When it comes to stylish, luxe activewear, Alala has established themselves as one of the leaders in the market. Their signature NYC style is the perfect match for those looking for something fashionable and sleek with that little bit of edge. I’ve been buying and wearing Alala since they were brand new on the scene in 2014. Over the years, I’ve tried and worn many, many styles. Alala is still one of my absolute favorite brands that I come back to over and over again. If you’re new to the brand, here are my tips for finding the right style for you.
By the way: you can get 15% off full-priced items at Alala when you enter code AA15 at checkout!
For reference, I am 5’3″ and I typically wear a size XS in Alala and a size 0 in normal streetwear.
Alala Tops Sizing
Sizing for Alala’s tops is pretty straightforward and quite forgiving. In general, Alala tops tend to run either true to size or slightly loose. Most of their tops are designed for a relaxed fit. If you’re between sizes, go up for an easier fit, or down for a close fit.
Most of Alala’s bras are medium or low support and generally run true to size. Alala only uses compression style sports bras; they do not currently offer any encapsulation style options. Some come with slots to insert removable cups, but not all. In my experience, size XS bras typically fit like a 32 or even 34 band bra. The exception is bras made with their seamless fabric, which generally runs a size small.
For more detail: long bra and love bra review, mesh tank review, and sweatshirts review roundup
Alala Performance Tights Sizing
When it comes to fit, Alala uses several different fabrics that each result in a different fit. Here’s how they differ.
Flagship fabric
Styles: captain tights and crops, vamp tights and crops, reef tights, and many more
This fabric doesn’t have a name, but I called it their flagship fabric because it’s what Alala uses for the vast majority of their solid-colored and printed performance tights. The solid and printed fabrics are slightly different, but they fit the same, so I’ll discuss them both here.
Alala’s bottoms in this fabric run true to size. If you are between sizes or can’t decide, I recommend going with a smaller size.
In general, the solid fabric is smooth, silky, and cool to the touch rather than cottony. It feels more luxe than a lot of similar fabrics. It’s lightly compressive and holds you in just a little bit without being restrictive. It does not pill and is very breathable, making it suitable for high-friction, high-sweat activities like running and spinning.
Alala’s printed fabric is very similar to the solid fabric, except it has a slightly different handfeel. It’s even more silky and just very slightly less compressive compared to the solid fabric. It has great stretch to it, so it works well for bendy activities like yoga.
For more detail: custom captain tights review
Liquid fabric
Styles: liquid captain crops and tights, primary tight
Any of Alala’s liquid bottoms run about half a size small. Consider going a size up, especially if you are between sizes. It’s just a bit less stretchy and thus holds you in a little more than the flagship fabric above. I love the liquid fabric because in addition to looking sleek, it’s also very flattering. My liquid bottoms are some of my favorites.
For more detail: liquid captain tights review
Compression fabric
Styles: compression captain 7/8 tight, heroine tight
The compression fabric is awesome. They don’t make many styles with this fabric, but the ones they do are huge winners. Note that the compression fabric runs a full size small. Go up a size for sure. Since the fabric is, well, compressive, it’s best for high-impact activities. For studio workouts like yoga or barre, I recommend their flagship fabric instead. For more detailed, style-specific info, I wrote full reviews of both the compression captains and the heroine tights.
For more detail: compression captain 7/8 tight review and heroine tight review
My personal favorites
Captain crops and tights | I’ve collected over 10 pairs of captain crops and tights. They were part of Alala’s very first collection and have stood the test of time. For good reason: they are SO flattering and just gorgeous, and of course functional, too. As a petite gal, I’m personally partial toward the crops and 7/8 length version over the ankle length. If you only buy one thing from Alala, make it a pair of captains!
City puffer jacket | I own two of these, and I’ve been wearing them for 4 winters now. I love them TO DEATH. As with any quality outerwear, it’s a bit of an investment, but it’s so warm and just looks unapologetically cool.
Tie back long sleeve | This style is a cousin of the mesh tank I shared above. Even though it’s long sleeve, it’s very lightweight, making it suitable for warmer temps. Adding this layer to any outfit makes it feel instantly leveled up. For extra style points, pair this top with a statement sports bra, like a nice print or a cool strap design.
Rise dolman | This material is soooo soft and comfy. I love the way it fits, and it’s the perfect layer to throw on to and from the studio, out to errands, or around the house. One of my go-to layers.
Mesh tank | This tank does it all. It’s so breezy it’s like wearing no shirt at all, which is perfect for hot days. The higher neckline means you can wear it with any bra. I have several colors, but my favorite is white–it makes every outfit pop.
