Closet 101
​​Do you have the same concerns like me? Whenever I want order yoga pants or leggings online from an unfamiliar brand, I have no idea what size I am. Some brands clearly list the size guide, while some don't. I normally wear XS (Lululemon size 4), but there are cases that I am between sizes which brings me to a dilemma. Although most of the stores offer return and exchange, I don't like the hustle to go through that process. I am sure I am not alone. So, I started this blog, Yogini's Closet, to share not only the size reference for various activewear brands, but also their fit, quality and performance.
​
One of the benefits being a yoga instructor is that most activewear brands offer discounts to fitness professionals. Who doesn't like discounts? Then, here comes another question before placing an order. Do they offer discount to instructors? Some do, and some don't. Also, the percentage of discount varies from 15% up to 50%. My goal is to provide a comprehensive list capturing Fitness Pro Discounts offered as well as the Size Reference by brands. In addition, I will also share reviews of diverse yogawear / activewear in my weekly review. 
First of all, I want to explain in details on what to expect in Yogini's CLOSET. ​I rate each legging based on four categories:
  • Performance (40%): Moisture Wicking (10%), Breathability (10%), Fast Dry (10%) and Elasticity (10%)
  • Quality (20%): Opaque (10%), Durability (10%) and Seam & Gusset (5%).
  • Fit (20%): Flatting Look (10%), True to Size (5%) and High Rise (5%) for tummy tucking.
  • Comfort (15%): Flat, No Dig Waist (8%)  and Soft Fabric (7%).
Under Performance, I break it down into four key properties that I care the most: moisture wicking, breathability, fast dry and elasticity. Each property weights 10%.  For Quality, I care about the sheerness, seam, gusset and durability. For example, the flatlocking seam is preferred as opposed to the overlocking seam. It is also better when there is a gusset, which eliminates the knot formed by four seams coming together, reduces stresses from the four seams, provides maximum freedom of movement and offers hygiene benefits. As to Fit and Comfort, they are a little bit more subjective because everyone has different shape of the body and different expectation on the comfort. When it comes to Fit, I am looking for a tight fit from the waist down to the ankle in addition to a flattering look. For example, I expect a legging to lift the bum and shape legs providing slimming effect. Again, the leggings that fit me well may fit different on you. High rise is also my preferred style as it gives better support and coverage as opposed to standard rise. Lastly, Comfort, the fabric needs to be soft and comfortable against the skin, and a flat, no-dig waistband is a must. 

This rating guide takes in place on Nov 18, 2017, which means the reviews posted before that day have slightly different rating guidelines. I change the rating guide hoping to provide a more objective score. 
​Size & Fitness Pro Discounts by Brand
  • Discount: Unknown.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: Run small, order one size up.
  • Discount: 35% off full-priced items, online only.
  • How to Apply: Sign up an account at Alo Yoga and apply online. Upon approval, the discount will automatically apply to your account.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: 40% off full-priced items, online only.
  • How to Apply: Applied online at Anjali and fill out the application form. A unique discount code will provide to you upon approval. You will need to renew the code every year.
  • Size: Run small, order one size up.
  • Discount: 30% off full-priced items, in-store only (you can get price adjust in store for online orders).
  • How to Apply: Visit the store and show your certification to apply. 
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: Not offer.
  • How to Apply: Not available.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: Not offer.
  • How to Apply: Not available.
  • Size: Tops run small, bottoms true to size.
  • Discount: Unknown.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: One size fits all, but I haven't tried yet.
  • Discount: Unknown.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: Run small, order one size up.
  • Discount: 25% off, online only.
  • How to Apply: Email a copy of valid photo ID and instructor's certificate to apply. Upon approval, a unique promo code will email to you.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: Unknown.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: One size fits all (S~L) and too big for me.
  • Discount: Unknown.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: 15% off by joining the Ambassador Program, online only. You can also use the code "yoginiscloset" to receive 15% discount.
  • How to Apply:  Please email Confused Girl to apply for the Ambassador Program. 
  • Size: Run small, order one size up.
  • Discount: Unknown.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: Run small, order one size up (similar to Liquido).
  •  Discount: 20% off full-priced items, online only.
  • How to Apply: Apply Teacher Discount Program online by providing your teaching schedule and a copy of the instructor's certificate. Upon approval, a promo code will be provided via email.
  • Size: Run small, order one size up.
  •  Discount: 20% off, online only.
  • How to Apply: Contact customer service to request fitness instructor discount. A unique promo code will be provided upon approval.
  • Size: Run small, order one size up.
  • Discount: Unknown, but Ambassador Program is available.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: Run small, order one size up.
  • Discount: Unknown.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted​ customer service.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: 20% off, online only.
  • How to Apply: Apply for the Guru program by emailing the proof of instructor certification and details of your fitness industry and activities. Upon approval, an unique discount code will be provided.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: 20% off on full-priced items, online only.
  • How to Apply: Email the copy of valid ID and instructor's certificate to apply. Upon approval, the discount code will be provided for the current month use. You will need to re-apply again for next month.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: Unknown.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: 25% off on full-priced items, online only.
  • How to Apply: As a member of Yoga Alliance, you can receive 25% discount. Or you can email to request.
  • Size: Run small, order one size up.
  • Discount: 15% off, online only.
  • How to Apply: Contact customer service to apply. Upon approval, a personalized code will be provided on five purchased. After five uses, you can email K-Deer to re-activate your discount code. 
  • Size: Run small, order one size up.
  • Discount: Not offer.
  • How to Apply: Not available.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: 20% off full-priced items, online only.
  • How to Apply: Apply the Pro Program online by providing a copy of valid instructor's certificate and studios you teach. Once approved, you will receive a promo code via email.
  • Size: Run small, order one size up.
  • Discount: Unknown, but you can email them to apply for the Ambassador Program.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: Have not tried yet.
  • Discount: 25% off full-priced items, online only.
  • How to Apply: Apply for the Fitness Professional Program online. Upon approval, a discount code will be emailed to you.
  • Size: Run small, order one size up.
  • Discount: 15% off, online only.
  • How to Apply: Apply for the Pro Program online. Upon approval, an unique discount code will be sent to you (valid for 12 months).
  • Size: Have not tried yet.
  • Discount: 20% off full priced items, online only.
  • How to Apply: Contact customer service to apply for instructor discount. Once approved, the discount will automatically apply when you sign in your account.
  • Size: Run small, order one size up.
  • Discount: Unknown, but you can get 20% off from Brazil Wear for instructor discount.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.​
  • Size: True to size; however, they only have S, M, L and XL. Small fits slightly loose on me.
  • Discount: Unknown.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: 25% off, in-store and online.
  • How to Apply: Apply for the Sweat Collective program either in the local store or online. You will need to show proof of instructor's certificate and the classes you teach on the schedule. Once your are approved, your will receive a promo code in email for online order.
  • Size: True to size (size 4 = XS).
  • Discount: 40% off full-priced item, online only.
  • How to Apply: Applied for PROgram online. You will need to sign up an account to apply. Once it's approved, you will automatically receive 40% discounted off when signing in your account.
  • Size: Run small, order one size up.
  • Discount: 40% off full-priced item, online only.
  • How to Apply: Please contact customer service to apply for the instructor discount program.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: 25% off excludes long sleeve shirts and tee shirts, online only.
  • How to Apply:  Email customer service to request the instructor discount. A promo code will be provided upon approval.
  • Size:  Tops true to size, bottoms run small.
  • Discount: 10% off, online only.
  • How to Apply: Email a copy of valid instructor's certification to become a teacher member.  Once approved, the discount will be automatically applied to your account. 
  • Size: Run small, order 3 sizes up. I wear Lululemon size 4, and I need to get a mulawear in large.
  • Discount: Unknown.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: Run small, order one size up.
  • Discount: 15% off, online only. You will receive the first pair of legging for free.
  • How to Apply: Apply Niyama500 online by providing a copy of valid instructor's certificate and information of studios/classes you teach are required.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: 20% off full priced items, online only.
  • How to Apply: Apply Sol Sister Ambassador online by providing studios you teach in addition to the valid instructor's certificate.
  • Size: Run small, order one size up.
  • Discount: 30% off, online only.
  • How to Apply: Email customer service to apply for the instructor discount program.
  • Size: Run small, order one size up.
  • Discount: Unknown.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: Unknown.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: 15% off, online only.
  • How to Apply: Please contact customer service to request for instructor discount code.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: Unknown.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: 30% OV university style when signing up with .edu email address. No discount for fitness instructor.
  • How to Apply: Create a student account online.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: Unknown.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: Haven't tried yet, but I will probably order one size up.
  • Discount: 50% off full priced items, in-store and online.
  • How to Apply: Apply for an Influencer Account online. Upon approval, instructor discount will be automatically applied to your account. For in-store purchase, just show them a valid photo ID and provide your email to verified the Influencer Account.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: Unknown.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: Unknown.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: Unknown.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: 50% off for the first time purchase on full priced items, online only. 25% off full priced items all year round, in-store and online.
  • How to Apply: Applied #FitSquat program by emailing a copy of your credentials. Upon approval, unique discount codes will be provided.
  • Size: Run small, order one size up. Size 2 / small is equivalent to Lululemon size 4.
  • Discount: Unknown.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: 30% off in US and 20% off in UK, in-store and online.
  • How to Apply: You can either apply in-store or online. To receive discount code for online order, please email the proof of certificate and class schedule to customer service. Upon approval, the discount will be automatically applied to your account.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: Not offer.
  • How to Apply: Not available.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: 15% off.
  • How to Apply: Please email customer service and provide the proof of certificate to receive the discount code.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: Unknown, but you can apply for Tonic Tribe to receive benefits.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: Unknown.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: Haven't tried yet.
  • Discount: Unknown.
  • How to Apply: Haven't contacted customer service.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: 30% off, online only.
  • How to Apply: Apply Varley Athletic Club online. I've tried to apply in the past, but my application was rejected. It seems to me the Varley Athletic Club is for Ambassador Registration. To be qualified, you will need to be a certified fitness instructor as well as have certain amount of follows on social medias.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: 15% off, online only.
  • How to Apply: Contact customer service to inquire.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: Not offer.
  • How to Apply: Not available.
  • Size: Tops run small, bottoms true to size.
  • Discount: 30% off full priced items up to $1,000 per year, online only.
  • How to Apply: Apply Professional Program online and fill the application form. Upon approval, you will receive an unique discount code, which will expire within 12 months. You can re-apply after 12 months.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: Not offer.
  • How to Apply: Not available.
  • Size: True to size.
  • Discount: Not offer. They used to offer 50% off to instructors back in 2013.
  • How to Apply: Not available.
  • Size: True to size.
I know I am not covering all the brands in the world, but I will try my best to update the list.
Your questions and feedback are welcome!