Thursday, March 30, 2017

OT: Athleta's Stripes Chaturanga Capri and Essence Tank





I know a number of ladies in the lulu groups have already picked these up but I just bought a pair yesterday and am a big fan. These are Athleta's Stripes Chaturanga Capri. I haven't liked the fit and feel of Chaturangas much in the past since the fabric is often a polyester blend but these are a nylon blend and feel like identical to wearing a pair of Wunder Unders. I wore them for a workout today and really, really liked them.

The stripes pattern is a little different from lululemon's Parallel Stripe print but if you're looking for a spare pair to save wear and tear on your valuable PS WUCs these are a nice substitute.

Lululemon has made a very similar (identical?) stripe before - this a SeaWheeze-edition Bound Bra next to the Chaturangas.





I also bought this Essence tank while I was at the store. I know it's a polyester blend but it's super soft, looks very cute from the back, and, most importantly, has "unstinkable" technology. I like my lululemon cotton tanks a lot but I didn't like the one time I wore my pima Trapeze Twist for a vigorous workout and it really took up and retained odor. The price is also a very attractive $39.



16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I adore those black and white striped Athleta tights. I have 3 pairs of the same. They are very soft. Since Lululemon can't seem to produce non see-thru black and white tights, I am hoarding them from Athleta. I wear nude seamless underwear with my Chaturanga tights and not see thru at all. I really love them.

Anonymous said...

I am loving Athleta! I love their new Powervita fabric- It is so soft and comfy, yet technical and gets me through crossfit workouts!

Since we are already OT, I want to share my experience with Outdoor Voices. They recently opened in my market, and I tried a pair of crop leggings and a tank. All I can say, is are you kidding me. This is NOT technical activewear. The fit is weird, and the fabric is thick and shows sweat like no other. I'm pretty sure this is athleisure wear, period. I wish I could return it. :/ So... word of caution for anyone who was considering the brand!

LuluAddict said...

@ anon 6:21 pm - Yeah, after trying a couple of pieces I am not a big Outdoor Voices fan. Like you said the material is thick. I like it for to/from casual coverup but that is it.

elise said...

@ anon at 6:21 -- I totally agree. The fabric on their crops was horrible on me. Very stiff and unflattering. The smalls felt like sausage casings and the mediums wrinkled in strange ways. I do have one of their tanks, however, that I LOVE for winter layering. It's a little roomier than a CRB, so more forgiving, and very soft (like Rulu, but not as thick). I think it would be too hot to wear in the summer. Anyway, my two cents. I won't be buying more from them.

Anonymous said...

I got those striped Chaturanga tights for Christmas, and I love them! Also love my couple variations of Essence tanks. They've really held up over the last couple years, and I wear them a TON.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the unstinkable top review. I saw those at the athleta store on 5th ave NYC and was really curious about them. I don't own any athleta gear, but it seems like they are improving their product.


M

Anonymous said...

Hey! Thank you for this OT. Have been in a quandary: I've suddenly gained a ton of weight (bedridden for months) & starting to move again. Am loathe to buy a ton of new workout gear but need a few pieces, mostly bottoms. Was looking at Athleta's Salutation Capris in the new Powervita fabric. Since I am uncertain of my size (was a LLL 6 in luon. Could be an 8 or 10 now?) & cannot travel to a store, can anyone tell me what is the stretch factor, if there're a size up item (if between sizes), are they opaque etc. I will only be walking & doing Pilates ie: nothing intense. Any suggestions of other moderately priced capri leggings, from Athleta or another company would be greatly appreciated :) TIA!

Anonymous said...

I wish Athleta was available in Canada. I have bought a few things when visiting the States and just love all of them. Jenn

Unknown said...

As disappointed as I am in the trends seen at Lulu, I just can't get on board with Athleta. Their pieces don't speak to me and feel cheap. It's a personal preference. I certainly hope Lulu can turn around but if not I'll just keep sticking with my old pieces and maybe Manduka. Your blog is fabulous as always dear.

Samantha said...

I have the navy/white stripe Chaturanga capris and while I love them, I wish they would make a high rise version! I bought them before I was completely hooked on high rise, and now i feel like these hit me in a weird spot around my waist. That said though, the fabric is really nice, and they hold up well to the abuse crossfit has given them (and washed super clean after a wod with burpees in it).

LuluAddict said...

@Emily - I've definitely felt that in the past with Athleta and I think some pieces do feel cheap and some don't. You definitely have to pick and choose. I've tried to highlight the ones that I thought were a good value and are worth buying if you are looking for a lulu alternative. That being said, I think their construction is top notch. I own many of their swim pieces and have had a few of the workout pieces for a couple of years now and they are lasting nicely. The good thing about them is they have a generous return policy and even encourage you to wear an item before you decide to return it.

@ anon 11:22 am - I think athleta often runs a good half a size to a size big in many of their items. They are not a size up if you are between sizes in the Salutation Crop.

Anonymous said...

@Emily. I agree with you. Everyone keeps telling me that Athleta has improved. I went in and tried a few pieces. It just didn't feel right and where the seams sit it isn't as attractive. My friend wears Athleta and if seams cross in the front or back of her legs, they always pinch and leave marks. None of my Lululemon stuff does that. I also don't like the sizing of Athleta. It is definitely vanity sizing.

Anonymous said...

@11:22 am, not sure if this helps but I am a size 4 in everything from Lulu and XS is most things from Athleta. You may want to give Medium a try if you are a Lulu 8. They have a great return policy that you can do by mail. Also, I know I don't know you but I am sending prayers your way, I hope you will be able to be more active soon, I know what it feels like to be out of commission for an extended period, not fun!

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love the striped chats, and I've worn them for some hard-core, sweaty workouts, and they have not shown any sweat marks, sunless tan transfer, complete opaque,, and have withstood the wash a zillion times over. I'm also a fan of the high rise chats, and have most of the colors. I recently ordered some of their mid town trousers for work, (on sale!) and now I have a new addiction. So freakin comfy!

LuluAddict said...

@ anon 6:07 pm - I think the price differential makes the inferiorities of Athleta easier to swallow. The Striped Chats are $64, compared to the regular price of $88 for lululemon WUCs. And, you can often get even better sale prices on many of their items. However, these chats are every bit as good as Wunder Unders - the stripes line up on all the seams, they're opaque, they are made of nylon, and the fit is every bit as good as lulu's.

Anonymous said...

Re: "inferiorities of Athleta"

I guess I just don't get it. Unlike with Lulu, I have never, ever had to wonder to myself, Is what I am purchasing built well? Is it opaque? when shopping at Athleta. I know that I can just go in there, and if I like the fit and appearance of something, then I'm good to go, no further consideration required.
Once Athleta comes out with a true FTB competitor (I am not well-endowed so I like my bras to show a ton of skin, and Athleta's seem to be higher cut), I'll probably never purchase from Lulu again.