Some products show up everywhere — subway ads, Instagram, celeb endorsements. With this series, we're testing such products to conclude one thing: Does it live up to the hype?
What's everyone talking about?
Everlane's do-it-all The Perform Legging, the brand's very first activewear piece that's sustainably made from 58% recycled nylon. It's designed for low to moderate activity with lightweight compression and sweat-wicking properties that'll keep you comfortable and dry through your workout.
What's the buzz about?
Everlane's commitment to providing exceptional quality clothing from eco-friendly materials and ethical factories has quickly made it emerge as a leading label with a cultish following in a competitive retail environment.
If the brand is already your go-to destination for premium, stylish, socially conscious basics, you probably own multiple pairs of their high-rise Cheeky Straight Jeans, made in one of the world's most energy-efficient factories, or their affordable Cashmere sweaters that are blended from recycled fibers, and maybe even a pair of handcrafted leather Boss Boots that'll last you a lifetime.
Everlane finally expanded into the athletic wear arena in January 2020, first with the silky and sustainable Perform Legging, which consequently expanded our wardrobes.
Where's all the hype coming from?
- A pre-launch 33,000-person waitlist in anticipation of an early sell-out
- Reviews by Glamour, Business Insider, and Who What Wear
- A existing cult-following over Everlane's eco-friendly minimalist basics
So does it live up to the hype?
How'd we come to this conclusion?
Slip on any of Everlane's better-done basics, and you'll instantly understand what all the fuss behind the brand is about. From the fit of their cuts, to their superior quality, and even their ethical and sustainable standards, Everlane does it all at a price that'll make you want to purchase one piece in every color.
But while I'd happily hand over my last dollar for one of their best-selling Box-Cut Pocket T-Shirts, I was slightly skeptical when I heard that Everlane was launching a line of athletic wear. Unlike a simple plain white tee, my checklist for a standard pair of performance leggings goes way beyond style, fit, and comfort.
But of course, the brand thought of everything when designing their simple, yet stylish Perform Legging, which Everlane claims “does it all,” aka it can be worn wherever and with whatever you like. They're made for low and moderate activity, but are still versatile enough to wear from barre class to brunch — all you need is a cute sweater and a mimosa.
In true Everlane style, they're made from 58% recycled nylon, plus premium performance fabric from a renowned Italian mill. The material is thin, but squat-proof, and breathable enough for an outdoor summer workout, with a luxurious, silky-to-the-touch feel that seamlessly wicks away sweat. The material doesn't scratch or pill, plus it offers a tiny bit of compression — enough to hold you in while wearing out with a crop top, but still comfortable and flexible enough to wear while watching TV at home.
The Perform Leggings feature a streamlined spare seamed look that's exactly the type of classic minimalism you'd expect from an Everlane purchase. And while I'm all for keeping things simple, I just didn't love how one of the few visible seams unflatteringly hit across the widest part of my belly. That being said, their extra-high waist made up for it by making my legs look a million miles long, and not rolling down during my run.
It admittedly took me a few wears to realize that these leggings feature a hidden internal pocket in the waistband that's large enough to hold keys, cards, and cash, but let me just sat that this discovery has been life-changing.
These leggings are available in both ankle and regular length sizes in five colorful, yet muted hues, and as a short-legged petite-size pant shopper, I can attest that the ankle length truly hits at the ankle. Sizes range from XXS-XXL, and run small, so size up if you happen to be in between sizes.
What's the bottom line?
Everlane's Perform Legging is versatile enough to wear anywhere with anything, so you can "do it all" in them while feeling comfortable, compressed, and dry. They're made of 58% recycled fabric, and feature a clean and classic vibe with minimal seams that are synonymous with Everlane's well-loved aesthetics and core values.
