Varley Union Legging in Navy Snake Review

Author's Rating - 9.1 /  10

Top: Varley Batson Sports Bra, Navy Snake, XS (true to size)
Bottom: Varley Union Legging, Navy Snake, XS (true to size)

PROS / Varley Union Legging in Navy Snake is a medium to high compression performance legging. The fabric is anti-pilling, moisture wicking and fast dry. The seamless construction makes the legging comfortable to wear.

CONS / The legging costs more than other comparable yoga/workout pants in the market. The high compression fabric makes the legging less ideal for yoga.

BOTTOM LINE / I like the high waistband, performance fabric and flattering fit of the Union Legging. It is perfect for running and high sweat workouts (it works for yoga as well but I prefer less compression leggings for that). I would definitely purchase leggings from Varley again, but only when it's on sale. Compared to Lululemon Wunder Under Pant, it costs $12 (~10%) more.

Overall 9.1 / 10

Quality / 30%​​​​

9

​​Performance / 30%​​

10

Comfort & Fit ​​/ 25%

8

​Design & Style / 15%

9

Price: $ 110

About Varley - 

Top: Varley Batson Sports Bra, Navy Snake, XS (true to size)
Bottom: Varley Union Legging, Navy Snake, XS (true to size)

Varley, a London-based activewear brand, was founded by Lara Mead and her husband Ben Mead in 2014. Varley was inspired by a vacation the couple took to Santa Monica, California. Two years later, in 2016, the company has grown exponentially with headquarters in London and Los Angeles. The brand is carried by more than 150 U.S. retailers, including Bandier and Carbon38, which are Varley's first stocklists.

In the overly crowded athleisure market, Varley stands out by designing contemporary clothing with a performance led approach. They use highest European quality fabrics, which are developed specifically for Varley and sourced in Italy. The design inspiration mostly comes from two cities the couple have lived in: London's sophisticated and neutral color palettes mixed with casual/cool laid-back silhouettes found in Los Angeles.

YOGINI'S CLOSET UNFOLD - 
Varley Union Legging in Navy Snake Review

I have been seeing lots of good reviews on Varley's leggings and wanting to try them for a while. Finally, I decided to order the Union Legging in Navy Snake when it was on sale. I have hard time justifying $110 for a pair of workout pant / yoga pant. The Varley Athletic Club offers 30% off to instructors. I applied for it couple weeks ago, but I wasn't approved. I am not sure why the criteria are besides being a certified instructors and actively teaching. I would like to know if any of my readers is approved for the discount program.

Without further delay, let's take a closer look of Varley Union Legging in Navy Snake.

​1. Size – I wear an XS. It is true to size. I probably can wear a small for more relax fit as the Union Legging is pretty high compression. For your reference, I wear Lululemon size 4.

2. Style – ​​Full length legging.

3. Inseam – 29.5" long. It's longer than my preferred length. There is little ankle bunching unless I wear it over the heel (I am 5'2).

4. Front Rise – 9.5" high rise. The waistband goes up to my navel.

​5. Waistband – 5.25" wide waistband with a hidden key pocket on the left side. I don't normally use the key pocket, but you may find it convenient and useful.

6. Fabric –  70% Polyamide and 30% Elastane. The fabric is lightweight and opaque. It is moisture wicking and fast dry. It is higher compression than Liquido, Lululemon (Full-On Luxtreme) and Niyama Sol, which are my favorite yoga wear brands, but it is stretch enough for yoga.

​7. Design for – It can be worn for heated and non-heated yoga as well as gym workouts including spinning, HIIT and Tabata. Given its high compression fabric, I prefer to wear it for gym workouts than yoga.

8. Cost – Retail price $110. I bought it on sale from The Sweatbar for $61.94 including shipping and tax. The Sweatbar offered additional 30% off sale items when I placed the order. Unfortunately, the deal has expired on 7/31.

9. Stitch Seam – Comfortable flat locking seams. 

10. Crotch Seam​ – Single layer fabric (unlined) and no gusset. The design is very similar to L'urv Spot Me Legging, which has a strip of fabric running from one side of inner leg to the other side through the crotch area.

You may notice that I am wearing match top and bottom here. I must like the idea of having match workout outfit. It starts with Lululemon Twist & Train. Then it's Liquido Magic Sequin. Now it's Varley Navy Snake. I knew Varley leggings have good representation, but I wasn't sure about the sports bra. For that reason, I decided to purchase Varley Batson Sports Bra to try out. I bought the bra from The Sweaty Bar  as well, but it has sold out there. Currently, it is available at Bandier, Orchard Mile and Scarlet.

I like the fit and style of the Varley Batson Sports Bra; however, I am a little bit disappointed that the bra is made with two layers of fabrics with no removable pads. It's very likely to show the nipples, and I don't like that. Otherwise, the Batson Bra is comfortable and provides decent support for workouts.

Overall, I am happy with the performance and fit of Varley Union Legging. The silky fabric is moisture wicking and quick dry. It's medium to high compression yet stretchy. For yoga, I would prefer less compression fabric, but that's my preference. The high waistband provides extraordinary support and coverage. The Union Legging is one of the most flattering leggings I own. It lifts (butt) and shapes (legs) in all the right places. As to the Batson Sports Bra, I wish it comes with removable pads; otherwise, it would have been perfect. Thank you Varley for delivering high quality performance activewear that is comfortable and stylish. That said, I still can't justify its high price. 

Where to Buy - 

Varley Union Legging in Navy Snake is available at ​The Sweat Bar and Varley, 

Other stores carry Varley include Anthropologie, ASOS, Bandier, Bergdorf Goodman, Carbon38, Evolve, Neiman Marcus, Orchard Mile, Revolve and Yoox.