I know there’s a deep divide between those of us who buy dedicated (and cute) workout gear and those who don’t. There’s nothing wrong with either option, but I have always been one to purchase clothes made specifically for the exercise I’m going to participate in and usually try to find things that fit in with my overall style & aesthetic. Now that I got to Pure Barre 5 days a week, I definitely prefer to look my best but even when I practiced yoga at home, I was wearing ensembles. If I look good, I feel good…
I wrote earlier this year about my yoga/barre essentials, and while I still like and wear those items I featured (except the Beyond Yoga pants – they’re just too big and too low), I’ve added quite a few new items to my barre wardrobe, mostly by Solow.
I don’t actually own any of the items above except the Eclon long leggings ($51) (in charcoal). Everything else is on my wishlist, and I’m waiting for it to go on sale –
Here are the items I do own:
Solow long Eclon leggings | Charcoal – I love these, but they are a little shiny. And…they do show sweat which I hate, but not if I wear boyshorts underneath.
Solow Eclon crops | black (this is my oldest pair of Solow crops, they are still in great shape, but some stitching is coming out at one hem)
Solow Pilates pants | black – I love these so much, I definitely had to get them hemmed. I got these for a steal at isaay.com when it was still in business and I think they’re the perfect bootcut workout pant.
Solow cropped contrast mesh pants | black – I also got these for nearly nothing at isaay.com.
Solow foxy flare | black – had to get these hemmed (I’m wearing them right now actually!). I don’t wear these for Pure Barre becuase they’re not as moisture-wicking as the Eclon pieces. They’re also very low rise.
Solow solid foldover pants | black – also had to get these hemmed – I wear these only at home/running errands because I don’t like foldover styles for exercise. Like the foxy flare, they’re also very low rise.
Solow leggings with mesh pockets | black – these are my latest acquisition and I love them TO DEATH. I will probably wear these outside of Pure Barre also because I love them so much, and they look like “regular” leggings.
Solow striped cami | black & white striped, sold out. This still fits me and it’s a large, it’s quite snug, but I love the fit.
I pretty much wear a pair of Solow pants/crops to every Pure Barre class, alternating with my Karma leggings (the ones pictured here, but no longer available) and Old Navy Compression leggings some weeks. I wash all my workout clothes separately on the delicate cycle and hang them to dry; I really expect them to last forever!
In general, I purchase Solow on sale at Shopbop or Revolve, but I first tried the brand via a Refinery29 deal on Solow’s website. Solow’s site also does frequent coupon codes, so sign up for their newsletter if you’re interested at all – they also have good sales.
Of course, what I appreciate the most about Solow is the STYLE, but not far behind is that everything is made in the USA and the Eclon items are “Blue-Sign certified sustainable.” I will choose that over Lululemon any day….
Have you tried Solow? What do you think?
for more Solow style head
I love solow. I am wearing the solow cropped foldover leggings right now. Got them from Shopbop a few weeks ago…couldn’t hold out anymore for a coupon code from them, but may get another pair in black if they have a sale. I run in them and the foldover part doesn’t budge and they “hold” my stomach area in! Also got another pair of cropped ones from Isaay months ago for a great price. They are better for yoga, no foldover part. I agree with you, I also expect them to last a long time and love that they are USA made.
I’ve never tried Solow, but I’m like you: If I’m going to work out, I’d damned well better look cute doing it! I used to have a whole running wardrobe, until I had ankle issues and had to quit. I’ve been thinking about getting back into it, now that my ankle is healed (as much as it ever will, anyway). There’s the desire to feel those endorphins again, and we’ve got some gorgeous ocean-front paths around here. Or, I could just walk, but I even like to have “walking clothes” (yoga pants, a wicking tee…I walk FAST…and walking shoes).
i like the foldover in general, but not for yoga/barre; i just hate to keep adjusting everything! that’s another thing that i love most about solow is that they really hold you in – the pilates pants especially are very firming in the ab/hips/butt area 😉
i’m so happy with all my solow pieces – i probably have enough right now, but i can’t resist stocking up!
i’ve always worn “real” workout clothes for working out – ie: moisture-wicking fabrics – because i hate to feel wet/sweaty/hot. the fabric really does make a difference..
i hope you can get back into running – or walking – soon! i can’t imagine how difficult it must have been to get through an injury. i don’t know how i would manage without pure barre.
I hope I do, too. Actually, there are a lot of opportunities for exercise classes out here in the Hamptons (including Pure Barre, spin classes, surfing, yoga) but they tend to be VERY expensive per class. I have a few friends that teach yoga, but I’m a little leary of it after breaking my back last summer. That hasn’t fully healed yet. Which reminds me, I have to go make a PT appt.! (first things first!!)
yes, the cost is always an issue, isn’t it? the thing about pure barre is that they suck you in with new student deals that are REALLY good until you’re hooked! my studio is pretty good about offering discount packages frequently, so a lot of the time i can get it down to $100/month – so if i’m going at least 20 times a month, it’s just $5 a class for me, a bargain IMO 🙂
Ladies, you are all a sweaty inspiration. While I enjoy working out, I’ve neglected my athletic wear wardrobe. I’ve been settling for sweatpants and holey tees. I’m even blushing, just admitting it;). Clearly, I need to start stocking up on some basics. Grechen, I’ll check out your resources. Thanks!
Well, when you put it that way….:-)
oh, and there are some ladies in class who have knee issues, back issues, etc., and the instructors always suggest modifications for them to avoid injury…
haha! it’s never too late! 🙂
You’re right. I should show off my assets, before they all “Slope South!”
Gretchen, speaking of workout wear. I just got an e-mail, about James Perse cashmere sweatpants. I’m sure you received it, since you’re his #1 fan. Are we all drooling yet? I wouldn’t workout in them, though, since they’re too luxurious. And they’re also $325 bucks. I can see them at Starbucks, sipping a pumpkin spice latte. (Minus cookie crumbs.)
i am DYING for a pair of cashmere pants…i would take james perse, or these, by inhabit (which is my go-to cashmere brand): http://www.shopbop.com/weekend-leggings-inhabit/vp/v=1/1588718534.htm?folderID=2534374302166571&fm=hearts-shopbysize-viewall&navFolderId=2534374302166539
i would LIVE in those all winter, as i live in my inhabit cashmere cardigan. but they are awfully indulgent!!!
I’d almost kill for those Inhabit sweatpants. I love that soft, slouchy look. Last winter I super-scored on eBay. I bought a pair of vintage cashmere long johns. They’re my version of the sweatpants, but with a Japanese logo. There was a brutal bidding war on them, but I triumphed in the end! (Cue to play Rocky theme song.)