Hello Everyone,

It’s no secret: Most of our customers hate bra shopping. They may love our shop and their overall experience with us, but friendly customer service does not always turn what is viewed as a self-esteem destroying chore into a joy-inducing activity. In fact, I frequently joke how bra shopping is one member of the unholy shopping trinity which also includes trying on bathing suits and jeans. Because of my expertise, bra shopping is actually quite enjoyable for me because I love eyeing gorgeous new sets to add either to my collection or to my ever-expanding wish list. Bathing suit shopping by proxy has also become easier since many of the same brands I wear for bras also make a range of bra-sized swimsuits which leave me feeling stylish, supported, and confident.

Jeans shopping, on the other hand, sucks. The last time I went jeans shopping I tried on over forty different pairs, left extremely disheartened, and refused to do any clothing shopping for several weeks. While I generally like my lower half (carb pooch notwithstanding), it’s not easy to find pants which work because I have a butt and hips and a narrower waist. It’s like trying to capture some magical trifecta of space in the rear and sides without creating too much gaping at the back waist band. Oh and thighs. I have those too. As a result, when I find a pair of jeans which fits all of those parts, I tend to buy several, returning to my denim watering hole when new ones are needed until they are eventually discontinued, or in this case, I gain weight.

Last year, my battle with PCOS and weight gain left me in a dreary limbo where none of my jeans fit properly. While I do tend to wear dresses often, I still adore my jeans, but the weight issue split my collection down the middle, figuratively. Some would not zip at all while others created major muffin top which refused to be concealed.

At first, I entered weight loss denial mode and refused to purchase anything because I was so sure the weight would slide right off, thus allowing my jeans to slide back on. When it became clear the weight was not going to be so easily discarded, I attempted a jeans shopping expedition, the result of which was a trip to the ABC store and the decision to focus on pants with a more flexible fit. Yeah, I’m talking about leggings, leggings as pants even. I picked up some jeans and cordory-like leggings and a pair of black cotton ones for long shirts.

I discovered it’s a lot easier to get something to contour to the aforementioned hips, thighs, butt, and waist if there is copious spandex involved. Having experienced some weight loss setbacks after my brother’s injuries, I found myself facing the same prospects as last fall, and again, have turned to leggings. Enter my amazing Yummie by Heather Thompson sales rep who recommended their Rachel leggings to me and was even so kind as to put up three pairs as prizes in our annual giveaway. I snagged a pair for myself to test naturally (buy yours here!), and behold: We reach the point of this post!

For sizing, I found myself between a medium and a large at the time of ordering, and my rep recommended sizing up. The large fit fairly well with a little looseness in the waist, but when legging weather finally arrived in warm NC, I gained back all the weight I painstakingly lost over summer. I don’t know that I would have sized down at my former weight, but I was sure grateful for the extra room when the pounds came back. Overall, I would say the Rachel leggings run true-to-size.

Because it’s a Yummie product, they included some built-in hold to keep the tummy supported and smooth, which I adore. I haven’t reviewed many of their products here even though I have tried several (something I plan on rectifying in the future), but one of the things I enjoy is how they not only use exceptionally comfortable fabrics, but they also strike the perfect balance between providing hold without creating that overly tight sensation which results in the unattractive squishing of any tissue outside the garment’s purview.

Designed to sit higher on the waist, the Rachel leggings hit me at my natural waist to ensure my entire stomach region is covered. The leggings also utilize a heavier hold in the tummy region comparable to light shapewear without feeling too constricting on the rear, sides, or thighs. These are without a doubt the most comfortable leggings I have ever tried, a point proven by the fact that I chose to wear them while waiting for my brother to come out of surgery yesterday.

Furthermore, the Rachel leggings are more polished than your average pair of plain, cotton leggings. A touch of sheen plays well against the classic black color, and the ankle length means they work with flats, boots, or even sneakers. The heavy but breathable cotton fabric tucks easily into boots, and the style pairs well with longer tunics or sweaters. If you’re not a fan of the plain leggings, Yummie has some fashion ones which I want to try too.

My only concern with the leggings was whether they would maintain their shape throughout the day. I bought a pair of Hue jeggings, and within a few hours of wearing, they were already starting to slide down my hips. However, I have worn these at the store without any issues, perhaps because they sit so much higher than my hips. They stay put and do not require readjusting, which is a bonus for me as I am quite active at the shop. The elastic content is higher here, so I do not recommend drying them in the machine. Overall, I really love them and highly recommend them.

Overall Grade: A