The reviews just keep coming around here. Today I have two MORE new activewear brands to talk about: The Upside and Vimmia!
I bought these two tights as part of a 15% off promo Bandier is running (details at the bottom of this post). It was my first order from Bandier, but certainly won’t be my last! They stock lots of activewear brands from big names to the obscure, perfect for us fitness fashion diehards. I was also pleased to see that Bandier included a prepaid return label in my package. I always like when retailers do this, since it’s so much less hassle than emailing customer service, waiting for their response, and printing it out. It’s so much easier to just stick it on and go. Anyway, here’s the scoop on my buys:
The Upside dark lily yoga pants
The Upside is an Aussie-based workout brand that’s been gaining a lot of popularity in the US. The print on these pants is really nice–it’s unusual for a brand to pull off a dark, dramatic floral without looking like you’re wearing your grandma’s couch. The Upside nailed it with the dark lily print.
I had originally spotted these on Carbon38 (where they’ve since sold out) and was lusting after them, but they didn’t have an XXS available, which The Upside does sell elsewhere. So, a couple weeks later, I was really excited to see these pop up in Bandier’s new arrivals section, including my coveted XXS. That plus the coupon code meant I ordered these right away!
First, I’m very glad I was able to get the XXS. Now that I’ve tried these, I’m sure the XS wouldn’t have fit nearly as well. These run true to size to slightly large in my opinion, and the fabric was not compressive on me in this size. While they do fit me pretty well, the fit does not have that firm feeling that some other tights do. In my opinion, you could comfortably size down for a more snug fit. (Here is The Upside’s size chart, note that it’s in the metric system.)
The polyamide fabric has a slippery, silky feel. It’s also quite thin–it doesn’t provide any compression, and it’s prone to showing panty lines. These are some of the most lightweight full length pants I’ve tried. And as the name suggests, they are extremely flexible and comfortable, so they would be excellent for things like yoga. Some other really great positives that this fabric pulls off: it does not white out when you bend over like many prints do, and it’s completely opaque! The rise is slightly higher but comfortable, and the length is moderate (my pair measures 29.25″) with a bit of extra at the bottom on me.
There aren’t any bells and whistles on these pants. No drawstring, no pockets, just a straight-up pair of leggings. I’m fine with the lack of features, since I don’t use them anyway.
Like with most prints, pattern placement varies with these bottoms, but I think mine turned out just fine. I think this print will look nice under dresses or sweaters outside my workouts. They’re fun in a feminine and sophisticated way, and not as loud as many printed active leggings that are out there. Although the price on these is high for plain leggings, these do have some valuable upsides (#punny), and at 15% off, I’m happy with these. Keepers!
Vimmia python jacquard reversible speed pants
Although I thought I had scoured Bandier for things to buy with the coupon code, I actually didn’t notice these pants at first. I bought them on the recommendation of an AA reader and commenter who said she loves her pair. I’m so glad I did!! These pants are really fantastic, and I fell in love the instant I put them on. Thanks Sophie. :)
I absolutely love the python print. It’s subtle but adds that bit of fierce style and dimension to otherwise neutral pants.
The nylon fabric is completely opaque and comfortable. Rather than the typical slick or cottony fabrics you find in activewear, these are a jacquard knit that has a thicker, slightly textured feel. The fit is firm and provides a bit of compression–enough that everything is in its place, but not so much that it’s constricting. I also happen to think these are really flattering, and they feel great to wear.
I usually wear XXS/XS and a lululemon size 2, and the speed pants in XS are perfect for me, so I would say they do run on the tight side. Definitely size up if you’re between sizes or if you’re not into compression.
The rise is medium, and the length only leaves a tiny bit of extra on me (inseam measures 28″). If you’re very tall, these would probably be ankle pants on you, though the larger sizes may have longer inseams.
The reverse side is a lighter grey with dark accents. You can see the seam details and the dark cuff a lot better on this side. I don’t really think I’d actually wear them this way, though. I usually feel like reversible pants always look kinda inside-out, and I like the darker side anyway.
This was my first Vimmia purchase, so I’d say they’re off to a great start. I’ve already popped the tags on these and wore them to a workout last week. I would definitely recommend these pants!
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This week is your last chance to score 15% off at Bandier! Enter FIT15 at checkout by November 15th and get ’em while they’re hot. With the code, both of these pants work out to under $100. :)
Update: the code above is expired, but this weekend you can get 25% off with code GOBBLE25!
The Upside dark lily yoga pants →
Also in dark lily: NYC pant →
Vimmia reversible speed pants →
Also in python jacquard: reversible victory capri →
Thanks for this review. The reversible pants are very flattering. Would they be a good weight for north east coast fall/winter? Also, have you already reviewed that Alala top you’re wearing?? :)
Whether it’s a good weight is to some extent a preference thing as well as what you plan to do in them, but I would hazard a guess that they would do well in those cold climates. They’re most definitely thicker than luxtreme and regular luon, but not as warm as a thermal like tech fleece. The closest comparison I can think of would probably be lulu’s diamond jacquard space dye. Hope that helps give you a better idea.
Also, good eye on the top. :) It’s the flyweight tee, and I snagged it off ebay for a steal. It’s going in a post later this week along with some of the other Alala stuff I ordered recently.
Did you snag it from one of the Alala deals on eBay that are still on in a large and xs ? (Has no price on it so found that v odd). Is it true to size or snug ? Thank you!
Not one of the ones that’s on there now, no, it was a random auction. It does run on the small side–mine is actually an S. It’s slightly loose, but cute loose, not bad loose. An XS would probably work for me, but I’m guessing it would be much more fitted. Mine is from the fall ’14 collection (same as the others on ebay currently), but the new fall ’15 version may fit differently.
You convinced me, and I bought the vimmia ( and threw in the alo moto pants and Alala chill tights). I noticed that bandier has a bunch of Alala stuff I haven’t seen before, like light blue crops and bra and silver crops. I’m very interested in the latter silver captain crops, but it looks like they’re not yet available and are just part of the stock photo for another top for now.
Awesome, I hope you like them! The light blue Alala stuff is a Bandier exclusive, which is why you hadn’t seen it elsewhere. I actually hadn’t seen the silver captain crops til just now. OMG, love. I believe Alala is doing some holiday stuff, so I’m guessing that’s a part of it.
I just saw the new Alala crops on Revolve! They’re called shiny pewter, and they def look hot. I can’t seem to get them in the online shopping cart though cuz they seem to show up as black. The shiny pewter is also showing up on the ankle tight and blocked crop as well as the cut bra. Love this line, but I’m focused on those badass crops.
Oh no. Oh no oh no.
Hahaha! I just bought the crops from revolve. They better the heck not be sheer. I also love that vest bonded hoodie thing Alala has on bandier but not ready to part with 180 bucks for sleeveless. Well, miss AA, thank you for my 4 pant haul today. :) :( :)
Awesome!! I agree: better not be sheer! I want both the captain crops and the blocked crops…sigh.
Now my response on the vimmia jacquard here. This is part three of my 2-day bandier delivery. Love them, and agree with your review, AA. I actually kinda like the gray side even though it’s a little shinier. Nicely compressive without being uncomfortable, and totally opaque. Seems like a perfect weight for east coast fall and winter, so thanks for bringing these to our attention. Would have never noticed these without your pics and review.
Likewise, I probably wouldn’t have noticed them without someone else bringing them up. So glad you like them too! :)
Oh and P.S. let me know the scoop on those moto pants! :)
I love the Alo moto pants but don’t get them in white. I did and loved the look, but they were totally see through. So I had to return them. I think the other colors would be okay though. They’re totally flattering and great style!
Thanks! Not surprised that the white would be see-through! I tried on some Alo pants a while back that were mostly white, and yeah, they were majorly sheer. : The black motos are pretty though! :)
I bought them in black. Here’s hoping they’re not as sheer as the other commenter said white was. Ugh.
I received the black alo moto pants. Again, props to bandier for getting them to me in a record two days. Overall, I think they’re cool and am keeping them because of the style that I haven’t seen anywhere else before. They aren’t perfect though. First, they are a little sheer in a bend, but as long as I wear undies close to the color of the tights, I’m fine. This is weird for yoga pants though where your butt is usually bent and in the air. Also, I’m 5’7″, and the moto details just barely land in the right places on me. Probably would be optimal for a tall woman. This is important because there are a lot of moto pleats, and they will cut in and pull if not placed correctly. These details are also what makes me like the look though. I also have the taupe Olympia moto leggings, which are more sheer and less complex in moto style. Finally, alo has a nice wide waist pocket, which I do like to use now and then. Wider is more useful for me.
That was my suspicion with the moto pants, that the many, many accent panels might end up landing in the wrong spot on a shortie. Seams are a pet peeve of mine. Great that they work for you though! :)
Thank you for doing reviews of so many brands of activewear, most of which I’ve never heard of!
As an aside, what is the top you are wearing? I see via the comment below that it is Alala?
Lastly, love your “Sunday funnies” ;) You’ve got a great sense of humor. Thanks for reminding us to laugh, at ourselves :)
Yup, it’s Alala’s flyweight tee! :) I’m getting a post ready with more details on that for later this week. Also, you’re welcome! The funnies are fun to make too. :)
funny… the first thing i noticed was “ooooh an alala top!” it’s nice to see i am not the only one :)
i love love love those python leggings and they are sold out in M everywhere. so annoying! (but good too, haha)
vimmia also makes some nice floral prints i think. I’m not gonna buy them, but they are way better than most :)
Whew, you’re safe this time. ;) I like that floral a lot, too, but I think their crop length is shorter than I prefer and I’m not convinced I’d like full length in that print.
Oh wait, spoke too soon. Found the speed pants in M here, 20% off your first purchase with email signup: http://bayareafitwear.com/products/reversible-python-speed-pant?variant=6688697985 OKAY I’LL STOP, lol.
DANGITTTTTT.
i swore at you in my head when i read this and then felt very guilty since you went out of your way to find these for me. hahaha….
thank you!!
Hahah! I can’t resist a challenge. ;)
I totally went on that site, signed up for the 20% code, and ordered the Vimmia tights. Can’t wait for their arrival!!!!
yay i feel like we are all legging buddies!
It’s been great reading all your reviews of other brands lately – although I admit they are a danger to my wallet :) I’m not big on floral print, but those snake skin Vimmia tights are rad.
Had to return the Alala chill tights I ordered – is it just me, or do the Alala tights run small? I could barely get the M over my derriere (M being my typical size). I thought maybe once I pulled them up the tights would fit fine, but no dice. Hopefully the L will work, because otherwise I do love the Chill tight.
Not just you! My chill tights ended up being really small around the hips. :( I’m thinking of trying a size up. They were so nice and thick otherwise that I hope I can make them work too.
Just got my Chill tights from Bandier an incredible 2 days after I ordered them. They are a great fit for me and true to size for me. The smaller waist is excellent for my hourglass figure since there’s no drawstring, and I found the tights to be totally opaque. The shiny panel is not as noticeable as in the photos though. Interestingly, the zipper color is called cool sea, which must be specific to Bandier because the Alala site seems to have a white and a magenta option. I’m looking forward to seeing if these really are good for cold weather!
Yup, sounds like the sizing is definitely different on the black vs the pique. Glad to know that if I end up with both, which I can’t say I’m ruling out. :) I agree with you that I didn’t find the shiny panel to be as shiny as the pics–likely to do with studio lighting conditions.
I bought The Upside dark lily pants a couple weeks ago. I ordered the XXS and XS. I am between a 2 and a 4 in lululemon, and the XS was too big; I kept the XXS. The pants are a little slippery for my taste (I couldn’t resist the pattern though) but I do find them quite compressive and flattering.
Thanks for the input, it’s always nice to hear someone else’s experience besides my own. :) For the compression, I wasn’t sure if it was a sizing thing, or if it was just because of the fabric itself–sounds like the first one!
oooH thanks for reviewing vimmia; i’ve been thinking about purchasing a pair of leggings, but I didn’t know how they would fit! Thanks for all of your feedback!!! :)
You’re welcome, happy to provide some input! Everyone wins. ;)
Thanks for the thorough reviews. Both tights look great… Now I want them too, dang it! PS, love, love your blog. Your reviews are great. You’re gorgeous and such an inspiration. Love the crossfit posts too!
Aw thank you, that’s such a nice thing to say!! :) Glad you enjoy the blog and reviews!!
YAY! Love the Vimmias! They look awesome on you! I agree about the reverse side – I haven’t worn them that way and probably won’t, but no matter. Even if they weren’t reversible I’d love them. And funnily enough I’ve had my eye on some of the Upside leggings too, but was afraid to pull the trigger. I prefer a bit thicker, more compressive tight but I love the print on those.
Yup, even if they weren’t reversible I would’ve still bought them. :) Sounds like The Upside might not be as much your speed, though.
I love those Upside Dark Lily pants are beautiful and polyamide is an absolutely amazing fabric for hot yoga, but I wish the rise was lower! On you it looks manageable but the picture on the Bandier site model shows it covering her entire belly button.
Yeah, it definitely won’t cover your whole belly button unless you’re very short-torsoed, imo. I feel like the rise is only just a tad higher than most other activewear bottoms, not super-noticeable. I agree with you though, I wouldn’t complain if it was lower!!
AA, I am dazzled by all the pretties from many name brands that I have never heard of. I like to stick to the ones that I have tested and liked. Lulu has been hit or miss but it is still by far my favorite brand when it gets it right.
Alala is a new favorite – thank you for your reviews and coupon code! I own sophisticated jacket (last season’s), fast track pants (this season’s), and weekender dress (this season’s). I absolutely love them, so comfortable and flattering. It seems that your Alala collection is growing. Do you mind sharing your favorites? I plan to order a few more to try. That shiny pewter blocked crop is a beauty!
Hmmmm, good question. The pieces you already own are probably my top picks. :) Besides those, I also find myself wearing my fractal tee, blanket jacket, and blocked crop tights quite often. (The blocked crop tights seem to fit slightly slimmer through the leg than captain crops, so that works better for me.) And my new flyweight tee is already one of my favorites, too!
Love both these but also love the peak of Alala top! I’ve been lusting after so many of their tops.
Perhaps the weekender dress has turned you to the dark side, lol. :P