Two things have happened since I became a total Pilates fan girl two years ago: I’ve gotten into the best shape of my life and I’ve purchased enough lycra to outfit a small, stretchy army. And because I start every morning with a class and then dash home to get to my desk and work, it’s basically all I ever wear. (Who wants to create more laundry? Not me!)

All this to say, I’ve thoroughly tested countless pieces of athletic wear for both performance and lounging. I’ve got options from all the usual suspects like Lululemon, Alo, Athleta, Vuori, and Amazon, but there’s only one set I’ve ever bought and immediately turned around and repurchased. Turns out Quince, the makers of my favorite $50 cashmere sweater, has legit perfected the activewear market too.

Why I’m in love with Quince activewear

Quince, the affordable luxury brand that has no doubt infiltrated your social feeds with their wallet-friendly essentials, offers a small collection of activewear ranging from leggings and sports bras to hoodies and joggers. But it’s their Ultra-Soft High Rise Legging and Ultra-Soft V-Neck Cropped Tank that’s my personal set of choice.

quince activewear Motherly
Courtesy of the author

For starters, let’s chat about the fabric. Made from recycled polyester and spandex, it’s incredibly soft with tons of stretch that allows it to retain its shape without a ton of compression. It’s like a nice, gentle hug. The leggings are 1000% squat proof and the top is supportive enough that I’ve even worn it for a higher impact HIIT class without a second thought. In all my “research,” it’s rare to find pieces that hit this sweet spot. It’s also super breathable and while I prefer to take my fitness in a 67 degree room and refrain from sweating at almost all costs, it seems like it would be great at wicking moisture as well. (Listen, I did hot yoga for years. I’m no longer here for workouts that make it hard to breathe or leave me looking like I peed my pants. I’ve moved on.)

Onto the fit–arguably the most important part. Because each piece is designed with details that make them total standouts, I’m going to break them down separately.

The Ultra-Soft High Rise Legging, in a word, fits like a dream. The high rise hits well above my belly button, which is both flattering and practical. I never have to hike them up and they don’t roll down when I sit. The gusseted crotch means no dreaded camel toe and the subtle v-shape of the low waist seam works some sort of magic to make your backside look *chefs kiss*. I also love that they’re available in two lengths, 25 and 28 inch.

The Ultra-Soft V-Neck Cropped Tank is equally well-designed. In fact, it’s so comfortable I’ve quite literally worn it for 24 hours straight while traveling. The wide straps offer plenty of support without digging in or giving me a headache, and most importantly, they stay put. It’s also cut just a bit higher along the side boob and under the arm in a way that smooths everything out just perfectly. The v-neckline doesn’t drop too low, so I’m never worried things might fall out. And even though it doesn’t have those annoying removable cups that always bunch up or fall out when you wash it, I love the lift and shape it gives. My boobs (which nursed two kids who regularly tried to stretch my nipple halfway across the room) need all the support and shaping they can get. And a smashy uniboob isn’t the look I’m going for. It’s a crop style so it looks great on its own, but it’s also short enough you can wear it as a sports bra without feeling like you’re layered up.

Both are so stinking comfortable I’d honestly wear them as pajamas–and that is not something I can say for anything else that’s busting out of my bureau. What’s even more impressive is the fact I’ve washed them all dozens of times and they still look brand new. They haven’t pilled or faded a single bit.

Given the fact you can easily spend a small fortune on workout sets, here’s where I’m really going to knock your socks off. Both pieces cost less than $70 bucks. COMBINED. (Yes, I bought with my own hard-earned money!) The leggings currently come in 13 different colors while the top is available in five. To be honest, choosing a hue is the hardest part!

Quince Ultra Soft High Rise Leggings

Quince

Ultra Soft High Rise Leggings

The Quince activewear I'm completely devoted to: