Overall Rating - 9.2 / 10PROS / Carbon38 Nova Legging is a well made and stylish legging. The fabric is four-way stretch, breathable and fast dry. It covers most needs for yoga and training. Not only is the ruched waistband cute, it is also comfortable. I like how it keeps everything tucked in and hides the muffin top. CONS / The legging runs big (not a snug fit on me), especially around the groin. Since I am only 5'2", there is some fabric gathering around the ankle (very little), not enough to wear it over the heel. BOTTOM LINE / Carbon38 Nova Legging is a versatile, high performance legging that can be worn to heated and non-heated yoga classes, gym workouts as well as outside the studio. The wide ruched waistband is comfortable and provides full coverage for the stomach. The legging runs big. Size down for a true size fit.
Can you believe it's already February? I was traveling last week visiting various cities in Colorado and Inland Empire in southern California. It was quite an adventure. I got to drive on the icy road for the first time when heading to a studio in Boulder from Avarda, CO. Well, I didn't make it there. The road was too icy and slippery to drive. I was on a baby hill and the car couldn't get a good grip of the road. Instead of driving forward, the tires were spinning. Sensing how dangerous it could be for someone like me with zero experience of driving on an icy road, I decided to turn around and head back. That 5 mile drive was quite an experience that I will never forget. About Carbon38 -Carbon38 is a luxury active apparel company, founded by Caroline Gogolak (CEO) and Katie Warner Johnson. The company was started with the vision that "women should live their lives on their own terms, build careers on their own terms, raise families on their terms, run companies on their own terms and dress on their own terms." They not only carry lots of high end athleisures, but also create their own collection, Carbon38, to reflect the needs of the modern woman. With that focus (meeting the needs of the modern woman), Carbon38 provides the wardrobe and platform for women to blaze their own trial. Details of Carbon38 Nova Legging -Top: Athleta Empower Daily Bra, Cinnamon Brown, XS (true to size). Bottom: Carbon38 Nova Legging, XS (runs big). I've shopped at Carbon38 in the past, but this is my first time purchasing their leggings. Carbon38 carries mostly high end (aka expensive) activewear, including their own collection. Leggings are priced between $80 to $300+. Due to the high price tag, I didn't purchase any item from Carbon38 Collection until recently when they were on sale. I successively ordered four pairs of their leggings, Nova Legging (I am sharing today), Cosmic Legging (true to size), Padang Legging in Red Dahlia (runs small) and High Waisted 7/8 Length Takara Legging in Black (true to size). Three (first three pairs) out of the four leggings have sold out. High Waisted 7/8 Length Takara Legging, one of the most popular legging, is the only one that is still available. Even though Nova Legging has sold out, I want to share my take of the legging. Who knows. Maybe Carbon38 will bring the legging back again.
The legging is made in China. Performance - The fabric of Carbon38 Nova Legging is silky soft. It is medium weight and medium compression, which can be worn for various activity including yoga, HIIT, Tabata and Zumba. I like how it is stretchy, breathable, sweat wicking and fast dry. It allows a wide range of movement and keeps me cool in sweaty classes. The legging is 100% opaque. I don't have to worry about it being see-through regardless the color of the panty. The ruched waistband isn't common. I've only seen it on Strut-This and Chill by Will bottoms, but they aren't as high rise as Carbon38 Nova Legging. The ruched waistband on Carbon38 Nova Legging provides tons of coverage and support, hides the muffin top and stays put with movement. Quality - Carbon38 Nova Legging is made with the high quality and high performance fabric. It includes a lined gusset. The legging is constructed with flatlocking seams throughout. I do not notice any color fading and pilling after few washes. I will revisit its quality after more wears if it doesn't hold up the standard. The foil printing stars are subtle yet enough to make the legging pop. Unlike Spiritual Gangster Starry Legging, foil printing stars peel off after two washes, stars on Carbon38 Nova Legging appear to be more durable and long lasting, at least for now. That said, I highly recommend to wash it inside out to protect those stars. Fit - I'd say the legging runs big. If you are between sizes, you definitely want to size down. I wear my normal size XS and it gives a relax fit, especially around the thigh and groin areas. Also, the waistband fits loose and the front rise is too long for me. In terms of the length, it isn't too long, but it would have been perfect if it's 1" or so shorter. There isn't much extra fabric gathering around the ankle nor can I wear it over the heel (I'm 5'2"). Because of the dark color (black), the legging creates a leggy and slim look; however, it doesn't shape and lift the butt as nicely as others, such as Lululemon WU Pant and Niyama Sol Endless Legging. Maybe an XXS will give the bum a better lift. Comfort - I love the sleek and soft fabric of Carbon38 Nova Legging against the skin. It gives a similar "naked" sensation like Lululemon Nulux. The wide ruched waistband is super comfortable. It doesn't dig into the waist and hides the muffin top. Even though the relax fit can be very comfy for lounging at home, I wish it is higher compression for more muscles support for workouts. By sizing down, it should give me a snugger (true size) fit. I finally have a chance to check out Carbon38 bottoms. The Nova Legging is well made with the high performance fabric. It is sleek, four-way stretch, breathable and fast dry. The foil printing stars are subtle yet enough to make the legging stand out. Also, they are long lasting (no sign of peeling or cracking so far). I suggest to size down. I normally wear an XS, which fits slightly loose on me, particularly around the groin area. As a result, it doesn't give me a snug fit, nor does it shape (hug) the butt as nicely as others. For the price I paid for, it is definitely worth every penny. Related Reviews -
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