Throughout my time exercising, I've always loved cute exercise clothes. In high school I often went to the Speedo store. Then I discovered TJ Maxx and Marshalls also had cute stuff from companies like Crunch Fitness and others. Back then my sports were crew, cheer leading, golf and most importantly ice hockey. All of these didn't require much. Then again, back then did I really know anything about "moisture wicking" or "uv protectant"?
About five years ago I trained for a pageant and didn't focus much on "cute" clothes for exercising. If it was comfortable I wore it. Old bras and school t-shirts worked for me. Gap was my "go to" for pants and shorts.
These days I've become way pickier. About two years ago when I decided to train for a marathon, cute was again the focus but function was a high priority. However this time I had a complication, being at the heaviest I've ever been was a huge challenge. I'm only 5'2.75" which means petites work best for length, but don't work well for width. For my weight my torso is way smaller than my arms and thighs which also proves to be a challenge.
My two sister in laws have benefited much from this journey. Here is the run down on the good and not so good...
* Nike Pro clothes are amazing. Yes, I some times pick the men's shirts, but the material is so soft and the seams are so nice that even if they are snug they work well.
*Aerie: cute and semi functional (good for gym only); seams in wrong places (and not flat seam), no gusseted crotch (never realized how important that was), tags, thick material, not a good length for my height
* Gap body: similar to Aerie; pills easily, stretches out well, does not dry quickly (cute though and comes in lengths)
* Underarmour: just isn't big enough (wear anyway because haven't found good cold weather gear)
* Champion: functional enough but isn't as cute as competitors out there
* Athleta: runs small but very very functional AND cute! Only tried 2 pairs of pants, one didn't have a drawstring so kept falling down and the other was awesome for cold weather; underwear too small; it looks like they've changed their pants a lot though because the one that didn't have the drawstring has a slightly different name now and a drawstring and pockets. (might need to check them out again for winter)
* EMS: underwear rocks. shirts aren't smooth enough for my liking. never tried pants
* Lucy: the high impact bra that I bought had a flat seam in the middle of each bra cup (can't believe I didn't notice that before it caused a problem!); the clothes are very soft and VERY fashionable. The tops had the same issue as the Lulu tops in that my proportions need a smaller size to look normal but then they'd be too tight in the wrong places. I love Lucy for the extras and gym clothes (I got a great hand towel made out of microfiber with an elastic that snaps closed. Great for attaching to my spin bike. Also got a very cute old fashioned ice bag)
And now for the best of them all!!!!!! LULULEMON! woo hoo! It all started with Bikram yoga. Another woman was wearing the "Scoop Neck Tank" and I thought it was the cutest thing. So I searched the symbol on the internet and found Lulu. I began trying things. I used to be able to wear moderate support bras when I was smaller (used to be a 32A, now a 36B/34C) so I started with the Y Flow bra and another bra they don't have any more. Both didn't offer enough support but were comfortable enough that I continued my search.
This summer I stumbled across the "All Sport Bra" and the "Ta Ta Tamer". The "All Sport Bra" was amazing! It sold out before I could order another. Recently I tried the "Ta Ta Tamer" and wow! Wore it on an 18 mile run (4 1/2 hrs) and NO CHAFING! Yes you read that correctly. Felt amazing! AND I looked good too! No uniboob.
As for pants and shirts...
**Run Zoom Long shorts - took me 4 pairs but now I understand sizing. I was a 12 in the sweatpants so I assumed that's what I would be. I suffered with the falling down (despite the awesome continuous drawstring) and saggy crotch. Now I realize with the amazing fabric "luxtreme" I need an 8.
** Run Zoom Crops - same deal as the shorts. They dry VERY quickly, have a back zippered pocket, and gel pockets in the front (all same features of the awesome shorts)
** Run Inspire Crop - Wow! Same features as the other Run Zooms only longer. Same material too. Haven't tried shorts or pants in the Luon yet. Wore these on the 18 miler and not 1 problem! Nike and Underarmour require lots of Body Glide in seamed regions
** Run Blocker Pull Over - FANTASTIC! So much so that when it sold out on line I went to Ebay to buy another. It feels like silk on your skin. I wore it in our crazy humidity and heat days this summer and was rewarded. Dries quickly, protects from sun, and when gets sweaty it feels like someone put a nice cool rag on your skin. Looks really cute too.
Now... I'm experimenting with the Define jacket (which I saw on "Hellcats", "Covert Affairs", and "Melissa & Joey" and I saw it on the girl at the gym.) the 10 had lots of extra room in the shoulders, chest waist, etc but arms were tight. I ordered an 8 in another color, so we'll see how it goes.
I see Lululemon EVERYWHERE now! I saw it on people all throughout Disney World in October. I've seen it on tv shows (not just the ones mentioned, shows like "Fringe" had it too.) One of the nice things about it, is that you need to know it to recognize it. The symbol is tiny and usually in the back and the design of the women's tops generally have a special style to it that you'll come to recognize. So fantastic to see it and know that I'm already obsessed with it.
Ooh! Did I mention the luscious bag I bought from there recently?
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