I wish I were one of those people who love exercising. I envy my friends who get out of bed early, energized for spin class or yoga. But as far back as I can remember, my preferred morning activity has always been heading back under the covers and hitting the snooze button a dozen times. I’m always needing small motivators to get me going, like a new YouTube video to try or a new running route. And as silly as it may sound, having cute workout clothes definitely helps!
I kept seeing pieces by Outdoor Voices (the brand’s name represents the opposite of a hush-hush “indoor voice”) on my more active friends, so I finally placed an order to try on a few styles. It was no surprise that one of those aforementioned friends showed up to pickleball in the same workout set! Our camera was in the car, so she was a good sport and let Nick snap some twinning photos for laughs : )
3/4 length leggings for petites
Fabric & Style: I chose this style for the compression fabric, since I like my leggings to have a good amount of “hold.” These feel well-made with the multi-pieced construction, and are sturdy yet stretchy and comfortable for my level of exercise (jogging, toning, YouTube workouts, light sports). There’s a pocket inside the front waistband big enough to fit a credit card and keys, and the fabric has a faint melange print on it.
Fit: We’re both wearing the two-tone warmup leggings (also comes in 13 solid colors) in the 3/4 length – my friend is 5’4″ and I’m a touch under 5 feet, and these were perfect on me as full-length leggings. The waistline comes right up to my belly button.
Sizing: I thought these were true to size for compression leggings, although a little small relative to my usual Zella. Compared to my Zella paneled crop leggings in size XXS (see them on me), these Outdoor Voices leggings in size XS measured almost the same when lying flat. The Zella crop leggings in XXS are shorter in length, and are a tiny bit smaller at the waist (measuring 1/2 inch narrower across the very top) so do stay up a little better at my high waist.
Measurements of OV 3/4 leggings in XS: 23.5″ inseam, 11.75″ across the waist when lying flat.
Athena Crop Top
There’s something about crop tops paired with high-waisted leggings that’s so shapely and flattering! Part of it is because the only sliver of skin being shown is the area right above your tummy. This Athena crop top has rave reviews from customers who say they even wear it as an impromptu swim top, or a fashion top for going out. I probably wouldn’t buy it on its own without coordinating leggings because it wasn’t anything special. If you have a larger chest, this will not provide enough support to wear in lieu of a true sports bra.
I also tried their popular slashback crop top which looks so cute on from the back, but I had struggles getting it on and off (always got stuck going over my shoulders)! I don’t see anyone else having this issue per the reviews, so I might just be less flexible in that area.
Kit Savings
Kits are basically mix-and-match sets, where you can choose the style and color of a top + bottom for a fixed price. Depending on the styles, you can save up to $50 for two pieces this way. I’m bummed this two-toned Athena crop (pictured above) wasn’t available when I bought my kit – love the flattering look of the full navy & charcoal set!
I also tried on this kit with the kneecap leggings, which not surprisingly hit below the knees on me. Personally I find longer leggings to be more flattering on my short legs, so preferred the 3/4 length.
This hat is my first and only baseball cap. I love it so much I ordered it in a second color! For something so seemingly basic, I had a tough time finding one that fit right. So many womens caps I tried on were too shallow for my head, and mens were too deep. One reviewer complained about no slot to stick the excess end of the adjustable strap, but there definitely is one (which you can see in the back stock photo).
Sidenote, pickleball might be my latest obsession! It’s a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping pong – I’m not good at any of the above, but somehow the combination was a blast. It’s more popular amongst the senior citizen crowd (easier on the joints than tennis), but don’t be fooled! We worked up quite the sweat and were sore for days after a few rigorous doubles matches. Now, on a mission to find some pickle courts in Boston …
I am like you, Jean, as I don’t like to work out per se. However, I am onboard with activities that get my heart pumping that are not necessarily in a gym-type environment. I agree that cute workout clothes can be a good motivator!! Love the styles you’ve featured!
You ladies are dressed up and ready for your workout! I love it! Every workout look is hot! Cute pieces!
These are aaahhhdorable, Jean 🙂 I kept seeing the Outdoor Voice FB ad pop up but haven’t actually read about anyone’s experience with them. AND similar to you – I’m not so big on exercising but have you tried bTone’s studio on Newbury Street? SO much fun indo-rowing!!
Best,
Rebecca Brianne of Bexpeditions
Thanks for the local tip, Rebecca! I hadn’t heard of them before but will keep them in mind when looking to try something new!
Thank you for the tips, Jean! Random question – what kind of undergarments do you usually wear with athleisure/rec outfits? Cannot stand VPLs which is why I tend to stick to dark colors. :/ Any tips would be helpful!
Hi Rachel! Yikes .. I’m a bikini brief / granny panty girl so I’m probably showing some lines in the rear inadvertently! The last time I asked for suggestions for seamless underwear, I was flooded with recommendations for Uniqlo undies so maybe check those out (however, based on the reviews, it seems like they might’ve changed a bit).
This looks so darn fun! It’s so great. Love the leggings!
XOXO //
SINCERELY OPHELIA | NYC Petite Fashion Blogger
Those workout clothes look amazing on you 🙂
http://www.pennyanddash.com
This clothes look so comfy for working out. I love working out and sometimes I workout 6-5 times a week so I need to check out this brand. Also, I agree 100% new clothes motivate me to workout more!
Love
Pili
To Read with Tea
Hi Jean
I love your website and I m following you for a long time.
I have a pair of so kate that I need to sell.
Can you introduce any website that are trustworthy for selling and buying designer clothing.
Thanks and good luck with everything you do
Hi Sarana! eBay is popular (I used it for years in the past) but you do have to do more work including photographing the item, writing the listing, answering all questions, shipping to the buyer, etc. I’ve also tried luxury consignment like the Real Real and similar websites, but note that with most consignment arrangements, you only receive about 40% (give or take) of the selling value. Good luck!
Hi Jean!
Even though I am not petite, I religiously follow you because your outfits are just amazing.
This might not be related to this exact blog post, but in others you mention that you are shrinking your clothes to fit you better. May I ask what brand/type of washer and dryer do you have? We might be moving soon and I am looking for some great options. The washers and dryers available in rental properties make me cry how terrible they are…
Thanks!
Hi Pavla! Congrats on your soon-to-be new washer & dryer … it’s amazing what a good set can do for garment care! So I’m not a good person to ask because we live in a small city condo without dryer vents, so we had to purchase a washer + ventless dryer set (by LG) to meet the regulations. If anyone has good recommendations on regular washer & dryers, please share!
I had no idea what pickleball was until my father-in-law introduced it to us when we went to visit him. Apparently, it’s the hot new game for the senior set!
Outdoor Voices 3/4 leggings are my go-to, precisely because they are the only ones that are the right length for petites. There are so many leggings I want to wear, but because they pool at the bottom it feels so silly to have them hemmed. I also feel you on the kneecap leggings. I find super cropped pants/leggings tend to hit right a the thickest part of my legs, which isn’t flattering 🙁
Haha yesss – I actually learned about it through a friend’s dad, but there’s no shame in younger folks playing it, too!
THANK YOU for an honest review of OV!! Especially mentioning how hard the slashback crop was to put on–I had the same experience and then thought I was crazy, because none of the reviews ever mentioned the difficulty/inconvenience of getting OV crops on.
At 5’2″, I love the aesthetic of OV clothing but found the legging lengths (kneecap leggings hit at the widest part of a petite’s calves, which isn’t the most flattering; 7/8 leggings are wayyyy too long; leaving us only with 3/4 length) inconvenient for petite wear; and the crop tops, because they have no cups, flattened out my chest and required extra steps (like another sports bra underneath?) to prevent unintentional headlights from showing through. It’s such a pity, though, because the overall outfit does look so cute. I just don’t know how everyone else deals with all those issues in their outfits!
Hi Cece – Hah, glad I’m not alone with the slashback crop struggle! Regarding the tops, I am not sure if they’re being marketed as tops or sports bras. I would love cups too but I actually didn’t have headlight troubles (story of my life with unlined swimwear) surprisingly. To be extra safe though when wearing sans bra underneath, I’d stick only to the darker colored ones now that you mention it.
I so love the crop tops, they look so comfy.
xo
Pinksole
I love your workout set, Jean! My workout clothes are pretty frumpy and not stylish in any way, but I definitely want to do a closet revamp and sort that out!
I hope you’re having a lovely Tuesday!
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
These workout sets are so cute! <3 🙂 Looking super chic as always!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
I’ve been wanting to try Outdoor Voices for awhile now, so this post is super helpful! I’d love to know how you feel about their fabric. I went in their NYC store this summer to check out some of the styles, but the pants didn’t feel as soft as I’m used to my yoga pants being. I didn’t try any on, so I’m not sure if this is a problem while wearing, but would love to hear any thoughts you have on this.
Xo, Emily
Epicurean Emily
Hi Emily – I actually don’t have too much experience with different brands of leggings since before this, I was pretty loyal to Zella! So in comparison to those, the technical fabric of these feels fairly similar. You’re right in that it’s not a soft knit, but it seems typical of compression legging fabrics.
The workout clothes are adorable and fit so well! I should check the brand out!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com