I’m sure it won’t come as a shock to you when I say that I bought a LOT of activewear this year. Over the months, I’ve probably tried on something in the hundreds. Out of all that, I’ve boiled down a list of my 9 most favorite buys from this year. (Note that these aren’t my top 9 out of my whole closet, just the new purchases from this year.) These are the pieces that get worn disproportionately more than everything else. They’re the ones that, out of everything, would be the hardest to let go.
Trying to rank this list would be too stressful, so in no particular order, here are my big winners of 2015:
Lululemon toasty tech tights
I’ve been crazy about thermal leggings this season, and lulu’s toasty tech tights are one of my favorites. The tech fleece makes these just about the warmest way to still wear leggings without adding another layer on top. I like these so much that I got two pairs: bordeaux first, followed by black grape. I have a slight preference toward my bordeaux pair, because the details are just fantastic.
Toasty techs are available here →
Lululemon cool racerback in bali breeze
The cool racerback is a staple in my wardrobe, but there are certain colors that always get a disproportionate amount of wear. Bali breeze is one of them. I missed out on the original 2014 release of bali, but I pounced when it was re-released earlier this year. So glad I did. It matches pretty much everything, and the creamy shade of aqua is just perfect.
Bali breeze is currently unavailable from lululemon, but there are several on eBay →
Nike women’s metcon 1
Ok, I’m cheating a little bit here, but shoes are still something I wear to workout, so that’s good enough for this list. I love pretty much everything about these shoes. They fit perfectly and function so well for my crossfit workouts. Not only that, they’re better-looking than just about any other crossfit shoe out there. I’ve worn these pretty much non-stop for the past 5 months. I’m hoping they come out with more colors I love before I wear this pair completely into the ground!
Alala fast track pants
When you don’t want to go for leggings but you want to be just as comfortable, fast tracks are the ticket. These pants pretty much have it all. They’re comfortable, they look super cool, the fabric feels luxe and fantastic, they can be worn alone or layered for warmth, they have handy zip pockets… You get the idea.
Fast tracks are available here → (15% off: AA15)
Vimmia python speed pants
This pair is one of my more recent purchases. They’re my first Vimmia buy, and they did not disappoint. They fit me like a glove. The jacquard fabric holds everything in, plus is thick and opaque to boot. The python print is perfectly executed: subtle, but fierce. Although they’ll probably be too thick once it gets hot outside, the sturdy fabric definitely makes them great for this time of year.
Speed pants are available here →
Alala blanket jacket
This jacket is statement-making, luxurious, and just plain cool. Whether I’m going to the gym or not, I wear it all.the.freaking.time. Technically, this wasn’t a “buy” since I was gifted this jacket from Alala, but I would’ve been just as happy to drop my own $$.
The blanket jacket is available here → (15% off: AA15)
Lululemon run: stuff your bra
Although I love lulu’s energy bras, some of the newer releases just haven’t fit as comfortably. RSYB to the rescue! This bra is not only super-comfortable, it’s supportive and flattering, too. The RSYB is also well-loved for its functionality: the pockets are pretty useful if you’re running in pocket-less bottoms. The classic stripe/flash light version is almost too cute to cover up, especially paired with my flash jacquard speed shorts.
(The stuff your bra is, sadly, not currently available!)
Alala flyweight tee
This hoodie is so easy to wear. It looks amazing with just about any outfit I can come up with, which means I end up wearing it pretty much all the time. The lightweight fabric is soft and perfect for layering just about any time of year. This tee has come out in several colors over the seasons, but in my view, nothing has topped heather grey.
The flyweight is available here → (15% off: AA15)
Werkshop x Ghost and Stars catstronaut
The most recent purchase to make the list, my catstronaut crops are already getting a lot of wear. I can’t help myself. They’re definitely in the top 3 as far as most out there (literally), unique pieces I have in my workout wardrobe. Plus, the fit and function of Werkshop crops is top notch, which means I reach for these for a lot more than just the quirky humor.
Catstronauts are available here →
Honorable mentions
A few more wardrobe workhorses that were just a hair shy of making this list:
Koral Activewear gauge capris: crisp white bottoms look good with everything, especially for spring/summer
Werkshop dragon: black, grey, and badass all over
Alala rolldown sweats: besides being great for lounging, these are the perfect travel companion
Sweaty Betty thermal run leggings: flattering, functional, and cozy to the max
Now it’s your turn: what’s in your 2015 hall of fame?
I’m so glad that I got the TTT after your review! I love wearing them so much and they’re really flattering. They’re hopefully going to get me out the door and running when it gets colder out. Love seeing all your other picks as well!
So glad you like them too!! :)
Totally agree on the Toasty Techs. I was a little disappointed that the black grape TTs didn’t seem to have the same attention to detail as the bordeaux pair you reviewed, but they’re still awesome tights that exemplify everything I’m looking for (in winter gear, anyway).
And I think I’ll give Alala another try, soon. Returning the Chill tights I ordered a couple months ago was a bit of a nightmare, but I’m still darn curious how I’d feel about them in a larger size!
Btw, I ordered the chill tights (in pique) in a size up and they worked much better. Overall, I do like the black ones better though. I have more chill tight thoughts in a review I’m finishing up, so that might help you decide. :)
Awesome list. And this just reminds me how much I need another Run Stuff Your Bra. :(
Yes, I wish they hadn’t been so skimpy with the US colors. :'(
I just got the rolldown WU’s in pigment wind white multi, I didn’t really consider pattern placement since I’m not picky. I opened the package and omg, they sent me the perfect pair. Obsessed. They barely made it into 2015, but they are my favorite purchase.
Yesss gotta love it when you win the pattern placement lottery!!! :)
Love your list, Suzanne! Would really like to try both of those Alala pants, but since I’m in Europe, I don’t know where I could find them.
My best and most used purchases this year would be K-deer leggings, which I bought three pairs of. I love them for yoga, they stay in place and hold everything in and are so much fun! Thank you Suzanne for introducing me to the brand :). Also on my list are the lululemon superb bra, berry rumble rest less pullover and the runderful pants in black grape.
By the way : just ordered the bordeaux toasties for half price from the boxing day sales, so I’m hoping they will make it to my list too! :)
Wow, lucky you to get the toasty techs on sale!!! :)
Btw, here are a couple UK stockists that carry Alala. I’m not sure if them being in the UK is any more helpful to you, but thought I’d mention them. They don’t have *everything*, but maybe you’ll find some things to love there. :)
http://www.fashercise.com/
http://www.activeinstyle.co.uk/
Thank you! And yes it helps that they are in the UK. They usually ship to other Europian countries. I’ll check those out :).
The toasties came and they are awesome, thanks for the reviews!
I have to say my find of the year is ALALA – thank you for your reviews and recommendations. I have many pieces of them now. Blanket jacket and fast track pants are my favorite. I also really like the small gym bag by Stella McCartney. It looks like it is sold out pretty much everywhere except http://www.mytheresa.com/en-us/small-gym-bag-469820.html
You’re very welcome! :) I’ll have to keep an eye out for future Stella McCartney gym bags. I feel like I’ve seen other patterns in a similar style, so maybe there will be another!
This was fun to think about (after getting over the reality of how much activewear I bought this year). My top buys from this year were Lulu’s snug sprinter jacket and Alala’s sophisticate jacket, both of which I wear all the time. My werkshop dragon leggings and Alala’s roll down sweats are up there, too. My panache sports bras are absolutely the best I have found (athleta sells them in addition to lingerie stores), and I bought them all this year. Thanks for introducing me to Werkshop and Alala among other brands that I now love!
I love my sophisticate jacket, too. Only issue is that mine has pilled a bit on the inner arms, which was kind of a bummer. Thanks for the note about Panache, I might have to check those out.
I really only started buying activewear in a big way last fall, so a lot of what made it on to my list are old favourites for others but new to me.
In no particular order:
1) Studio Dance Pants: I live in these, both lined and unlined. Apart from black, my faves are Naval Blue and Gator Green.
2) Lorna Jane Sports Bras: I absolutely adore these. I don’t think I can pick one favourite.
3) Coast Wrap in Naval Blue – I wore this a ton all fall
4) Peace of Mind Wrap in Heathered Black
5) Scuba Hoodie II in Heathered Tranquil Blue – until this week I was able to wear this as a jacket since it’s been so warm here. I have a couple of others but this is my favourite.
6) Alo Goddess Leggings – just got these, but I really like them
7) Inspire Tight II in Textured Wave (thought I should get around to adding actual workout clothes)
8) High Times in Luon Pique Dark Slate – look great with a loose black sweater and boots with honourable mentions for the Cyber Stripe Naval Blue Black and the Sapphire Twist WUs, all from August.
9) Speed Tight II: Speed Tights are my default running pants, but my surprise fave have been the black/white reflective ones from last winter.
10) CRBs for the win. I think I’ve washed Regal Plum most weeks since I bought it, but I also really liked Cool Mint, Bumble Berry and Butter Pink this year.
Hope you have a happy and healthy New Year! :)
Your note on #7 cracked me up. :) I though about including regal plum on my list, too, since I wear that one all the time too! I almost didn’t get it, but am so glad I did.
great post ? 2015 has definitely been an intense Lulu year for me. In no particular order here are my top 9
1) black cherry CRB: Goes with everything
2) Cranberry high rise WUP: Super comfy and no muffin top
3) speed tights: Best running tights ever!
4) heathered Alarming swiftly LS: Got it on sale and practically live in it
5) run stuff your bra: My go to running bra
6) Bali breeze power Y: Such a nice pop of color
7) inspire crops in dashing purple with mesh: Great lightweight running crop
8) what the sport tee in heathered iris: Looks great with a pair of jeans
9) not lulu but Mizuno inspire 11 running shoes: Excellent support shoes which I have used for my half and full marathons this year.
happy new year ?
Seems like you love reds/purples. :) Thanks for sharing your list, sounds pretty solid to me!! :)
Loved this post! Ive bought a lot this year, but returned far more. My closet is now manageable because I will usually sell something before I add more. For me, in no particular order:
1. Athleta black/white striped chaturanga crops. So flattering and great quality.
2. LLL runday crops. Wear my parallel stripes every week and my three other airs are always on rotation.
3. Nike Metcons. Have two pairs: the ones you have and grey and purple! Best crossfit shoes ever.
4. My LLL scoop neck swiftlies. Wear them everyday.
5. Run stuff your bras. Best way to carry my iPhone when running.
6. My LLL inspire crops in deep zinfandel. An oldie, but by far my favorite inspires. The fabric is perfect.
7. Ivviva Mindful Moment LS. I have them in 3 colors. Fabulous ruluand they have kind of satisfied my need for tuck n flows.
8. LLL fringe fighters, particularly in heathered menthol, the fabric is perfect. Wear them for every work out.
9. Any one of my FTB wild bras. My go to bra for crossfit.
10. I know it’s top 9 but I have to add my rebel runners. My fave are the deep coal/slate from last year but I also love my dark fuel from this year. I also have black grape. Regret not buying the parallel striped ones!
Heh, it would’ve been top 10, but I couldn’t narrow down the 10th, so I just cut it off at 9. :P I’m glad you got your tuck and flow fix, sorta. :)
Whittling down to 9–what a task! This is so interesting. I’d forgotten about those vimmia tights! I can see why all these made your list. It would be a serious effort for me to go through everything I bought in 2015 ( which scares me!) let alone pick my faves. Hmm, I need to think about it. But what I wore most and my favorites are probably very different! Most-worn were probably What the Sport Singlets & Sculpt Tanks. I also have one pair of Fabletics crops that I wear more than any others. Lulu Pace Pusher LS & Skinny Wills both saw a lot of action. Tracker shorts are what made me start to wear shorts again. But the pieces I love most are probably all my Michi. I’ve recently bought 5 pieces & have only worn 1 so far! A close second are my Alala pieces. I’ve worn the weekender dress a ton but love some new purchases I haven’t gotten to wear yet. Fun post! Thanks for getting me thinking!
Interesting that your favorites and most-worn aren’t necessarily the same. I’d say mine overlap a fair amount. I just can’t help myself, I suppose!