6 Editors Review Abercrombie's Activewear — Which May Be Better Than Its Jeans

YPB SculptLux One-Shoulder Strappy-Back Slim Tank ($50), YPB SculptLux 7/8-Length Legging ($28, originally $70), and YPB NeoKnit MAX Half-Zip ($80)

"I own so many workout sets that I need a whole locker devoted to them in the downstairs garage, much to my boyfriend's dismay. 'Why can't you just donate some of them?' — I get that a lot. And routinely, I do! But this one won't be retired any time soon. As a co-ord connoisseur and someone who exercises every day, I crave the motivation that comes with switching up my look. Sure, it may earn me compliments at Real Hot Yoga, but it's more about how I feel in my set — whether the colour palette empowers me and the silhouette cinches me in the right places.

"When it comes to YPB, all of my boxes are ticked. This set in particular comes with more compression than many of my other workout clothes, but it's in no way constricting. I haven't once experienced discomfort in the one shoulder top, nor have I found myself adjusting it to a different height or constantly pulling it up on one side. As someone who's petite with an athletic shape (I'm 5'1" and wear a size XS), I fully appreciate the option to purchase the leggings in short, regular, or long length and chose mine in regular, because I like to wear high sport socks to hold the bottom of my pants in place. Finally, my favourite sets are those that come with a cute sweatshirt I can throw on to trek to and from the gym, or stop for a coffee afterwards, and I can confirm the comfort and stretch of the NeoKnit Half-Zip, which honestly feels sort of official with its patent stitched onto the sleeve." — Sarah Wasilak, associate director, Commerce

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YPB on the Go Puffer ($120, originally $160), YPB NeoKnit Wedge Popover Hoodie ($35, originally $70), and YPB MotionTek Jogger ($48, originally $80)

"I bought something from Abercrombie for the first time about a year ago, and the retailer quickly became one of my go-to places to shop. I've loved everything from the denim shorts to the menswear, so I jumped at the chance to try the YPB activewear line. I generally prefer joggers to leggings, and these did not disappoint. With a thick and extremely high-waisted waistband, they feel super comfortable and do not shift while I'm wearing them. Most impressively, they did not crease or wrinkle after a full day's wear. I wore them for a morning walk outside, plus sitting for eight hours while working from home, but you'd never know. They do run a little long on me – as most pants do, being that I'm 5'2" – so I think I'll try the short length next time.

"Despite reading many reviews of the YPB sweatshirts before trying them for myself, it was hard to imagine the texture of them. Abercrombie's NeoKnit material is soft and thin, while still providing warmth. I love that they feel versatile enough to slip on for added warmth while running errands, yet thin enough to layer after a workout.

"In the winter, I live in my puffer jacket. I've had the same one for over a year, so I was equally sceptical to wear something other than my own, but excited to try the YPB puffer. I put it to the test on a below-freezing New York City morning and I was instantly impressed by the warmth it provides. It felt comfortable, yet breathable, and I was able to move quickly and freely (especially with the side vent zippers). It was the only piece I tried from the YPB collection that didn't fit true to size, partially due to the thickness. I'd recommend sizing up, but I must say, this puffer has earned a rightful spot next to my previous one." — Allison Ingrum, editorial operations manager

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YPB SculptLux Curve Love Plunge Henley Slim Tank ($25, originally $49) and YPB SculptLux Curve Love 7/8-Length Leggings ($65)

"Abercrombie's activewear line looked promising and flattering on the site, but I wanted to see if the basics could live up to the hype during an actual workout. Since I love the brand's Curve Love line, especially for jeans and the bestselling Sloane pants, I tested out the leggings in a size small short. The fit is perfect - the legging hit right at my ankle without bunching and sat right on my waist without being too high or low. Plus, there's a slight lift as well, which is flattering. The leggings are slightly compressive, too, but still flexible. They feel supportive when walking on an incline, and I can still move around and stretch without feeling restricted. The waistband has a slight compression as well, which helps prevent it from riding down while walking and helps me keep my core engaged.

"The Curve Love line also extends to athletic tops, so I was keen on trying out the Henley top in a size small since I have a bigger bust. I've always wanted to be that girl who can wear a stylish long-line workout top, but nothing felt supportive enough or flattering for my bigger boobs until this. Just like the leggings, the fit of this slim tank is perfect. It has the added room where I need it, but cinches in at the waist. The top has compression as well, which helps keep my bust more supported than most workout tops. Plus, the padding is properly integrated into the top, so it won't flip around when you wash it. I usually wear this for lower-impact workouts like weight lifting, yoga, and stretching, along with leisure walks. I prefer greater support for higher-impact workouts that are more cardio-heavy, and for those, I wear this tank on top of my regular bra or a high-impact sports bra." — Anvita Reddy, associate editor, Commerce

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YPB SculptLux One-Shoulder Strappy-Back Slim Tank ($50) and YPB SculptLux Flare Legging ($35, originally $70)

"I own more workout sets than I can count – and while there are many high quality tops and leggings out there, they don't often come with an affordable price tag. So I was pleasantly surprised to find my Abercrombie set held up so well in a *very* sweaty yoga sculpt class. As promised, the brand's SculptLux fabric is not only sweat-wicking, but also soft, supportive, and flattering. I loved the way the bottoms looked and felt in particular, which I got in a short length to fit my 5'2" frame. And while I'm usually sceptical of one-shoulder workout tops for fear they won't support my chest during intense workouts, this one felt tight without being restrictive." — Yerin Kim, features editor

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YPB SculptLux Full-Length Cinch-Front Sweetheart Onesie ($55, originally $110)

"Truth be told, I put this onesie through the ringer. I started the day by testing out Alicia Keys's favourite workout class and made it through the whole 60-minute session without a single wardrobe mishap (including an entire song's worth of burpees). Later, I hit the gym for upper body day, and noted how nice it was not to stress about finding a matching set. I finished the day off strong at a family Super Bowl party, feeling cute even outside of the gym with an oversize jacket and platform Uggs. I loved the onesie's adjustable sleeves and flattering design, especially the cinched neckline and cutout detail, but I might've felt even more 'snatched' in a size down. As a true size six, I'm not used to ordering anything smaller than a medium for activewear, but that might've been the better call here. Unlike Abercrombie's leggings, this bodysuit doesn't let you choose a shorter length, which I also think would've helped the fit — speaking as a 5'3" girlie." — Chandler Plante, assistant editor, Health & Fitness

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YPB NeoKnit Mini Crew ($35, originally $70) and YPB SculptLux 7/8-Length Legging ($28, originally $69)

"This mini crew and matching leggings were just *chef's kiss*. I could see myself lounging around the house in this (which I did), running errands, and working out. I kept checking the tag because the material is so comfortable, and I just had to know what it was made out of. The leggings are super high-waisted, which I love, especially for working out. I also love that I can mix and match with other workout or lounging outfits I already have in my closet. The design initially caught my eye because it's different from any athleisure outfits I've been seeing lately. And having a stylish workout or errands set makes me feel more motivated. What's that old saying? When you look good, you feel good. P.S. you know when someone tells you, 'run, don't walk' to buy something because it's just THAT good? Yeah, this is one of those times. You can thank me later." — Shari Straker, social content producer

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