As someone who has tested performance athletic apparel for specialty sport publications over the last decade, new fitness brands pique my curiosity. I wonder – does this label truly understand an athlete’s needs? Or is it all hype covering subpar quality?
Legends is the latest brand sparking intrigue across the workout world. Launched in 2019 by pro athletes like Baker Mayfield and Larry Nance Jr., Legends makes bold claims about engineering “the perfect athlete’s uniform”.
Well…is it? I got my hands on several Legends bestsellers to take an in-depth look at fabric, construction and real-world performance. Consider this your cheat sheet to sizing, styling and seeing if Legends’ tech is legend…or just legendairy marketing.
Overview – What Exactly is Legends Activewear?
Los Angeles-based Legends sells premium athletic apparel positioned somewhere between Nike and Lululemon. Designed by pro athletes, their clothes boast proprietary performance fabrics intended to optimize movement and endurance.
Legends keeps designs clean and minimalist, allowing the technical construction to take the spotlight. You won’t find overt branding plastered everywhere or wild prints. Instead, expect flattering basics accented with sporty touches like mesh paneling, reflective trim and antimicrobial treatments.
While founded on function-first engineering for activity, their silhouette-skimming cuts also work for everyday wear. Pieces effortlessly transition from working out to running errands thanks to the signature performance fabrics that are breathable, stretchy and sweat-wicking by nature.
But does this fledgling brand deliver more than just stylish sport-inspired fashion? I put their quality claims to the test across 10+ top-selling Legends apparel pieces.
Testing Legends’ True Performance & Durability
As an athlete and apparel tester, I assess clothing based on three criteria:
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Effectiveness – does the fabric technology actually work as promised during intense activity?
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Construction – is it crafted well from quality materials built to endure training?
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Longevity – how does it hold up over time after repeated use and washing?
Let’s break down how Legends scored in each area.
Putting Their Proprietary Fabric Tech to the Test
I tried items spanning their collection to assess specialty textiles engineered for targeted performance benefits:
Enzo Short Sleeve Tee ($50)
- Primary fabric: Proprietary Quick-dry athletic fabric blended from recycled polyester and elastane
- Performance features: 4-way stretch, moisture-wicking, antimicrobial properties, breathability
This became my new favorite workout shirt thanks to the light, gauzy athletic fabric that felt like it wasn’t even there. True to claims, it wicked sweat instantly during my hot yoga flows and kept odor at bay all week – a miracle for a cotton-phobic sweat-er like me!
Luka HD River Rock 7” Shorts ($65)
- Primary Fabric: Diamond ripstop with DWR coating and stretch woven into recycled polyester/spandex
- Performance Features: Sweat-wicking, quick-dry, DWR water resistance, ventilation, stretch
I wore these during intense cycling classes and the diamond ripstop fabric lived up to promises of durability. The laser-cut mesh kept me cool and dry by actively venting heat and moisture. I also loved the adjustable interior drawcord allowing me to customize fit.
Aviator Tri-Blend Tee ($40)
- Primary Fabric: Tri-blend of recycled polyester, organic cotton, rayon from bamboo
- Performance Features: Breathability, stretch, moisture management
Made from blended synthetics and natural fibers, this tee felt soft as a vintage band tee yet performed like athleticwear. On a hot hike it controlled sweat and odor way better than regular cotton. Love the super soft feel!
Carson Athletic Tapered Joggers ($110)
- Primary Fabric: Stretch-woven recycled polyester/spandex
- Performance Features: 4-way stretch, sweat-wicking, water resistance, adjustable waist, ventilation
I wore these versatile joggers climbing, lifting and lounging thanks to the lightweight stretch woven that moved easily in any position. The athletic tapered cut allowed full mobility for squatting and deadlifts while looking polished enough for the rest of my day out and about.
Assessing Fit, Construction & Attention to Detail
Beyond textiles, I heavily scrutinize the quality of sewing, stitching and tailoring – no one wants their workout pants ripping mid-Burpee!
Across all Legends apparel tested, construction quality proved solidly well-executed:
- Stitching stayed intact through repeated wears with no loose threads
- Seams laid flat with no irritation at friction points
- Raw hem finishing inside shorts and pants for chafe-free comfort
- Thoughtful design touches like stash pockets sized for a card or key
Sizing proves consistent across their range. I’m 5’8” 140 lbs and a women‘s size Medium fit great through bottoms and tops for my athletic frame.
For anyone who struggles with waistbands digging in when stretching and moving, you’ll appreciate Legends’ comfortable contour waistbands that stay put without pinching.
Overall quality fully aligns with typical premium athleisure pricing, comparing well against similar pieces from Nike, Adidas and Outdoor Voices.
Evaluating Long Term Durability
I machine washed and wore multiple Legends test pieces for over 6 months to assess longevity. Despite countless gym sessions, washes and everyday wear, the clothes showed impressive resilience:
- Fabric maintained mechanical stretch and recovery
- Moisture-wicking performance never declined
- Colors remained vibrant without fading
- No pilling, holes or tears even in high-friction zones
Pieces like the Go-To Fleece Hoodie prove exceptionally hard-wearing thanks to clever material choices integrating performance fleece. After 6 months it looks and feels brand new – no bacon neck either!
For gear able to endure daily workouts plus off-duty wear and repeat laundering, Legends demonstrates admirable stamina. This apparel should last many seasons even under heavy rotational use.
Style, Sizing & Fit Guidance
Figuring out sizing and styling performance gear for daily life can be tricky. Here’s how to pick Legends pieces that suit your needs and body.
Decoding Their Sizing
Legends offers a curriculum of core basics in Standard and Athletic silhouette options. Choosing between them depends on your proportions and preferences:
Standard Fit caters to straight, slim or athletic body types who desire great base layering pieces. The tee shirts and tanks fit close to the body without constricting – great for showcasing ripped shoulders! For bottoms, the tapered joggers and shorts offer roomier cuts.
Athletic Fit suits curvier athletic frames desiring compression-style gear. The tee shirts contour tighter, while the shorts and leggings taper with curved seaming to hug bums and thighs.
I found their size chart accurate across multiple pieces. Order your typical size for a snug performance layering fit or consider sizing up once for more relaxed streetwear appeal.
For reference:
I’m 5’8” 140 pounds with 37-30-41 inch measurements. The medium size fits me perfectly across both cuts – like a glove without grabbing or gaping.
Style Ideas for Everywhere Wear
While engineered for performance, Legends apparel looks stylish enough for all-day use thanks to subtly sporty accents and versatile neutrals.
For low key weekends I love pairing Caroline Athletic Leggings with the Go-To Fleece Hoodie. The slim leggings and slouchy cropped hoodie make a modern outfit for brunch or farmers market trips. I stay warm and comfy but still look polished.
To elevate office-appropriate athleisure, I tuck an Aviation or Enzo tee into the high-waisted Adriana Skort. The moisture-wicking tee keeps me cool under blazers while the twirly skort looks tres chic.
Even the Luka Shorts transition seamlessly from gym sessions to hanging poolside thanks to the clean design. I just swap slides for sneakers to go grab a green juice without changing.
Bottom Line – Is Legends Worth the Investment?
In my experience testing apparel, brands that nail technical construction sometimes sacrifice aesthetics (or vice versa). Pieces look cute but can’t survive HIIT burpees…or lay limp after one wear.
Legends manages to excel at both unlike almost any other athleisure label – especially for their reasonable mid-tier pricing.
By leveraging insights from pro athletes, Legends engineered apparel能that actually optimizes hardcore training through innovations like:
- Antimicrobial treatments to prevent odor after intense sessions
- Lightweight fabrics that actively vent heat and sweat to keep you cool
- Compression construction that speeds muscle recovery without restricting mobility
While the performance tech exceeds expectations, the longevity also proves exceptional. Pieces retain stretch, moisture management and structure wash after wash.
If searching for cute basics crafted like sleek sportswear that can endure daily high-intensity training, Legends delivers. No wonder it won over celebrities and pro ballers. This is technical apparel perfected into versatile essentials able to energize all-day adventure. Your workout wardrobe craves Legends.
