Vitality Leggings Review: Are They Worth The Investment?
Stepping into the world of fitness apparel can feel overwhelming with countless options claiming to be the best. Today we’re diving deep into one brand that’s been creating quite the buzz – Vitality leggings.
Founded by fitness influencer Taylor Chamberlain Dilk, Vitality (formerly Balance Athletica) has quickly risen in popularity among workout enthusiasts and everyday comfort seekers alike.
The fitness apparel industry keeps growing each year, with leggings being a wardrobe essential for many people. Vitality has positioned itself as a brand that combines functionality, style, and inclusivity – designing products that claim to work for every body type.
Key Takeaways:
Before diving into the detailed review, here’s a quick snapshot of what you should know about Vitality leggings:
- Vitality leggings are made with ultra-soft, buttery materials that prioritize comfort while providing moderate compression
- The brand offers sizes from XXS to 4XL, making them more inclusive than many competitor brands like Lululemon
- The Cloud II fabric is composed of 77% recycled nylon and 23% elastane, creating an eco-friendly yet durable material
- Most Vitality leggings feature a high waistband design that aims to provide support and a flattering silhouette
- Prices typically range from $70-$85 per pair, positioning them as a mid-to-premium product
- Vitality leggings perform best for low to moderate intensity activities like weight training, yoga, and everyday wear
- The brand frequently releases new colors and patterns, but popular options often sell out quickly
- Many customers report the leggings feel similar to Lululemon’s popular Align pants but at a lower price point
- Proper care is essential – washing in cold water and hang drying will extend the life of your leggings
- Some users report inconsistent sizing between styles and collections, so checking size guides is recommended
- The brand’s signature glute contour seams are designed to enhance and flatter your natural shape
- No front seam design in many styles helps prevent uncomfortable bunching or camel toe issues
The Vitality Brand Story: More Than Just Leggings
Vitality has established itself as more than just another activewear brand. Founded with a mission to create inclusive athletic apparel that works for all body types, the company has built a loyal following through its combination of fashion-forward designs and functional performance features.
The brand’s journey began when fitness influencer Taylor Chamberlain Dilk wanted to create athletic wear that would help people feel confident while pursuing active lifestyles. What started as a small operation has grown into a recognized name in the fitness apparel industry, with Vitality products frequently selling out within minutes of new launches.
Inclusivity stands at the core of Vitality’s mission, with their slogan “inspired athleisure designed for everyBODY in their pursuit of a purposeful existence.” This commitment shows in their size range, which extends from XXS to 4XL – significantly more inclusive than many competitor brands.
Beyond just making leggings, Vitality has created a community around their products. Their social media presence highlights real customers of all sizes and backgrounds wearing their apparel, reinforcing their message that fitness and style are for everyone. This authentic approach to marketing has helped the brand build genuine connections with their customer base.
Fabric Technology: What Makes Vitality Leggings Special
The heart of what makes Vitality leggings stand out is their fabric technology. The brand offers several signature fabrics, with their Cloud IIâ„¢ fabric being the most popular and recognizable. This material has earned a reputation for its exceptionally soft, “buttery” feel that many users describe as a “second skin” sensation.
Cloud IIâ„¢ fabric is composed of 77% recycled nylon and 23% elastane, creating a sustainable yet highly functional material. This composition gives the leggings their signature stretch while maintaining shape retention. The fabric feels silky smooth against the skin while providing light to moderate compression that many users find flattering.
Beyond the Cloud IIâ„¢ line, Vitality offers other fabric options like their Daydreamâ„¢ fabric, which provides more structure and compression, and their Activateâ„¢ fabric, which focuses on moisture-wicking properties for higher-intensity workouts. Each fabric serves a different purpose, allowing customers to choose leggings based on their preferred activities and comfort preferences.
What truly distinguishes Vitality’s fabric technology is the balance they’ve achieved between comfort and functionality. Unlike some competitors that prioritize one over the other, Vitality leggings manage to be incredibly comfortable while still offering enough support and structure for various activities.
Fit And Design: Flattering Features For Every Body Type
Vitality leggings are designed with the female form in mind, featuring several design elements that contribute to their flattering fit. One of the most popular features is the signature glute contour seams that actually follow the natural shape of the glutes rather than cutting straight across them. This thoughtful design detail helps to accentuate and enhance the natural shape of the body.
The high waistband is another standout design element of Vitality leggings. Double-lined and slightly tapered, it provides gentle compression at the waist while preventing the dreaded “muffin top” effect that can occur with lesser-designed leggings. This waistband structure creates a smooth silhouette that many users find flattering for their midsection.
An interesting design choice that sets many Vitality leggings apart is the absence of a front seam in styles like the Cloud Pant. This eliminates the potential for uncomfortable bunching or visible camel toe – a common complaint with many other legging brands. This seemingly small detail makes a significant difference in overall comfort and confidence while wearing the leggings.
The standard inseam length for most Vitality leggings is 26.5 inches, which falls at a full length on shorter individuals and slightly above the ankle on taller wearers. While this one-size-fits-all approach to length may not be ideal for everyone (and represents one area where the brand could improve), many users find the length versatile enough for their needs.
Performance Review: How Do They Hold Up During Different Activities?
How Vitality leggings perform during various activities is perhaps the most important consideration for potential buyers. After all, even the most attractive leggings aren’t worth the investment if they don’t function well during your preferred workouts.
Strength Training and Gym Workouts
Vitality leggings truly shine during weight lifting and general gym sessions. The stretchy fabric allows for full range of motion during movements like squats, lunges, and hip thrusts without restriction. The high waistband stays in place remarkably well during most movements, though some users report slight rolling during exercises that involve significant bending at the waist.
The medium compression offers enough support without feeling restrictive, making these leggings comfortable for lengthy training sessions. They pass the squat test with flying colors, remaining fully opaque even during the deepest squats and most challenging positions.
Yoga and Pilates
For low-impact activities like yoga and pilates, Vitality leggings perform exceptionally well. The buttery soft fabric moves seamlessly with your body through various poses and stretches. The absence of restrictive compression makes them ideal for practices that require flexibility and freedom of movement.
The “naked sensation” of the Cloud II fabric is particularly appreciated during these mindful movement practices, as it allows you to focus on your form rather than adjusting uncomfortable clothing. However, some users note that the waistband can occasionally bunch up or gape during certain poses that involve significant torso rotation.
Cardio and High-Intensity Workouts
While Vitality leggings can certainly handle cardio workouts, they may not be the optimal choice for high-intensity training or running. The lightweight fabric, particularly in the Cloud II line, tends to show sweat more visibly than some more performance-oriented brands. Additionally, the soft material absorbs rather than wicks moisture, which can lead to a heavier feel during particularly sweaty sessions.
Everyday Wear
Where Vitality leggings truly excel is in the realm of everyday wear. Their combination of comfort and style makes them perfect for running errands, casual outings, or work-from-home days. The flattering fit and range of colors allow them to pair easily with various tops and outerwear, making them a versatile addition to any casual wardrobe.
Durability Factor: Are Vitality Leggings Built To Last?
When investing in premium-priced activewear, durability becomes a significant concern. How do Vitality leggings hold up over time with regular use and washing?
The durability of Vitality leggings appears to be good but not exceptional. With proper care, most users report getting about a year of regular wear before noticing significant signs of wear and tear. This places them roughly on par with other mid-to-premium legging brands, though perhaps not quite matching the longevity of top-tier options like certain Lululemon styles.
Common durability issues reported by users include pilling in high-friction areas like the inner thighs, particularly with the Cloud II fabric which prioritizes softness over durability. Some users also report issues with seams coming loose after several months of regular wear, especially around the glute contour seams that undergo significant stress during movements.
The lighter colors in the Vitality lineup tend to be more prone to showing wear and staining compared to darker options. Additionally, the fabric can lose some of its compression over time, resulting in a slightly more relaxed fit after many wears and washes.
Comfort Level: The Second-Skin Experience
Comfort is where Vitality leggings truly distinguish themselves from many competitors. The Cloud II fabric in particular has earned widespread praise for its incredibly soft, “buttery” texture that many users describe as feeling like wearing nothing at all.
This remarkable comfort stems from several design elements. First, the fabric itself has a silky smooth hand-feel that glides against the skin without causing irritation, even during prolonged wear. The high elastane content provides exceptional four-way stretch that moves with your body rather than restricting movement.
The waistband design balances compression with comfort, offering enough support to create a flattering silhouette without digging in or creating pressure points. For most body types, this results in a waistband that stays in place without causing discomfort, even during all-day wear.
The seamless front design on many styles eliminates a common source of irritation found in other leggings. By removing the front seam, Vitality has created leggings that don’t bunch uncomfortably in the crotch area, enhancing overall comfort significantly.
Price Point Analysis: Value For Money Or Overpriced?
With most Vitality leggings priced between $70-$85, they position themselves in the mid-to-premium range of the activewear market. This places them below luxury brands like Lululemon (whose comparable Align pants retail for $118) but significantly above budget options from retailers like Old Navy or Target.
Is this price point justified? The answer depends largely on what you value in your activewear. If exceptional comfort and a flattering fit are your primary concerns, many users find that Vitality leggings offer good value despite their premium price tag. The quality of materials and construction is generally high, though not quite reaching the standards of the most expensive brands on the market.
When comparing Vitality to their most obvious competitor, Lululemon’s Align pants, many users feel Vitality offers better value for money. The Cloud II fabric provides a very similar feel and function to Lululemon’s Nulu fabric, but at a notably lower price point. For budget-conscious shoppers who still want premium comfort, this makes Vitality an attractive option.
Style Factor: Fashion Meets Function
Vitality has successfully positioned itself as a brand that balances performance requirements with contemporary style sensibilities. Their leggings feature clean, minimalist designs enhanced by thoughtful details that set them apart from purely functional activewear.
The color palette offered by Vitality tends to be more diverse and fashion-forward than many competitor brands. While they stock the essential neutrals (black, navy, gray), they regularly release seasonal colors and limited edition shades that allow for more personal expression. These have included everything from subtle earth tones to vibrant jewel colors and even occasional prints.
The signature glute contour seams serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, creating a flattering silhouette while adding visual interest to the back view. This design element has become something of a trademark for the brand, instantly recognizable to those familiar with Vitality products.
Most styles feature minimal branding, with just a small logo typically placed on the back of the waistband. This understated approach to branding appeals to consumers who prefer their activewear not to function as obvious advertising for the brand they’re wearing.
Size Inclusivity: Does Vitality Really Fit Everyone?
Vitality has made size inclusivity a cornerstone of their brand identity, with their mantra of creating products “designed for everyBODY.” But how well do they deliver on this promise?
The size range offered by Vitality is indeed more extensive than many competitor brands, spanning from XXS (US size 00-0) to 4XL (US size 26-28). This range accommodates a much wider variety of body types than brands like Lululemon, which stop at size 20. This commitment to extended sizing is commendable in an industry that has historically catered primarily to smaller body types.
Beyond just offering larger sizes, Vitality designs their leggings with features that work well for diverse body shapes. The high, slightly tapered waistband accommodates smaller waists relative to hips and thighs – a common body proportion that’s often poorly served by standard sizing. The four-way stretch fabric adapts well to different body contours rather than forcing the body to conform to the garment.
User reviews from those wearing the extended sizes are generally positive, with many noting that Vitality leggings fit true to size according to the brand’s size chart. This consistency in sizing across the full range is impressive, as many brands that offer extended sizing fail to properly scale their patterns for larger bodies.
Comparison With Competitors: How Do They Stack Up?
When considering Vitality leggings, many shoppers inevitably compare them to other popular brands in the activewear space. How do they measure up against these competitors?
Vitality vs. Lululemon: The most frequent comparison is with Lululemon’s Align pants, which offer a similar “naked sensation” feel. Vitality’s Cloud II fabric feels remarkably similar to Lululemon’s Nulu fabric but at a significantly lower price point ($85 vs. $118). Lululemon may have a slight edge in durability and offers more length options, while Vitality provides better size inclusivity and often more interesting color options.
Vitality vs. Athleta: Athleta’s Elation tights ($89) compete in a similar space. Athleta offers better durability and more technical performance features, while Vitality wins on the softness factor and often provides more fashion-forward designs. Both brands demonstrate strong commitments to size inclusivity.
Vitality vs. Gymshark: At a lower price point (around $50-60), Gymshark’s leggings often provide better compression and technical performance features for intense workouts. However, they generally don’t match the exceptional comfort level of Vitality’s Cloud II fabric. Vitality also offers more inclusive sizing than most Gymshark lines.
Care Instructions: Maintaining Your Vitality Leggings
To get the most value from your Vitality leggings investment, proper care is essential. Following these guidelines can significantly extend the lifespan of your leggings:
Washing recommendations: Vitality recommends washing their leggings in cold water with similar colors. Turning them inside out before washing helps protect the outer surface from friction that can cause pilling. Using a gentle cycle and mild detergent will also help preserve the fabric’s integrity.
Drying considerations: Perhaps the most important care tip is to avoid the dryer entirely. Heat can damage the elastane fibers that give the leggings their stretch and recovery properties. Instead, hang your leggings to air dry – they typically dry fairly quickly due to their lightweight construction.
Storage suggestions: How you store your leggings between wears also affects their longevity. Folding rather than hanging helps prevent stretching of the waistband. Avoid storing them compressed in tight drawers where they might develop permanent creases.
Pilling prevention: To minimize pilling in high-friction areas like the inner thighs, avoid wearing your Vitality leggings for activities that cause extreme friction. Some users also report success using fabric shavers to gently remove pills that do develop, though this should be done with caution to avoid damaging the fabric.
Final Verdict: Are Vitality Leggings Worth It?
After examining all aspects of Vitality leggings, from fabric quality and performance to price point and style options, the central question remains: are they worth the investment?
For most users, the answer is a qualified yes. Vitality leggings offer an excellent balance of comfort, style, and moderate performance that works well for a variety of activities and everyday wear. Their exceptional comfort – particularly the Cloud II fabric’s “naked sensation” – sets them apart from many competitors and creates a loyal customer base willing to pay premium prices.
The value proposition is especially strong for those who find themselves between budget and luxury price points. Vitality offers many qualities associated with higher-priced brands like Lululemon at a more accessible price point, making them an attractive “sweet spot” option.
Their commitment to size inclusivity also makes them worth considering for those who find limited options in other premium brands. The extended size range and designs that work well for diverse body types represent genuine value in a market that often excludes larger bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Vitality leggings squat proof?
Yes, Vitality leggings are generally squat proof, especially in darker colors.
How do I wash Vitality leggings?
Wash inside out in cold water with like colors and hang to dry.
Do Vitality leggings run true to size?
Most users report Vitality leggings fit true to size according to their size chart.
Which Vitality leggings are best for running?
The Activate line performs better for running than the Cloud II fabric.
How long do Vitality leggings last?
With proper care, expect about one year of regular use before significant wear appears.
Are Vitality leggings worth the price?
For comfort and style, yes, though budget-conscious shoppers should watch for sales.
Do Vitality leggings pill easily?
The Cloud II fabric may pill in high-friction areas after several months of wear.
Can I wear Vitality leggings for hot yoga?
Yes, though lighter colors may show sweat more visibly during intense sessions.
Are Vitality leggings comparable to Lululemon?
Very similar to Lululemon’s Align pants but at a lower price point.
Do Vitality leggings have pockets?
Some styles feature pockets, but their basic Cloud Pant does not.
Hi, I’m Rachel Powell, the founder and creative mind behind FashionBeautyLooks.com. With a passion for all things fashion and beauty, I’ve dedicated my career to helping others discover their unique style and enhance their natural beauty.
