The Complete Guide to Varley Activewear: Function Meets Fashion for the Modern Woman

As an avid fitness enthusiast and athleisure addict myself, I‘ve tested my fair share of activewear brands over the past decade. I‘m always on the hunt for labels that balance style and performance to power me through sweat sessions by day and drinks out by night.

Enter Varley: the sleek British athleisure brand taking over Instagram feeds and boutique retailers alike. Known for their muted color palettes and minimalist detailing, Varley built a cult following amongst yoga bunnies and SoulCycle devotees.

But does this rapidly growing brand live up to the hype? I ordered a heaping haul of Varley‘s best-selling leggings, sports bras, and hoodies to take for a test drive.

Keep reading for a brutally honest review on whether Varley‘s premium price point matches the performance.

Overview: Varley‘s Ethos and Best Sellers

Varley launched in London back in 2014, founded by husband and wife duo Lara and Ben Mead. Frustrated by the lack of stylish workout gear actually cut for performance, Lara set out to create activewear for strong, fashion-forward women like herself.

The result? A collection focused on flattering silhouettes crafted from innovative technical fabrics. Varley‘s core leggings, sports bras, and lightweight jackets sell out fast, especially their hero prints exclusive to each season.

Let‘s look at why the Varley girl keeps coming back for more:

Standout Features

• Fabric innovation – moisture-wicking, compression, sweat-proof
• Generous size range from XXS-XL
• Compliment-inviting muted colorways
• Athleisure-driven multi-use gear
• Sustainability focus – recycled nylons and plastics

Bestselling Items

• Leggings
• Sports bras
• Biker shorts
• Half-zip pullovers

Price Point

• Leggings $80-130
• Bras $60-100
• Jackets $100-200

Now that you know the Varley basics, let‘s get into the juicy product review details. Should we all be adding Varley to cart? Keep reading!

Varley Leggings Reviews: Testing Performance Claims

Great leggings should move with you like a second skin whether you‘re downward dogging in yoga or hustling through a bootcamp class. I took three of Varley‘s beloved legging styles to test their claims of "all day comfort."

My impressions:

The fabrics felt noticeably sleeker and more breathable than cheaper brands I‘ve worn. I stayed comfy wearing the Varley leggings from workout to brunch without needing to change.

However the waistbands rolled down a bit while running, requiring occasional adjusting. For over $100 per pair, I expected a more secure contouring effect. But overall the leggings lived up to expectations for low and medium impact workouts.

Whitley High Waisted Leggings

Pros

• Light compression keeps you supported without restriction
• Sweat-wicking technology stayed cool during hot yoga and spin
  Cons
• Waistband rolled down slightly while running hills

Verdict: Ideal for low intensity training like barre and pilates

Luna High Waisted Leggings

Pros:

• Smoothing fabric contours your shape for a slimming effect
• No front seam means no dreaded camel toe
  Cons:
• Pilled slightly between thighs with friction

Verdict: Great for lifting, spin and medium intensity cardio

Biona Full Length Leggings

Pros:

• Plush thermal interior locks in warmth
• Sweat-proof waistband prevents uncomfortable wetness
  Cons
• Loses shape through the knees after a few long wears

Verdict: Excellent for cold weather outdoor workouts but show wear over time

Varley Sports Bras Put to the Bounce Test

A good sports bra provides the foundation for conquering any workout. As a 34C, I need reliable support without restrictive smash-down effects or crippling underwire.

I tested three Varley bra styles for bounce control through orange theory, trails runs, and at-home toning.

My impressions:

The Varley bras generally delivered on support within their labeled ratings. However the encapsulation style cup design created some awkward shape effects. I‘d prefer a compression style for a rounder silhouette.

That said, the bras wicked moisture well and maintained their elasticity after repeat use. For smaller cup sizes especially, Varley offers excellent options if you size properly based on activity level.

Irena Light Support Bralette

Pros:

• Buttery soft fabric feels gentle on skin
• Pretty strappy detail adds feminine flair
  Cons:
• Band rides up slightly causing back bulging

Verdict: Good for A/B cups seeking loungewear over sport options

Kellam Medium Support Sports Bra

Pros:

• Removable padding allows you to customize shape
• Criss-cross back stays securely in place limiting bounce
  Cons:
• Some reviewers complain of digging straps

Verdict: Reliable medium support for spinning and HIIT style training

Delta High Support Sports Bra

Pros:

• Sweat-wicking mesh panels add breathability
• Adjustable straps deliver customizable control
  Cons:
• Band flattens shape rather than enhancing curves

Verdict: Decent containment for high impact cardio but style misses the mark

Varley Sweatshirts & Jackets: Testing Post-Workout Potential

The diehard Varley girl doesn‘t stop with workout gear – she layers up her look with hoodies, crews, and jacket. I lived in the Vine and Barton styles for two weeks post-training to see if they made the cut for running errands or grabbing green juices.

Here‘s how the knits and coats performed as athleisure test subjects:

My impressions:

I fell hard for the half-zips! Compared to the schlumpy post-gym fleeces I usually throw on, the ribbed pullovers added polish while maintaining all-day comfort. However the oversized cuts sometimes skewed unflattering around the hips and bum.

The jackets deliver better structure overall. I appreciated sweat-proof touches like thumb holes and cinchable waist detailing. Cold weather hikers and runners should strongly consider Varley shells to lock in heat while working hard in the elements.

Vine Half Zip Ribbed Pullover

Pros:

• Cropped lengths works well for high rise leggings
• Ottoman rib fabric provides warmth without bulk
  Cons:
• Boxy shape isn‘t super flattering for curvier frames

Verdict: Excellent lightweight layering piece to elevate athleisure aesthetics

Barton Oversized Sweatshirt

Pros:

• Roomy fit allows for easy layering
• Thick cotton fleece lining brings the cozy factor
  Cons:
• Billowy silhouette skews shapeless

Verdict: Primed for serious lounging but not the most flattering off-duty look

Berea Half Zip Sherpa Pullover

Pros:

• High collar and cuffs seals in warmth
• Cropped cut is sporty and feminine
  Cons:
• Pilling noted under arms after a few wears

Verdict: Structured sherpa that transitions beautifully from mountain trails to main street

Is Varley Worth the Investment?

After extensive testing across the Varley line-up, I landed on an resounding…sometimes. As with most fashion-leaning brands, certain pieces in the collection outperformed others.

The leggings, half-zips, and lighter jackets deliver on the hype. Thoughtful design touches justify the $100+ price tag through enhanced comfort, movement, and style versatility.

However looser sweatshirts and structured bras fell a bit short for me. Overly boxy cuts turned unflattering while cups created awkward shapes across body types.

Overall Varley still makes an excellent addition to your fitness wardrobe…if you select the right items suited for your lifestyle and frame! Take time reading reviews before splurging to ensure a worthwhile athleisure investment.

Comparing Varley to Lululemon: Which Brand Reigns Supreme?

As hardcore yoga pants enthusiasts, we need to address the elephant in the room. Lululemon remains the OG athleisure giant – a legacy lifestyle brand turned multi-billion retailer.

But with its cult following and Prime positioning, how does Varley compare against the retail juggernaut? Let‘s break it down:

Price

Both sit on the premium end pricing wise but Lululemon runs cheaper for core staples like leggings and bras. The superior brand scale keep prices competitive.

Quality

Here Varley shines through advanced technical fabrics you expect paying $100+ a piece. Luon legions stay loyal but admit longevity issues lately.

Style Selection

Lulu dominates with vast colors and fabrications allowing you to build a head-to-toe look. Varley makes careful edits meaning limited prints and lineages with improved attention to detail.

Sizing & Fit Range

After years of criticism, Lulu continues expanding their size charts with new inclusive offerings each season. Varley currently maxes out at XL.

When it comes down to it, Lu stands as the accessible one-stop shop for building out your entire fitness wardrobe. But true high performance athletes and athleisure lovers should give Varley strong consideration for its standout leggings and mid-layers. Think fewer pieces, better made.

Who is the Varley Woman? Decoding the Target Consumer

We all contain multitudes – especially we stylish athletic ladies navigating busy social schedules. We need gear keeping pace through spin class, business meetings, and ladies night cocktails.

As my Varley review proves, the label nails effortless transitions throughout all facets of her day. So who is the Varley woman and what drives her fashion and buying decisions?

Key Demographics

• 25-45 years old
• Metropolitan professionals & entrepreneurs
• Higher average household income ($100K+)
• College educated
• Prioritize fitness & wellbeing

Psychographics

• Finds self-expression through functional fashion
• Seeks balance between strength and beauty
• Values premium craftsmanship and technical innovation
• Aspires for sophisticated yet approachable personal aesthetic
• Willing to invest more for quality, sustainability, ethical production

Our Varley girl contains equal parts goal crusher and free spirit. Performance and polish drive her product selections as she navigates busy weeks filled with workouts, work meetings, and weekend getaways.

Sound like you? Then continue reading for shopping hacks on saving money while stocking up on Varley!

Varley Discount Codes: How to Get the Look For Less

As expected from such a hot emerging brand, Varley rarely hosts sales beyond seasonal markdowns on their website. However deal-driven ladies can still score savings year-round through:

• Site-wide 10% discount for new email subscribers: rewards loyal customers hawking each new collection

• Refer a friend promos: share the Varley love for $25 off your next order

• Affiliate codes through fitness influencers: follow yogi babes and SoulCycle regulars for exclusive promo codes

• Stock up off-season: Hit Revolve and Nordstrom during bi-annual events for potential legacy mark downs

For diehard fans who live in leggings and sports bras, investing in Varley pays dividends through hundreds of quality wear hours. Consider the higher price point reasonable cost per use! But occasional deals definitely help build your dream athleisure wardrobe.

My Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Varley?

After extensive testing and comparison against leading competitors, I believe the Varley woman knows best. For the fashion and fitness-obsessed who expect style and performance through long hours of use, Varley delivers.

The considered fabric innovations, packed with technical features tailored to sweating, deserve the higher cost per wear. And the flattering, minimalist cuts cater perfectly to athleisure aesthetics for brunch-to-barre wear ability.

Just remember fit consistency and longevity varies across their expansive catalog. Focus your budget on best selling leggings and mid-layers over looser cuts to maximize value returns.

If you crave motivating, on-trend activewear to get after goal crushing workouts followed by well-earned wine time, Varley deserves a spot at the top of your wishlist!