Shopping Reviews, Vol. 53: J.Crew Factory Activewear

January is really all about fitness, isn’t it? Everywhere you turn, there’s a new deal for a new gym. But what’s the best way to get motivated to get to the gym? New workout clothes.

So wear have I started checking out? Well recently, J.Crew Factory activewear has become a thing and I’m completely in favor of it. New Balance is now collaborating with J.Crew Factory, which means all of the New Balance x J.Crew stuff that I love but at much better prices. It’s really the best of all worlds. I still love J.Crew and Old Navy though, so I’m also sharing a few pieces I picked up from there too.

J.Crew Factory Colorblock premium performance high neck crop top, S

I keep needing to remind myself that it’s a crop top not a sports bra…..but honestly, I’m small chested, so I wear these in the place of sports bras all of the time. They’re minimal to no support, so they’re great for low impact sports. Plus, I love pairing them with the annoyingly low cut tops (just why). These crop tops tend to run a little small though, so I would plan on sizing up or ordering two sizes to compare if you tend to be in between.

Verdict: keep

New Balance® for J.Crew seamless tank top, XS

I’ve realized over time that with a few exceptions, I typically prefer tank tops that are looser. This tank is definitely stretchy and by no means restricting. I’ve just gotten so use to tops that don’t cling to my body as much. If you like tops that are fitted, this is a great option that runs true to size. The material is also very breathable, which is a super plus.

Verdict: Return.

New Balance for J.crew performance mesh-back sports bra in stripe, S

This is my first actual sports bra from J.Crew and I’m actually pretty impressed. I would say that it’s about medium support and true to size. I love the mesh detail in the back (especially since that’s a high sweat area for a lot of people). It also didn’t cut into anywhere too badly.

Verdict: Keep

New Balance® for J.Crew performance leggings in striped colorblock, S

Fun fact: J.Crew has amazing work out leggings. Who knew. This pair is currently priced at $90-something but I some how got them on sale for $20. They’re high waisted (which I love), true to size, and surprisingly thick (which is amazing). I wasn’t sure how much I would like the design in person, but it’s fairly subdue and will go with a lot of my pieces. I think that it’s high enough quality to be put at the price point of Beyond Yoga and Alo, but you know me, I still say wait for the sale.
Verdict: keep

Old Navy Funnel-Neck Pullover Hoodie, XS

I don’t know why, but I love funnel-necks so much more than hoodies. It makes no sense, but I feel like you look slightly more put together…yet it’s still super cozy. This is a great piece and I know it’s going to keep me warm on the cold days when I’m working at barre.

Verdict: Keep

Old Navy Go-Dry Open-Back Tank for Women, Blackjack, XS

I love loose tanks, especially when they have a fun, open back. This fit that description perfectly! This fit is true to size and just long enough that it covers your butt too (which is always nice.

Verdict: Keep

Old Navy Go-Dry Strappy Tee, Night Cruise, XS

While I prefer to work out in tank tops, I like to have a short sleeve top as a layering piece between my tank top and my hoodie. I know it’s really weird, but I like it for running errands after pure barre. This tank top is the perfect layering piece. It’s light and loose. Also, even though I just said I normally like tanks to work out in, I ended up liking this shirt so much, that I ended up wearing this shirt to barre the day I got it!

Verdict: I clearly kept it!

High-Rise Compression Run Leggings for Women, S

I also needed to pick up some new black leggings and you can’t go wrong with Old Navy. Whenever I shop there, I always aim for the compression running leggings. I’ve noticed that they seem to be the most durable and the least see through. Both of which are qualities I like in my workout clothes.
Verdict: Keep