I absolutely love wearing bold black and white patterns, so when L’urv’s new atomic kitten leggings showed up on Carbon38, it was love at first site. Black and white patterns like this are incredibly fun, but still neutral enough to match anything else you want to wear with them. I’d seen L’urv’s name pop up a few times, and I’d been curious what their gear was like. They’re an Aussie-based brand that’s slowly been infiltrating the US. Here’s what I thought about ’em.
Carbon38’s fit info tab noted that these run a bit small, so I was a bit unsure how these would turn out in terms of sizing. I ordered XS, since I often wear XXS in other brands. Sure enough, they fit me absolutely perfectly. If you’re between sizes, definitely go with the larger of your two sizes. If you’re not between sizes, I’d say stick with your true size, but expect a somewhat tighter fit. Size up for a more relaxed fit.
The fabric feels amazing. It’s smooth to the touch, but very supple and soft. It’s thick enough to be sturdy, but not so thick that it’s hot or stifling. I love it. The fabric is more supportive than most, but not ultra-compressive. They feel great to work out in, too.
Given how much white this pattern has, I expected the worst in terms of coverage. So, you can imagine I was stunned to discover they passed the squat test easily. The only bad thing is that the black part of the pattern does tend to white out a bit when stretched. So, when you bend or squat, it might look like they’d be sheer because of how much the pattern fades, but they’re actually not (i.e., it still conceals what’s underneath). The pattern fading is the one area for improvement on these pants.
The gusset is unique on these. Rather than your usual triangle gusset, these are in an “H” shape. There’s a seam that runs the full length down the middle, but instead of meeting in a “+” pattern in the middle, it’s broken up by this black insert. That black panel runs down the entire length of the inner leg.
Another odd thing: they have little hanging loops sewn into the inside waistband. In case you want to hang up your leggings, I guess?
These have a very high rise, coming up just over my belly button. They have a V seam at the front and back which I think is pretty flattering, though it does make the waistband look a bit odd if you roll them down. With that in mind, I’m content to just let them sit high. The waistband is sewn from two layers of fabric, so it has a little more support than the rest of the pants. There is a seam at the top of the waistband as a result, but it isn’t too bulky.
Also: there are no pockets, and the only logo is “L’URV” embroidered at the back center of the waistband. This photo also shows you a bit of the pattern fading when stretched I mentioned above. Granted, the light exaggerates it slightly, but you can see that the spots across the bum aren’t as deep black as the ones on the leg or waistband.
These were one of those purchases that I couldn’t wait to wear right away. To complete the look, I wore a bali breeze cool racerback from lululemon and a pop of a hot pink sports bra underneath, then topped it off with my new Alala everyday hoodie (review for that on its way shortly!) and my fave black and gold Nikes.
Overall, these are one of my favorite purchases in a while. The look is bold and playful, and they fit and feel fantastic. I’d definitely buy another style from L’urv in the future. You can find the atomic kitten leggings here, or check out everything from L’urv via Carbon38 here. Alternatively, if you want a few more options, you can order from L’urv directly, though note that prices are in AUD they ship from Australia.
the sizing tip alone made waiting for this review totally worth it. thanks:)
You’re welcome!! :)
I ended up getting the lulu high times in the posey print and I’m loving the versatility of black and white; basic color scheme and yet it isn’t boring! I hope c38 starts to carry l’urv’s 3/4 pants, with it being May I can’t justify long tights right now. However, I’m waiting to see if you review your purusha people mermaid leggings that I saw on Instagram because I have been eyeing those! Love that they are made in Downtown LA, too. I gotta support my hometown :)
holy moly!!! did not know about those mermaid leggings until you mentioned them. i thought about ordering some immediately except i literally love the dark blue, turquoise, gold and silver all equally and can’t decide :-/
werkshop also has some gorgeous mermaid leggings in its under the sea collection… to make your decision a little harder:)
I reeeeeally want tentacles! they remind me of ursula :)
A key difference between the Werkshops and Purusha People that I have is that the Werkshops is just a printed pattern, whereas the Purushas are actually iridescent “scales” (lame fabric). That means they’re shinier, buuut it also means they’re more delicate. So, different looks as well as different functions.
Yup, the posey print is definitely the same idea. I’d love to see L’urv’s crops on C38 too, although now that I know they work, I suppose I could always get them shipped from down under.
P.S. Purusha People coming Monday. :)
super cute! i recently got the similar-looking brazilwear snow leopardy looking tights (don’t know the real name), and they are just amazing.
btw – totally none of my business, but if you got engaged, congratulations!! (a ring has appeared in some of your recent pics)
:)
Hold your horses, more on that later. ;)
AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
These look fabulous on you! I really like the inner black stripe, breaks up the print really nicely…haven’t tried this brand yet but now I want to ;-)
Yes, I think the black stripe helps break up the pattern, and looks nicely sporty too. :)
you are rockin these leggings!!!
Thank you!!! :)
Can’t wait for mine to come! I’m a solid lulu 4 and ordered the small. I think it should be ok, hope anyway! I am loving the black contrast for some reason and usually don’t like inner leg contrast like that. They look great on you!
you are KILLIN’ the game in these leggins!! i love that you review so many brands and do so many modeling pics!! my LH leggings are coming today – super excited. ps, last crazy sale fyi (not workout clothes) but i love rails shirts – crazy soft+flattering – saks off fifth has a lot of them on sale for like 60, down from 138-148 if anyone else is a fan
Awww thanks! How did the LH leggings turn out for you?
Thanks for the Rails tip. I’ll have to remember to give them a try. Plaid is super trendy where I live–hah.
I love these. Thanks for doing a review. I think I’m going to nab a pair
You’re welcome! If you do nab ’em, I hope you love them as much as I do!! :)
Awesome! I had one more question. I wear allot of Lululemon and kdeer how is the material on these compared to those brands?
It’s definitely closer to lululemon’s luxtreme than it is to luon. That said, it’s a bit more “plush” than luxtreme, i.e., a bit softer and cushier, though still very silky and smooth, not cottony. I hope that helps! It’s always tough to describe fabrics.
Love these! I’ve been curious about this brand so good to know they’re a safe bet.
Yes! I’m hankerin’ for another pair already.
i just got mine. so very soft and i’m keeping them for the design. but you weren’t kidding about the fade-to-white issue. they’re pretty much the worst of any that i own in that department. i would definitely hesitate to get more l’urv leggings, unless they were a print i really loved like these.
Oh, darn. :( Sorry they weren’t as good as you hoped. I’m curious, did the fading issue just bother you on the bum, or was there obvious fading elsewhere, too?
it really is a case where i love everything about them – the feel of the material, the pattern, the fit, the waistline… but every time i, say, bend my knee, i see a distinct fade. i guess what bothers me is the movement. if i’m running or lifting weights it won’t matter much. but if i’m in, say, yoga, holding a pose that allows me to see a faded bent knee, i’ll get distracted for sure. that said, i am keeping them and i am excited about wearing them tomorrow…
Makes sense! I don’t really notice the knee fading as much, though I know it’s there. And I can’t see my own booty, so it’s out of sight, out of mind for me, haha. I’m curious how L’urv’s solids compare in terms of fabric.