As we all know, horizontal stripes can do some magical things for one’s rear end and self esteem, and when I passed by these last week I simply had no choice but to try them on… and eventually buy them. I know I featured these as part of a Fitting Room last week, but I love them so much, they deserve their own little photo shoot and post.

Review: Athleta Stripe Contender 7/8 Tight ($89)

Token sizing disclaimer: I’m 5’9″, a lulu 8 on top, 10 on the bottom. Wearing an M in the photos below.

THE FIT

Like I noted in last week’s recap, I’ve had issues with finding the right fit with Athleta pants. Turns out I was going for pieces that were too big. All my store had was an M, so I grabbed them just because I wanted to try the stripes on. Kind of glad they didn’t have an L, or else I may have missed out.

Usually in order to fit my quads and hips, I’d have a gaping amount of extra space in the waistband of any L I tried on. In order for the waist to fit in these, I wasn’t sure about how much the M would stretch to accommodate the… um… assets. I was pleasantly surprised.

The two happy words that I know you’re waiting: NOT SHEER!

These tights are a true 7/8 length. I’m pretty tall, so chances are high if you’re under 5’7″ that they’re probably going to end up full length on you.

As you can see, there’s a little bit of space around the ankle openings on me. Not baggy, though. The lululemon High Times that I’m wearing right now do the same exact thing.

The rise goes just below my belly button. I consider them just shy of being ‘high rise’, but again, my height probably has something to do with it. It’s also a bit of a snugger fit around the waistline than you get with lululemon.

THE FABRIC & DESIGN DETAILS

I did this with the lululemon electrobeam Speed Wunders and I figured I’d give the video thing another go… let’s ramble about the pockets & fabric in 60 (ok so 70) seconds or less.

If you don’t feel like watching: the fabric is delightfully compressive. The best part is that the striped pattern is woven in, so when you bend, the navy doesn’t get lighter. Three pockets: 1 in the waistband and a side pocket on each leg.

The side pocket is a bit tough to get right due to contouring, but overall the stripe alignment is quite well done, especially where it matter the most: the back.

While lululemon is often credited with creating the most magic with the infamous quiet stripes and their parallel stripe follow up, let’s be real. 2012 and 2013 are long gone, and some of us simply don’t want to pay hundreds of dollars for a flattering pair of USED crops from a facebook board or eBay.

THE VERDICT

It’s only been a week but I have grown quite fond of these tights already. If lulu’s been putting you to sleep lately with their muted colors and too artsy patterns, these are a high-quality fresh breath of air. 🙂

OBTW

Really on the videos though, let me know in the comments section if you find the videos helpful and would like to see more in the future. Editing video is not my strong suit, but if quick micro reviews are something you’d like to see more of, I’ll do my best to suck less at it and include more in the future!