CARBON38 Ribbed Regular Rise 7/8 Legging

Author's Rating - 8.4 /  10

PROS / Carbon38 Ribbed Regular Rise 7/8 Legging is four-way stretch, breathable and sweat wicking. The ribbed fabric is medium high compression, which is suitable for various exercises from yoga to high impact workouts.

CONS / The regular rise provides enough coverage; however, the encased elastic band is extremely uncomfortable. It pinches and digs into my waist. In addition to that, the legging does not mask sweat.

BOTTOM LINE / Carbon38 Ribbed Regular Rise 7/8 Legging would have been a perfect all around legging if it wasn't for the encased elastic band. The ribbed fabric offers all performance needs, including four ways stretch, breathable, and moisture wicking properties. Although it shows sweat spots, the legging is squat proof.

Hsiaolin Yoga -

What leads to failure?

I have been thinking why some people are so successful at what they are doing. In contrast to success, it is failure. There are many reasons leading to failure and I want to talk about two of them. One is setting an unrealistic goal, and the other one is fear of failure. Do they sound familiar to you? They sure are to me. We often try to find excuses for our failures, but the truth is that we have no one to blame but ourselves. 

​Setting An Unrealistic Goal - 
Every new year, people like to set a new year goal. One comes up a lot is to lose body weight. I see a spike of attendees to my class in January and it drops back down in February. Why? When people don't see the result of weight loss, they come up with various excuses and give up. Losing 10-20 pounds in a month for someone in my size is unrealistic. I'd be setting myself up for failure. Also, doing yoga alone is not going to help lose weight. It needs to accompany with a healthy diet in addition to other exercises (strength training and cardio). 

Another myth about doing yoga is to improve flexibility, such as being able to touch toes in standing forward fold or squat in Malasana position. If an adult has not been doing such movement on a regular basis, expecting to do those poses within a month of yoga practice is not going to happen. Of course, they are some exceptions, but that's not the case for the general public. That said, everyone can gain flexibility / mobility with regular and consistent practice, but it will take more than just a month. Often time, it takes several months or years. Don't give up. "Keep practicing and all in coming."

Does that mean we shouldn't set a goal? Of course not. We just need to set a smaller and a more reasonable target. Along my yoga journey, I've set up numerous goals, but I don't put a deadline. For example, I've been working on Eka Pada Sirsasana (foot behind the head pose) for almost three years and I still can't do it proficiently. My goal is to be able to do it one day. As to when, I leave it to my body. Whenever my body is ready for it, that would be the timeline. Everyday I step on to the mat, I am one day closer to the goal. I never stop working on hip opening and progressing toward Eka Pada Sirsasana. Since there is no deadline to meet, I can never fail.

Fear of Failure -
We all fear of failure. Failure happens when we have certain expectations, which can be linked to the previous point of setting an unrealistic goal. We tend to give up because we are not seeing the short term progress and afraid of failure. Failing is not scary. What scares the most is to not try. If I never work on hip opening, I will never be able to do Eka Pada Sirsasana.

About Carbon38 -

It's been more than a year since I purchased Carbone38's clothing. Carbon38 is a luxury active apparel company. They design many adorable and stylish women activewear. They always catch my attention; however, I often find them not suiting my needs. For example, I love the look of High Rise Takara Shine Leggings, but the wide encased elastic band isn't comfortable and gets in the way in yoga. I adore many of their sports bras, but they usually don't have removable pads. I prefer more support and coverage for my chest. Last but not least, they are pricey. In average, the leggings are priced around low $100 and the bras are range between $68-$88, which is higher than Lululemon. 

Details of CARBON38 Ribbed Regular Rise 7/8 Legging -

Top: Niyama Sol Oxblood Eclipse Sports Bra, XS/S (fits more like a S). 
Bottom: Carbon38 Ribbed Legging​, Cinnamon, XS (true to size).

I normally wait for discount to shop at Carbon38. I was eyeing on Carbon38 Ribbed Leggings for long time, and they were finally on sale this February. I would like to get a matching top, but it doesn't come with removable pads. It is a shelf bra, which do not provide sufficient coverage. Without further due, let's take a closer look of Carbon38 Ribbed Regular Rise 7/8 Legging.

1. Size – It is true to size and I wear my regular size XS. For a more relax (comfortable) fit, I recommend to size up.

2. Style – 7/8 length legging, which fits like a full length on me (I'm 5'2").

3. Inseam –  24.5" long. 

4. Front Rise – 10.5" high rise though it says standard rise.
​
​5. Waistband – 4.25" wide with a 1/4" encased elastic band.

​​6. Fabric – 85% Nylon and 15% Spandex. It is medium high compression.

7. Design for – Yoga and gym workouts.
​
​8. Cost – Retail price is $98. I got it on sale for $68.6 + tax.

9. Stitch Seam – Flatlocking seams / seamless design.

10. Crotch Seam​ – Unlined triangle gusset.

The legging is made in USA.
​

Performance - 
I like the softness and stretchiness of the ribbed fabric. It provides perfect amount of compression for both yoga and high impact workouts. That said, I wouldn't recommend Carbon38 Ribbed Regular Rise 7/8 Legging for running as much more muscles support is needed. The legging features sweat wicking and fast dry properties; however, it doesn't mask sweat stains well. I notice sweat spots in the sacrum area after HIIT (see of one the pictures below). The waistband does stay in place with movement.

​Quality - ​
Carbon38 Ribbed Regular Rise 7/8 Legging is sewn with flatlocking seams and there is a gusset for reinforcement. Actually it can be considered as a seamless legging. Overall, it is durable and well made. I've worn it for several times. I haven't experienced any pilling and color fading. It is also squat proof. This legging comes with various colors. If you choose a lighter color, such as saffron and white, you may need to wear a nude underwear to avoid see-through.

Fit - 
The legging is true to size. My regular size XS fits me well except for the waist. The encased elastic band is very tight. It pinches and digs into my waist. As a result, it does not hide the muffin top. I know some people like the support of elastic band, but it doesn't work for me. Even though it is a standard rise legging, it covers up to my navel and provides more than enough support for the midsection. The 7/8 length is perfect for my height (I am 5'2"). It sits around my ankle. The legging creates a leggy look and shapes the butt quite nicely. I do wish it can give the butt a little bit more lift.

Comfort - 
The ribbed fabric is soft and breathable. It is the type of the material I would wear for lounging. However, the elastic band is extremely uncomfortable. It pinches my waist so much so that it hurts after wearing it for a short period of time. I end up folding the waistband down to minimize the pinch. I seriously consider to remove the elastic band. If anyone knows how to do it, please let me know.

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While there are so many things to like about Carbon38 Ribbed Regular Rise 7/8 Legging, the encased elastic band is unforgivable. It pinches the skin causing lots of discomfort and pain. The ribbed fabric is stretchy, breathable and sweat wicking. With medium high compression, it can be worn for various activities from yoga to high impact workouts. It is squat proof, but cinnamon color (what I wear) shows sweat stains. Unless Carbon38 changes the waistband to elastic free, I probably won't consider buying another ribbed legging from them. 

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