If you’re testing out an activewear brand for the first time, you might as well fly to LA and see how it fares against professional choreography. At least, such was my thinking for Fabletics’s 10-year anniversary celebration, featuring a dance class taught by professional dancer and choreographer for Lana del Rey, Alexandria Kaye. The dreamland-inspired festivities were set to be held at the iconic Playground LA dance studio, known for its viral marquee letters and high-energy classes with some of the biggest names in dance. Having never tried Fabletics before, I figured there was no better time to hop a flight and see what all the hype was about.
Fabletics prides themselves on standing out from the crowd, shaking up the activewear industry with inclusive sizing (ranging from XXS to 4X) and designs that are equally fashion-forward and high-performing. Influencers swear the quality rivals that of higher-priced competitors, with creator Hannah Brown adding the brand to her crowd-sourced list of “Where to Get Hot Girl Gym Clothes.”
Fabletics’s LUXE360 collection celebrates the past decade with updated takes on fan-favorites, even bringing hits like the Dash Low Impact Bra ($13) and the Clara Cropped Tank ($18) out of the archive. (Note that prices are based on the Fabletics membership; policies outlined below.)
“Our anniversary-themed capsule is a special nod to some of the brand’s most legendary pieces of all time, with some special modern updates, that take you through a decade of style,” Fabletics co-founder and designer, Ginger Ressler tells POPSUGAR. “These pieces are timeless, and all created to make it easy to transition from daily activities, whether you throw on a jacket or sweater, or change from a sneaker to a boot.”
As a consistent gym-goer who deals with partial blindness and a chronic illness, I usually prefer low-impact, low-anxiety workouts. I stick to the tried-and-true machines I know, only ever venturing into the free weights when I have a gym buddy with me to ease the inevitable awkwardness induced by a large (and oftentimes, busy) commercial gym.
That said, over the years, I’ve found that my gym ‘fit directly correlates to my level of confidence (chalk it up to my Leo sun sign). Knowing that I’m about to dance at such a popular spot, and armed with the best and brightest of Fabletics’ LUXE360 collection, I have a sneaking suspicion this same principle is about to apply.
My goal for the event is to answer two questions. First, does the quality of the Fabletics pieces I wear support actual movement (and presumably a decent amount of sweat)? Second, is Fabletics cute enough to put me at ease during my first-ever influencer event?
What I Liked About the Fabletics LUXE360 Collection
As I unpack my items, I’m already feeling positive about my second question. I opt for the black Mesh Paneled Low Impact Bra ($15) and matching Powerhold High-Waisted Mesh Paneled 7/8 Leggings ($21). At 5’3, the cropped leggings are full-length on me, but I prefer it that way, noting the compression of the legging material (definitely squat-proof) and the flattering placement of the paneling. I feel I could’ve sized down in the sports bra, but rest assured, the mesh still covers what it needs to. In an effort to layer, I pull on the open-back Femina Top ($20), later tying the long sleeves around my waist, and hunt for my black and red rose eye patch to complete the look.
Image Source: Courtesy of Chandler Plante
The Uber pulls up to an unsuspecting spot on Melrose and my experiment begins. Upon navigating the sea of tripods, champagne-flavored cotton candy, and pastel photo opps, I find myself growing increasingly grateful for my matching set . . . and quickly decide that the answer to question number two is a definitive yes. Some attendees are wearing the stormy gray Cloud Seamless Midi Bralette ($12) and matching Cropped Seamless Rib Full-Zip ($21), while others catch the light in seamless sets decorated with iridescent stars. Ressler herself is in an outfit like mine, only in a dusty rose color, and Kaye looks badass teaching class in an aqua sports bra and matching Cozy Fleece Go-To Sweatpants ($21).
I start saying a silent prayer once I realize we’re dancing to Missy Elliot’s “Lose Control.” I hope my collegiate-level dance training can guide me through these trying times, doing my best to feign self assurance. About halfway through my stint at the back of the class, I notice I’m genuinely enjoying myself, and my outfit is holding up beautifully through every squat, dip, and body roll. In the last few moments of class, Kaye encourages us to give it our all and really perform the choreography. I take her advice and am visibly shaking by the end of the 30-second routine. On the plus side, you can barely see the sweat on my set, which means both of my questions are officially answered.
At the end of the day, I’m no scientist. But with no prior knowledge of the brand, Fabletics took me by surprise. The leggings felt thick and durable, their tops were buttery soft, and they delivered on the high-fashion promise I initially approached with some cynicism. Their dedication to inclusivity and diversity, with sizes and designs meant to look good on all kinds of people with all kinds of goals, indicates that they’re setting themselves up well for another decade of success. For the price, the quality is definitely there, and if the clothes can carry me through a dance class of influencers at Playground LA, I promise they can take you just about anywhere.
Image Source: Courtesy of Chandler Plante
What’s Worth Noting About the Fabletics LUXE360 Collection
All of the clothes in the Luxe360 collection are made to transition well outside of the gym, making it easier to go about your day following a workout. The designs are modern without feeling microtrendy – but I would be mindful of the size guide. While my usual medium worked perfectly for the leggings, I think a small may have been a better fit for the sports bra.
Additional Details
- Fabletics operates on a membership system. If you sign up, you’re charged $60 on the 6th of every month. In exchange, you’re essentially “buying” Member Credits that you can use to purchase any item or two-piece outfit, for up to $100. You’re getting access to some solid discounts and exclusive savings.
- If you don’t want to be charged, you can simply “skip the month” any time between the 1st and 5th of the month.
- You also don’t have to redeem your credits each month. You can let them roll over for up to 12 months.
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