant leg opening that is too wide for your ankle because it was designed to fit a calf.

Now on to the reviews –

EVERYDAY
Zella Live-In Leggings, $98  ||  HOMMA Slimming Leggings, $19.50

When it comes to athleisure-wear fashion, leggings are a wardrobe staple. Since you won’t be tucking in or even showing the waistline for most of your street looks, go for a high waistline which will offer the best support for your soft, delicious center. You want smooth surfaces with no pinching or squeezing. While the Zella Live-In option has more durable fabric and requires less work to get on, if you’re getting this for your daughter, I’d definitely go in the Amazon Homma Slimming Leggings direction. Both options can take you from basic workouts to brunch and everywhere in between.

Honorable Mention: Sanctuary Runway Legging
I’ve actually purchased the Sanctuary Runway Legging three different times, twice in black and once in dark green.  It’s a relatively thick blended fabric (on the edge of a legging moving into pants territory).  It isn’t as “naked feeling” as some of the options I highlighted: meaning it’s not as comfortable but it offers tons of support…and back pockets for self-conscious booties.

JOGGER LEGGINGS
Athleta Venice Jogger, $98  ||  The Gym People Tapered Jogger, $28.99

I had to step up my lounge game recently and jogger leggings became my wear-on-repeat outfit. These pants have a smooth waistband like leggings, but more of a relaxed jogger like fit on the leg. The Athleta Venice Jogger has ribbed reinforcements to minimize wear and bunching between the legs and a slightly more comfortable, secure waistline, but if you want more colors with a smaller price tag, the Gym People Tapere Jogger dupe on Amazon is a great alternative.

Honorable Mention: Lululemon Align Jogger
The Lululemon Align Joggers are constructed from a lighter fabric than the options I highlighted, so if you prefer breathability over coziness (maybe during the summer months), I highly recommend them. 

YOGA/PILATES
Lululemon Align Leggings, $98  ||  Yogalicious , $19

Leggings may have been born during the Renaissance period for wear under chain mail, but they really stretched to their current potential in Yoga studios. The standards for this purpose are exceptionally high. Number one, you want zero transparency. You also want a slightly lighter, smoother fabric to ensure there is no chafing or pinching during your mobility practice. You generally don’t need compression or as much sweat-wicking because there is less perspiration and minimal bouncing. My pick for this category is the Lululemon Align Legging. The fabric is weightless and buttery. It will last hundreds of wears without pilling and feels transcendent on. Size up one to two numbers from your standard American size whenever you order from Lululemon. If you’re just experimenting with a yoga mat, and aren’t ready to invest yet, I recommend the Yogalicious knock off. It’s not quite as soft or durable, but it’s a great place to start.

Honorable Mention: Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket Tight
Featuring PowerVita fabric, the Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket Tight is buttery soft, offering light compression, and includes a convenient side pocket.  They’ve been a best seller at Athleta for many years and come in lots of fun colors and prints.

2. Lululemon Invigorate High-Rise Tight, $128 / Old Navy Elevate Sculpt, $50

When it comes to running, dancing, HIIT training, and other sweaty workouts with lots of bouncing, you need extra support and moisture wick. One of the reasons that leggings cost what they do, is the fabric. There’s a lot of technology that goes into blending and weaving materials so they are soft, flat, resilient, and dry quickly. There are few things worse than getting half-way into a class only to see it looks like you forgot to use the restroom. You also want to make sure you have compression to support and stabilize your muscles and absorb some of the strain on your body. Both of these tights offer exceptional features for supporting you during your highest impact workouts. Lululemon’s Invigorate Tight has flatlock seams, will last longer without bagging or pilling, and is easier to get into and out of, all without compromising support. Lululemon also includes free alterations like hemming and repairs or exchanges if your gear doesn’t hold up. But if you’re transitioning sizes, or aren’t ready to invest for any reason, Old Navy’s Elevate Sculpt offers very similar features at a great value.   They aren’t quite as soft or fluid of a fit, but they do their job well.

Honorable Mention: Athleta Ultimate Tight
This is a great option for sweaty, high impact workouts.  I like the fit of Lululemon’s Invigorate only slightly better.  The Athleta Ultimate Tight comes in lots of colors and patterns.  I even own a pair in a rust animal print that I have never “sweated out.”  Which for someone who typically only wears black and dark grey bottoms (like Batman), it’s a very big victory.

3. Spanx Faux Leather Leggings, $98 / Target Wild Fable Faux Leather Leggings, $20

When it’s time to elevate our fashion, that doesn’t mean we have to resort to a zipper and button on our pants ;).  Faux leather adds textural interest and a subtle edgy vibe.  The Spanx Faux Leather Legging is a cult favorite that holds everything in place beautifully.  It isn’t too stiff or sweaty and adds just the right amount of sheen.  But if you’re not sure you’ll be wearing this trend on the regular, Target’s Wild Fable option offers a comparable look for a fifth of the price.
Honorable Mention: Vince Camuto Faux-Leather Legging
I love Vince Camuto’s legging options and their Faux Leather version does not disappoint.  It has a sophisticated ankle cut that isn’t overly tight, but I would recommend sizing down especially if you’re in between sizes.

Did I miss your favorite?  Tell me about it in the comments.  I’d love to try them out too.

posted Filed Under: Athletic Wear, Budget, Uncategorized

How to Make your Kids Clothes Last Longer

Your assistance in our Coco petition, garners ample appreciation. something wondrous like:
5 Steps to Extending the Life of Clothe-lettes

Proceed with me to your retributed reward…



Step I) Buy High Caliber Clothes
You may erroneously assume that investing in dandies for your dickens is equivalent to stocking your wipey case with George’s minted profile.  But you are wrong (hence erroneous).  And I will methodically address each of your arguments.  

  1. Small people grow big too quickly 
    Better clothes include self-adjusting details. Multiple button homes on elastic waistbands or shoulder straps allow clothing to be purchased roomy and worn from season dawn to season set, if not the next season go-round as well.
  2. Minors major in clothing destruction  Better clothes are made of better fabrics.  Tighter weaves proffer stain resistance, larger seam allowances protect against dropped hems, scientifically smartish blends stretch then rebound.  Give the fabric a tug, without compromising comfort you want a taut response.  A dense weave locks out potential stains.  Check the garment’s innards, the seam allowances should be generous and reinforced.  Hems should never look malnourished.  Inventory the tag, if it’s intended to stretch (ie a pull-on t-shirt) it should include a touch of spandex or lycra or similar.  Plain cotton will stretch, but it won’t rebound, and Flashdance fashion should never be forced on juveniles.
  3. Better clothes cost too much.  Quality is not measured in the number of digits on it’s retail tag.  Buy the best quality you can afford at the lowest price you can find.  Filter through end of season clearance racks at the stores you wish you could shop at…and you probably can. Buy for next season, then catalog it away until it is time to wear.  Check thrift and second hand shops, if they made it for a second go round, it may last longer than brand new disposable clothing.  Always, always, consider cost per wear

Step II) Dress for the Occasion
My babies dine in diapers.  Their petal soft skin is far easier to polish clean than their clothes are.  While this technique may not be appropriate for your ten-year-old, prepare ensembles for activities with clothing pollution potential.  Make smocks, aprons, or pre-stained items available for painting, grass rolling, cooking, etc.



Step III) Refashion Outgrowths
Cut back on giant arm syndrome by rolling the sleeves.  Layer a thin cotton underneath. Make what you already have work.  Winter’s wool trouser may blossom into wee tween short pants.  A-line dresses make natural tunics and what was originally donned as this year’s denim skinnies may evolve into summer capris and can even be selected for boot tucking next winter.  Evaluate how you can refashion what you already have before you buy your next season of inventory.  






Step IV) Cross-Dress
This button-up was intended for Baby Boyfriend’s fall collection, but while we waited for him to sprout a few lb’s and “‘s, sister enjoyed it for a few summer frolics.  If there’s little chance of it wearing out, buy it in a gender neutral color.  White onesies and socks know no gender boundary.


Step V) Wash Less, Quickly
If you want to obliterate the Winnie-The-Pooh coveralls that Grandma gifted your darling, wash them.  Wash them every time you pass a dirty look at them, because washing is the fastest way to break fibers down.

Conversely, the fewer times you have to wash an item, the longer it will live.  Step two’s occasional dressing will aid your wash resistance and so will the liberal wielding of your wipey case. Wipeys aren’t just for diaper debris.  Those and their wet rag cousins can remove all kinds of unset stains.  Address baby spits, toddler dribbles, and the like as soon as they land.   



In short, if it isn’t stinky or soiled, put it back in the drawer.  If it is dirty, treat it as soon as possible.  If you don’t have a load to launder at hand, apply stain remover and a quick warm water soak to ensure the stain doesn’t set.  When you’re ready to wash,  use a quality detergent to support clothing longevity.  If your detergent is efficacious in one wash, you’ve saved yourself at least another wear.



And I’m not done thanking you, next post I’ll address how to dress your tween.

In the meantime, book a Virtual shopping session for you, for your progeny, for your next family frolic.  I was born to fashion childhood and the supporters of it.


Feed me fashionably fresh

posted Filed Under: Budget, Children's Fashion, Laundry Care

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