EMILY HSU DESIGNS Skulls Legging Review

Author's Rating - 8.8 /  10

PROS / EMILY HSU DESIGNS Skulls Legging is an affordable legging and covers needs for yoga. It is four-way stretch and moisture wicking. The ultra high waistband is comfortable with an option to be folded over. It also provides great coverage for the midsection.

CONS / The legging is made with overlocking seams and there is no gusset. The inseams are scratchy. The fabric doesn't have tons of compression, which is fine for  yoga but may not be the best choice for high impact workouts.

BOTTOM LINE / EMILY HSU DESIGNS Skulls Legging is sleek and chic. The fabric is stretchy enough for the wide range of movement, perfect for yoga. The super high waistband is comfortable and covers the stomach very well. For $20 (I bought it on sale), it is one of the best "investment" I've made.
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About EMILY HSU DESIGNS - 

Top: Lululemon Sports Bra (it's over 5 year old).
​Bottom: EMILY HSU DESIGNS Skulls Legging, XS (true to size).

EMILY HSU DESIGNS was founded by Emily Hsu, a professional dancer, singer, and actress appearing in over a dozen Broadway musicals in addition to television and film. She is also a yogini and has always been passionate about fashion. Emily began sewing leggings for herself and her daughters in 2014 when she couldn't find anything in the market to fit her needs: high performance activewear with a superior fit, on-trend prints, and amazing price point. Fast forward to 2019, EMILY HSU DESIGNS has grown exponentially and became a well known activewear brand. Their collection can be found in various online stores including Amazon, Evolve and simplyWORKOUT.
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The EMILY HSU DESIGNS collection is proudly made in the U.S.A. To learn more about the brand and the founder, you can visit The Native Society.

You live your life with passion; you deserve to look and feel your very best.

Details of EMILY HSU DESIGNS Skulls Legging -

EMILY HSU DESIGNS is best known for the Mermaid Legging, which is how I discovered the brand. You may wonder why I didn't purchase the Mermaid Legging but the Skulls Legging instead. Well, the answer is simple because the Skulls Legging was on sale for only $20. Since this was my first time trying the brand, I'd rather pay as little as possible. I do have my eyes on Onyx Shimmers Legging and Pink Mermaid Legging, which I may purchase in the near future. 
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1. Size – It is true to size. I wear an XS and it's a relax fit for me. I am Lululemon size 4.

2. Style – It's a full length legging.

3. Inseam –  31" long. It is longer than I like with lots of extra fabric gathering around the ankle. 

4. Front Rise – 13" super high rise. 
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​5. Waistband – 6.75" flat waistband. It is ultra wide and can be folded over.

​​6. Fabric – 82% Polyester, 18% Spandex. The material is very sleek and low in compression.

7. Design for – Heated and non-heated yoga. The compression can be too low for high impact workouts.
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​8. Cost – Retail price is $58. I paid $20 + shipping.

9. Stitch Seam – Overlocking seams.

10. Crotch Seam​ – No gusset.

The legging is made in USA.
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Performance - 
EMILY HSU DESIGNS Skulls Legging covers basic needs for yoga. The fabric is four-way stretch and fast dry. Although it is breathable, it's not the best I've tried. The legging is more suitable for yoga (not hot yoga due to so-so breathability) than high impact workouts due to the low compression material. I wonder if I size down would give me a more compression fit, but it doesn't come with XXS. I really like how stretchy the legging is. It allows the wide range of the movement in yoga. The sleek fabric can be too slippery for binding yoga poses, such as pasasana. Also, the ultra high waistband doesn't stay put.

Quality - ​
The legging is constructed with overlocking seams. There is no gusset but a "+" seam instead. It's not the best, but I don't mind for the price point $20. Other than these less than ideal features, the legging is well made. It is completely opaque. I haven't experienced any color fading and pilling after several washes. 

Fit - 
It is true to size. In fact, I can probably size down if there is XXS. My normal size XS is a relax fit. That said, the legging still lifts and shapes the butt nicely, and creates a flattering look. The ultra high waist is awesome. It keeps everything tucked in. I've received quite a few compliments when wearing it to classes.

Comfort - 
Thanks to the sleek fabric and the relax fit. The legging is quite comfortable. Since there is no elastic band (flat waist), it doesn't pinch or dig into the skin like Beyond Yoga High Waisted Midi Legging does. This is the first time that I like the ultra high waistband. It gives a good coverage of the stomach. Like the picture below, there is no red mark along the waist circumference that I always get from the elastic band. That said, I have two complaints. First, overlocking inseams are scratchy. I can feel them "rubbing" against inner thighs. Second, inseams are more toward the back of my legs and feel like wearing it backwards.

​EMILY HSU DESIGNS Skulls Legging shares lots of similarities with Liquido Active Patterned Legging. 

1. They are constructed with overlocking seams.
2. There is no gusset but a "+" seam.
3. The fabrics are low compression and more suitable for yoga than high impact workouts.
4. They are more affordable than most well known athleisures. They are priced between $58 to $65, about 50% of Lululemon WU HR Tight.

The major difference between these two is the fabric. EMILY HSU DESIGNS Skulls Legging is way more sleek (slippery) than Liquido Active Patterned Legging. Some people may like it, but I find it less ideal for binding yoga poses when some friction is desired. The sleek fabric feels almost identical to Yoga Democracy Legging but with much lower compression. Also, Liquido's fabric is more breathable and more suitable for hot yoga. ​

I haven't visited Liquido's website for a while and I just found out that they carry XS and XL sizes now (used to be S, M and L only). I may have to give the XS a try as S isn't a snug fit for me.

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EMILY HSU DESIGNS Skulls Legging is one of the most affordable yet performance leggings I've purchased. For $20, it covers needs for yoga from four-way stretch and fast dry fabric to the high waistband of full stomach coverage. Although it isn't made with flatlocking seams and the gusset is missing, it's not a deal breaker for the price point. I would highly recommend EMILY HSU DESIGNES to all yoginis who don't want to spend a lot of money on leggings.

Where to Buy -

EMILY HSU DESIGNS Skulls Legging has sold out, but you can find their new collections at Amazon, EMILY HSU DESIGNES, Evolve, House of Barre, Sculptique, and simplyWORKOUT.
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