Unleash Your Inner Champion: Exploring Vuori's Activewear Excellence
When it comes to purchasing performance-wear, I am naturally drawn to vibrant and eye-catching colors and designs. If you were to search through my wardrobe, you would find an abundance of tangerine orange workout sets, orchid purple moisture-wicking tops, and baby pink sweatpants. However, after facing difficulties in coordinating my athleisure outfits and creating gym-ready ensembles, I made the decision to take a break from colorful attire and embark on a quest for versatile essentials. It was during this journey that I stumbled upon Vuori, a highly regarded online destination for top-notch athleisure and workout basics that effortlessly complement any item in your wardrobe.
What's Vuori?
Vuori, a brand known for its incredibly soft performance-wear, quickly gained popularity in the world of athleisurewear when it launched in 2014. However, it truly soared to new heights in 2020, as more and more people opted for comfortable and practical athleisure attire, abandoning stiff jeans and formal tops. The reign of at-home-wear continues to this day, and Vuori has proven itself to be a formidable contender in both our wallets and wardrobes. With its collection of soft and durable workout and leisure pieces, the brand effortlessly combines comfort and practicality.
Vuori offers a wide range of products, from long-sleeve crop tops to cozy sweats to insulated jackets that provide warmth even in 40-degree weather. I can personally vouch for the quality of their products, as I tested one of their coats in the freezing cold of Chicago. It kept me toasty and comfortable throughout. Additionally, Vuori also offers cozy and functional accessories like the California Beanie and anti-odor Crew Socks.
What truly sets Vuori apart from other brands, however, is its unwavering commitment to the environment and ethical manufacturing practices. A quick scroll through their website reveals their comprehensive code of conduct, which outlines their stance on ethical labor. Furthermore, Vuori actively seeks out environmentally-friendly manufacturers that prioritize minimizing material waste and reducing water consumption.
In addition to their impressive product range and ethical practices, Vuori's quality is truly top-tier. The stitching is impeccable, there is no sign of pilling, and the fabric feels luxuriously soft. From their cream waffle crews to their buttery-soft leggings, which have become my personal favorite for everyday wear, I highly recommend exploring the Vuori products that I have personally tested and made space for in my small NYC closet.
The best of Vuori
AllTheFeels™ Legging — $98.00
This is Vuori's latest release: The AllTheFeels Legging crafted with the innovative BlissBlend fabric - an incredibly soft and flexible material that provides the comfort of an everyday legging while offering the performance of a workout legging. Over the past few weeks, I've put the AllTheFeels leggings to the test during intense Orangetheory sessions, leisurely walks with my dogs, and relaxing moments at home. Without a doubt, they have become my go-to leggings, and I find myself wishing I had them in every shade!
Whether I'm engaged in running or weightlifting, I never have to readjust as the material fits snugly and moves effortlessly with my body. Moreover, as someone who perspires profusely, the moisture-wicking fabric impressively dries quickly (usually leaving me fully dry within the 10-minute drive home from the gym). This functional feature is truly invaluable to me.
Sizes available: XXS-XXL
Colors: 5
Pros:
- Extremely soft, yet durable
- Great for high-intensity workouts and leisure activities as well
- Sweat-wicking
- Pricey
- There *is* a middle seam that may cause camel toe
Daily Wideleg — $98.00
Constructed from a blend of polyester and elastane, these wide leg pants are incredibly soft and comfortable. What sets them apart is their high-waisted design, which accentuates my legs in all the right places and adds a subtle flare at the bottom. I particularly love the peach color. However, it's worth noting that as a 5'1 individual, these pants may be a bit long when worn without shoes. To compensate for this, I recommend pairing them with thicker-soled footwear, such as chunky boots. Personally, that's how I styled mine.
Not only are these pants stretchy and forgiving, but they also feature an elasticated tie that allows for a contoured fit. What's even better is their versatility. I can easily dress them down with sneakers and a t-shirt for a casual look, or dress them up with a chunky knit and some booties for a more sophisticated ensemble. These pants have quickly become my go-to choice.
Sizes available: XS-XL
Colors: 3
Performance Jogger — $94.00
The Vuori Performance Jogger was my first purchase when the pandemic forced us all into quarantine. While others were busy hoarding toilet paper, I decided to invest in these incredibly soft sweatpants, despite my initial hesitation due to the price. And let me assure you, even after three years of working from home, they have not disappointed. Although they have slightly pilled on the inside after numerous washes, they remain the softest garment I have ever worn on my legs. These joggers have endured my changing body during and after pregnancy, maintaining their shape and elasticity. Whenever I seek comfort without sacrificing style, I always reach for them. These joggers strike the perfect balance between being cozy and looking presentable. If there is such a thing as "comfort clothing," these joggers embody it perfectly. - Jenny Heimlich, Senior Health & Fitness Editor
Material: 89% Recycled Polyester, 11% Elastane
Sizes available: XXS–XXL
Colors: 15
Pros:
- Incredibly soft
- Last for years
- Relaxed, stretchy fit, without getting stretched out
- Stylish cut
Cons:
- Can be too warm for hotter days
- Not exactly budget-friendly
Clementine Short 2.0 — $58.00
These running shorts are truly exceptional and have exceeded my expectations. As someone who is very particular about running shorts, I can confidently say that these are among the best I have ever tried. They strike the perfect balance between being lightweight and durable, allowing me to move freely without feeling vulnerable. Additionally, their design is incredibly stylish. Whether I am heading to the track, going for brunch, embarking on a hike, or spending a day at the beach, these shorts are my go-to choice. However, if there was one area for improvement, it would be the pocket space. Currently, there is only one small zip pocket in the front, which can accommodate a credit card or some keys. Having more pocket space would make these shorts even more perfect.
Material: 50% Recycled Polyester, 42% Polyester, 8% Elastane
Sizes: XXS–XXL
Colors: 10
Pros:
- Flexible, four-way stretch fabric
- Elastic waist keeps them in place without digging into the skin
- Ample coverage without being restrictive
Cons:
- Only one small pocket in the front
Volley Skirt — $68.00
As of late, I've taken up pickleball with my boyfriend, and that meant finding the right attire to at least appear the part (even if my athletic abilities aren't quite there yet). This skirt perfectly blends comfort and functionality. With its integrated shorts (which I absolutely adore!), it ensures no discomfort from chaffing, while its high-waisted band flatters my figure. The cherry on top? Its remarkable versatility guarantees that I'll be sporting it both on and off the courts.
Material: 72% Polyester, 28% Elastane
Sizes available: XXS-XXL (regular and long)
Colors: Black, White, & Baltic.
Pros:
- High-waisted, decent size range (that comes in regular and long)
- Built-in shorts
- Durable fabric that holds up well in the wash
- Does not wrinkle easily
Cons:
- Pockets are only on the built-in shorts
- Limited color selection
- Flares out a bit on the sides
- Runs slightly big
Daily Legging — $89.00
The Daily leggings, sister to the popular Daily Wideleg pants, have proven to be the most comfortable pair of leggings I have ever trained in. Whether I'm going for a run, hitting the gym, or even traveling on a plane, these leggings are perfect for any activity. Just like the Wideleg pants, they are high-waisted and feature a drawcord waistband for a customized fit. Despite intense workouts that leave me sweating through my chest and shoulder day, the Daily leggings keep me dry and warm, thanks to their moisture-wicking polyester and elastane blend. I can't imagine going a day without wearing them.
Sizes available: XXS-XXL
Colors: 8
Seabreeze Skirt — $74.00
Pockets, pockets, pockets. If you're familiar with me, you're aware that few things bring me greater joy than dresses (or skirts) that come with convenient pockets. Why, you ask? Well, it's simply essential for me to have a place to stash my lipgloss or some extra treats for my beloved dogs. Needless to say, this skort is not only incredibly comfortable but also comes with built-in pockets, which has me absolutely thrilled. Moreover, the fabric lives up to its name by being wonderfully breezy, thanks to its breathable performance stretch woven material. No need to worry about any uncomfortable sweat in hidden corners or crevices here.
Material: 83% Polyamide, 17% Elastane (Shell)/88% Polyester, 12% Elastane
Available sizes: XXS-XXL
Colors: 4
Pros:
- Ultra-breathable
- High-waisted
- Pockets
- Built-in shorts
- Cute drawcord print
- Flattering fit
Cons:
- Limited sizing
- Limited color selection
- A bit short for taller folks
