Varley Clothing Review: Why This Chic Activewear Brand Lives Up to the Hype
Hey there, fellow athleisure addicts! If you‘re like me, you practically live in leggings and are always on the hunt for workout clothes that are functional, flattering, and stylish enough to wear all day. Sound familiar? Then let me introduce you to Varley, the British-born, LA-based activewear brand that has become my not-so-secret obsession.
I first discovered Varley a couple years ago after seeing it pop up over and over again on my favorite fitness influencers‘ feeds. I was immediately drawn to the chic, minimalist designs and unique details like shiny panels and wrapped fronts. When I finally got my hands on a pair of their signature Faye leggings and the Vine pullover, I was an instant convert.
But Varley is more than just a pretty face in the activewear world. The brand was founded in 2014 by husband and wife duo Ben and Lara Mead with the goal of creating elevated, fashion-forward pieces for the modern active woman. Think less neon and loud prints, more sleek lines and muted tones that transition seamlessly from barre to brunch.
As Lara told Fashionista.com, "We saw a gap in the market for activewear that was more directional and trend-relevant, but made with the same premium fabrics and technical properties as the major players. Women are looking for activewear that makes them feel confident and polished, whether they‘re squatting at the gym or running errands."
And boy, did Varley deliver. Their leggings fit like a second skin and have this buttery soft texture that feels amazing against your skin, even during the sweatiest of workouts. The sports bras and crops actually support and flatter, rather than smoosh, your curves. And the layering pieces like bombers, hoodies, and sweaters are some of the coziest, most luxe-feeling basics in my closet.
Varley by the numbers
Before we dive into the specifics, let‘s take a look at some stats that show just how fast Varley has grown and won over activewear aficionados:
- 250% year-over-year growth in 2020 despite the pandemic
- Stocked in over 500 retail doors worldwide including Selfridges, Bandier, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue
- 85% of customers are repeat purchasers
- 300k+ followers on Instagram
- Worn by celebs like Hailey Bieber, Margot Robbie, Alessandra Ambrosio and Cindy Crawford
Not too shabby for a brand that‘s less than a decade old, right? So what‘s the secret sauce that has everyone falling for Varley? Allow me to break it down.
Fabric first
The foundation of any good activewear is the fabric. You need materials that wick sweat, dry quickly, move with you, and don‘t become see-through the second you bend over. Varley ticks all the right boxes and then some by sourcing their fabrics from a top Italian mill known for innovation.
Varley‘s core fabrics include:
Letelux: Ultra-lightweight, quick-drying and soft with a smooth, "second skin" fit. Used in lighter-weight leggings, bras, and tops.
Performance Lolux:The original luxury fabric. Sweat-wicking, four-way stretch, and sculpting for a flattering fit. Used in leggings and shorts.
Soft Touch Compression: Varley‘s signature compressive fabric that is still breathable and super flexible. Used in bras and bodysuits.
Ottoman: Ribbed activewear jersey that is textured, stretchy and soft with a subtle sheen. Used in loungewear, tanks and crops.
In recent years, Varley has incorporated more sustainable fabrics like recycled polyester, ECONYL (regenerated nylon made from fishnets and fabric scraps), and lenzing modal (made from renewable beechwood trees). They also use recycled packaging and are pursuing more ways to reduce their footprint.
The power of product
So the fabrics are top-notch, but what about the actual pieces? From basic black leggings to shimmery statement makers, Varley really runs the gamut. But across all their collections, you can expect:
- Sleek, streamlined silhouettes
- Unique design details like cutouts, sheer panels, and wrapped fronts
- Sophisticated colors like olive, wine, copper, and shades of blue
- Matching sets that can be mixed and matched
- Comfortable, easy-to-wear fits
Some of my personal favorite Varley pieces that I reach for again and again:
Faye Leggings: Definitely size down as they run big, but these are some of the softest, most comfortable leggings I own. The wrapped front detail adds a little something extra.
Century Leggings: Varley‘s #1 bestseller. The pintuck detailing and contrast panels are super lengthening and slimming. Plus they have the perfect amount of compression.
Let‘s Move Bras: Varley makes my favorite longline sports bras. They have enough coverage to wear on their own but are still so cute peeking out under tanks.
Vine Pullover: The ideal post-workout layer. Cozy, chic, and just oversized enough without swallowing you whole.
I‘m not the only one who‘s obsessed. Varley has over 1,000 5-star reviews on their website with customers raving:
"I now own 6 pairs of the Faye leggings. The fit is incredible and they are so comfortable I never want to take them off!" – Jenna L.
"Varley has the best sports bras! Supportive enough for long runs but also cute enough to wear out to lunch. Worth every penny." – Kara S.
"Every time I wear my Varley sets I feel like I‘m wearing luxury. The fabric is unlike anything else. So soft but still sucks you in. I always get compliments!" – Megan T.
How Varley stacks up
Of course, Varley isn‘t the only player in the luxury activewear game. With brands like Alo Yoga, Ultracor, Koral, and Sweaty Betty all vying for a spot in your gym bag, how does Varley compare?
Price: Varley sits in the mid-to-high range. Leggings average $100-$130, sports bras are $60-$80, and sweaters/jackets are $130-$200. Not cheap, but on par with Lululemon, a bit less than Ultracor.
Aesthetic: Like Koral and Ultracor, Varley has a very sleek, minimalist, "urban chic" look. They use a lot of black with pops of jewel tones, whereas brands like Sweaty Betty and Alo are a little more bright and playful in their color palettes. If Alo is LA cool-girl, Varley is London "it girl" sophistication.
Quality: Having tried all of the above brands, I can confidently say Varley is top-tier when it comes to quality. The fabrics are durable yet still so soft and luxurious feeling. And the fit is impeccable. Sweaty Betty comes close, but Varley still edges them out in my book.
Versatility: This is where I think Varley really shines. You could style a monochromatic Varley set with leather jacket and boots for date night just as easily as you could rock it to hot yoga. The pieces have that chameleon-like ability to read athletic or fashion-forward depending on how you style them.
The bottom line
After years of wearing and washing my Varley pieces, I can honestly say they are worth the splurge. From the thoughtful designs to the luscious fabrics and flattering fits, every piece feels like a special treat to put on. And the cost per wear is extremely reasonable considering how often I reach for my Varley over other brands.
Varley has also become my go-to for gifting to all my fitness-minded friends. The matching sets and accessory bundles are such a foolproof (and chic) gift. My sister, an avid runner and Barre3 fanatic, is almost as obsessed as I am now!
Sizing wise, I find Varley to run a bit big, especially in their leggings, so I always size down. Their customer service is also top-notch in case you need to make an exchange or return (which you can do for free within 30 days).
My only tiny critique is that I wish Varley would expand their color range a bit and maybe add some more playful patterns. But then again, their streamlined color palette is part of what makes them so classic and timeless.
At the end of the day, I can‘t recommend Varley enough, especially if you‘ve been curious about the brand. Varley has made a fan out of me for life! And once you slip on their insanely soft, couture-level leggings, I have a feeling you‘ll be hooked too. Your active (and inactive) life is about to get a major upgrade.
Happy shopping!
Your resident athleisure-loving BFF,
Jenn
