As Kathy Lee so eloquently put it on the Today Show, I have been blessed with not one, but two bosoms. While I maybe could have done without the boob jokes on national television, I do appreciate a woman calling things as she sees them. And, let’s be clear, I’m under no illusion that I am petite. I’m a big, curvy girl. No matter how many miles I run or green smoothies I drink, these particular T’s and A’s aren’t going anywhere.
Needless to say, clothes are not always easy for me. I am not a plus-sized person entirely, meaning that when I shop in those departments, the clothes always hang on me funny because I’m not quite big enough to fill them out. The problem is, I’m often too big for regular sized clothes, so waistlines pinch or buttons pop, if ya know what I mean.
Fitness gear is typically even worse than regular clothes. I can not wear tights without a tie waist as they will inevitably fall down around my knees as soon as I start the firs step. As for tops, well if I get a shirt to fit across The Girls, than it’s usually to0 big in other areas and chafes when I run. The alternative is that it’s just tight everywhere and I have to endure the jiggling of my ever present belly as I move.
When I heard that Lands End was coming out with exercise gear I might have literally screamed out loud. See, Lands End has always been one of my go-to labels for well-fitting clothes. Their sizing is actually realistic and their dresses, skirts and bathing suits actually fit me the way they are supposed to fit, rather than too big or too small.
I was quite hopeful that all that is right with the Lands End brand would translate into their new fitness gear line. I am thrilled to say I was right! The running tights, tank and hooded top that I tried all lived up to my very high expectations.
Lands End says their activewear is designed to “fit the way you move in and out of the gym”. That pretty simply sums up how this stuff felt. The tights worried me at first because they didn’t have a draw string, but they passed the treadmill test where they moved a little but never so much that I felt like I had to hike them up mid-run.
The tank has mesh panels that control the jiggle but are still flexible so they are comfortable enough to wear all day. (I mean, I’m told that, because, er, of course I didn’t wear my workout clothes all day!)
The hooded top might be my favorite piece, because it is moisture wicking and tight enough not to chafe when you wear it for exercise, but also comfortable and loose enough to wear as a jacket when you go from gym to school pick-up or grocery store. No unsightly bulges with this great jacket.
Overall, I am thrilled with these new offerings from Lands End. The active wear line also includes options for yoga, general fitness and swimming. I can’t wait to try them all!
Disclosure: I was sent the three product samples for review. All opinions are my own.
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