I will make no secret that I am a huge fan of Athleta tall pants. They are hands down the most worn pants of my wardrobe. Actually, before requesting a pair of black leggings from Athleta, I got a pair from Aerie about 2 years ago to see if they would be as versatile as I’d hoped they would be.
They were. I loved them. I loved that as a stay-at-home mom I could ‘dress’ them up for running errands or play dates but not worry about them falling down when I was on the floor playing with my kids. I could also easily throw on a workout tank and running shoes and transition them into gym clothes. The only drawback with my Aerie leggings is that they would sag throughout the day. Um. No thanks. Not comfortable. And it just wasn’t ideal to be constantly yanking them up. What it did show me was that a more expensive brand of black tall leggings would be worth my investment.
However, I knew it wasn’t fair to automatically assume all leggings at a more affordable price point would roll at the waist or sag throughout the day. So, when I ordered myself some new tanks and workout bras during a recent Old Navy activewear sale I also added a pair of tall leggings.
Honestly, I could tell by looking at them that they were of lesser quality than the Athleta leggings so it took me some time to even try them on because I assumed that they would be a no-go. But, before going to Old Navy to return some shorts that literally fell off my daughter (the struggle to find pants that stay on that girl!) I decided to try them on.
Ooohhh man! To get those Old Navy leggings on took some EFFORT. Nothing makes you more motivated to hit the gym than breaking out in a sweat with heavy breathing to get some pants on. I am glad my husband was out of the room because he would have been rolling. Comical. Once they were on though, I was very impressed with the gentle but present compression and the fact that they didn’t move. They had a more athletic-look material (a little more shiny) than the super soft Athleta leggings but if the sole purpose is for working out my first impression is that they would be great. I am very curious to see if they would withstand multiple washes. If I keep them, I will report back.
In my opinion, if you are looking for a pair of leggings for mainly working out and price is priority, I would definitely get the Old Navy leggings and give them a try. If you are looking for a pair of leggings that will cross over from working out to running errands to play dates with friends and a more minimal wardrobe is your primary goal I would still invest in the Athleta leggings.
the tall minimalist mama 