Carbon38 Tanjung Legging in Red Dahlia Review

Author's Rating - 7.7 /  10

PROS / Carbon38 Tanjung Legging is cute with intricately handwoven macrame detailing trails up the leg. The fabric is silky smooth. It is high compression providing tons of muscles support for high impact workouts.

CONS / It runs small. I wear my regular size XS and it is very snug. The intricacy woven detail is beautiful yet uncomfortable. It lacks of elasticity and leaves indentation skin marks.

BOTTOM LINE / Carbon38 Tanjung Legging is a show stopper. I was sold by the intricately handwoven detail, but it is not practical. It is not very stretchy and leaves indentation red marks on the skin. The legging runs small and my regular size (XS) fits pretty tight. That said, the fabric is soft and high compression (great for high impact workouts). The encased elastic band is pinch-free and keeps everything tucked in.

Detail Carbon38 Tanjung Legging - 

Top: Beyond Yoga x Kate Spade Peek-A-Boo Bra, Black-Cream Stripe, small (run small). 
​Bottom: Carbon38 Tanjung Legging, Red Dahlia, XS (run small).

Carbon38 Tanjung Legging is the third Carbon38 legging I've shared so far. The other two are Cosmic Legging and Nova Legging. I was eyeing on this legging for long time and finally decided to get it when it was on sale. I was so drawn to its intricately handwoven macrame detail and the catchy red color. After reading many positive reviews, it's time to give my two cents.
​ 

1. Size – It runs small. I wear my regular size, XS, and it is very snug. I am Lululemon size 4.

2. Style – It's an ankle length legging.

3. Inseam –  26.25" long. It would have been perfect if it's one inch shorter.

4. Front Rise – 10.5" high rise. 
​
​5. Waistband – 2-7/8" wide encased elastic band.

​​6. Fabric – 75% Polyester, 25% Spandex. The material is thick and high compression.

7. Design for – Better for gym workouts than yoga due to the high compression fabric and inelastic woven details.
​
​8. Cost – Retail price is $128. I paid $64 (50% off) plus tax and shipping.

9. Stitch Seam – Flatlocking seams.

10. Crotch Seam​ – Unlined triangle gusset.

The legging is made in China.
​

Performance - 
The material is similar to Terez Blink Tall Band Legging but thicker and higher compression. It is silky soft, breathable and moisture wicking. The fabric itself is great, but the woven macrame detail is otherwise. It lacks of elasticity (I will provide more details in the Fit and Comfort sections below). I like the high rise waistline. It provides great support for the midsection and keeps the tummy tucked in. Most importantly, it stays put with and without movement. I notice wet spots by the hip creases during the sweaty workout. It is embarrassing but common for a solid color legging.

Quality - ​
The legging is constructed with flatlocking seams with an unlined gusset. It is well made. It passes the downward dog test. The fabric is 100% opaque. Note that it can be shear if it's lighter color, i.e., white and lilac. The woven detail is what I worry about the most, but it is well-made and resilient to tear.
​

​Fit - 
The legging runs small, unlike Nova Legging and Cosmic Legging which are true to size. Although I can fit in an XS (what I wear), it is very snug and tight, especially the handwoven detail. It's not the legging I would wear for yoga, but it's ok for gym workouts as higher compression is preferred. 

Carbon38 Tanjung Legging is cute, but it's not the most flattering legging I've tried. It makes my hips look wide though the high waist does a good job to keep my belly tucked in. Just like other Carbon38 leggings I've reviewed, it doesn't lift or shape the butt well. I don't think it is designed for my body shape because I've seen it on someone else and it looks stunning. In terms of the length, it's almost a perfect full length legging on me (I'm 5'2"). One inch shorter would be even better.

​Comfort - 
The legging is not comfortable. First, it is super tight. I should have sized up. My friend also bought this legging and she complained her normal size being too snug for her as well. Second, the intricately handwoven macrame detail is scratchy. My skis is not happy with it. Since it's not stretchy (tight), it leaves horrible skin indentation marks (see the image below). Knowing how much I dislike the elastic waistband, it is the most comfortable part of the legging. It doesn't pinch or dig into the waist. What a surprise. 

---

I am quite disappointed by Carbon38 Tanjung Legging. Despite some great features, i.e., high performance fabric and high rise waistline, it is not comfortable. Maybe I just need to size up. I've worn it twice. The first time was to teach a class and the other time was to a HIIT class. I don't think I will wear it again. It is too uncomfortable. The woven detail is cute but scratchy. It lacks of elasticity and leaves red skin indentation marks. 

Where to Buy -

Carbon38 Tanjung Legging is part of the Sayang Collection. The color I purchased, Red Dahlia, has sold out, but the limited edition Black Shiny is available. Based on reviews, it seems to be true to size or run big.

Related Reviews -

Terez Blink Tall Band Legging

Terez Blink Tall Band Legging ​​covers performance needs for yoga and other activities. The fabric is four-way stretch, moisture wicking and fast dry. It gives a flattering look. However, the 3" encased elastic band doesn't work for me. Not only does it slides down, but it also lacks of the support needed for the midsection.  

< Read More >

Carbon38 Cosmic Legging

Carbon38 Cosmic Legging is a great all purpose legging. It covers most needs from high impact workouts to yoga. I wish it comes with a flat waistband. The encased elastic is never comfortable. With a such high rise wide elastic band, it presses into lower ribs and makes me feel like wearing a shapewear.

< Read More >