After all the hype surrounding Ivy Park’s launch, I had to get in on the action. Fortunately, I acted quickly enough to scoop up these crops, since most of the line sold out within hours! New styles and restocks have been slowly trickling in since launch day.
I went for the 3/4 leggings in cobalt. I’m absolutely in love with this shade of blue. The seam details are beautiful, too. They’re a longer crop length that hits just a couple of inches above my ankle (I’m 5’3″).
I ordered my crops in size XXS and they fit me very well. The fit is snug and decently compressive, but not constricting. I was surprised to see that the other reviews of these crops state that they run small, because that wasn’t true for me at all. The one thing I do agree with the reviewers on is that the snug fit does flatten the bum a bit, but I actually didn’t even notice at first, so I don’t think it’s that bad.
In my opinion, my pair in XXS fits the same as a 2 in lululemon. Maybe color has something to do with the variation in size? Or maybe I just got lucky. I have no idea, so just know that your mileage may vary here. On the plus side, Nordstrom does offer free shipping and free returns, so even if the size is wonky for you, you’re not out any cash.
With high rise activewear gaining more popularity every day, it’s getting harder to find low rises these days. So, I was happy to see that Ivy Park offers a variety of rises for women of all different tastes. Even though these are low rise, the back still has enough coverage for squat days.
The fabric is slick and lightweight, similar to lululemon’s luxtreme. There’s nothing particularly exceptional about it, but it’s perfectly adequate, especially considering the price tag. Because of the inner boyshort liner (see pic below), the crops aren’t sheer at all, even in a deep squat. Woohoo! Both the liner fabric and the crop fabric itself is lightweight, but if you wear full coverage underwear, you might find the bum area a bit bulky with that many layers of fabric. In my opinion, it’s best to go with something sans bum coverage underneath. The liner sits flush since it is sewn down on the sides.
Since the waistband is plain elastic, there’s no place for a pocket. To compensate, they sewed in this pocket on the inside, but I find it a bit bulky around the hip, so at some point I’d rather just cut it out. Another small complaint is that the second waistband tag (which popped off when I was trying these on) is sewn onto the elastic waist. It left behind a loop of thread that was difficult to cut off. When it did, it made a tuft in the elastic. Never a good thing when cutting a tag off leaves a style imperfect. It’s not really noticeable though, so I’ll deal.
Overall, I decided these were keepers! I can’t resist cobalt, and they look and feel good on. For the price, you’re getting a good value if you ask me. You can find the same crops I got right here, or the rest of the Ivy Park collection here.
By the way, I also ordered this reflective v-hem bra. I ordered an XS since there wasn’t an XXS available. I don’t have any pics to post because it was SOOO small!!! I usually consider XS a size up for me, but I am not exaggerating when I say I couldn’t even get it on. The band in particular is very stiff and has almost no stretch. I’m assuming the non-reflective version would be the same, since they have the same band. If you try this bra (or its non-reflective sister), you’ll want to grab at LEAST one size up, if not two.
I also have the 3/4 length but in mid-rise. I first ordered the Capri, but even on me (I’m 4’11”), they were shorter than I like (a couple inches below the knee). The 3/4 length is more like Lulu’s crop. The mid-rise is also nice, but I do prefer a higher rise. I like the fabric — has a slight sheen to it, and the seams make it feel very expensive, if that makes sense. I’m a normal 0, a 4 in Lulu, and I ordered an XS. The fabric is very compressing — thicker than Lulu’s variations, but I like it. The cobalt is beautiful! I don’t love these better than my old faithful Wunders, but for the price, I might pick up another pair if they come out with other colors.
Yes, I agree that the 3/4 is pretty close to lulu’s crops length. I also agree that I’m not sure they’re better than lulu’s versions, but the price is good and it’s nice to switch things up sometimes. :) I’d love to see more interesting colors too.
Thank you! I just ordered the cobalt blue knee-length tight thanks to your review. Unlike you, I have a little cellulite on my butt, and so I generally try to stick to black bottoms. The liner might help me cover it up, so I’m going to give it a go! I clicked your link to buy from Nordstrom. Thanks again for all you do! Your blog is my favorite. :)
Oh! Would you ever consider reviewing Tory Sport? I have had my eye on a few pieces and would love your thoughts!
Fingers crossed for you!! And thanks for the link/blog love. :) As for Tory Sport, I would definitely consider it, but I haven’t seen any must-haves yet (especially since it’s on the pricey side). Their leggings (at least some of them) are made of tactel, which is the same fabric that Alala uses in some of their styles. It’s a wonderful fabric so that bodes well for Tory Sport.
i’ve always wanted a pair of bright cobalt blue leggings but never was able to find a pair. then these came out, and living in canada, by the time a realized hudson’s bay was selling them, most styles were sold out online. i was bummed! but a couple weeks ago i saw the low-rise full length in store and i HAD to try them on. i wear a size 6 in lulu, but i have very muscular thighs and glutes, so i’m definitely a larger size 6. i tried the S and the M probably 3+ times each and finally settled on the M. the S was just giving me to much v-crotch and, with the raise being low, the band wasn’t covering enough of my low back to feel totally comfortable. they were $88 CAD + tax. well, last week, after being mad at lulu for the price increase (lol), i checked the website again (thebay.com) and they were on sale! i bought them for only $52.80 CAD + tax!! and i actually ended up ordering the mid-rise style and preferred them over the low-rise (i was able to return my first pair since i hadn’t taken the tags off yet!). i am so excited to wear these OMG! so canadian ladies, go check out the bay, they carry many brands and their sale prices are just amazing (and returns are free in store) :)
ohh and i just remembered that you can earn cash by shopping hudson’s bay through ebates.ca! if some of you want to sign up, this is my personal referral link: http://www.ebates.ca/referrer?referrerid=Xm%2BSPc7rBUY%3D. i hope that’s ok to share AA (you’re in US and i’m in Canada!), if not just delete the comment :)
Wow that’s such a great deal! The Ivy Park cobalt is a really great shade. Thanks for sharing the tip!
And yes, totally don’t mind you sharing your link. :)
I stumbled upon this blog post while searching for Ivy Park reviews and I just want to say you look great in those leggings! I’m eyeing the sports bra and capris myself. I’m a 32C, would an XS sports bra fit me? You mentioned they were really small but it goes down to an XXS on the topshop website! I’m 42kg and 4’11”, do you think I should get size XS or XXS for the capris?
Thanks so much!
Hi Jessica! Thank you, glad you found me. :) For sports bras, I think it depends on the exact style. I tried this style: http://us.topshop.com/en/tsus/product/clothing-70483/ivy-park-5463606/printed-cross-back-crop-by-ivy-park-5455533?bi=100&ps=20 and I couldn’t even get the size XS on at all (I wear a 30D bra)! If you get a style like that, I would size up to S. Otherwise, XS will probably work in the other styles. As for the leggings, I think either XS or XXS could work for you. If you do get the XXS, they will probably be fairly tight, but if you prefer that more compressed feel, you might like it better. I am 5’3″ and 100# and got the XXS.
I hope that helps a little! :)