One of the things that I’ve always wished could be a part of my reviews is the long-term piece. I always make an effort to wear a style a couple of times for a workout before reviewing it, but what about after that? Once I’ve had a style for a few months, do I still like it and wear it? Did it fall apart? That’s the purpose of this post.
Below, I’ll go over a few items I’ve had and worn for quite a while and what I think of them now.
If you want advice on sizing or other details on any specific style, click through to the full review and you’ll find it there.
Lululemon align crops
I have two pairs of aligns that I’ve had for 1 and 1.5 years. They’re one of my favorite styles for aerial silks class, and they’re wonderful for hikes too. I never wear them from running or biking since the fabric is a bit too delicate and is not supportive. I’ve worn and washed them a moderate amount of times, not a super high number, but the fabric still looks great. I know all-over pilling is a known issue for some align wearers, but fortunately I have not had any issues. I still find it a bit annoying that both my current pairs and others I’ve tried on aren’t 100% opaque in a squat/bend (skin-colored underwear necessary), which is a big reason I haven’t felt the need to buy more.
Allbirds wool runners
I still wear these on the regular as my go-to casual sneaker. As I mentioned in my original review, “runners” refers more to the overall styling, I would never run in these. I’ve had them for over a year and a half and have worn them heavily. They are still extremely comfortable and great to wear for long days with a lot of walking. I’m starting to notice a tiny bit of thinning around the toe, but they’re a long way off from tearing. Considering how much wear they’ve seen, I’m ok with that. Allbirds notes that these shoes can be machine washed, but to be honest, I’m too scared to try. They’ve gotten a bit funky, so I will probably just wash them in the sink with some soapy water, rinse them out, and call it good.
Overall, yup, I would (in fact, probably will) buy another pair!
By the way, since I bought these, I’ve noticed that Allbirds does not seem to do sales or coupon copes, so if you want a pair, don’t bother waiting for a deal because it’s probably not coming!
Alala mesh tank
I have three of these and I still wear them constantly. I wear the white one the most–it goes with everything and adds brightness to any outfit. I’ve been wearing them for over a year and they look as good as the day I bought them, including the white one! The mesh material has not snagged or pilled on any of them. It’s pretty much a perfect summer workout tank as far as I’m concerned.
Athleta stronger hoodie
I have two of the regular stronger hoodie (cassis and abyss) and one luxe stronger hoodie. I still absolutely love the fit and feel of them. After a few washes, the inside is still cozy and soft. My cassis (burgundy) version has seen the most use. I wore it probably once a week for most of the fall and winter.
Unfortunately, some pilling has started to develop at the cuffs and underarms. So far, it’s only happened to my cassis hoodie, but I imagine it’s only a matter of time before the others follow. With hoodies, pilling in high-friction areas like this is a bit inevitable, but I was hoping it would last a bit longer before I started to notice. I’ll still consider buying future colors, but probably only for less than full price.
Current stronger hoodie colors
Sweaty Betty power 7/8 leggings
I currently have two pairs of these leggings. I had a third pair in a solid color, but ended up selling them because the prints are so much better. Specifically, I’ve had the lava print for almost 2 years. They are one of my go-to’s and have seen quite a lot of use but still have no pilling whatsoever. They still look and feel fantastic.
I would still absolutely recommend these, but I do recommend you stick to the prints (specifically, the all-over prints). If you’re not picky on pattern or timing, Sweaty Betty intermittently runs coupon codes and end-of-season sales where you can pick a pair up for a fantastic price.
Alala heroine tights
I have two pairs of these, one of which I’ve designated as one of my biking pants. They have taken an absolute beating out on the trails, including numerous encounters with branches, rocks, and the ground when I’ve wiped out. The only damage they’ve sustained is a grease stain from my chain and some fuzziness along the seams. No tears! Besides that, I still love to wear these for running or other high-impact workouts where a little compression helps out. Like the power leggings above, they’re easily one of my best wear-for-anything tights. I would definitely still recommend these.
Current heroine tights colors (a few are on sale!)
Caraa studio bag
I purchased this bag pre-owned and have been using it as my daily carry for 15 months. I do not switch between handbags, so it’s seen a ton of use and has been all around the world with me. It’s held up extremely well. I get comments asking where I got it all the time because it’s just so darn functional while still looking great.
My only minor gripe is that I have to periodically tighten the D-ring that attaches to the strap, because taking it on and off my shoulder loosens the screw over time if I don’t. The studio bag has seen a few design upgrades since my version, so this may have been adjusted in newer versions of the studio bag.
I’m considering upgrading to either a newer studio bag or switching to the studio 2 (eyeballing that gold hardware!) because this one has been working so well for me.
P.S. Enter SUZANNEN10 at checkout to save some $$ at Caraa.
Lululemon free to be serene bra
The more I’ve worn this bra, the more I’ve realized how loosey-goosey it is. It looks so cute, but it really only works for the lowest impact (read: basically no impact) activities. I really just wear it for travel or around the house post-workout when I can’t be bothered with a regular bra. Also, I never really could get used to the princess seams at the bust. I find the seams too lumpy in a place I really don’t want to look lumpy.
Overall, it’s a very cute sports bra, but I don’t plan to buy any more of this style.
Super helpful post, thank you!
I LOVE my aligns. I wear them to crossfit, spin class, neighborhood strolls, etc.
I agree they’re not for running, but I love the no-pinch waist and the soft fabric.
Also going to pull the trigger on a pair of SB power tights. I’ve missed your regular posts- hope you will find some time to do more. :)
100% agreed with the Align’s. I own 5 pairs of the 7/8 and absolutely adore them. I do a lot of vinyasa yoga and they are my go-to’s. Mine are also in perfect condition still, no pilling. My oldest pairs are about 2 years old. I also love my Free to be Serene’s. I’m large chested and love a strappy back so these are faves.
I wish I had access to Sweaty Better here in Canada. I do own a pair of their power leggings and reach for them a lot. I bought them in the UK and know I will buy more when I travel to the UK again
nordstrom carries sweaty betty now. i think you can get them in canada that way :)
I love, love, love the free to be serene bra and wear them constantly as my go to bra for workouts, running etc. I don’t find any loosey goosey as you commented …. and believe me I’ve worn them a lot … please ladies .. give them a try!
i own 2 pairs of the sweaty betty power 7/8 tights, but in solid colors / the mesh styles (mostly because that’s what i found on poshmark haha). i really like them, so i was wondering why you prefer the prints. is the fabric used different?
also, i second the alala heroine tight recommendation!
This response may be too late to be meaningful, but I find that the fabric on the printed power leggings does have a little bit of a different feel vs the solids. It may be the same fabric, but the printing process might change it a little bit. The prints feel a bit more substantial–slightly thicker and holds you in better–and feels slightly more spongy and plush. That said, I’ve only had one pair of solid power leggings, so I’m assuming that that pair represented the rest.