Koral Activewear Review: Why This Luxury Athleisure Brand is Worth the Splurge
As a fashion-loving fitness enthusiast, I‘m always on the hunt for activewear that combines style and function. I want workout clothes that make me look and feel amazing, while also holding up to intense exercise and frequent washing. That‘s why I was excited to try Koral, a luxury activewear brand with a reputation for high-quality, cutting-edge designs. After putting several of their pieces to the test, I‘m sharing my honest Koral activewear review.
What is Koral?
Founded in 2014 by fashion industry veteran Ilana Kugel, Koral is a premium activewear brand designed for the woman who wants to look as good as she feels. With headquarters in Los Angeles, Koral combines the city‘s effortlessly cool vibe with Brazilian-born Kugel‘s passion for fitness and fashion.
The brand is best known for their signature Infinity fabric, a buttery soft performance material that features a glossy, liquid-like sheen you‘d normally only see on the runway. Koral‘s mission is "to create activewear that empowers women to live, look, and feel their best." Based on my experience with the brand, I‘d say they‘re delivering on that promise.
Koral Activewear Product Range
Koral offers a full range of workout apparel including leggings, sports bras, tops, jackets, jumpsuits, dresses and even accessories like hats and bags. They drop new collections frequently, so there‘s always something fresh to get excited about.
Some of their most popular styles include:
- Lustrous High Rise Legging – A sleek legging with an ultra high-rise waist, made from shimmery Infinity fabric
- Moto Legging – Edgy moto-inspired leggings with mesh inserts and a second-skin fit
- Piper Infinity Bra – A long-line sports bra with a dramatic scoop neck and intricate strappy back detail
- Camila Infinity Bra – A classic sports bra with a square neckline and thin elastic straps
- Sphere Crop Top – A fashion-forward cropped tank with a built-in shelf bra and eye-catching cut-out design
One thing that sets Koral apart is their commitment to innovation. Their fabrics feature details like UV protection, chlorine resistance, and Evanesce technology that uses crushed volcanic rock to wick away sweat and fight odor. With Koral, you‘re getting a lot more than just a pretty pair of leggings.
Koral Activewear Quality and Durability
Now let‘s get into the nitty gritty: How well does Koral activewear actually hold up? I‘ve owned pieces from Koral for years and I continue to be impressed by the quality.
The Infinity fabric is really something special. It‘s silky smooth with a nice amount of compression, and it has incredible stretch and recovery. No matter how many squats or lunges I do, my Koral leggings always retain their shape. I also love how the fabric is completely opaque – no worries about my undies showing through during down dogs!
In terms of durability, my Koral pieces still look great after countless washes. I‘ve noticed very minimal pilling, fading or stretching out. Considering how soft and lightweight the fabric is, the durability is pretty remarkable. Koral‘s pieces also have sturdy seams, protected zippers, and reinforced stitching in high-impact areas like the inner thighs. The attention to detail in the construction gives me confidence that these are leggings I‘ll be wearing for years to come.
Fit and Comfort
For me, the fit and comfort level can really make or break a pair of leggings. There‘s nothing worse than constantly having to tug up my waistband mid-workout or dealing with uncomfortable pinching and chafing. Luckily, Koral delivers in the fit department.
I find Koral‘s sizing to be pretty true to size, although their pants do have a very snug, compressive fit. If you‘re between sizes, I recommend sizing up. Most of their leggings have a high-rise waist that hits right at or above the belly button. This is great for keeping everything sucked in and supported, without digging in or creating a muffin top.
The Infinity fabric feels amazing against my skin – it‘s ridiculously soft and smooth with zero scratchiness. And thanks to the 4-way stretch, I never feel restricted in my Koral leggings. Whether I‘m flowing through a vinyasa or doing jump squats, the fabric moves with me.
Another big plus is the breathability. The performance fabric wicks away sweat and dries quickly to keep me cool and comfortable. I especially love Koral‘s Infinity Bras for high-impact workouts like HIIT and dance cardio. They lock everything in place while still looking cute and feminine.
Pricing and Value
I won‘t sugarcoat it: Koral is definitely a splurge compared to your average activewear brand. Leggings range from $75-$115, sports bras are around $75-$90, and tops go for $60-$140+.
However, I truly believe the quality and unique designs make Koral worth the investment. The pieces I‘ve purchased from them have held up way better than cheaper workout clothes I‘ve bought in the past. I used to have to replace my leggings every few months due to pilling and stretching out. But my Koral leggings still look and feel amazing years later.
I‘m also willing to pay a bit more for Koral‘s cutting-edge technology and fashion-forward details. No one else is making activewear that looks like it belongs on a New York Fashion Week runway. And the fact that I can rock my Koral leggings to brunch or out on errands makes me feel like I‘m getting even more bang for my buck.
Of course, it‘s important to remember that you don‘t need to spend a ton of money to get a good workout. But if you have room in your budget and prioritize high-quality, long-lasting activewear, I think Koral is 100% worth the splurge. Tip: Keep an eye out for sales on their website and at retailers like Bandier, Carbon38, and Revolve.
Koral Activewear Reviews from Other Customers
Don‘t just take my word for it – let‘s see what other Koral customers have to say:
"I have several Koral bras and leggings and they are hands down my favorite workout gear. The fit is perfect, and the material is so soft and comfortable. I always feel so confident when I wear my Koral set to the gym. Worth every penny!" – Lauren H.
"I was hesitant about the price tag but I finally took the plunge and ordered a pair of Koral leggings. OMG I‘m obsessed! The fabric and fit are incredible. I‘ve never felt so held-in yet still able to move freely. And they‘re so flattering on my curves." – Jenn P.
"I love the unique details and gorgeous colors Koral comes out with. The glossy Infinity fabric is unlike anything I‘ve seen from other brands. Every time I wear Koral to yoga, I get so many compliments. Definitely my go-to for a confidence boost!" – Rachel M.
Overall, the reviews for Koral are overwhelmingly positive, with many customers raving about the fit, comfort, style and quality. While some people note the higher price point, most seem to feel that the cost is justified.
How Does Koral Compare to Other Luxury Activewear Brands?
There are a lot of premium activewear brands out there, so how does Koral stack up to the competition? Let‘s take a quick look:
- Alo Yoga – Probably the most similar to Koral in terms of aesthetic, Alo Yoga is known for their ultra-soft fabrics and fashion-forward designs. They have a slightly larger product range than Koral, with more lifestyle and post-workout pieces. Pricing is very similar.
- Lululemon – The OG of luxury activewear, Lululemon offers a massive range of workout and athleisure wear. Quality is great overall, but more hit-or-miss in recent years according to some customers. A bit more pricey than Koral, especially for core styles.
- Athleta – Athleta has a huge variety of activewear with inclusive sizing. Quality and prices are a step down from Koral. Great for basics but less fashion-forward and unique.
- Sweaty Betty – The UK‘s answer to Lululemon, Sweaty Betty has cute prints and soft fabrics. Pricing is similar to Koral but the designs are a bit more traditional/less trendy.
- Varley – An up-and-coming brand with a cool, laidback vibe, Varley has great prints and soft, durable fabrics. Price point is slightly lower than Koral on average.
Overall, I think Koral stands out for their insanely gorgeous fabrics, cutting-edge designs, and commitment to performance-enhancing technology. But all of these brands offer great options depending on your personal style and budget.
Koral Shipping and Returns
The final factor to consider before clicking "add to cart"? The shipping and return policy. Here are the deets for Koral:
For orders over $100, Koral offers free standard shipping via UPS. For orders $100 and under, standard shipping is $8.50. If you need your leggings like yesterday, you can opt for 2-day or overnight shipping at an additional cost.
If your Koral purchase isn‘t quite right, you can return your order within 30 days for a refund. The items must be unworn, unwashed, undamaged and with all original tags and packaging attached. Koral provides a free US returns label.
While the 30-day return window is pretty standard, it would be nice if Koral offered free returns on all orders, no matter the amount. But I appreciate that they at least provide a prepaid label to make the return process easy.
Koral Activewear FAQ
Before we wrap up this Koral activewear review, let‘s answer some frequently asked questions:
How does Koral sizing run?
In my experience, Koral runs true to size, but their leggings do have a very snug, compressive fit. If you‘re between sizes, I recommend going with the larger size. Check the size chart on their website for specific measurements.
What is Koral Infinity fabric?
Infinity is Koral‘s signature performance fabric. It feels silky smooth and has a glossy sheen you can only find at Koral. The 4-way stretch material is moisture-wicking, quick-drying and features Evanesce technology to minimize odors. Trust me, it‘s dreamy.
Are Koral leggings squat-proof?
Absolutely! I‘ve never had a problem with my Koral leggings being see-through, even during the deepest of squats. The Infinity fabric is completely opaque but still lightweight and breathable.
Where is Koral activewear made?
While designed in Los Angeles, Koral‘s products are manufactured in a variety of countries including Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Portugal. According to their website, all factory partners follow a code of conduct to ensure safe and ethical working conditions.
Does Koral have sales?
Yes, Koral has seasonal sales a few times a year with discounts up to 60% off. I recommend signing up for their email list to stay in the loop. You can also sometimes find Koral on sale at retailers like Carbon38, Bandier and Revolve.
Final Thoughts on Koral Activewear
So, is Koral activewear worth the hype (and the somewhat hefty price tag)? In my opinion, 100% yes. After wearing Koral for several years now, I continue to be blown away by the quality, fit and style. No other activewear makes me feel as confident and ready to take on my toughest workouts.
I know the cost can be a big chunk of change, but I really do think you‘re getting what you pay for with Koral. The durability is unmatched – my Koral leggings from 2016 are still going strong with minimal pilling or fading. I also appreciate the brand‘s commitment to innovation and sustainability, with fabrics that enhance performance and protect the environment.
At the end of the day, I believe feeling amazing in your activewear can translate to a better relationship with fitness and your own body. Koral is one of those brands that makes me excited to get dressed for the gym and show up as my best self. That feeling is priceless.
I hope this honest Koral review was helpful for anyone considering trying the brand! If you‘re ready to make the splurge, I highly recommend starting with a pair of their signature Lustrous Leggings. Your booty will thank you.
