Fit Review Friday! Softstreme Draped-Back Crew, Sundown Sweatshirt II, Sundown Sweatshirt, Shinbene Shorts aka Align Short Dupes
Happy Friday! Before I get into the review, I just want to thank everyone who chimed in on my last post. I didn't realize how many of you wanted to see new arrivals besides Lululemon. Your comments are really important and it does help me decide on what direction to take. On one hand, this is just a shopping blog, but on the other I really enjoy seeing this small group of people come together, even if it's just talking about what a bore the last Lululemon drop was! 😆
Today's fit review is very image heavy. There's six items in this post and I tried to be extremely selective with the photos to minimize as much scrolling as possible. There's Lululemon, Athleta, and Align dupes! Sit down, get comfy, grab a cup of tea or your choice of drink and let's dive in.
For reference I'm 4 feet 11 inches tall and typically wear size 4 in Lululemon tops and bottoms. For Athleta I wear size PXS and for Shinbene shorts I'm wearing size 4 but I could have also worn a size 6.
You all know I love Softstreme. I'm even thinking about setting aside space in my closet for Softstreme / Seasoft pieces only. When the Draped-Back Crew dropped I had to order it. I'm wearing my usual size 4. It's slightly oversized and I could have sized down if I wanted it to be more fitted. The sleeves are an interesting length and doesn't look great because of how wide the cuffs are. But I'm not complaining since they're not too long, which is more annoying to me. They do look good rolled up. The front has a wide band around the hem, but on the back of the pullover it's just a curved hem. I'm guessing it's because the drape effect would not work with a thick band in the back? The length is great. It is slightly shorter in the front and longer in the back. I actually prefer the longer length over the Perfectly Oversized Cropped Crew. Am I the only one who is getting slightly tired of the crop top trend?
One other thing I want to point out, in the middle of the drape, there is a bump that sticks out. I looked to see if the models also have this bump, but they do not. I wonder if they flattened it for the photos. Maybe it's just the one I have? If anyone has this pullover, please let me know if you also have a bump in the middle of the back. I think it looks a bit strange and I'm leaning towards returning it. I'm disappointed because I love everything else about it!
Does it look weird, to you or is it just me?
Next up, we have the Shinbene Naked Short in Peacock Blue. I've been curious to see if Shinbene or Aritzia makes the better Align dupe. I'm wearing size 4. The length measures 6 inches long. The fabric feel buttery, but it's not as stretchy as Align fabric. The fit is tighter and slightly compressive. I wonder if sizing up would have made it feel more "naked".
By the way, slightly off topic, I folded the pullover underneath my bra because I saw some girls do this on Instagram, what do you guys think of this look? Cute or nah?
One other thing I want to point out- you can see the hidden waistband pocket. Otherwise, I loved the color. I think it's similar to Lululemon's Capture Blue. Price is $17. Definitely worth trying out.
Athleta is slowly phasing out their Sundown Sweatshirt and replacing it with an updated version - Sundown Sweatshirt II. I wanted to do a comparison between the two, to see which one I preferred.
Sundown Sweatshirt II Magnolia White Petite XS
I'm wearing size petite XS and fit is true to size although the sleeves are slightly too long. The length hits at low hip and the fit is boxy. The fabric is soft organic cotton. It feels light to mid-weight and perfect for cool summer nights. I do not like the updated hem detail. This kind of reminds me of how Lululemon updated their Always Effortless Jacket in a not so flattering way. I think most of us prefer the original. And of course, there's also a price hike to boot.
Overall, it's a comfy sweatshirt that's not too heavy or too light in weight, but I do think I prefer the original Sundown Sweatshirt.
Next, we have Shinbene short in Moon Rock. The color reminds me of slightly darker Lululemon Graphite Purple. It also looks like Athleta's Dusk Violet. This short measures 6 inches in length. I'm wearing size 4 and these run small in the waist. They are slightly compressive and the fabric feels like a mix between Align and Luon. Still very soft, but not buttery soft. The main difference here is the lack of a front seam. I'm not used to not seeing a seam down the front so it's kind of interesting. I can't decide if I like it or not. I kind of like it because the front seam can kind of look like camel toe. So not having the seam eliminates all that.
These shorts also do not have any logo or branding on them. Which I don't mind at all.
Next up, we have the original Sundown Sweatshirt. I'm wearing size petite small. The color is Minimalistic Grey, but it kind of looks like Silver Blue, it's a very calming shade. It's definitely more blue than it is grey. Right now it's on sale for $40! Athleta is having a $40 and Under Summer Essentials sale that's definitely worth checking out. Some of the items are half off.
Sundown Sweatshirt Minimalistic Grey Size Petite Small (on sale $40)
I think the cut of this sweatshirt is better than the updated version. The hem may be plain, but I think the fit is better, it's not as boxy. The sleeves are also not as long as the new version. I'm glad I snagged this before it's discontinued.
Last but not least, we have Shinbene Cloud High-Rise Short in 5" length. The color is Chocolate, but in person it doesn't look like chocolate at all. It looks more like Lululemon's Smoky Red or a darker Spiced Chai. I'm also wearing size 4, but this one is the smallest of all three pairs I received. I would definitely need to size up to a 6 in this one. I took a video and I can't post it because there's camel toe. 🙈 I'll post the other two videos on my Instagram stories tomorrow though!
Out of all three pairs I received, the closest dupe to Lululemon Align shorts is Sheinbene Classic 2.0 Naked Short. Sheinbene Cloud High Rise Short 6" is a close second but it was more compressive. The last pair Sheinbene Cloud High Rise Short 5" reminds me of Wunder Unders, even the fabric feels like Luon. Finally, who makes the better Align dupe? Shinbene or Artizia's TNA Butter? I would have to say Aritzia wins this one. But good luck finding them in stock!
That's it for me! Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!!
Reviewed in Order:
(I have this an love it, I purchased size XXS)
(I think I'm going to order these!)
(Add to cart... 😅)
(I am loving Tinsel Purple!)
Thanks for another amazing review, Leslie. and I love that it’s image heavy! :)
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of getting the Softstreme Draped-Back Crew Silver Blue Size 4 but i wasn’t too sure about the draped back. Either it was the cutting or the fact that the fabric doesn’t drape well, I just don’t find the draped back effect nice. The bump in the middle is very obvious. I’m very picky when it comes to workmanship and the dimple at the end of the stitching line is not acceptable to me.
You make me wanna get the original Sundown Sweatshirt but sadly neither Minimalistic Gray nor Magnolia White is on sale on the Canadian site. :(. I hate it when they make changes to a nice item, only to make it not as nice.
Even though Nulu fabric pills, I still find Align pants/shorts the most comfortable bottoms with that naked feeling. Both Peacock Blue and Moon Rock are amazing colors though!
Thanks again for this great fit review, Leslie. I’ll be checking out the Aritzia TNA Butter bottoms! :D
Have a great weekend! Andrea
Hi Andrea! Okay, glad to know it is not just me on the bump on the back of the Softstreme Draped-Back Crew. I will return it.
DeleteOh no, I hate when the US sales do not apply to Canada. It's super frustrating! But yeah the new version is not as nice in my opinion for the Sundown Sweatshirt.
If you try the TNA Butter shorts, let me know what you think!
Great reviews! I really like Softstreme but am waiting for the right item.
ReplyDeleteLLL uploads have been pretty disappointing lately, but it's still my fav over every other brand I've ever tried. I end up disliking items from elsewhere every time I try to branch out to something new. I do enjoy your posts about the world outside of LLL, though!
Hi LZ - Sounds like you're saving a lot of money. =D
DeleteHappy to hear you're still sticking around even when it's not a Lulu post!
hi Leslie! Thanks for the fit reviews! The Softstreme Draped-Back Crew looks pretty in Silver Blue, but I think the sleeves would look better if they're just a little longer or if the cuff is smaller. It's too bad that there's a bump in the back. Among the three sweatshirts you tried, I actually like the Sundown Sweatshirt in Minimalistic Grey the most. The colour is a nice neutral and the simple design is flattering. I like that the collar is not too tight and the length of the shirt is just right. I think that one's a keeper!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing both Athleta's and Lululemon's markdowns! Nothing for me from Lulu, but I could not resist Athleta's summer essential sale. I ordered a few bottoms--the Brooklyn skort, Vienna Cargo Skort, Trekkie North Short and Trekkie North Jogger. I know I like the Brooklyn skort, but haven't tried the other styles. I hope they'll work out for me.
Have a great weekend!
Hi Karen! Totally agree, the Sundown Sweatshirt in Minimalistic Gray is the keeper out of the lot. Sounds like you have a nice haul coming your way. Hope you like them!
DeleteAthleta does have some really nice sales, they make it tempting to try new things. =) Enjoy your weekend!
I agree with everyone, the Sundown Sweatshirt in Minimalistic Gray is the best piece out of this haul, although I do like the shorts as well. The Softstreme sweatshirt is just "meh", and for the price, it should be awesome.
ReplyDeleteAs for the Athleta Summer Essentials Sale, I caved and got a couple of items too. It's interesting that the markdowns are different between the US and Canadian sites (I totally would have ordered the Cabernet Studio Jogger if it was marked down!). Anyway, I got some Trekkie North Shorts, the Legend Shorts, and a Transcend Short to try. Athleta is getting all of my money lately!
Hi Lola! Agreed, with the price increases, I really need to be picky about what I keep.
DeleteLet me know what you think of the Transcend Short. I want to try the 5 inch length. Just wish there were more colors to choose from. I love the Legend Short. It's super cute.
I just received my Transcend Short. They're definitely giving me Align vibes. The fabric is similar to Nulu - brushed and very soft and stretchy. The sizing could be tricky though. I got an xs, and compared to my size 4 Align shorts, the waist is noticeably smaller. I probably could have sized up to a small and they'd be more like a size 4. I got the printed ones, so maybe the printed ones fit smaller than the solid colors? I decided to keep the xs, since I tried a workout in them, and they didn't budge. Definitely worth checking out!
DeleteOhhhh good to know. I will definitely give the Transcend Shorts a try. Waiting for a sale or another 20% off coupon. Thanks for the heads up on the sizing. I will order the size small, I don't like anything too tight -especially if it's supposed to be the "naked" feeling.
DeleteTBH I really like the softstreme drape back crew on you. but i'm partial to details like that in the back.
ReplyDeleteHi there, the bump in the middle of the drape doesn't bother you? I really like it, only if it didn't have the weird bump.
DeletePS. I ordered the back in action ss in the moonrock after seeing it on you and I love it. The fabric is so soft and airy. The loungeful hoodie in camo gray/ black is so soft and cozy too! Someone commented about that hoodie and seemed to have doubts about it. But I love it. I'm just waiting for my softstreme cropped navy pants to arrive. Thanks for all the fit reviews!
ReplyDeleteHi! So glad you like the Back In Action SS. I actually wore that top today when I went out for dinner. It's really amazing. The collar can bump up against the neck at times, but overall it wasn't bad though. I bet you'll love the Softstreme Crops also! I tried it on at the store and really liked it.
DeleteI don’t notice the bump much in your photos. It may also relax after a while. I wish I had sized down in the BIA ss. But it still fits ok. I can’t wait for you softstreme crop review.
ReplyDeleteOk I looked again and I see what you mean. I don’t think it looks bad at all because that seam in the middle is supposed to give the back fabric more dimension..meaning it’s not supposed to lie flat
ReplyDeleteAh... I see. I just wish it was more like the photos on the models. It's a return for me. It might relax after awhile, but not something I am willing to wait and see. =(
DeleteThanks for reading my blog! I always appreciate the comments. I'm happy to know I'm not the only one obsessed with Softstreme. Your Softstreme collection sounds great! I think you need a pair of the crops. The crops are coming up in my next review. =) I also need to pull out some clothes that I don't reach for as much anymore.
I love your blog posts and have been tuning in for a while, but decided to finally comment when I saw that you were thinking about setting aside room in your closet for your softstreme collection! I have a whole closet for my softstreme (3 belted wraps, 2 cropped crews, 2 dropped sleeve wraps so far) you are awesome and have great taste in clothes!
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, I always look at the Zella clothing and now that the anniversary sale is on, I've been looking more. I ended up ordering the Altitude shorts after reading all the great reviews. Unfortunately, I missed the boat on the xs sizes and they only had the pink in xs in stock. The purple/grey one reminds me of moonrock but it's sold out in xs. With the price of LLL shorts going up I thought I'd give them a try. I'll keep you posted on them
ReplyDeleteI have bought a couple of Zella pieces to try, not recently though, it's been a couple of years. I still have one of their Terry hoodies that I really love and wear it pretty often. Do keep us posted on how you like the shorts! They look like Hotty Hots.
DeleteHi Leslie, I received the Zella shorts today and I really wanted to like them. Even though the liner fits perfectly the crotch part of the shorts are really long on me and hang down too low so at certain angles it exposes my butt too much . I don't think it's the fault of the shorts. It's probably because I'm petite and have a short rise. But that doesn't explain why the liner fits so well. Other than that, the color is nice and the waistband falls at the right spot and is really comfy. I do find the quality and feel of the LLL shorts are still superior. So sad, but they're going back because of the fit.
ReplyDeleteAh, that's too bad, they looked really nice on the website, so similar to HHs. Good to know about the fit though. At least you tried it.
DeleteThanks again for the update!