It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Universal Standard. I’ve shared them often on my Instagram as one of the brands I reach for the most, especially with jeans. When I found out they teamed up with adidas on a new activewear collection it was a no-brainer that I wanted to check out this new collaboration.
This post is sponsored by adidas.
I would describe my body type as “likes to workout but doesn’t say no to a cookie”. I’m 20 pounds heavier than I was last year and I’m okay with that. My thighs are thicker than they were thanks to SoulCycle, my arms are stronger from yoga, and my hips are wider because I’m Puerto Rican and in my 30s. Let’s be real.
Feeling good in workout clothes has been an adjustment as I’ve adjusted to the changes in my own body. I gravitate towards high-waisted pants because I have abs above my belly button only and I feel like most women totally get where I’m coming from here. Workout pants often cut into my hips but gap on my waist and then after I sweat, they don’t move with me. It’s like trying to pull on and off a wet bathing suit – just uncomfortable. This new collection from adidas x Universal Standard claimed to have pieces that felt like a second skin and moved with you and I was definitely looking forward to putting that to the test.
“A collaboration celebrating all of us and our freedom to move as we are.”
I’m going to be fully transparent with you guys. I didn’t pick my pieces so when I opened the box from adidas and pulled out 2 bodysuits, I was nervous. Thoughts of “What did I just do? There’s no way this is going to look good on my body my proportions are too different!” circled. I never share products or brands that I don’t believe in or would purchase myself, so I was concerned. And then I put it on.
This 3-Stripes Bodysuit married the best of both brands. The quality, compression-feel of the fabric was opaque and breathable, just what you’d expect from adidas, with supportive paneling around the mid-section and sizes from 2XS to 4XL, just what you’d expect from Universal Standard. I was comfortable and really did feel like I was wearing a supportive, second skin. The length hits just above the ankle (even on my 5’4” frame) which is perfect because slouchy leggings should never be a thing.
One of my other pre-try-on thoughts was, where would I wear this? When I put it on and bent over to tie my shoe, I instantly had the answer. There was no shirt falling over my mouth, no visible rolls in my midsection from just wearing a sports bra and pants and bending over, and I didn’t need to pull them back up when I stood. This would be perfect for yoga. I can’t tell you how often I had to come out of downward dog because I wore a shirt to feel more comfortable but then it slipped over my mouth. It moved with me, just like it claimed to. I was Team Bodysuit after that.
Another piece that I tried was the adidas x Universal Standard Performance Tee. My fiancé is a personal trainer so I’ve seen him in these long-sleeve performance tees before when he warms up but never tried one myself. The jersey fabric was stretchy so it still moved with me and was warm without feeling like I couldn’t breathe in it. Probably my favorite feature of the tee is the thumbholes. I’ve said before I just like my clothes covering my hands, just a personal preference. Thumbholes at the cuffs of the shirt kept my palms warm and it kept the shirt from sliding up my wrist when I lifted my hands up to stretch out.
I walk everywhere because I live in Georgetown so it’s convenient and often faster than driving through traffic (plus parking… hard pass). This is perfect for those chilly walks to Equinox and those post-SoulCycle walks home. I hate putting on a jacket after I look like I just dived into the deep end of a pool at SoulCycle. This performance tee will keep me warm on my walk but still let my body breathe during it’s cool down.
The last piece from the collection I reviewed was the adidas x Universal Standard 3-Stripes 7/8 Tights. These are it. One word: Pockets.
Honestly, I could end the review there and I feel like most of you would get it but having pockets isn’t the only reason I’m planning on logging onto the website and getting these in black too. I mentioned earlier that I gravitate towards high-waisted pants and these did not disappoint. The waistband on these didn’t gap. It felt supportive without squeezing me or rolling down and the fabric was super soft and opaque so you don’t need to worry about everyone seeing everything when you’re at the squat rack. These are definitely a staple for your gym bag.
A good fit makes all the difference in your clothes and workout clothes are no exception. I’m really grateful to have found the adidas x Universal Standard collection which makes me feel comfortable and supported just the way I am.
*besitos*
*for size reference, I am 5’4″ and 125 lbs. I typically wear a Small top, Medium sports bra and Medium/size 4 bottom. In this collection I was a Small for the bodysuit, performance tee, and leggings.
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(and some of my other picks from the collection!)
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