Niyama® Gypsy Love Legging Review

Author's Rating - 7.2 /  10

Top: Lululemon All Day Breeze Bra, Viridian Green, Size 4 (true to size)
Bottom: Niyama® Gypsy Love Legging,  Size XS (true to size)

PROS / Niyama® Gypsy Love Legging is a vibrant printed legging, made with fast dry Polyester and Spandex blend fabric. It is 100% opaque.

CONS / The fabric feels like plastic to me and I am not sold on the No-Slip-Waist (two thin silicone stripes fused into the fabric on the inside of the waistband). The concept is good, but it causes discomfort and lacks of breathability. 

​BOTTOM LINE / Niyama® Gypsy Love Legging quick dry performance is outstanding. It stays dry throughout my practice (~83 degree Fahrenheit), whereas my sport bra, tank and underwear are soaking wet. I appreciate the effort Niyama® puts into its design, but No-Slip-Waist does not work for me. The legging provides OK lift for the rear (there are better and worse ones that I've tried).

Overall 7.2 / 10

​Quality / 30%​​​

8

​​​​Performance / 30%​​

7

Comfort & Fit ​​/ 25%

6

​Design & Style / 15%

8

Price: $ 79

About Niyama® -

Top: Lululemon All Day Breeze Bra, Viridian Green, Size 4 (true to size)
Bottom: Niyama® Gypsy Love Legging,  Size XS (true to size)

Niyama® is an eco-friendly activewear company based in Cologne, Germany, which was first found in California by Harald Wester in December 2015. Harald fell in love with yoga in 2009 and did Bikram Yoga Teacher training in 2012. Together with his friends and experiences in textiles, he was determined to create The Next Generation of Yoga Pants. To ensure the highest quality of its designs, cuts, prints and seams, all the leggings are manufactured in Cologne, Germany. In November, 2016, Niyama launched the US online store. If you are interested in knowing more about Niyama®, Kickstarter has insightful information.
Besides creating eco-friendly products, Niyama® also cares about the quality and performance. Yoga pants are not just stretchy pants. Harald acknowledges the most desired yoga pants have to be non slip and non see-through in addition to creative vivid patterns. For that reason, lots of effort is put on developing 100% Opaque Fabric and No-Slip-Waist. All Niyama's leggings are made with 100% opaque high quality Italian fabric and four-piece body shaped No-Slip-Waist.

Some of the prints from Niyama® I like.

YOGINI'S CLOSET UNFOLD - 
Niyama® Gypsy Love Legging Review

​I found Niyama® last December, about a month after the US online store was launched, from the Facebook ads. ​The unique and vibrant designs drew my attention to the brand. I was impressed by its design principles. First of all, the artwork is phenomenal. I've never seen any pattern/design like Niyama's. The Innovative No-Slip-Waist looks promising to me. Most importantly, it is 100% opaque. I am sure many of yogis and yoginis have experiences with see through yoga pants in the past.
I joined Niyama500 program last month, and received a complimentary yoga pant, Gypsy Love. Here is my take on the Niyama® Gypsy Love Legging.

1. Size – I wear size XS, my regular size.

2. Style – ​​Full length legging.

3. Inseam – 27.5" long, which is longer than my personal preference. I can wear it over the heels (I am 5'2").

4. Front Rise – 9" standard (medium) rise, same as the Vimmia Leaf Jacquard Capri. The legging fits like a low rise pant due to the narrow waistband. I find myself wanting to pull pant up even though the waistband stays in place (not slipping).

​5. Waistband – 2.5" waistband. It is probably the narrowest waistband among my yoga pants. Most of yoga pants in the market today are at least 3" wide. The innovative No-Slip-Waist keeps the legging from slipping, but it also causes discomfort to wear again the skin.

6. Fabric – 80% Polyester, 20% Spandex. I don't really like the feel of the fabric. It feels like plastic to me. Compared to Niyama Sol, which uses solely recycled plastic fiber (84% RPET) and 16% Spandex, Niyama® uses recycled & non-recycled fibers in addition to Spandex. I prefer Niyama Sol's soft fabric (similar feel to Lululemon Luon®) over Niyama's.
* Don't get confused between Niyama Sol and Niyama®. These are two different brands.

7. Design for – Heated and non-heated yoga, gym and workout. I've worn it to yoga and cardio kickboxing and the legging dries really fast.

8. Cost – Retail price $79. This is the complementary pair I received from the Niyama500 program.
​​
9. Stitch Seam – Comfortable flat locking seams. 
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10. Crotch Seam​ – Lined triangle gusset.

The design detail from Niyama® is outstanding. "I am beautiful" is printed inside of the front waistband, which is very thoughtful and unique. I had lots of hope on the No-Slip-Waist, but it is overrated in my opinion. The silicone is similar to those on bras or heels of invisible socks. It sticks to my waist, and it's not comfortable to wear especially when I am sweaty. I have the say that the fabric dries really fast and it stays mostly dry throughout my yoga practice and cardio workout. In terms of fit, Niyama® Gypsy Love legging lacks of the support and coverage due to the standard rise with only 2.5" waistband. The Gypsy Legging give my bum an OK lift, which is better than Alo Yoga and Brazil Wear but not as good as Lululemon and Niyama Sol. I was expecting a lot from Niyama® based on its product description, but the No-Slip-Waist and plastic feel fabric do not work for me. Otherwise, the Gypsy Love is a pretty printed legging and its fast dry property is perfect for high sweat workouts.

Where to Buy - 

Niyama's leggings are available on its website as well as Amazon.