Recently, I’ve heard a huge wave of positive feedback about Varley’s tights, so I decided it was high time to put their gear to the test. Their designs have a sleek, luxe look that I’ve always really liked. I was perusing some new arrivals and was drawn to the Union tights in aluminum snake. I decided to order them along with the Biona tights in marble, then keep whichever of the two I liked better. While I loved the marble print too, the Biona tights ended up fitting slightly loose at the calf/ankle. I opted to return those and declared the snake tights the winner.
Here’s my review of the Union tights.
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I bought these in size XS, my usual size, and they fit very well. I would call these true to size, so order your regular size, or go with your larger size if you’re in between. The rise is high-ish, reaching about an inch below my navel. They’re an average length, which leaves a little bit of ankle bunching on me, but not too much to be annoying.
The fabric is mildly compressive and very stretchy. It’s not too thin or flimsy but still nicely lightweight rather than too heavy. The finish feels slick and silky to the touch.
I’m told Varley changed their fabric a few months ago, and the new version is apparently a big improvement. If you’ve tried Varley in the past and weren’t in love, you might have better luck with one of their newer releases.
As for coverage, I admittedly had pretty low expectations given the super-light color. But I loved the print so it was a risk I was willing to take! That said, the coverage is better than expected, though not quite perfect. I’ll explain…
If you notice the seaming at the hips, everything above the lowest seam is double-layered. Underneath that seam, starting about halfway down my hips, it switches to single-layered. The double-layered section is totally opaque, but the single-layered lower half is not. The major positive of this is the double-layered area covers the waistband and upper portion of my underthings. This greatly reduces how revealing these tights are, since any coverage issues are limited to the lower hip area. I noticed there’s a slightly more peachy tone from my skin in the single-layered panel, but you can’t see much other than the faint skin tone. The pattern also helps to hide what’s going on underneath. While I don’t recommend wearing bright undergarments (skin-colored is always the safest bet), any sheerness is more subtle than you might expect.
Other than the seam details and unique print, the pants are pretty simple. There’s a generously sized pocket in the waistband. Instead of the usual triangle gusset, these have something a little different. Basically, there’s a double seam running down the inner leg, which is one uninterrupted panel that runs across both legs with no center seam at the crotch. The center seam runs up and down the front and back of the pants, but breaks at the crotch for the gusset panel.
Overall, I’m loving this new pair and have already worn them several times in the last couple of weeks since they arrived. I love the unique look and the fit and feel are great for me, too. Since I had good luck with these, I’ll definitely consider buying more Varley in the future.
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The aluminum snake tights are available via Bandier, Revolve, and Varley’s own website.
Varley recently announced their pro program, which rewards fitness instructors with 30% off purchases on their website. If you’re a fitness professional, you can apply here to get the discount.
Also wearing: Lululemon swiftly long sleeve in black
still loving these!
is the top of the waistband a smooth fold of fabric like align pants, or is there a seam (or drawstring of some kind) there? thanks!
The top of the waistband is more like regular rise wunder unders and not like aligns/high rise WU. Also, no to the drawstring.
Thanks!
Due to some fortunately timed eBay sales, I was able to order these last night from Revolve (used the trusty “TULIP” code). They already shipped and are arriving today. Impressive! Happy Valentine’s Day to me.
Sweet! How do you like them?
They are pretty awesome. I pretty much agree with your review in every way. They are a bit sheer (starting below the double seam as you mentioned), but I would wear nude undies anyways, and probably would not go strutting around in these with a crop top so the sheerness is no biggie. They fit really well and the fabric is great. I’m heading on vacation next week, so will think on it while I’m gone. Leaning strongly toward keeping them!
Nice! I’m glad I didn’t lead you astray. :) For me, I could overlook the mild coverage issues for a nice pattern. Sheerness is basically a fact of life for white, but I like white too much to skip out!
P.S. I hope you enjoy your vacation!!
Interesting that there is a hidden pocket in these. I’ve got the Mabery tights in black and the pacific tights in marble both from last year and while I love their fit and style, I always lamented not having a pocket for outdoor workouts. The waistband on these look like a new style that I’ve not noticed before in Varley tights. Loving this look! I’m a big fan of printed white leggings!
Yeah could be. Not sure if it’s new to all Varley tights or just this style. I thiiink the Biona tights had a pocket as well, but since I already returned them I can’t check.
I love these tights! Luckily (or maybe unluckily…), I’m not supposed to be shopping for a while. I definitely want to try these out in a couple of months if they’re still available though!
If they’re still around, it’s meant to be! :) (And if not, I’m sure there will be something else nice instead!)
Very true…sometimes I feel like I “have to” have something, but it’s important to remember that there will be other opportunities / nice things in the future!
These varley legging look perfect on you! I recently tried 2 of the varley leggings. I ordered the union tight in maris snake and union tight in reservoir snake. Both had beautiful fabric, that felt wonderfully soft. Unfortunately both pairs were see through… I was very sad because I really liked the patterns. I do have a larger hip and buttock so that might be the issue? Regardless they will be returned promptly tomorrow. Wish they would have worked out but at least it is one less purchase this month!!
Awww bummer! I have somewhat full hips/bum for my size too, so sheerness is a constant problem for me too. I’m curious how their solid fabric is for coverage. I’ll have to investigate later. :)
Hi there!
What is your waist measurement? Trying to figure out if I should be a small or xs in these! :)
Thanks so much!
Sorry for the delayed response! If I’m not too late, I measure 24-25″ at the waist and 35″ at the hips and I’m wearing the XS. I hope that helps!