We tried Halara's viral summer clothes. Here are the styles we think are worth shopping

CNN

4 hours ago

For those that are chronically online, chances are you've seen Halara, the activewear-inspired clothing brand for women that has had plenty of viral moments, including being spotted on Taylor Swift. In fact, Halara is chronically online itself. As part of what it calls its 'community-driven approach,' the company harnesses AI and algorithms to analyze comments on its social media posts, gathering data about what styles its customers want to see next. This strategy has brought some of its bestselling (and often sold-out) products to life and kept the brand in stride with its customers. You're also likely to snag a deal when shopping at Halara, as it often runs buy more, save more promos and other discounts.
In addition to its popular activewear, Halara is known for its cute and comfy basics, as well as its inclusive sizing. And since a few of us CNN Underscored editors have been on the hunt for new styles for summer, we decided to put it to the test and try out some of its everyday pieces. From work pants that feel like athleisure to summer dresses that keep you cool, here are our honest thoughts on Halara's viral clothes.
Halara Flex High-Waisted Wide-Leg Waffle Work Pants
One of Halara's bestsellers, these relaxed work pants are made with a textured waffle fabric. They have a roomy fit and come in nearly two dozen colors, three lengths and extended sizing. Two CNN Underscored staffers tested these trousers and both said that they balance the comfort of athleisure wear with the look of everyday clothes. Photo editor Molly Flores found that they ran a bit big, especially since they have a pleated, flowy silhouette, while social coordinator Gabriella Triolo said that she had no issues with the fit.
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What we liked: Our testers loved the soft material and that you could get away with wearing them to work, even though they feel more like athleisure. They also said that they are a good value for the price point.
What we didn't like: There wasn't too much to knock about these pants. It mostly came down to personal preference. Flores said the cut was extremely high-waisted for her proportions, and she felt that they looked too big on her overall.
Halara Flex High-Waisted Slight-Flare Work Pants
A pair of work pants that deliver on comfort, these pull-ons have a high waist and subtle flare to flatter the figure. Managing editor Rachel Quigley tried these pants and found them super comfortable. They have a slim fit around the waist and thighs, with the material offering lots of stretch but not much compression. They fit her true to size, and she was pleasantly surprised that the pants weren't too long for her 5-foot-4-inch frame. 'These were perfect with a low heel for work,' she said. They are available in regular, petite and tall lengths, as well as extended sizing.
What we liked: With a flattering cut and reasonable length, these flared pants fit right in with our tester's office wardrobe.
What we didn't like: Quigley said the pants weren't very supportive around the stomach area, so she preferred wearing them with longer shirts or sweaters for some coverage. She also noted that the material feels a bit cheap, so she's not sure how they'll hold up over time.
Halara Flex Rolled-Hem Wide-Leg Washed Stretchy Knit Casual Jeans
These stretchy jeans offer unmatched comfort as far as denim goes. With Halara's four-way stretch denim, they flex and move with you — almost like athleisure. I originally tested these when I was trying out the sweatpants jean trend a couple of months ago. This pair was the closest style I found that felt like sweatpants but still had a true denim look. They're so comfy that I opted to wear them on a red-eye flight to Los Angeles last month. Typically, I would never wear jeans in an airport outfit, but the wide-leg fit and soft feel of this pair made sitting for over five hours totally bearable.
What we liked: Besides being supremely comfortable, the jeans come in three inseam lengths and nine washes. Halara offers plenty of other jeans in its Flex denim too.
What we didn't like: The fabrication is so soft and stretchy that even the waistband stretches out with regular wear. They snap back to a snugger fit once you wash them, but it's something to be aware of. Halara Mid-Rise Casual Cotton Joggers
These 100% cotton joggers have a pleated front that brings a more formal edge to the cropped cut and typically casual style. With this style, Halara puts a spin on another athleisure favorite: joggers. While the cotton is lightweight, Flores said the material felt stiff and thin, and it was prone to wrinkling throughout the day. That said, we can see these working for casual settings paired with a T-shirt or rugby sweater.
What we liked: These pants are a decent option for those seeking a hybrid style that marries structure and a laidback look.
What we didn't like: Some may prefer shopping natural fibers like cotton, but in this case, the fabric felt rigid and uncomfortable. Flores also found this style to run large at the waist.
Halara Breezeful High-Low Ruffle 2-in-1 Maxi Skirt
This flowy high-low skirt is a good choice for summer travel and busy days. Built-in shorts and a quick-dry material will help keep you cool and chafe-free. This skirt was one of Triolo's favorite pieces she tested. She said it's an everyday style that's 'extremely comfortable and breathable yet still super cute.' The built-in shorts fit like typical biker shorts, and Triolo noted that they made the skirt a little tight to pull on at first, but she liked how they hugged her curves.
What we liked: Versatile, comfortable and light, this maxi skirt moves with you. It's perfect for active days when you still want to look cute.
What we didn't lik about it: The fabric can get wrinkly.
Halara Flex 3-Inch Mid-Rise Stretchy Knit Denim Casual Shorts
Halara's denim shorts don't dig in or gape at the waist, giving them a comfortable, relaxed fit. Made with four-way stretch cotton and elastane denim, these shorts have plenty of give. They're soft and lightweight, and the cut provides a relaxed fit in the thigh area. They're by far the most comfortable denim shorts I've worn. I opted for the Cloud Black Denim wash, but they come in three blue washes too.
What we liked: The length and cut of these denim shorts gives enough coverage to make you feel confident without being covered up.
What we didn't like: While the shorts run true to size, the material has so much stretch that it tends to loosen up rather quickly. This can give the shorts a baggy look.
Halara Softlyzero Backless Active Dress Easy-Peezy Edition
Every closet needs a cute exercise dress like this one. Its criss-crossed back, built-in shorts, hidden pockets and fit-and-flare silhouette give it an elevated athleisure look. Did I mention it's also one of Halara's claims to fame? This viral style — a more affordable alternative to Outdoor Voices' $100 exercise dress — pops up on my For You page pretty much daily. With light support and plenty of stretch, I wouldn't reach for this dress for workouts and intense activities, but it's a cute option for a day hike or just taking a stroll. Unlike other exercise dresses with built-in shorts that are essentially a romper underneath, the shorts on this dress are actually detached at the back. In theory, this would make it easier to use the restroom, since you don't have to remove the whole garment to pull down the shorts. However, it proved to be a bit awkward since they're still attached at the front. It's an interesting feature that I hadn't come across before, but it actually wasn't value added. Overall, I think the dress is worth grabbing on sale — and you're bound to find your favorite color since it comes in over two dozen.
What we liked: You don't have to worry about breaking a sweat in this breathable dress. If you're looking for more coverage, it also comes in a longer length and sizing for D to F cups (in both lengths).
What we didn't like: Besides the built-in shorts not being as useful as they initially seemed, the dress wrinkled pretty significantly. This didn't bother me too much since I've only worn it to walk my dog and run errands, but if you're looking for a more polished athleisure outfit, I would opt for a different style.
Halara Breezeful V-Neck Quick-Dry Longer-Length Midi Dress
Available in 15 colors, this casual dress will keep you comfortable on hot days, thanks to its sweat-absorbing, quick-drying fabric and breezy silhouette. While Quigley found this dress ran large, she liked the fabric and silhouette. The tie detail helped give the style shape, and you can tie it in the front or back. She also appreciated that the dress has pockets. 'I feel like it would hold up over time, so it's worth the money,' she said.
What we liked: The lightweight, sweat-wicking fabric is a great option for summer. It also held up well after washing, and the quality of this piece lived up to our expectations. The dress comes in a shorter length too.
What we didn't like: This style ran a bit large, and the silhouette had a lot of fabric in general, so consider sizing down.
Halara Everyday Midi Chill Dress-La Land
In between an exercise dress and a sundress, this style has a flattering A-line cut and practical features like pockets and a built-in bra. The racerback silhouette, fitted top and flowy skirt make for a comfortable everyday dress. The nylon and elastane fabrication feels soft and cool to the touch, ultimately helping to keep you at ease in the summer heat. Even though Triolo said the top didn't fit perfectly, she thought it was true to size.
What we liked: This casual style is great for active days. Pair it with your favorite walking shoes and you'll be unstoppable.
What we didn't like: Triolo said the fit of the top was too big in some areas and too small in others but noted that she has a 'bigger chest and unique bra size.' Next time, she'd order the version specifically made for D to F cups.
Halara Breezeful Backless Wide-Leg Jumpsuit
All you need is a great jumpsuit to create an instant outfit. This one is airy and attractive, with a backless top and flowy, pleated bottoms. 'I am absolutely obsessed with this jumpsuit and have been wearing it once or twice a week since I got it,' Quigley said. As someone who's reviewed other comfy jumpsuits, she knows when a style ticks all the right boxes. 'It is cool, lightweight, flattering and a great price,' Quigley said, adding that the pockets are a plus too.
What we liked: This style can be dressed up or down and go from day to night. Quigley said she even paired it with a jacket and wore it to work. And since we know the struggle of finding a jumpsuit that fits right, we appreciate that this one comes in three lengths and extended sizing. Quigley said it runs true to size.
What we didn't like: We really loved this style, but we know a backless style isn't for everyone. We'd love to see a version with more coverage on the back and arms.
If you're looking for comfy clothes that can pass for your everyday wardrobe, Halara is worth a shot. We tested 10 items to gauge the overall quality, and while not every piece was a winner, the brand has pages and pages of styles to choose from. In fact, Quigley said that she's had much more success with Halara's activewear. 'I can't say enough good things about [the activewear],' she said. 'The tank tops, sports bras and tummy-control leggings I have tried have been comfortable, flattering and fit true to size, especially for the price point.' So, it might take some trial and error to find the pieces that work for you (thankfully, the brand has a generous 30-day return window from the time you receive your items; you just have to pay return shipping), but there are some real gems to scoop.
Does Halara clothing run true to size?
Does Halara clothing run true to size?
It depends. Based on our testing, some styles run large, while most were true to size. If you are between sizes, we recommend sizing down. You can also refer to the brand's size guide, found on every product page.
Does Halara have a physical store?
Does Halara have a physical store?
No, Halara's clothes are currently available direct to consumer via its website. In June 2024, it opened a pop-up shop in New York City.
Where is Halara shipped from?
Where is Halara shipped from?
The brand manufactures and ships its products from East and Southeast Asia.
To find out which of Halara's viral summer styles are worth buying, a testing panel was assembled consisting of four CNN Underscored staffers. Our panel was comprised of various sizes, body types and style preferences.
Photo editor Molly Flores was looking for comfortable basics and typically wears a size medium.
Managing editor Rachel Quigley was searching for new work clothes for summer and ordered her usual size small.
Fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw is 5 foot, 2 inches tall, so she was on the hunt for petite-friendly clothes that can keep her comfortable all summer long.
Social coordinator Gabriella Triolo, who wears a size medium, was looking for curve-friendly styles that are effortless to wear.
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw, along with three other CNN Underscored staffers, tested a number of products from the viral brand Halara.