Due to fit, I generally I prefer Lulu for crops/pants and Athleta for tops. I find that at Athleta, the pants are too big in the waist, while at Lulu, the tops are too tight in the chest – sizing up/down seems to throw off the fit even more for me. (This may be different for you though!) VSX and Champion come next for me due to great price and function. Here are my favorite picks:
From Lulu Lemon: (see photos below)
- Wunder under crops or pants – note there are two different fabric types: IMO, “full-on luon” is more compressive, cottony, and offers more coverage (no sheerness); While the “full-on luxtreme” is more stretchy and breathable, but offers a bit less compression and coverage. In my experience, the “full-on luon” tends to pill/pick up lint a bit more than the luxtreme. It’s your personal preference, but I prefer the luon over the luxtreme. I always wash these inside out in a laundry bag and hang dry!
- Ebb and Flow crop (in knee- or calf-length): lightweight, breathable, nearly seamless, stretchy, moisture-wicking, anti-camel gusset – I recommend going up one size to avoid any sheerness. These feel like a super-soft second skin and are hands down my favorite crops.
- Reverse groove short (full-on luon): Great compression, cottony feel, good coverage, waistband pocket. Inseam is 5 & 1/8th inches & leg opening is 18 & 1/4th inches.
From Athleta - see photos below: (**side note – if you live near NKY, the gap outlet in Hebron has Athleta clothes super cheap; as in $4.99/top!!)
- Bestie tank: Made of Pilayo (supplex nylon/lycra spandex) & featherweight stretch (polyester/spandex). This top is fitted up in the chest with a built in bra and cami straps, it flows through the torso; it’s longer-length without being too long (25.5” in length). It makes your boobs look a-maz-ing and the fabric feels almost silky-smooth on your skin. Love it.
- Tie Dye Seamless Tank: sweat wicking, anti-odor, nylon/polyester/spandex, fitted, scoop neck, racerback spaghetti straps, built-in bra, 24” in length. Super flattering! My only complaint is that it has pilled despite the fact that I wash it in the laundry bag inside out and hang dry…maybe I just wear it too much!
- Tempo Heather Seamless tank: seamless, anti-odor fabric, Meryl skinlife (nylon/spandex), wicking, soft & stretchy, fitted throughout, racerback, 22 ½” in length. This also feels great on your skin! The rouching throughout is very flattering. Size up in this shirt as it is very snug.
- Karma Capri: lightweight, nylon/spandex (with rib-knit waistband), water resistant, semi-fitted, 19” inseam. I have these in grey with teal accents. I get compliments on them all of the time. They are great for working out in as well as for casual summer wear, as they stay super cool in the heat.
- Presto 2 short (choose from a 4”, 7”, or 10” inseam): sweatwicking, mid-rise, drawstring adjustable fit
From Victoria’s Secret: Okay so it’s not Lulu quality, but I love the VSX line! More affordable, cute, and fits well.
- VSX Knockout tight (full length pant – also in Capri length): nylon/polyester/spandex four-way stretch, mid-rise, body-wicking, smooth seams, hidden drawstring.
- VSX Studio tank (Racerback top): nylon/polyester/spandex microfiber - soft, seamless, breathable, stretchy, fitted, body-wicking. I kid you not I have 6 of these! I especially love the heathered colors.
- I love pretty much every VSX bra, as many have adjustable straps and various cuts/styles to go with a wide range of tanks.
From Champion (found at Target):
1. Thin-strap racer back bras (color options are endless!) The bra is pictured above with the Lulu pics - it's black.
2. Fitted capris/crops. Multiple times people think these are Lulu. I actually wore them while shopping at Lulu once, and the sales associate helping me thought they were wunder unders!
1. Thin-strap racer back bras (color options are endless!) The bra is pictured above with the Lulu pics - it's black.
2. Fitted capris/crops. Multiple times people think these are Lulu. I actually wore them while shopping at Lulu once, and the sales associate helping me thought they were wunder unders!