Latest news with #leggings
7NEWS
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- 7NEWS
Aussie denim brand goes viral for jeans you can actually squat in - and they're under $150
Finding jeans that actually fit used to feel like a full-time job. You'd try on five pairs, leave with one (maybe), and still have to visit your tailor just to stop that dreaded back gap. But DEVENI, an Australian-born brand launched by Sydney couple Dan and Beth, is putting an end to the tugging, pinching and pin-rolling once and for all. Built around the idea that your clothes should work with your body, not against it, DEVENI makes stretch denim that fits like a glove and feels like activewear. And yes, you can actually squat in them. Designed with different body types in mind, DEVENI offers jeans for men and women that accommodate curves, athletic builds, shorter legs and everything in between for just $129. Women's styles come in two lengths, 27 inches (short) and 30 inches (regular), in skinny or wide-leg cuts. You can choose from Washed Light Blue, Washed Grey, Black or Dark Blue depending on your vibe. Men have the choice of Skinny Fit or Slim Tapered, with the same thoughtful colour and length options. Sizes run from XS to XL for women and 28 to 36 inches for men. Magic in the stretch This isn't your average stiff, sit-down-and-hold-your-breath denim. DEVENI jeans move with you, not against you, thanks to a clever athleisure-inspired fabric that's as comfortable as your favourite leggings, without looking like them. The brand's hero feature is The DEVENI FIT KIT, a small but genius detail that makes all the difference. For $0 shipping, customers receive a tape measure and a step-by-step guide to find their perfect size at home. No guesswork, no returns, no buyer's remorse. Plus, you get that money back as a discount on your next order. Consider it tailoring without the tailor, or the extra cost. Founders of DEVENI Dan and Beth created DEVENI out of frustration. Beth, like many women, was tired of waist gaps that made her feel uncomfortable and unrepresented by mainstream sizing. Dan, with his muscular frame and shorter legs, could never find trousers that didn't drown him. Instead of settling, they built a brand that's now helping others feel good in their clothes too. The pair self-funded DEVENI and are quietly growing a loyal fanbase that cares less about logos and more about fit, function and feeling like yourself. As for what's next, a full wardrobe of made-to-fit staples is in the works, and here's hoping they'll extend sizing beyond a 36 men's and XL women's while they're at it.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Halara leggings review: save up to 70% in the summer sale
ANYONE who spends as much time on TikTok as I do will have come across Halara, the brand going viral for its sculpting activewear. In this Halara leggings review, I've tested some of the brand's bestselling pieces to see if they live up to the buzz. Halara up to 70% off sale SHOP HERE Founded in 2020, Halara quickly became popular on social media for its selection of stylish activewear, before branching out with everything from dresses to denim. Even Taylor Swift is a fan — the A-lister was spotted wearing Halara's High-Waisted Pleated Skort at Coachella last year. The Singapore-based brand has just launched in the UK, so its figure-shaping activewear and other pieces are now available to buy online. I practically live in leggings when I'm at home, but with versions from popular brands costing up to £90 per pair, it's not a purchase I ever enjoy making. 3 Halara's leggings have lower price points than some of the big names, and the brand has also just launched its summer sale, where shoppers can save up to 70%. Halara has a huge range of sculpting leggings on its website, and I've tested the SoCinced Scrunch Butt Leggings and High-Waisted Tummy Control Leggings. Pros: Figure flattering Sweat-proof material Affordable (particularly in the sale) Side pockets for storing keys and essentials A huge variety of colours Four length options Seamless waistband Compressive design that held in my stomach Suitable for exercise and everyday wear Cons: Compressive fit that some may find too snug I'd prefer if the ruching on the back of the Butt Lift Leggings was invisible Rating: 9/10 How I tested Halara Leggings Halara UltraSculpt Tummy Control Leggings, £4 4.95 £39.95 As The Sun's Fashion and Beauty eCommerce Writer, it's my job to try out trending products to see if they're worth the cash. Halara's leggings have been popping up on my TikTok algorithm for some time, so I was intrigued to see how its sculpting pieces compare to pricier activewear brands. I wore my leggings to the gym, on long walks and for running errands to see how they performed. There are quite a few factors that make up a great pair of leggings, and I judged them on their comfort, quality, value for money and whether they held up to their claims of sculpting my figure. It goes without saying that any high-quality leggings shouldn't be see-through, but they also need to be squat-proof to ensure they're practical during high-intensity workouts. The Nitty Gritty First impressions Halara only just launched its UK site, but it's already great in terms of user experience. The two pairs of leggings I tried are the SoCinched Scrunch Butt Leggings and High-Waisted Tummy Control Legging. Both pairs are on the brand's bestseller list and, happily, they're also included in the summer sale. I have the tummy control pair in the Silent Blue colour, a stylish charcoal shade that pairs well with all the other activewear in my wardrobe, and the butt-lifting leggings in a classic black. They're both available in more than 20 other colours, ranging from neutrals to statement shades like bright pink, lilac and mustard. Lighter leggings run the risk of being see-through, so I was unsure whether the pair would be suitable for wearing to the gym, but the fabric is thick enough that my underwear is completely invisible. 3 Any leggings with pockets earn points with me, and both pairs feature two on the sides for storing keys and bank cards. The pockets are practically invisible when they're empty, and they're slim enough to keep items safe without ruining the appearance with clunky zips or buttons. Does it deliver? Halara's leggings have everything you could want when it comes to on-point activewear. Firstly, they're probably the softest leggings I own, and the snug fit hugs all the right places without feeling suffocating. They do feel quite thick on, but the sweat-absorbent design meant I was comfortable wearing them during the recent heatwave without worrying about dreaded sweat patches. Everything about the leggings looks sleek, from the seamless waistband that doesn't dig into your stomach to the crafted lines that enhance the silhouette. My favourite thing about Halara's leggings is how effectively they sculpt the figure. Both pairs have a high waist that holds in the stomach, and the Tummy Control leggings have added compression to make the stomach look flatter. The Scrunch Butt Lifting pair does exactly what it says on the tin, lifting and shaping the butt to enhance its shape. 3 I would like the ruching to be slightly less visible, as I'd love the sculpting effect without it being detected, but this is the most confident I've felt in gym leggings. Going into a workout feeling your best will help you to perform better, so I like that Halara has added features that enhance the silhouette on all body shapes. The smoothing design ensures there's no risk of visible pant line (or worse, being completely see-through!), and they really do smooth out lumps and bumps. Don't get me wrong, I love wearing the leggings to the gym and for workout classes, but the softness and comfort have also left me reaching for them to run errands or lounge around the house. While the designs of both leggings are very similar, the Butt Lifting Pair has the slight edge for me, as they work twice as hard to flatter — and they're up there with the comfiest leggings I own. For the affordable price point, I truly would say they're just as high quality as my Gymshark or Nike leggings, but at a fraction of the price. How much are Halara leggings? Halara's UltraSculpt Butt Lifting Leggings are usually £41.95, but they're currently down to £30.95 in the sale. The UltraSculpt Tummy Control Leggings are also on sale, taking them down from £44.95 to £39.95. Most of the brand's leggings have been slashed in its summer sale, but it's unclear how long the price drops will be live for. Halara has other deals on its website, too; fashion fans can pick up three pairs of leggings for £49, or buy one and get one free. Where to buy Halara leggings Halara is currently sold exclusively on the brand's website. The viral apparel line has only just become available to buy in the UK, so it may branch out to other retailers if it continues to grow in popularity. Halara alternatives It'll come as no surprise that there's no shortage of leggings available to buy at a range of price points. Some of the most popular high-end brands include Lululemon, Sweaty Betty and Gymshark, whose leggings can cost up to £88. All three reduce the price of some of their leggings at points throughout the year, so it's always worth checking if there are any sales lined up. H&M offers high-quality leggings at a lower price point in its H&M Move range. best high-waisted gym leggings, or check out our Black Friday sale guides — we've got one dedicated to the Gymshark Black Friday sale.
Washington Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Washington Post
Shoppers' appetite for store brands, ‘dupes' grows in hunt for savings
Adrianna Rinaldi has enough high-quality leggings to last a week of remote work in New York without having to do laundry — and it didn't cost her a small fortune. Instead of continuing to spend up to $118 for one pair from Lululemon, she now buys a version that is a third of the price. CRZ Yoga has built a cult following for its near-perfect dupe — short for duplicate — of Lululemon leggings. 'The quality is just the same,' said Rinaldi, 34. 'There's more acceptance around not going for the brand name.' From copycat brands to store-label groceries, budget alternatives to everyday essentials and indulgences are having a moment. Rather than the cheap knockoffs of old, they often come close to their brand equivalent in quality. More Americans are prioritizing price and value in lieu of national brand loyalty, according to spending data and company earnings calls — while influencers are also embracing the change. 'The dupe feels like you've cheated or one-upped the system … especially in a time of economic uncertainty,' said Lauren Beitelspacher, a professor of marketing at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Brands and retailers are hustling to meet the moment as persistently high grocery prices, increasing personal debt levels and tariff uncertainty weigh heavily on consumers, creating a sense of urgency to save. Albertsons CEO Susan Morris told investors last week in its first quarter earnings call that the grocery retailer is 'leaning heavily into own brands,' looking to meet customer demand for more options at lower prices. This expansion could also be a 'great solution for our customer' when tariffs push up grocery prices, she said. Even mid- to high-income consumers are changing how they spend, despite 'still doing pretty well' on paper, said Chedly Louis, a retail analyst and vice president at Moody's. They are trading down to retailers such as Walmart, Dollar General and Dollar Tree, which historically serve low- to mid-income consumers. And the increasing popularity of store brands signals 'higher caution from the consumer,' she said. The same is true in some discretionary categories, where there are more options for quality products at attainable prices. 'People may not feel so beholden to a single brand — rather it's more about an overall aesthetic or niche that they want to express,' Jenna Drenten, a marketing professor specializing in digital consumer culture at Loyola University Chicago, wrote in an email. 'For every single one of the brand name 'must-haves', there are suggestions for the cheaper (but still good) version to buy instead.' The trend is most evident in the grocery aisles, said Sally Lyons Wyatt, of the market research firm Circana. Large supermarket chains, big-box stores and value retailers have been leaning into private labels, which have higher margins than name brands, for decades. But they doubled down in 2022 as prices surged, noted Lyon Wyatt, the company's senior adviser on global packaged goods and the food service industry. By 2024, sales on private-label food and nonfood grocery products hit an all-time high of $270.6 billion, a 4 percent increase over 2023, according to a report from Circana and the Private Label Manufacturers Association. That is about a fifth of total sales last year. National brands climbed 1 percent. 'The investments have certainly been worth it for grocers,' said Neil Saunders, a managing director at retail analytics firm GlobalData. 'They'll probably push on it even harder.' Canned food company Del Monte, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this month, and General Mills, the maker of Cheerios and Cinnamon Toast Crunch, have pointed to private labels as being increasingly tough competition. In a 2024 Ipsos poll, a third of respondents said most or all of their groceries within the previous week were store brands, while only 24 percent said the same of national brands. (Forty-one percent responded that the share was half and half.) These products often look strikingly similar to their national-brand equivalent, Beitelspacher said, 'to signal to the customer that they're the same quality.' Customers are also more clued in, with a better understanding that store brand products are sometimes manufactured in the same facility as the national brand, according to Saunders. Stephanie Olson, 31, said it wasn't until she lost her job during the coronavirus pandemic that she started planning her grocery lists around sales and coupons. Olson said she shops at Kroger in part because she lives in its hometown of Cincinnati, and because the store brands often have the best discounts and coupons, making the price gap against national brands even wider. 'They definitely make it enticing to buy their brand,' said Olson, who works in talent acquisition. In the past few years, retailers not only announced new private-label lines, but also improved branding, quality and selection, Saunders said. Target invested in its organic line Good and Gather and its indulgent offerings from Favorite Day. Albertsons' line of sweets — Overjoyed — is reminiscent of Target's, using brightly colored packaging and whimsical font. Meanwhile, Walmart has seen success with Bettergoods, which features organic and 'healthier' products that have been a draw for higher-income customers. Amazon turned to the other end of the spectrum, announcing Amazon Saver, a no-frills line of grocery staples. (Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post.) Then there are the wholesale chains, most notably Costco and its Kirkland Signature brand, which have long dominated in the space, Lyons Wyatt said. The brand, which includes apparel, alcohol and groceries, accounted for 23 percent of Costco's revenue last year, generating $56 billion, according to the PLMA report. Those sales alone exceed those of Best Buy, Coca-Cola and Dollar General. Newer competitors are the Germany-based value retailers Aldi and Lidl, which have been rapidly expanding in the U.S. Aldi opened 120 new U.S. stores last year and its U.S. sales grew 14 percent over 2023, reaching $54 billion, according to the National Retail Federation. One quarter of U.S. households now shop at Aldi, Dave Rinaldo, then the president of Aldi USA, said at a PLMA conference. Jack Salzman, 29, doesn't mind walking a bit farther outside his neighborhood in Chicago to go to Aldi because his money 'goes a lot further,' the freelance TV and film production assistant said. 'I can spend under $100 and have enough stuff for a full week, and then some, at Aldi.' Plus, he often can't taste the difference between the store brand versus the national brand. Sydney Patterson, 30, feels similarly about over-the-counter medication. Growing up, she was used to seeing Tylenol, Advil and Aleve in her medicine cabinet. Now she thinks twice before reaching for those familiar brands, looking instead to the 'Target version that's $5 cheaper,' the fundraising consultant in Dallas said. While it's true that aspirational brands still hold weight in the fashion and beauty space, consumers are more open minded about trying cheaper alternatives, said Drenten, of Loyola University Chicago. Influencers were the catalyst, she added, because by speaking openly and enthusiastically about a dupe, it gives permission to followers to do the same — and even brag about it. Brands like Quince, E.L.F. Beauty, Few Moda and Dossier have built their customer base by explicitly duping expensive, popular products. Dossier, which went viral on TikTok for its 'impression perfumes' of designer brands, recently opened its first store in New York City. Instead of spending $335 on Maison Francis Kurkdjian's Baccarat Rouge 540, Dossier has its own version called Amber Saffron for $49. Sales of fragrance dupe brands surged 103 percent in mid-June compared to the same period last year, according to NielsenIQ. Cosmetic dupe sales increased almost 10 percent and facial skin dupe brands were up about 27 percent. Consumers are also allocating more of their spending to cheaper goods over expensive ones, according to Adobe Analytics, which tracked sales from June 2024 to June 2025. In apparel, the share of the cheapest goods increased about 9 percent, while the share of most expensive goods decreased by 5.7 percent. Quince, which sells apparel, accessories, suitcases, homeware and kitchenware, is more reminiscent of a private label model, in which its products are made and sold by the factories making them. While its website doesn't advertise the brand it's copying, Quince has made the comparison in marketing texts: 'Our answer to the $5K Bottega bag is here,' one text read. 'Same luxe craftsmanship. Same premium handwoven Italian leather.' Quince's version costs $130. Few Moda, a membership-model fashion website, asserts that its products are 'made by the same manufacturers as the leading brands you know and love, at cost' and that it bypasses 'the middlemen and the markups.' Most items on the website note which pricey brand's manufacturer it shares, such as that of Staud, Theory and Ted Baker. Then there is Amazon, where many fashion and accessory sellers dupe trends — as CRZ Yoga does. Rinaldi, who works in ad tech in New York, said she and her friends are often sharing and showing off their finds. 'I just complimented my friend's outfit and … 50 percent of what she was wearing was from Amazon,' she said. 'Now, it's socially acceptable.'
The Star
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
China's little-known 'Underwear Hub' looks to expand global imprint
BEIJING: Shenhu, a little-known small town in Jinjiang, Fujian province, has struck gold by producing more than 20 per cent of the world's underwear. It has around 500 underwear companies and supporting factories that generate an annual output value exceeding 50 billion yuan (US$6.97 billion). More than ten million pieces are shipped to global markets daily, data from local authorities showed. "We used to be a fishing town, relying on the sea for livelihood. After the reform and opening-up, overseas Chinese relatives brought back foreign lingerie, which opened the eyes of Shenhu residents to new business opportunities. This led to a shift from a single maritime-based economy to a more diversified production and lifestyle," said Yang Huisu, executive vice-president of Jinjiang Shenhu Chamber of Commerce. Opened in 1989, Jinjiang Jiali Costume and Weaving Co produces underwear, socks and yoga wear such as leggings and sports bras that cover adults and children. Its annual revenue is about US$40 million. Cai Xinling, general manager of the company, said they handle the entire manufacturing process in-house, from fabric weaving, dyeing and printing to producing elastic bands, main fabrics and auxiliary materials. About 30 per cent of its orders come from the United States. Recent ones involved Germany, the United Kingdom and Canada as well. Male underwear sells at US$0.8 to US$1 each for US customers, while medium and high-end ones cost about US$1.8 to US$2.5, according to Cai. "This year, when US tariffs hit, both Shenhu township and Jinjiang city governments provided crucial support. They organised domestic giants like Anta and Xtep to visit export-oriented manufacturers like us to create opportunities in business cooperation in doing domestic trade," Cai said. "The government also mediated with banks to secure favourable loan terms for affected businesses." The company now focuses on developing functional fabrics, such as antibacterial and temperature-regulating ones, and innovating in products based on more tailored demands. "For example, the underwear we wear at the office and while exercising is different in fabric and function. For sports, we need moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties, whereas for office wear, cotton remains the go-to choice. It's all about superior comfort," she said. Although it has shifted some of its business to the domestic market due to global uncertainties, Cai believes underwear remains an essential consumption. "With 90 per cent of Shenhu's capacity traditionally export-oriented, we're now bridging to domestic markets through government-led exhibitions and partnerships with local brands." The transformation reflects Shenhu's adaptive spirit: maintaining its supply chain superpower while strategically rebalancing markets, one stitch at a time. In 2004, Shenhu town was awarded the title of an "Underwear Hub of China". The complete industrial chain enables Shenhu's underwear manufacturers to source all materials for a single garment within just 30 minutes. "This fully integrated supply chain has not only boosted production efficiency but also ensured more stable output for the local industry," Yang from the chamber said. Flagship products of Fujian Jinjiang Shenhu Shengda Clothing Factory in the town include knitted underwear for men and women, supplemented by knitted vests, T-Shirts and thermal wear. Nian Xiaoxin, general manager of the factory, forecasts a more than 50 per cent growth in production and sales this year. "A notable market shift has seen major retailers and bulk purchasers increasingly bypass Hong Kong and Shanghai trading intermediaries to engage directly with manufacturers like us," he said. The factory also received orders from new customers such as the UK, Italy, Japan and South Korea. "Shenhu's most significant industrial advantage lies in its complete supply chain ecosystem. Virtually all upstream and downstream raw and auxiliary materials can be procured within the town on the same day. Moreover, our relatively large purchase volumes and direct supplier relationships give us considerable pricing advantages," he said. Nian remains optimistic about the future development prospects of Shenhu's lingerie industry. In the next five years, the town aims to further expand into European, South American and South-East Asian markets. It will collaborate with cross-border e-commerce platforms like Shein and TikTok to explore new production models. The industry also plans to shift its focus from exports to domestic sales to mitigate risks from international trade fluctuations, according to Yang. - China Daily/ANN
Condé Nast Traveler
18-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Condé Nast Traveler
11 Best Flared Leggings for Travel Days, According to Our Editors
'What does everyone wear on the plane?' a colleague recently asked in the office. Before I had a chance to recommend our best leggings for flight days, she continued: 'Don't say leggings. They're comfy, but personally I think they're too casual to wear outside the gym.' Such is the plight of the fashion-forward traveler. How does one balance feeling genuinely comfortable in an economy seat without dressing like they're about to settle in for the night or got lost on the way to a HIIT class? Flared leggings might be the answer. While skinny jeans and bodycon dresses have long been banished to the back of the closet, athleisure has only more recently embraced the joys of flowier fabrics. Look now and you'll see stylish types opting for loose, stretchy flares everywhere from reformer Pilates class to brunch and airport lounges alike. These newer, breezier cuts range from full-flowing palazzo pants to more sleek, compressive kick flares in fabrics ranging from stretchy spandex to ultra-soft cotton. They're different enough from regular leggings to shake off any 'gym gear' associations, while retaining the stretchy waistbands and breathable fabrics that are a must-have for flight days. That means they're equal parts versatile and comfortable, and a bit smarter than wearing loungewear out of the house. Both the US and UK Traveler teams tested 11 of the best pairs of wide-leg leggings from top brands such as Lululemon, Adanola, Tala, and Alo Yoga. We hunted for buttery-soft, relaxed fits that looked flattering and felt comfortable on the move, with waistbands that wouldn't roll down in a plane seat. The pairs below made the cut.
