Define Your Inspiration (DYI) Tan Leopard Crop Review

Author's Rating - 9.6 /  10

Top: Lululemon Front Closure Bra, Black, Size 4 (true to size)
Bottom: DYI, Tan Leopard Crop,  Size Small (run small)

PROS / Define Your Inspiration (DYI) Tan Leopard Crop is made with high compression Bionic™ fabric (Polyester and Nylon blend) that is four-way stretch, moisture wicking and fast dry. It is perfect for yoga, gym workouts and lounging at home.

CONS / Although I love high waist legging, this waistband is too high for me. It is ~1" above my navel and does not stay flat on the skin. 

​BOTTOM LINE / DYI Tan Leopard Crop is a high quality performance legging. It provides perfect compression that enhances body curvatures. If you love extra high waist pant, this is definitely a winner.

Overall 9.6 / 10

​​Quality / 30%​​​

10

​​​​Performance / 30%​​

10

Comfort & Fit ​​/ 25%

9

​Design & Style / 15%

9

Price: $ 88

At the time of writing this blog, the Tan Leopard Crop has sold out but the Tan Leopard Signature Ankle Legging is still available. For that reason, I am not able to link the Tan Leopard Crop.

About Define Your Inspiration (DYI) - 

Top: Lululemon Front Closure Bra, Black, Size 4 (true to size)
Bottom: DYI, Tan Leopard Crop,  Size Small (run small)

​Define Your Inspiration (DYI) is an activewear and lifestyle apparel brand based in Houston, TX, founded in October 2012. The founder, Leslie Denby, was the buyer for DEFINE body & mind (owned by her brother Henry Richardson), clothing section. With the frustration of not being able to find the style and fit she liked, she decided to launch her own clothing line, DYI, that covered the needs for various exercises.  

DYI is inspired by clean, moderne lines and balanced living. All of its clothes are designed and manufactured in Houston. DYI defines its inspiration with motivating workout looks that bring performance, fit and feel to yoga practice, high sweat workout and daily run. 

YOGINI'S CLOSET UNFOLD - 
Define Your Inspiration (DYI) Tan Leopard Crop Review

Define Your Inspiration, DYI, is my recent found from simplyWORKOUT. I was first attracted by the prints of its leggings. After reading some articles about the brand, I couldn't resist to order it. I can see Why This Brand Could Be The Next Lululemon after trying on the Tan Leopard Crop. It is also inspiring to read an interview based article of the founder Leslie Denby on simplyWORKOUT.

When I received the crop, I was surprised by the color. It was slightly off compared to the picture on the website. The actual color appeared more brown than pink/grey online. Although the color is different to what I expected, it is still a pretty color.

Here comes this week's CLOSET UNFOLD.

1. Size – I wear size small, one size up than my regular size. For your reference, I wear Lululemon size 4.

​In ​DYI size chart, size small bottom is equivalent to size 4. I am not sure what size 4 is based on because I am usually a size 0 (US size). If it's based on Lululemon, then it is TTS, which matches the product description.

2. Style – ​​Crop, which fits me more like a 7/8 legging. The bottom hem sit slightly above my ankle.

3. Inseam – 22" long, similar length to the Lululemon Wunder Under Crop.

4. Front Rise – 12.25" high rise, highest rise I've ever tried for a yoga pant.

​5. Waistband – 5.5" extra wide waistband.

6. Fabric – 81% Polyester and 19% Spandex, DYI high compression Bionic™ fabric. I am satisfied with the fabric. It is moisture wicking, fast dry, four-way stretch and body sculpting. It provides performance as well as thinning effect that all women want.

7. Design for – Heated, non-heated yoga and any gym workouts.

8. Cost – Retail price $88. I got in on sale for $50.8. Unfortunately, it has sold out online. The Tan Leopard Signature Ankle Legging is still available and it's on sale.
​​
9. Stitch Seam – Comfortable flat locking seams. 

10. Crotch Seam​ – Lined triangle gusset.

​
​The Tan Leopard Crop is by far the highest rise and widest waistband I've tried. As you can see in the bottom right picture, the waistband was only slightly below my navel when I fold it down by half. With such wide waistband, it's not possible to keep it stay flat on the skin. However, it provides excellent coverage and support. It also keeps the muffin top tucked in.

DYI company logo is printed inside of the waistband.

Overall, I am very pleased by the performance and fit of DYI Tan Leopard Crop. It makes dynamic movement easy in yoga and keeps me cool and dry in high sweat workouts. Although the extra high waist is too high for me, it provides extraordinary support and coverage. Most importantly, the high compression Bionic™ fabric flatters body curvatures. I am glad that I discover DYI. The Tan Leopard Crop is my first purchase from DYI, and it's not going to be my last. I would have bought the Black and White Stripe Crop if my size is still available. There are few more leggings that I like. Someone better take my credit card away.

Where to Buy - 

Unfortunately, the Tan Leopard Crop has sold out and I am not able to find it anywhere else. If you like the print, the Tan Leopard Signature Ankle Legging is still available and it's on sale for $52.8 right now.

Other stores that carry DYI include Flying Lizard, House of Barre, JUJI Active, simplyWORKOUT and ZEN & ZIP. If you live close by any DEFINE body & mind studio, I believe you can also find DYI clothing there.