Happy, happy Friday!
We are pretty excited about the weekend over here. It’s going to be an active but fun one. I’m running the OrthoCarolina Classic 5K on Saturday morning (Charlotte readers…join me!!!) to represent Run Charlotte Run and then heading over to Metro CrossFit for our third annual Throwdown. I’m all signed up for a heat and really pumped about the workout. It looks great!
I received a request for updated workout wardrobe favorites this week. For the most part, they are pretty much the same…still living Lulu all day every day…Wunder Unders, Speed Shorts, Power Y Tanks and Cool Racerbacks are my top picks. Get all the details in this post. I do have two new pieces to share with you that I’m sure will become new staples in my ever expanding collection of Lululemon.
And that’s just the drawer of tops. There’s a separate drawer for bottoms! First, let’s talk about why 98% of my workout clothes are from Lululemon. I was unfamiliar with the brand until they came to Charlotte and opened a showroom about 4-5 years ago. At the time, I was teaching group fitness classes on the side and still had my day job. The girls from the Lululemon showroom would always come to my classes and one day they product tested me and gave me the Power Y Tank and Run Inspire Crops to test. And I could never go back to my old workout clothes again.
I served as an ambassador for Lululemon for two years while they still had the showroom and then again when they opened the retail store in the mall. During this time I became a big believer in what they do for our fitness community here in Charlotte as well as in the clothes. Yes, they are pricy but they are functional, stylish and durable. I STILL wear that first outfit they gave me and it’s been washed hundreds of times. Also, now that workout clothes are my work wardrobe, it’s worth the investment to feel like I look somewhat fashionable and put together even when I’m in workout gear.
All that said, Athleta just opened their first store in Charlotte this week and I do plan on checking them out. Word is that I get a 30% discount because I’m a trainer/teacher. Let me know if you have any faves.
Recently, I had birthday gift cards so I stopped by Lululemon to see what was new. I probably hadn’t been in the store in months but I see it all on my students and clients all the time! 😉 I was really, really, really sad to discover that they have changed the sizing on the Speed Shorts. They are bigger and a little longer now. My normal size was too big, the size below was too small. WHY DO BRANDS MESS WITH SIZING!? These shorts are wildly popular and have been for years. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
Luckily, Lululemon just introduced a new style of shorts and I’m pretty in love. They are the Hotty Hot Shorts and made with running in mind but are ideal for any gym workout or just sporting around.
A few things to note about these shorts…
– They have a wide elastic waistband which is comfortable but not quite as kind as the flat waistband of the Speed Shorts
– The leg opening is a lot wider than the Speed Short which is comfy for running and workouts but I wouldn’t wear these for yoga like I do Speed Shorts
– They are short! (Which is A-OKAY with me but you have been warned)
– They feature mesh venting on the side and a nice little pocket in the back
I also picked up my first 105 F Singlet. It’s a loose fitting tank that’s meant to be layered over a sports bra. The fabric is extremely lightweight and breathable and has a barely-there feel. I love the cut in the back to give you lots of shoulder mobility and the looser fit around the armpits. I’ve worn it for hot yoga, running and CrossFit. I’m officially going back to get more. It comes in all kinds of fun colors. Note, I had to size down in this and so did my clients who have this tank. It’s very generously proportioned.
I can attest to the functionality of these clothes. They got me through a killer workout yesterday that included running and 120 burpees. Today is a rest day… 🙂
Where do you buy most of your workout clothes?
Lulu lovers…what are your staples?
I’m OBSESSED with Lulu!! I just bought a new gym bag (LOOONG OVER DUE) from and am IN love. I know there has been a lot of controversy over the CEO and the fabric has changed a bit, but I’m still wearing my first pair of pants I got almost 10 years ago!!!
My fav pieces right now are the singlet! Totally agree, I have actually worn mine out as a bar/going out top with a Lulu flower patterned bra…soo cute..
Lulu Lemon is my crack cocaine and it is hard to say no 😉 Jealous of your TWO drawers, my are all squished into one!
ooh i like that 105 degree singlet. i own one loose fitting lulu shirt and i absolutely love it.
Lululemon always and forever! In the process of weeding out my old stuuf too!
So envious of ALL your Lulu!!
Have you tried their socks?
Also, do you dry your Lulu? I also hang mine.
I love Lulu. 🙂 I pretty much live in my workout clothes after work and on the weekends, and I love how durable their clothes are. Definitely worth the investment! As for Athleta, you will love it! They have some really cute and great clothes as well. I LOVE my Stride Capris – I wear them to run, yoga, and sleep in (oops). I’m excited to see what you think!
Have a great weekend! 🙂
Hmm. I am wondering if I tried those shorts yet..I tried a few at the start of the summer season and didn’t like any. I wear the Lulu Pace Setter skirt and swear by everything else Lulu for my running apparel (except one Nike skirt which I do love)…Lulu is pricey but worth the investment. I love the Run Inspire crops and can usually wear them year round because they aren’t all that cropped on me lol, the Run Swiftly tops (both long sleeve and short sleeve) and bought on sale a lightweight rain running jacket too. I always try to buy the sale stuff to save. I prefer to wear whatever color is cheaper rather than spend more money.
I have WunderUnder crops that I love. I have a TaTa Tamer Sports bra that is pretty uncomfortable and a tank that, while a cute style, is too heavy of material. So it’s been kind of hit and miss for me there.
I really have been loving Fabletics lately!
Lulu is pretty much outta my price range for the most part and from what I’ve tried on not great for those like me w some junk in the trunk. Maybe cuz if I look I only look at the sale rack. I normally get my workout clothes through online sales at dicks sporting so it’s mostly nike reebok underarm or type stuff. I’ve also gotten grat stuff at kohls and tjmaxx.
Any tips on washing workout stuff? Eventually I feel like some pants u just can’t get the sweat smell out of them. I’ve tried oxyclean here and there but tips would be great.
The relay capri from Athleta is my favorite!
Hi Jen!
I really enjoy your blog, and have been reading for a few years now but have never actually commented. Think it’s the longest time I’ve read one blog! I don’t blog myself but as I’ve just started CrossFit [I finished my On Ramp sessions yesterday] I thought now might be a good time to start to document my progress… we’ll see! I wanted to ask if you had thought any more about doing a post on your shape when you were a long distance runner compared to more yoga/CrossFit now? I know you mentioned it in a post a while ago and think it would be a really good one!
Thanks for all the great posts and for keeping it different, and you seem to get a great balance of honesty and keeping things private which I can only imagine must be pretty tricky,
R x
I may be a liiiittle biased because I used to work for an Athleta, but I can vouch that they have some really high quality clothing, great instructor discount and an AWESOME return policy…basically, return anything for any reason and they will take it back. No questions asked. I’m sure some people abuse the policy but we didn’t really have many problems.
That being said, I’d definitely recommend the fast track tanks, chaturanga tights (usually they come out with some trendy colors each season), “city pant” collection, and any of their cute tunic tops. I actually got a really cute vest from Athleta too. I do still buy lulu from time-to-time, especially for their supportive sports bras. The area I just moved to also has Lorna Jane and Lucy, never bought anything from either store but I’m eager to give their clothes a try too.
I’m a lululemon educator (meaning I work at a store part-time while going to school). One thing to keep in mind about the Speed shorts is that they do have that continuous drawcord (lots of people who’ve worn them for years never even notice it!). I LIKE to size up in them since I’ve got a bit of a booty, so I just pull the drawcord so they stay up 🙂
Do you ever wear the Groove or Boogie shorts for yoga? Most people find those comfier for yoga since they don’t have a zipper in the back and are tight on the leg. Obviously, it’s totally personal preference. You rock the Speed shorts!
Cute!! Thanks for such a detailed review. I think I would really like both pieces for running and working out 🙂
I still haven’t tried Lulu – you’re inspiring me to give them a shot 🙂
I love the relay capris from Athleta – they have a drawstring which I need since my booty is bigger than my waist.
Like you, I live/work in my fitness apparel and so justify it as an investment in myself. I’d rather pay more from something that’ll last, then get a great deal on something that is sheer or pilling after just a few washes. I love lulu (cool racerbacks, wunder unders… and bang busters), but just recently tried athleta and am loving what I’m seeing so far. Making a Charlotte trip next weekend to check it (and lulu, obv) out!
I have 2 hotty hot shorts and 2 105 singlets. I love them both! The singlets feel amazing during hot yoga. I wear a bangbuster to workout and it keeps all the sweat out of my eyes. I have over 25 pairs of speed shorts so it’s safe to say I’m obsessed. I mostly like to collect the unique colors now! I really love the “roll down” wunder unders more than the regular waistband.
Power Y is my number one hands down. Not only is it super comfortable during workouts (doesn’t move or roll up), but i have even worn it under shirts and camis at my office job. The support is perfect and the padding prevents the “headlight” problem without giving too much volume.