Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post, and I was sent Yvette sportswear including sports bra and leggings of my choice to review free of charge, but words and pictures are mine. See more information here.
Before COVID hit, I used to go to the gym or pool almost every day. I wasn’t super fit, but I was happier when doing a bit of exercise. I remember my last pre-pandemic pilates class when COVID was looming; we all laughed as we kept 6 feet apart, and sprayed our mats down with anti-bac…and then bam! Everything closed down. I never returned to that gym.
It’s been a tough two years for everyone
A heady combination of lockdown, antidepressants, two bouts of COVID and a general lack of willpower has seen me put on two stone in the two years since COVID first shook things up. I’m not happy about it, but on top of that I’ve also become massively unfit, and if anything, that’s worse.
Having spent the year travelling back and forth between two locations, fitness fell by the wayside but I promised myself that as soon as I moved house I would join the gym and start clawing some kind of fitness back.
Unfortunately a lot of my old kit is a few sizes too small, which held me back a bit as an uncomfortable sports bra is the worst thing ever and good ones, like the Yvette Sports Bra reviewed here, aren’t cheap. Buying any clothes online can be a minefield as you don’t have a clue how things will fit or whether they’ll look better on the website than in real life. I’m looking at you, Shein.
As if it were a sign, I was offered some new gym clothes (not PE kit, as I keep calling it) including a high impact sports bra and matching leggings from Yvette to review.
I chose the Yvette Echo Adjustable Cross Back Padded High Impact Running Bra in ‘Olive’ and some matching Echo High-Waisted Pocket Running Leggings. I’m currently about a size 14, so I opted for the large size which fit well.
I’ve worn my new sportswear to spin class (oh my days, I hate it, but I love the pious feeling afterwards…) and I’ve just completed the first week (i.e. the easy bit) of the Couch to 5K app which I first started once during lockdown and then had to stop due to injury. Hopefully this time I’ll do better!
Yvette Echo Adjustable Cross Back Padded Running/Sports Bra review
The running bra is extremely soft but made from thick material which is actually formed from 75% recycled polyester.
It has moulded cups (with no wires) which are padded and provide high-impact support for jogging etc, and I was really impressed with the level of support it gave. It makes the whole running experience that bit more tolerable.
The Yvette Echo sports bra is easy to get on and off, with a hook and eye closure at the back, and the straps which cross over on the back and adjustable for a better fit.
Yvette Echo High-Waisted Pocket Running Leggings
The leggings are made from the same soft, recycled material which is comfortable to wear and has a four-way stretch which moves with your body.
They’re really thick so you won’t end up showing your pants, and they’re high waisted which I think is way more flattering in general, but also more practical if you’re doing squats etc.
They have a small pocket on the side which is great if you need to take your phone running with you.
Although they’re thick, I didn’t feel like I was overheating when wearing them, and the sweat patches didn’t really show even though it’s a light colour. They dry so quickly on the washing line, ready for the next wear.
I am really pleased with how they performed, and I love how how easy it is to wash and dry them between gym sessions.
I am so happy to be back in the gym – it’s great not only for my physical health but mental health too. I’m planning to stick at it, come and follow my progress on Instagram.
Six month update!
I have been using my Yvette leggings and sports bras (I have two of each now) at least three times a week and I have found that they have lasted well. I used them for yoga, pilates, spin class and running and I’m really happy with how well they have lasted and how easy they are to wash and dry. I would recommend Yvette running leggings and sports bras to anyone who is looking for quality gym wear
How much and where to buy
The Yvette sports bra comes in sizes from XS to 2XL – around a 42 inch back. The leggings are available from XS (26inch waist, roughly a size 8) up to 5XL; the large is about a size 14 and I believe the 5XL is around a 22/24, which is fairly inclusive sizing from a sports brand which doesn’t sell itself as plus size.
The Yvette Echo Adjustable Cross Back Padded Running Bra costs £34 and is available in olive, black, green and camel. The Yvette Echo High-Waisted Pocket Running Leggings cost £38, and are currently available in olive, green and black.
If you spend over £50 then shipping is free!