Country music star Carrie Underwood has branched out from her career as a singer and added activewear to her resume with the launch of her label Calia by Carrie Underwood. She joins the likes of Kate Hudson and Jillian Michaels in the world of celeb-endorsed fitness clothing. It’s been getting a lot of buzz, and a few items have even sold out in some sizes already!
Carrie said her inspiration for because she had trouble finding workout clothes that were both functional and cute. Ok, I call BS on that one–that seems to be everyone’s line whenever a new brand launches, and yet there are seriously so many brands that do that already. Literally dozens of crossover fitness lines have sprung up over the past couple years, it’s not exactly a barren market. So, I have to say that explanation falls very, very flat to me. In reality, I’m pretty sure the real reason is “this market niche is hella lucrative right now, soooo…”
Anyway, regardless of the rationale behind the brand, the new Calia line launched today. It’s sold exclusively through Dick’s Sporting Goods. Carrie also mentioned in interviews that she doesn’t believe it’s necessary to break the bank on your workout wear (another very popular line right now), so most of her line is priced moderately–a pair of crops will set you back about $65. The line is available in sizes XS-XL, plus also includes accessories like yoga mats and water bottles.
The essential leggings and capris have seaming and ruching details that make these stand out from your average tights. The colors shown here–smokey plum and dark ocean–are really nice choices for a color palette.
On the technical side, Calia goods use something called Bodybreeze technology for moisture wicking, and Bodyfree anti-microbial technology designed to keep away the sweaty stank. Most items are made of a nylon supplex/spandex blend. You can expect these to feel cotttony, like lululemon’s luon, because of the use of supplex.
Prints, on the other hand, are made of polyester blends, like these floral crops. This collection plays up the feminine, with an emphasis on soft colors, florals, and delicate details.
These essential capris are the perfect example of the feminine design details: they have a floral lace embossed panel down the side of the leg. Notice also in this picture that the designers have put all of the zip pockets in the front instead of the back.
These seamless capris look like an answer to lululemon’s in the flow crops–the fabric, styling, and fit all appear to be very similar.
For hot yoga lovers, or just lovers of short shorts in general, these essential knit shorts offer just a little bit more length than other boogie shorts without being too long. The drawstring detail is a nice touch.
Overall, the tops in this collection don’t seem as strong as the bottoms. The loose fit crossback tank reminds me a bit of lululemon’s recent breezy tank. Like the breezy tank, it’s made of a cotton/modal blend.
This double layer tank is another notable top design, with adjustable straps and a built-in bra. All of the Calia tops are designed to be extra-long and butt-covering, and most seem to be a looser fit.
There’s a handful of bras in the collection also, like this balconette bra. Many of them are sized by band/cup and have back hooks. All of them have either padding or removable cups.
This seamless bra has cute contrast detail, a little pinch of ruching, and more coverage than most.
On the lifestyle side of things, the Calia line uses soft colors, slouchy fits, and lightweight knits. The dolman v-neck sweater incorporates all 3 of those things, plus the obligatory thumbholes.
The cocoon sweater is a similar style, but a drapey wrap version.
Lastly, you can top off your outfit with this open knit infinity scarf.
Hadn’t heard of this line before. Really liking the leggings & capris. A bonus is that DSG always has good sales. Might have to check these out.
That’s true! On sale, some of this stuff would be a real steal, and much cuter than the usual DSG fare.
I might have to check these out too. Or at least go to a store for a try-on.
Yeah, definitely seems like it’d be worth a try-on. Some of the stuff is promising, and the prices are very manageable compared to what we lulu-heads are used to spending. Sadly, my little town only has an REI (and even that is only a few months old!). :P
Hahaha … Carrie, there’s a binge of workout labels out there now, we have never been happier. One more new label is always happy news. Going to check out the seamless crops! I have not found any that rivals LLM’s version in terms of stretch and comfort.
I hope Carrie’s label delivers :) There’s something awfully familiar about each piece here :) I feel she had picked out her favorites pieces across different labels and the design team made some changes/improvements and incorporate them into a new line.
As always, thanks for the info AA!
Heh, yes, I noticed a lot of familiar motifs too! Granted, for this post I cherrypicked the ones that were particularly similar to lulu items, but still! Some of the designs look promising, so this could be a good contender if the quality/fit/opacity holds up. Unfortunately I doubt it will ever seriously compete against other lifestyle workout wear, since I don’t think many of the lulu-buying ilk also look for clothing at Dick’s. But we’ll see! I was impressed that quite a few things sold so quickly.
Recently purchased the yoga mat from this brand…at $60.00 I assumed it would be a great quality, and hoped it would compare to my favorite brand of mat….it did nothing of the sort. First off the mat doesn’t have much in the way of being sticky. It was thick though. Once I rolled it out in class I got excited because I loved the plum color. About a quarter of the way into class, I noticed the horrible smell the mad seemed the giving off. It was so bad it made me a little nauseous and I wondrered if the person next to me could smell the dor that resembled a filthy barn. I tred everything get rd of the horrible stench ton avail. ….my advice …the rest of the line is going to stink as badly as the mats.
Boo, sorry to hear that! I know a lot of yoga mats can have smell problems. Hopefully that’s not indicative of the collection as a whole.
Just did a try on and loved the leggings! Got the core tight fit capris and they have flattering butt seams. I’m a lulu 8 and got a medium. I could have done a small if I had a more hourglass figure. The shorts were much longer than speeds, but comfy and flattering. I passed on them due to length. I bought a ss tunic top that feels very similar to lulu vitesea. They also had a swiftly type top that seemed really similar to a fast track athleta top. I think this brand will be good as a gateway brand for ladies wanting to try more quality athletic apparel that is adult looking and functional.
I also tried the capris on last week. I would’ve liked to post pics on the blog but the Dick’s dressing room was awful and pics just wouldn’t turn out. I thought the capris were good, too, and opaque to boot. The one downside is that I found the fabric to be quite thick. It would be too hot for many workouts and I’m curious whether pilling would be an issue due to the particularly cottony feel. I agree though, overall it’s a very nice gateway brand.
I was super excited to see her come out with this line of product. However i must say, Carrie must be wearing a size that was completely tailored to her body by her stylist. She is not a tall gall and neither am I. I tried on 4 different tops in a small and they were all way too long. I’m sorry but a long length is not whats needed for yoga or running for that matter. I was totally disappointed. I would however try the Capri’s for running. Its unfortunate that they are so pricey.
I really love a lot of the items. The fabric is so soft and luxurious. I work out at least five times a week and like to at least look cute so I’m always on the hunt for new items. However, I haven’t been able to break down and purchase the items at their price point. I purchase all of my workout clothes on sale or clearance and always get high end name brands. Wonderful pieces, but I can’t see myself purchasing them for full price. :(
I would like to carry this brand at my tanning salon. I am a business of 16 yrs .. Please contact me as soon as possible, thank you!
Kristin Hankins
Ultimate Tan Co.
209 743-2590
Hi Kristin! I am not a stockist or a brand rep, I am just a fan blogger who really likes workout clothes. :) Good luck finding some great brands for your salon!
I picked up 4 pair of legging, two hooded sweaters, a cardigan and two tanks at Dicks this summer. Because it was off season, I paid an average of $25.00 per item. Went back this fall for her essential long sleeve tops. Love all of these items. I agree the thickness of her leggings are too warm in summer for running and other high energy workouts. They’re great now! Everything is really well designed for gym to errand running. I found the comment about Calia buyers being different from Lululemon or Athleta buyers interesting. I own many Lululemon items but at the end of the day, good style and quality without breaking my bank wins EVERY TIME! After all, I am wearing these items to sweat in or on casual days. There is nothing casual about a $120 pair of leggings or a $150.00 yoga sweater!
Thanks for your input, Teresa! $25/item is a great deal. Getting Calia’s stuff on sale is an awesome value since it’s already a good price to begin with! I’m glad they’ve worked well for you! :)
Hi Carrie,
Could you please start shipping to Canada?
I would love to try your product line.
Hi Tammy, I’m just an activewear fan blog, meaning I just write about the clothes I like and I don’t have any affiliation with Calia. I hope they branch out to Canada for you soon though!!! :)