Since there was no upload yesterday and Christmas falls on Friday, I've bumped up this week's Fit Review Friday to Wednesday. 😁 Normally I would also write up a Christmas wishlist, but this year I kind of feel like I have everything I need, and I really don't want anything except to be able to see my friends and family again in NYC. I also want everyone to stay safe and healthy until we can all gather again.
So with that I'll continue on with my usual review. For reference I'm 4 feet 11 and typically a size XXS/XS/PXS in Athleta. I'm also a size 4 in Lululemon tops.
Last year I reviewed this jacket and passed on it. The cut was just slightly too boxy and wide, but I did like it. This year it looks like Athleta updated the fit and it is now less boxy and I do find it to be more flattering. It's also very petite friendly! I purchased this during their Black Friday sale and have worn it quite often already. I prefer wearing it with the sherpa on the inside for maximum coziness. It keeps me super warm.
The hood and pockets are lined with sherpa!
I'm not too crazy about wearing this with the sherpa on the outside, mainly because of the wide zipper. I think it takes away from the look. I also mentioned this issue last year as well. The sherpa side also makes everything look bigger and I do think it gives me a teddy bear look. The one thing I wish Athleta would change is the quality of zippers they use. I know this is a reversible jacket and zippers can sometimes be slightly harder to maneuver but Athleta constantly uses cheap zippers. It's my biggest gripe with them.
Overall, I am super pleased with this jacket this year and wish there were more colors to choose from. I would totally pick this one up in another color like they had last year in gray. Next up we have the Balance Pullover. I'm wearing size petite XS.
Balance Pullover Navy Size XS Petite
This pullover is super soft and lined with cozy fleece on the inside. The outside feels like a regular sweatshirt but it also has little dots all over and you can feel them. I wasn't crazy about that to be honest. This is definitely an oversize fit with dropped shoulders. There is a strange bump on the shoulder seam which bothered me enough to return. You can see it in the below photo. Not sure if it's just the one I have but overall I didn't think this pullover was special enough to re-order and try again.
I did like the wide collar and found this pullover to be super comfortable. The sleeves also have thumbholes which is nice. This pullover was just okay for me. You can see the shoulder seam that sticks out in the above photo too.
Last we have the Balance Sweatshirt. This hoodie is sooooo soft on the inside. I have a ton of hoodies, but thought this one was special enough to keep. It's also very petite friendly. One thing I need to mention is - I know it looks SUPER wrinkly. I went back and forth trying to decide if I wanted to retake the photos without the wrinkles but I decided to leave it as is. I know most are shopping via online (100% me) and I didn't want anyone to think if they ordered this hoodie and it arrived wrinkled that it was defective or not worth keeping.
I love the thumbholes.
I gotta say I really love this hoodie. There is one small nitpicky thing I do need to mention. The pockets are parallel to the floor, which means I would not put my cell phone in it because it'll most likely fall out. Otherwise I love everything else about it! This hoodie has dolman sleeves and it's not super exaggerated, so I quite like the style. I do think this is flattering and reminds me of the Catch A Breath Hoodie I have but this is even softer and cozier. The zipper on this hoodie is fine, thankfully!
The band at the hem is fitted but very stretchy and I didn't find it to be restrictive. The length hits right at the hip for me. The fit is relaxed and with lots of room. This is one of those pieces where you can throw it on after a workout or just wear it around the house, which is me! I live in my hoodies and sweatshirts. This is currently available in three colors. I wish there were more options because I wouldn't mind adding another one of these to my closet. I love the toasted brown heather. It's more of a light gray with a hint of warmth to it. It's a great neutral.
That's it for me! I'll be taking this Friday off to celebrate Christmas. I'll see you all next Monday for another fit review. It'll be a Lululemon post you won't want to miss!
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Hi! I love the balance hoodie on you! And I agree it looks like the catch a breath! I will be buying this soon.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your wonderful reviews ❤️
Thanks Anna! Let me know how you like it when it arrives. Which color are you eyeing?
DeleteThe Balance Hoodie is super cute but it looks kind of thin to me. Maybe that’s why it doesn’t look bulky even with the dolman sleeves! I love the wide band at the hem which Is flattering. A true keeper!
ReplyDeleteI also like the Sherpa hoodie which looks really cozy. I like it with the Sherpa outside cos it makes you look like a cuddly teddy bear, but have to agree that the zipper is too wide. Would totally love this hoodie in grey or taupe! I have yet to find a Sherpa hoodie in good quality. Some Sherpa material looks really cheap especially after the laundry.
The Balance Pullover looks comfy but the bulging seam along the dropped shoulder is a deal breaker. :(
Thanks for such a nice review , Leslie. Thanks indeed for your hard work over the years, especially during the pandemic. It has made life a bit easier when things go crazy!
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and may 2021 be a better year for all of us!
Hi Andrea! The Balance hoodie is on the thin side, it's not as thick as the Catch a Breath hoodie, but I do think it's a great piece for warm up or cool downs. It'll definitely get more use when it warms up a bit.
DeleteThank you for sticking around all these years. I appreciate you coming by and leaving comments. =)
Merry Christmas to you and yours and yes 2021 will be better!
Loving that Balance Hoodie on you! Thank you for all your reviews this year! It has been a much-needed distraction. I hope you have a safe and Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Appreciate you dropping by. Merry Christmas!!
DeleteLove the sherpa jacket so much! It's a perfect cut for you. The shoulders do have a weird seam I don't like either. Idk why some pieces do that. The last hoodie reminded me of the Catch a Breath even before I read it! Love the cut and color on it!
ReplyDeleteAlso Merry Christmas!!!
DeleteThanks Janessa! I am really into sherpa and want to order the Sherpa Tugga Long coat... It just looks super cute and cozy.
DeleteMerry Christmas!!! =D
DeleteThanks for another great review! Have a Merry Christmas! Hope you'll find rest and peace this holiday! I'm positive that things will take a positive turn in 2021! Take care!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you as well! Here's to a better 2021.
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