Aside from my visit to lulu for try-ons, I also dipped into Lorna Jane for a minute. I was on a mission: specifically, I wanted to try on the spot me 7/8 tights and matching bra. A simple, clean black and white geometric pattern is a wardrobe workhorse. There’s something about the way they did the dot pattern that was really playful and appealing to me.
Unfortunately, the moment I grabbed the crops, I had a feeling it wasn’t going to go well. The fabric immediately felt quite stiff and not soft at all. The feel of the fabric was definitely the biggest turn-off. I really, really didn’t like the feeling of the fabric. It was neither comfortable nor luxurious.
I soldiered on and put them on anyway. The pair I grabbed was a size XS, which is normally a good fit for me in Lorna Jane bottoms. These didn’t fit well at all. The legs were a bit tight while the hips and waist felt slightly loose, which creates the vague feeling that they’re being pulled downward. They do have the continuous drawcord at the waist, but they definitely didn’t form to my body in a way that felt comfortable and secure. Although nothing necessarily looks off in the photos, how I felt wearing them was a different story.
On the plus side, the spot me bra fit me better than LJ’s bras normally do. Out of the many I’ve tried, most of them cut into my breast tissue and create a quad-boob effect while simultaneously being too loose in the band. This bra actually fit pretty well. It came up high enough not to cut in, and the band did not gape. Another nice touch is the adjustable straps in the back. The fabric was not an issue because the bra is lined with a different type of material, so the stiff material of the print is basically just decoration on the outside. Like with most thin-strapped styles, the support was low on me.
Also, it’s cute as hell. Unfortunately, I only wanted the bra insofar as I had the pants to match. The low support means it’s not all that practical for me, so I simply couldn’t justify it.
Overall, it’s a shame the set didn’t work out, because if the fabric and fit had been more up to par, I would’ve bought the set in a heartbeat. Definitely disappointed that these did not work out. :(
I’ve never tried Lorna Jane before, but Zuzka Light seems to be a huge fan of the brand and she always looks amazing in it. Although with her kind of body she can wear a rag and still look fantastic. I wish there was a store near me, as I’m hesitant to buy online.
I was a big fan of LJ stuff for a couple of years and having heaps of her bras and pants I just didn’t wear them enough for a good test. However, some of the bras have stretched out after a couple of washes and my boobs are falling out of them ( and I’m a small B). The tights,while looking cute, are not for someone who sweats a lot. I tried but prefer Lululemon. They are definitely fine for weights and low intensity training, but unfortunately, only work for me as to-and-from.
Speaking about Zuzka – she’s sponsored by LJ and I can confirm that in most of LJ bras And tights I look amazing – the reason I was buyng her stuff in the past ;) but looking good and feeling good while doing WOD are 2 Different things :) Just my experience, of course :)
Yeah, those types of people definitely have a way of tricking me into wanting stuff that I might not’ve paid attention to otherwise. :) Their return policy isn’t that great unfortunately, so I don’t buy their stuff online either. :
Pity they did not work out! they look nice on you though. I do buy their bras and some tops when on sale. So far the bras have been ok but sizing wise they have been inconsistent (then again so is lulu), so can be a hit and miss. despite that, I must say I love the padding that comes with the LJ bras.. they are substantially much thicker haha
not too inspired by lulu’s collection lately and the prices too :( (though the green hues are nice!) .. which is good for my wallet thus far.. the feb spending ban still going strong haha
Yeah, I definitely agree sizing is pretty inconsistent, especially with bras. It’s not great considering they also have a less-than-generous return policy. I do love the padding, too! :)
you know, I haven’t ever really had a win with Lorna Jane. I’ve purchased three of their bras, which I thought were cute enough, but they’re just not that comfortable. I’ve got one tank that I like, and I’ve NEVER found crops that I thought would work out well in my high intensity workouts. I crossfit and run distance, and to me their stuff just isn’t that good technically. Also, their return policy sucks. (In my area stores, there are no refunds, store exchanges only, and if something doesn’t perform well, you are stuck with it.) No thanks.
I wonder how the chain is doing here in the U.S. There are two stores within 5 miles of me, and yet I never see anyone wear it… and I don’t buy anything LJ, and yet I spend a lot at Bandier, Athleta, some at Lulu, Nordstrom, etc.
Yeah, in spite of all I’ve tried on, I’ve only purchased two styles from LJ. I want to love them since their designs are pretty cute, but their technical aspects do leave something to be desired as you said. I also agree their return policy is not good, especially compared with the industry standard for high-end activewear. There are two stores in AZ, and neither are ever busy. It’s been such a booming success in Aus, but I agree, I have to wonder whether that success is carrying over in the US.
I own a LJ Tough Girl bra. And I couldn’t agree more with this review with regards to everything from touch & feel, construction, and fit. The bra is so cute but too is loose in the band by about 3/4 – 1″. It is made from 3 types of fabric – a luxtreme-like liner, luon-like body, and mesh. All are decently soft. The contrasting trim on mesh and body is a huge problem though because it is also luon-like so it is very thick in comparison with adjacent mesh and main fabric that it rolls badly during movement. Gah. Why wasn’t the trim made from the same fabric as the line is just beyond me esp for the premium price. A loose band and rolling of fabric is a deal breaker normally for me but it is just too dang cute so I kept the bra. Still I much prefer lululemon bras to LJ, as they are much higher quality for the price. I do love another LJ bra design but it is only in AUS and not in USA.
p.s. LJ customer service and warehouse in US seem understaffed. My calls always go to voicemail, took 2 messages for them to call back when they sent me a garment with scuff marks / dirt stains on white (like no one bothered to inspect it prior to shipping). When I finally got a call back voicemail 2 days later they acknowledged that this is not acceptable and instructed me to write an email to initiate a return shipping and exchange. A better way would be for them to initiate the process and email me the details / labels etc (they had my contact info and order # already), so that I would not have to reach out for the 3rd time and restate the problem.
Thanks for your input, Lena! :) It doesn’t seem like LJ’s bras are made for women with smaller rib cages. I’ve also heard a few complaints similar to yours about the customer service leaving something to be desired, too. Thanks again for sharing!
I was so excited to try on LJ stuff at a store when I was visiting my parents but I did not like the way any of the fabric felt on the pants. Some of the shirts were soft but I primarily run and spin in Lulu and despite their problems the fabric usually feels great. LJ just felt too stiff and rough for me. Oh well. Luckily I have other options!
Yeah, I don’t think their fabric quality is quite as good as some others. Their main fabric is definitely too thick for high-intensity stuff like spinning, imo. It’s too bad, because some of their designs (like these) are so cute! :
I’ve been looking for a pair of black and white, uneven polka dots….oh well. As always, thank you for your reviews and introducing (those of us less inclined to shop) to new brands!
Slightly off topic but shopping related: several weeks ago you had a round-up of new stuff – the focus of which was the much discussed “pot pants”. Just want to let people know that the Strut-This Greyson Legging is back in stock, in full size run, on Revolve. In case anyone is interested. :)
Thanks for the note about the Strut This leggings! I put it in today’s new post in case anyone’s still looking. I’d still really like a pair of uneven dots, like you said, especially with a black base. I guess these just won’t be it. :(