Dude. I really thought the third time was going to be a charm. At this rate, the only way I’m going to get lucky (in any sense of the word) is if I buy a box of these:
The Fitting Room: Runderful Pant ($128) in black
First FIRST impression before I even opened the package – it was HEAVY. I knew these pants were double layered, but I didn’t expect that much weight.
Getting them on was another adventure. Because the Runderfuls have rulu leggings built in underneath, it wasn’t just an easy slide in (…that’s what she said).
It was a bit of a challenge, given that my heels like to get stuck when I’m trying to put leggings on, and it’s tougher doing it blind.
(Click photos above to enlarge)
THE FIT: Some reviews are saying to size up. They definitely felt tighter than expected in pulling them up over my CrossFit posterior, but once I got them up, they felt true to size. The waistband was the only part that felt smaller than expected when putting them on, but the pants fit as expected when they were up all the way. If you’re in between, size UP.
LENGTH: They left about 2in of space between the bottom of the pant and the floor on me, and I’m 5’9″. When I put sneakers on, they were long enough to hit my shoes and gather a little, instead of flapping in the breeze a la Steve Urkel.
POCKET SITUATION: As illustrated by the multiple rear views, there are none on the back. However, as you can see in the photos above, there are two zipper pockets that are a bit towards the front of the leg. This is a step up from the Wind Runner Pant, which I would have bought if they had pockets.
DETAILS: In addition to the front zip pockets, there are some mesh-covered reflective detailing around the knee area, reminiscent of last year’s Illumina Crop. There’s also some more of that action down around the inside cuff of the ankles.
TWO-FER EFFECT: The Runderfuls are essentially rulu tights with a weatherproof layer built in over them. They are incredibly cozy warm. To change up the look a bit, there are elastic cords to cinch the ankles up a little so you can show off the tighter layer underneath.
THE CRUX: You had to know it was coming… you had to know it was coming because I haven’t said OMG BUY THESE yet. I experienced what some other reviewers online did… the evil crotch bunching! I’m thinking it may be because I’m on the taller side.
As soon as I pulled these pants up so that the inner layer was comfortable, LOOK WHAT THEY DID. LOOK AT WHAT THEY FREAKING DID.
I don’t know if it’s because I have quads or because my hips are a bit higher due to my height, but it was not a good look for me. Having to take the time to bend over and rearrange the outer layer, I would think the mischief had been managed, only to stand up and feel the inner layer sagging down. I’m not Justin Bieber, I don’t like pants with droopy crotches, or pants even with the FEELING as such.
THE VERDICT: Honestly, I’m on the fence about these. They’re sitting nicely folded on my kitchen table, waiting if they will be returned to the mall or introduced to the rest of its lulu brethren upstairs in my closet. The concept is great, and I’m wondering if I could deal with having to adjust my pants on the fly whenever I stand up in the name of functionality. However, when I’m working outside it’s not always frigid. Chilly, yes, but I’m not working on top of a ski mountain or anything. They may be a little too warm for me.
I can’t promise the awkward crotch bunching is going to happen to everyone. Some reviewers have said UGH it does, others have indicated they haven’t had a problem at all. It all depends on your body type.
If you get cold all the time, do yourself a favor and try them on. While it wasn’t an instant love at first wear for me, the Runderful Pant could end up being your new favorite fall/winter pants.