I accidentally fell in love with the K-Deer’s signature stripe leggings a couple months ago when the lovely folks at K-Deer HQ sent me a couple pairs to try out (review here). My workout wardrobe has a lot of brights, including pink, so I was so excited when they re-released Laura stripe just a few weeks ago–I had to get a pair!! Next, I have my eye on Alexis stripe and Josephine, too, plus I still need Jamie stripe to come back.
Since their full length is super, super long on me, I decided to try out their capri length this time. Yes, you do lose some of the color change effects at the bottom of the leggings, but since I’m fairly short, most of that ends up being hidden since it’s all scrunched up anyway. Plus, with a single-color version like this, losing a little bit of the bottom isn’t such a big deal. Plus, they’re $10 cheaper, so that’s always a plus! :)
My biggest reservation about longer capri lengths like this is that the hem often ends up gaping at my calf. Based on the fit of my full length K-Deers, I had a hunch the lower leg fit might work out after all. And they did! The hem lays perfectly flush on my legs.
Although the inseam on my pair only measures 20.5″, they have quite a bit of vertical stretch, so in practice, they’re more like an inseam of about 22-23″. I really like longer capri lengths, and I think these are very flattering. The slightly shorter length will also be a bit more comfortable going into the warmer months compared to the full length. The only downside is they aren’t quite long enough to wear with ankle boots, like I did with my Trina stripes here.
The fabric K-Deer uses feels a bit like the material of a bathing suit. It’s slick, not cottony at all, and pretty lightweight. When I do a squat test, each pair of my K-Deer leggings are a bit different. The worst pairs aren’t too bad, just a little bit see-through in a squat (I just wear nude underwear underneath), while the better pairs are fully opaque. My Laura stripes are almost perfectly opaque.
Size-wise, the capri length fits exactly the same as the full length. K-Deer in general runs about a half to a full size small. I recommend going up a size if you are unsure. I wear a 2 in lululemon and the XS in K-Deer fits perfectly. Their rise is very high and comes just over my belly button. If you are petite with a short torso, they might be a little *too* high for you, so proceed with caution if that’s you. You can roll down the waistband if you want to, but since the fabric is slippery, sometimes the waistband doesn’t stay in place very well when rolled down.
Stripes are my favorite geometric pattern, partially because I like the look in general, but also because they’re really flattering. Forget the “rule” that horizontal stripes make you look wide. They do a booty good.
Want to get in on the stripe action? They’re available on K-Deer’s site in the capri length shown in this post as well 2 other length options!
What sports bra are you wearing in these photos? It looks super cute! And so do the crops :)
It looks like Alala Cross back bra :)
Lara is right! :) I’m working on a review for that to be posted later this week. I took the pictures at the same time so I just left it on, haha.
Do you think these would be good for crossfit? I was just about to order a pair of Alexis leggings but noticed that they are “not supposed to be used around rough surfaces”. I wore a pair of my Alala captain crops to the weightlifting session and unfortunately they immediately got all covered in bad snags from the bar contact with my body. Do you have the same experience? I asked because I follow your blog and know you are also into crossfit! Please let me know!
Hey Oksana, good question. :) You’re right, I do a lot of crossfit, but for some reason, I’ve actually never had the bar or other crossfit equipment damage my pants. I don’t know why! That said, I do think the K-Deer material has a somewhat similar feel to the Alala fabric, or at least similar enough that if your captain crops were damaged from working out, a pair of K-Deers probably would get damaged too. :(
Thank you for your feedback. I am tempted to buy them anyway. So pretty! I can try to wear them when there is no cleans or snatches in the program
Yeah, as long as you know what you’re getting into, you could always try!! Good luck if you do. :)
Love these! I still have my eye on the new purple stripe ones. They look great on you!
I think the purple ones would be so fun for you!! The only downside is that I don’t think you would love them for running, and I’m not sure if you’re kinda capped out with your yoga/strength/casual gear. They look great with the weekender dress though. ;)
I know a runner who got the purple striped ones and loves them for running, but I think you’re right that I wouldn’t like the higher rise for running. Still pondering!
Yeah, I know lots of people do use them for running, but the lack of pockets and drawstring means they have somewhat limited function.
I wonder if the kids k-deer leggings would work for you… the length would probably be perfect. they are right between the adult legging and crop lengths. I take a M in k-deer and the kids XL fits me very well. maybe *slightly* smaller than the M? they currently have josephine in the full kids size run ;)
I usually shy away from kids sizes. They’re made for a pretty straight figure and I definitely don’t have that, so they usually fit all wrong. I was thinking of buying the Josephine capris for several weeks, but now they’re all gone. I think I’d probably wear this pair more anyway.