Alala had a nice promo running for Memorial Day, so I jumped on the opportunity to scoop up a couple items I’d had my eye on for a while, since I didn’t know when another promo this good was going to come up! I bought the fast track pants, rolldown sweats, and sweat shorts. Here’s a quick review of each:
Sweat Shorts
These are the first shorts (that I recall) that Alala has made, and since I pretty much live in fitness shorts all summer, I wanted to give these a go. They are made of a thicker promodal fabric, and in case the name wasn’t enough to tip you off, these are definitely not a lightweight running shorts. If you want the lightest of lightweight, you might want to avoid these.
The design elements are very practical: there are pockets in front, vents in the back, a built-in liner, and a functional drawstring waist. The drawstring is a bit long, so in my opinion it basically has to be tied, otherwise it just looks a bit odd. The front and back is accented with mesh overlays to infuse these with a bit of Alala’s urban style.
Unfortunately, these were just too big on me. The body of the shorts was quite loose, and the liner bagged out a lot, too, so they were clearly the wrong size for me. Since I usually wear an XXS in shorts, this wasn’t really a shock. In terms of length, these actually have a pretty similar rise and inseam to speed shorts. I would say the size XS sweat shorts would be better suited to a lulu 4, or maybe even 6.
Compared with how I usually like my shorts to fit, the fit on these was definitely not a win, so these are going back.
Rolldown Sweats
These sweatpants have a tailored fit and a tapered leg. I was drawn to these because I felt the more slim fit would be flattering on my petite frame compared to more slouchy, oversized styles–it looks more polished and elongates the leg a bit. These are the kind of sweatpants you could wear out of the house without looking sloppy.
The pants are made of promodal french terry, which is soft like butter. It’s a somewhat thicker, warmer fabric–these are sweatpants after all–but don’t seem quite as heavy-duty as thick cotton sweatpants.
Overall, the fit was a little tighter than I expected. Since I often wear an XXS (lulu size 2), I was expecting the XS to be pretty relaxed, but that didn’t end up being the case. They definitely aren’t as tight as a pair of leggings on me, but they are somewhat fitted all over. If you want a looser fit, I’d recommend taking a size up.
The front pockets are a double-layered situation, and both layers are functional. The larger pockets are plenty deep for whatever you need to stash. The butt pocket in the back is a nice touch for both style and function, too.
That said, the waist seems to run a bit big compared to the rest of my Alala bottoms. They’re not falling off me or anything, but they definitely felt looser by comparison. There’s no way I could’ve worn the waist folded up, as this photo shows. Like the shorts, the drawstring seemed a little long on these, which you can also see in this pic. In the other pics, I have it partially tied underneath the folded down waistband.
The inseam is a bit shorter on these, measuring at 29″. They seem to be designed as more of an ankle-length pant. These also look nice pulled up to the calf, like they’re shown in the stock pics.
Overall, these are a super-comfy pair of pants that would be ideal for colder lifting days and lounging. As far as sweatpants go, these look pretty sharp while still being as comfy as you expect sweatpants to be.
Fast Track Pants
I’ve wanted these pants for ages, ever since they I first saw them in Alala’s debut collection last spring. I’d been trigger-shy for so long because I was worried they would be too long and would be difficult/impossible to hem because of the zipper at the leg. Armed with the 30% off deal, I decided to take my chances!
The length actually turned out to be great. I was so surprised! I measured the inseam at 30″, and even though I usually need an inseam of about 29″, these don’t drag since the leg taper makes them effectively ankle length anyway. I have to say, one of the reasons I keep coming back to Alala is that I have found their XS to be consistently very petite-friendly, which is so refreshing compared to the comically long leg, arm, and torso lengths I usually encounter. Of course, I realize this obviously isn’t a plus for everyone. I’m also not sure if this holds true for other sizes.
Another surprise: much like the rolldown sweats, these seem to run a bit small. The fit turned out to look almost exactly the same on me as it does in the stock pics. The butt/hips are fairly fitted, but the legs have a little bit of extra room. If you want a tighter fit, stick with your normal size, but those looking for a more relaxed fit should definitely go up a size.
I was expecting the tighter fit to preclude layering options and make things lump and bunch, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that a pair of speed shorts underneath actually laid pretty flat and was hardly noticeable. There’s only a subtle line where the vent trim is and the outline of the zipper pull. Crops or leggings would work well under these, too, though you’d obviously be able to see them through the mesh side panels. Also: if I wanted to wear these pants alone, which is probably what will end up happening most often, these aren’t see-through in a deep squat or bend.
The front pockets are plenty large enough for my iPhone 6 or whatever other odds and ends. They zip closed if you need to secure things a bit better. The drawstring is functional, though I doubt I would ever use it, and the strings aren’t as long as the other two bottoms above, so I don’t feel the need to tie it off, though it’s long enough to do so.
The fabric on these is lightweight and breathable. It’s listed as meryl jersey, which is a nylon/spandex blend. It is slick rather than cottony, similar to luxtreme or other similar run crop materials, but more soft and supple. I spent a few minutes petting my dogs while wearing these and was pleased to find that the fur they left behind (which is a lot) brushed off with just a few vigorous swipes, no need for a lint roller. Since my dogs shed white, this is a huge plus for black pants.
The tapered leg and zipper mean you can wear them 3 ways: zipped and pulled up to the calf, full length and zipped, or full length and unzipped.
I especially like them pulled up to the calf.
Of course, the one downside of these pants is that they’re pretty pricey, retailing at $145. The promo price I paid was much easier to justify. That said, these pants (and the other 2 things in this post) are made in the USA, and I’m generally willing to pay a premium for that. Having now tried them out, I would probably still pay full price if that was my only option, but I’m generally willing to pay pretty steep prices for things I set my heart on when that’s what it takes, so take that how you may. :)
Overall, I really love the fast track pants so these are definite keepers! I had originally ordered the rolldown sweats as a backup plan in case the fast tracks didn’t work out, but I ended up liking both! I’m still debating whether I can justify keeping the rolldowns in addition to the fast tracks or if I’ll have to limit myself to just one as I originally planned. I have a few more days in the return period to make up my mind.
In this post:
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Love the look of both pairs of pants! I’ve been looking for nicer -looking sweat pants to wear out and about, and I’ll definitely check these out :)
Thanks Gretchen! :) I definitely think they’re worth a shot if you like the look of them, though they’re a bit on the pricey side as far as sweatpants go.
Wow those pants are awesome and they look fab on you! I think the Fast Track pants are my fave too – thanks for sharing!
Thank you Sophie! And you’re welcome, too. :)
Neither of the pants would work for my figure, but they look fantastic on you! I was so tempted by the memorial day sales but in the end there was nothing I really loved or needed enough.
Thanks Jenn! Having seen a lot of your outfit posts I can see why you’d say that–there isn’t a lot on the site right now that I could really see you in.
Awesome pants, thanks for the reviews! Alala is having a sample sale here in NYC at the end of the month. You know who to email if you want/need something angeled. :)
Oh my!!! I wonder what the sample sale will entail… Thanks for your offer, I’ll let you know if I have any needs. :)
Love the fast track pants on you. Definitely keep those. While the Rolldown sweats look nice (not as good though IMO), I think the two pants are too similar for both.
Thanks for the honest input! You’re right that they are definitely pretty similar (which I suppose is why I thought the sweats would be a good substitute for the fast tracks in the first place). It’s mostly the fabric/weight that’s different, which is what has me hung up.
have to thank you again for the alala recommendation. you look fantastic in BOTH pants, but i think you’ll get more use out of the fast track pants. also, for the record: the zip it up bra is fantastic. the zipper doesn’t get in the way at all, even when lying on my back for bench press. i wear a 32E-ish [brand dependent], got a large, and it’s close to perfect. the medium might provide more compression, but the racerback keeps everything in place – including the band, which in some lululemon bras can be too loose if i get the right size for my sneakily-sized chest.
You’re welcome! Thanks for the info on the zip bra. :) I’m glad the band works, since I have the same problem of bands being too big if I size up.
Oh my gosh. You’re my favorite blog but the worst enabler;) First splits59 and now I think I need both those pants. They both look fantastic. Thanks for the review and real life pics! Do you know anything about alala’s tech fleece? I’ve been eyeballing the jacket in the sale section but am gun shy with the final sale….It looks adorable on the model. Counting my pennies and making decisions about what to sell so I can afford an order!
Haha sorry/you’re welcome?? :) I actually don’t have any experience with the tech fleece unfortunately! I have my eye on a couple things from the sale section too…
Love the pants, but man that’s a big chunk of chain for casual wear. Too bad the coupon code expired – these would tempt me if the 30% off option was still available. Retail price is just too high IMO! They look great on you though!
Yeah I definitely feel your pain! Coupon codes always help. :)
I think you need both panta. The sweats are super cute lounge pants perfect for casual days like lunch and errands and the second pants are more for sporty situations and to and from the gym.
Agh, that’s what I was thinking too. The one major downside is I think the sweat pants won’t be so good for the dog hair situation because of the fabric. Stiiiiiiill trying to decide. D:
I also have the fast track pants and love them. Believe it or not, they also work great for a night out with flat jeweled sandals and the sophisticate jacket or flash tee which has the same mesh. I don’t have the roll down sweats but they look similar in fabric to the victory bootcut pants, which I do have and find super comfy. Surprisingly, I found the neoprene sweatshirt really flattering and kept that too ( the one with the large mesh– v shoulder flattering). You look great in both pants!
I was hoping you’d chime in! :) The fabric actually isn’t the same as the victory pants. Those are tactel, but the sweats are just a regular nylon blend, and they’re a bit thicker and have a different handfeel. Also that’s a great suggestion for the fast tracks. I live in a very casual area so I’m sure I could get away with it. Also good to know about the neoprene PO! :)
Hi, what did you end up doing with the pants? Keeping both? I’m trying to decide between the 2 as far as ordering. I’m going through carbon 38 as I’m part of their ambassador program.
I kept both, yeah, and I’m glad I did! I wore the rolldown sweats for a long flight and they were perfect. I haven’t worn them much other than that, though, since it’s been the warm season. The fast tracks I’ve worn a few more times since they’re much more lightweight. Still love those too. Also, very cool you’re a C38 ambassador, lucky lady. :)
Darn… That definitely doesn’t narrow it down lol but, it sounds like one is lightweight and the other is thicker/warmer–therefore you can’t really pick one or the other as they aren’t similar black pants. Maybe wear one for two seasons, and the other for the other 2 seasons. So glad you pointed that out at least! Yeah, this ambassador thing is cool. I can share my code with anyone so they can get $50 off their first order! What a great deal! And then I get points when someone uses it. Anyways, I thought of you… But the $50 discount is for first timers only :o(
Yeah you got it, the two fabrics are very different in terms of both weight and feel. The track pants are a more athletic fabric whereas the rolldowns are a softer lounge fabric. The fact that they’re different is basically why I kept both. And yeah I tried to use an ambassador code recently only to discover it was only for first purchases. Oh well. :
Can you share your ambassador code?
I wanted to add a comment on this even though I know the post is old. I really utilized your reviews before purchasing Alala and they were very handy! The fast track pants now do NOT have a zipper at the ankles. I bought a pair from C38 and they haven’t even updated their description to say that it doesn’t have the zippers anymore. I did verify with Alala that the newer version is sans zippers. After reading your review I got an XS and S to try on. I have the XS Alala neoprene sweats and they are just a hair too big so I wasn’t sure what size would work for me since you said the XS fit you great in the fast track. For casual wear I probably would have preferred the fit to be just a hair roomier but in the end I went with the XS — the waist on the small was obviously too big though if I wanted a much roomier fit in the hips/legs it would have been doable.
Thanks for the input on this! I did see that they stopped using the zipper recently–I believe this is to make them more friendly to hemming. If I remember correctly I think you said you’re a lulu 4, so it’s good to know that the fast track XS is still good for a 4 since people tend to ask. :)