Go figure!

So I joined up with Crowdtap forever ago, when Old Navy had a "Style Council" on about their jeans.  As I live and die by my Old Navy Sweetheart jeans, I wanted in on that, big time.  Sadly, I was denied on that one.  But, I hung around Crowdtap anyhow, it was neat enough to hold my interest, and maybe there'd be more chances later.  I think the next one was tank tops, and I missed out on that one too.  Just as I was starting to wonder if I'd ever get to try out products I was interested in...  Out came the Old Navy Style Council for their line of compression activewear.  I submitted, I got a spot in the council.  I was thrilled.  Still am, actually.

Up-front disclosure here - I was given a pair of compression pants and a compression jacket, with the understanding that I'd talk about them.

On to "the good stuff."  The first thing I noticed was that putting those bad boys on?  I felt like I'd shrunk about four sizes.  And not in the "OMG, my pants are cutting off circulation to my feet!" sort of way, but the "Woah, I look good..." one.  I was really rather impressed, as usually I only look lumpy in workout gear of any size.  Next, I noticed the sole downside I came across - the jacket compressed my tummy, sure, but it also compressed the heck out of my chest.  I wasn't too keen on that, as boobs are about the only thing that keeps me feeling like I'm not actually 100% round.

The pants have a zip pocket in the back at the waist - which is incredibly handy.  Granted, it's for bus passes, ID cards and the occasional bit of cash for me, as my MomWallet and MomKeys are uncomfortable in any pocket attached to my person, but it's still handy as heck, especially when I'm trying to keep tabs on my bus ticket while wrangling a preschooler.  The advert for the pants says "sits low on waist" which made me anxious.  I hate low riding pants.  I always feel like they're falling off me.  These actually fit comfortably.  Not at the waist, but not so low they were twitch-making either.  Hooray!

The jacket has thumbholes in the sleeves.  This, as a general trend, has always made me make the face that goes  o.O;;  What's the point, right?  Well.  I love them.  I love the thumb holes, and I didn't think I would.  They keep the sleeves in place under a jacket, they keep my wrists warm outside, it's great.  GREAT, I tell you.

Now, I'm not sure how well the ensemble will fare in outside weather once it gets really cold out, but I suppose we'll see.  For now, though, I can take them out on a walk and not come back feeling sloppy and sweaty, and the pants are hugely comfortable - both for working out (in my case, walking) and for just lounging.

While I still love my Old Navy jeans, I have to say that the compression pants are giving them a run for their money!

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Also, I plan to have another post up around Thanksgiving (in time for holiday shopping and Black Friday sales!) to go over this stuff again, and to mention how well the workout gear holds up in the chilly weather.  I figure once my knees are back in the clear, I'll also make a point of reviewing one more time on grounds of a real, high-intensity workout and the moisture-wicking capabilities of the attire.