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Tuesday, March 19th
Fabletics was launched in 2013 by Kate Hudson and her co-founders. They felt that there were plenty of luxury brands out there, but none of them combined high-quality, style, and affordable prices. Hence, the birth of Fabletics. They are based on the belief that everyone and "every body" deserves to look and feel their best.
Nice to see more color options
When you first visit Fabletics, you are prompted to pick if you're shopping for men or women. Don't worry too much, as once you're in the site both categories are available to browse. There are more choices for women than for men, but the men's section still has quite a bit to look through. We appreciated seeing lots of options as far as colors and patterns. Not only are there neutral and more muted colors, but there are quite a few bold and bright ones. You can filter what you're looking at by using the choices on the left. In addition to your typical size and color, you can also look at items based on how many stars previous customers have rated them, the rise, fabric, feature, and so on. Accessories include underwear, hats, socks, bags, and yoga mats.
Compare across retailers: black leggings
In an effort to compare across stores, we chose a pair of plain black workout leggings. The Define High-waisted Legging at Fabletics will cost you $69.95. This pair does not have a pocket, though there is a similar pair that does for $74.95. They come in a variety of other colors and patterns as well. There is a decent amount of information about the leggings, including what they are made of. In order to find how to care for them, scroll all the way to the bottom and look on the right-hand side under the category "knowledge." A feature we found helpful was that you can look at different sizes on different models. You can also browse photos customers have uploaded. Sizes range from XXS to 4XL, though at the time of this review the 4XL was out of stock. A sizing guide is provided to help you make the right choice.
VIP membership program...
Fabletics has a VIP membership available. You get charged $54.95 on the 6th of each month and that gets you a constant savings of 20-50% off of full priced items - in the form of being able to order a complete outfit that's typically priced anywhere from $80-$110 - as well as exclusive member benefits. If you don't order an outfit in any given month, that money is stored in your account as credits - but they expire after 12 months if you don't use them. Access to their app - which contains workouts and mindfulness routines - is free for members and $14.99/month without a membership. You have the option to skip a month if you let them know between the 1st and the 5th (but you're out of luck if you don't have internet access during those dates) and the membership can be ended anytime by calling customer service or clicking through your account to find the teeny-tiny link for cancellation.
...but somewhat shady
However, customers are complaining that it's a shady program. They recommend reading the fine print, because canceling appears to be much more of a hassle than the company makes it seem. However, most people do seem to get their money refunded - eventually. Also keep your eyes peeled for boxes that you may want to uncheck before you finish your order.
Slow standard shipping, but good return policy
Standard shipping - 6-14 business days - is free for orders over $49.95 and $4.95 for under that amount. If you're looking for rush shipping, that will be a flat $15.95 no matter the cost of your order. That will get your new Fabletics fitness clothing in your hands in 2-3 business days. Returns and exchanges are free for 90 days, though like most retailers, they require the items be sent back unworn, all tags attached, and with original packaging. Final sale items aren't eligible for returns.
Most expensive reward program out there
Fabletics might be a good fit for you if you really love their brand or how they fit. But, the VIP program seems like a hassle for what you get in return unless you will be a very frequent shopper and love their workout app, and their regular pricing without the VIP membership is pretty steep. We don't hate Fabletics, but other retailers offer a much easier shopping experience.
No matter what your fitness jam is, there is likely clothing designed to help you perform at your optimum level. Activewear has come a long way from its beginnings. Do you love to run? Look for an outfit that keeps you cool and dry and doesn't slow you down. Is yoga more your cup of tea?
You'll want to find comfortable and extremely stretchy attire that stays in place but is thick enough no one will see things they shouldn't be seeing when you bend over. Aerobics your preference? Make sure you've got a combination of stretch and great sweat-wicking abilities. Above all else, you want to feel confident that you look good while you work out - otherwise you're not likely to actually make the move to get, or stay, healthy.
Fitness clothing is about as diverse you can get these days. There are so many choices that it can be extremely overwhelming. There are the tried and true brands that have been around for decades and that seem to get better and better. However, don't underestimate newer boutique brands either.
A lot of these companies were started because the founders saw a need that wasn't being filled - so they designed clothing to fill it. If you're worried about seeing your outfit twin show up at the gym, you're less likely to have that happen if you buy from a smaller company that changes their inventory up frequently.
Online shopping has really been on the rise. The convenience of shopping from home is a huge benefit. Not only that, but a lot of companies offer even more on their online store than they do in their brick-and-mortar locations. Love a particular shirt in the store but not the colors you see? Check online and they just might have the hue you're looking for.
So how do you choose the online fitness clothing retailer that will give you what you're looking for? Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop:
TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best fitness clothing available today. We hope this information helps you find the right choice to keep you looking and feeling your best as you pursue your personal fitness goals!
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