With working from home becoming the norm over the last year and a half, chances are good you’ve traded that LBD for a solid collection of activewear, each eventually having their own very specific purpose. I have my work looks, my gym looks, and my weekend chic picks. But finding pieces for all three occasions (that survive solid sweat seshes and multiple washes) – that, my friend, is a unicorn in the activewear world. And something I seem to have found in New Balance’s Relentless collection.
Recognisable by the unique high-rise crossover waistline, I was given the NB Relentless Crossover High Rise 7/8 Tight and matching Crop Bra, available at Rebel Sport, and boy was I excited.
Initially putting the set on, the sleek fabric felt buttery soft against my legs, and the stitching outlining the thick double-layered high waistband was extremely flattering on my stomach. I felt confident right away, which made me even more excited for my next workout. I also immediately noticed how supportive the crop bra was (a rarity in the top/bra world), so this was an added bonus.
The collection also meets New Balance’s green leaf standard, which basically means 50% or more materials are sourced as environmentally preferred. Tick.
This set has quickly become my go-to for everything from yoga to CrossFit to lounging while working from home. Let me tell you even more about why.
They’re super comfortable.
New Balance’s signature, poly knit fabric is super smooth, but also fast-drying and sweat-wicking too, thanks to the DRYx premium, fast-drying technology. I thought because of that, they’d be ultra lightweight and breathable, but they’re kind of the Goldilocks of activewear in that way. They’re moisture-wicking enough for me to comfortably walk around wearing them on long walks during humid summers, but not so breathable that I can’t picture myself wearing the full length tights on winter nights.
I also love that these are high-waisted, providing a nice layer of support around my waist. It also makes me more confident to wear a crop top for a workout.
The colour doesn’t fade, and the pants don’t pill.
One of the worst things that your go-to leggings can do is lose their colour and shape. It might not be that obvious at first, but then one day you throw them on with a same colour tee and realise the colours don’t match. With these leggings I don’t have to worry about the colour fading after multiple washes. Laundering them, per the instructions on the tag, also hasn’t created any pilling or breakdown in the construction. They look and fit as good as the first time I put them on!
The top doesn’t roll over when you bend over.
There’s nothing that bothers me more than buying a pair of bike shorts or leggings (especially pricier ones), only to have them fit funky. They either bulge out in back when I come to the ground for seated poses, or the top continuously flips down during every vinyasa flow and I find myself constantly having to adjust them. I can honestly say that the crossover waistband stayed in place during all my workouts, which included yoga, but also Pilates, and cross training. It was nice to just focus on breaking a sweat without having any wardrobe malfunctions distracting me.
They hug you in, but not too tight.
When you’re on the hunt for activewear that offers some support, it’s hard to find a balance between comfort and compression. Some pairs suck you in so much that they restrict movement, and no one wants that! But don’t fear—the Relentless collection is here. They never feel too tight when I slip into them (even on a day where I’m a bit bloated), but at the same time, they still give me with the serious support that some yoga leggings lack.
They dry really quickly.
I was shocked that even after a sweaty 50-minute in-studio flow, the tights are dry by the time I get home, just 20 minutes later. They’re my go-to pair now if I know I’m grabbing coffee or meeting a friend for lunch post-sweat session.
The Relentless collection new colourways are available in store, online and at Rebel Sport from November 1.
