We put Girlfriend Collective's recycled plastic leggings to the test - here are our thoughts

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Activewear that’s stylish, affordable and sustainable? It’s harder to find than you may think.

That’s why we had to find out for ourselves how Girlfriend Collective’s eco-chic and Instagram-friendly outfits hold up in real life.

Made using recycled plastic (each pair of leggings alone diverts 25 water bottles from landfills), Girlfriend Collective is revolutionizing the world of workout gear with their leggings and sports bras that are not only sustainable, but inclusive.

Available in sizes XXS to 6XL, each pair of leggings retails for $68 USD, putting them on par with many traditional activewear brands, but in a much wider range of sizes.

To put them to the test, each of the Yahoo Lifestyle Canada editors tried out the brand’s signature Compressive Leggings and Paloma Bra to see how they compare to some of our other favourite activewear brands.

Alyssa Tria, Shopping Editor

Falling just under five feet naturally has its woes: one of them being rarely able to find the perfect length of pants. As someone who often hops between the women’s and pre-teen boys section to shop for athleisure and activewear, I wasn’t expecting much wear out of these leggings. But to my surprise, unlike the several pairs that have defeated their purpose, these Goop-approved leggings fit me like a glove — checking off all the boxes for the perfect length, compression and overall comfort.

Thanks to its four-way stretch, the 23 ¾” length inseam comfortably hugged my legs with an above-ankle cut-off, sans the unattractive bunching that typically happens with standard-length leggings. While I now basically live in these leggings during the weekends, I did have some issues with the matching Paloma bra. Made longer and boxier than what I’m used to, it unfortunately created underarm cleavage I didn’t love.

Kate Mendonca, Shopping Editor

I’d been coveting these Girlfriend Collective leggings for a long time, but never made the leap to actually order them because I was worried about how they would feel in person. Now that I’ve had the chance to test them out, I can honestly say I don’t know why I waited so long. Both the bra and the leggings fit true to size (I’m usually a 4-6 in activewear and took a small in both) and were incredibly soft and comfortable as soon as I put them on.

The first time I wore them, I went to a ballet class and was so impressed by the fact that I didn’t have to make any adjustments at all. Normally I’d be pulling at the waistband of my leggings halfway through class, but these stayed put for the entire hour and a half. I also loved that although the bra and leggings looked small at first, they had plenty of stretch and didn’t leave me feeling constricted once they were on.

Elizabeth Di Filippo, Lifestyle Editor

I have a love/hate relationship with leggings. I love to wear them, but hate how difficult it is to find a pair that’s flattering. I was pleasantly surprised when I tried on my leggings and sports bra from Girlfriend Collective. As someone who has more of an hourglass figure, I was worried that it would be difficult to find a pair that fit. Other leggings that I’ve ordered online have either been too big, or too small and really restrictive. I ordered a medium (I’m a size 6) and was really impressed by how much compression the leggings had, while still being comfortable and accentuating my curves.

The dark green leggings are such a trendy colour right now, and the high waisted fit when paired with the sports bra felt like an option I could not only work out in, but feel good about working out in. I’ve been wearing my leggings to run errands and when lounging around the house, and after several washes they still look brand new. I wholeheartedly approve!

Hilary Hagerman, Lifestyle Managing Editor

I. LOVE. THESE. LEGGINGS. As someone who lives in pretty much only leggings after 5 p.m. on weekdays and basically all weekend, it’s imperative that I have a pair that’s comfy but fitted, pill-proof and that I can move around in. The Girlfriend Collective tights deliver on all of the above. They have less compression than my go-to Lululemon Tight Stuff II leggings that I’ve been wearing for years, but still somehow magically don’t sag or lose shape.

A day after I received them, I wore them on a seven-hour flight to London and have worn them at some point literally every day since. I’ll definitely be buying another pair soon — I’m eyeing the clay!

Compressive High-Rise Legging

SHOP IT: Girlfriend Collective, $90 ($68 USD)

Paloma Bra

SHOP IT: Girlfriend Collective, $90 ($68 USD)

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