Slowly but surely, I’ve been working my way through my “brands to try” list. Vie Active gets the spotlight today. Carbon38 recently had a 1-day 30% off deal for anything Vie, so I ordered the rockell tights in satellite orchid, a print I’ve been loving. After some hand-wringing, I ended up going with blue version instead of the original orchid shade.
Vie Active is based in Australia, and has been creeping its way into more and more retails here in North America. The rockell tight is Vie’s signature style, crafted with compression and high-performance in mind.
I ordered the rockells in XXS (my usual size, when available), and they fit me well with moderate compression. For sizing, Vie recommends taking a size down for a more compressive fit.
Compared to my lululemon size 2 (wunder unders shown here), Vie’s XXS is a bit bigger through the hips by probably half a size, maybe a full size. However, they are virtually identical through the thigh/leg. So, if you’re particularly big through the legs, prepare for a tight fit through the legs if you choose to size down. On the other hand, if you’re small through the hips/butt, sizing down would probably be a good idea. For anyone between sizes, take your smaller size for sure.
I appreciate the stamped info on the inside in lieu of a tag, which prevents rubbing but means you still have all the info handy. You can also see here that these have a continuous drawcord in the waist.
The rise is a little bit higher than most of my bottoms. The higher rise helps them stay in place very well, but there’s always the drawstring for backup. The waistband is flexible, and very easily folds down if you prefer a low fit.
The fabric is a cationic polyester/spandex blend. I was wondering what difference the “cationic” part means as far as fabrics are concerned, and the best I can gather is it helps dyeing process work a bit better. And as you can see, the print is indeed so vibrant. I love the satellite orchid print–it reminds me of fractals or space. The blue is a little bit purple-tinged, not quite a true blue, but a gorgeous deep color. The polyester is slick like lululemon’s luxtreme, and very lightweight. The tag also highlights that these have sun protection (UPF 30+) and are suitable for water activities.
Despite the use of thinner, polyester fabric, they are NOT sheer! <angels singing>
The pants are lined on the inside with a white fabric, like many printed leggings are. Also like most other prints in this type of material, the pattern does fade a bit when stretched in a squat/bend. The compression, particularly through the thighs, feels better than average even without sizing down. The fabric is soft and supple, all adding up to a great second skin feel. The more I wear them, the more I like the fit and feel. Right now it’s too warm for full-length for workouts in my non-air-conditioned gym, but I think these will be great going into fall.
At a list price of $120, these aren’t exactly a bargain. Unless I was totally head over heels for a print, I’d have a hard time paying full price for another pair. But at 30% off, I’m happy! Definitely will be keeping these, and will have my eye out for more awesome prints and/or sales, since so far I like these well enough to have more than one.
Get the satellite orchid rockell tights
Blue satellite orchid | Magenta satellite orchid
More from Vie Active:
Vie Active website (ships from Australia)
Love that print!
It would suit you, I think. :)
Yup. Love geometric stuff.
Thanks for the review! I ordered the vie active zip up bra and another alala zip up bra through the carbon38 sale and am waiting for it to arrive! I was curious about the legging, and now I can look forward to ordering a vie active legging next!
I have one question: how was the inseam on the legging? Is it like lulu’s (super long?) or just perfect on you?
thanks as always!!
They’re a bit shorter than WUP, by about 2″. They scrunch at my ankles a little bit, but not as bad as lulu’s. I’m not sure if the inseam would be consistent across all sizes though–some brands do, some brands don’t.
great print
Thanks! :) It’s pretty rad.
Wow,those colors really pop, and the print is gorgeous. I checked out the other color in the print & think you made the right choice! Looks really pretty with Bali Breeze too.
Thanks! The more I look at them the more I think blue was the way to go. :)
These are awesome compression tights. I have them in black leopard – the print is subtle, which I like. I am 5’5, 130 lb – so normally size S in workout pants, but I got these in XXS for extra compression, and it feels great.
The black leopard is super hot! :)
Had to look up your review. Just found a full length Riley Marble pair at marshalls for 19.99. I could tell at first feel they’re quality. Sometimes I think the prices here are a fluke. These are great!!! Keep an eye out at marshalls and tJ max :)
Wow that’s insane!!! Awesome score. :) We usually get NOTHING at my Marshall’s here but it might be worth a look… :)