3 Editors Test Out Forever 21's New Activewear Collection

Forever 21 Seamless Strappy Sports Bra ($8, originally $13) and Forever 21 Active High-Rise Leggings ($15, originally $25)

"The comfort level of the Active High-Rise Legging pleasantly surprised me. It has a soft, stretchy feel that truly moves with your body. These ribbed leggings are not constricting at all. In fact, it delivers plenty of flexibility and is definitely ideal for a wide range of activities. These are great for low- to medium-impact workouts, like yoga, Pilates, light resistance work, and even a hot-girl walk. However, these are so comfortable that I end up wearing them while lounging around, too. The sizing on the site is a little bit confusing; I'm usually a size four or six, but Forever 21's size guide classifies sizes three to five as small and sizes seven to nine as medium. So, as someone who is 5'1" and has a 27-28 waist, I ended up going with a medium, and it's a perfect fit. These leggings are very versatile, and I can't wait to stock up on more — I just wish they had more colors (right now, the set only comes in one colorway)!

The Seamless Strappy Sports Bra is such a cute piece to wear out and about; however, as someone with a larger bust area, I felt that it wasn't as supportive as other sports bras I've tried and have come to wear on the regular. I found that I would need to wear a bra underneath to deliver the support I need for a medium-impact workout. As a size 32DD, I went with a medium, and it has a decent fit that didn't feel too constricting. I would definitely wear this for lower-impact workouts like yoga, Pilates, or any form of stretching, or wear it around the home." — Anvita Reddy, assistant editor, Commerce

Rating:

★★★★

Forever 21 Active Cropped Zip-Up Hoodie ($15, originally $25) and Forever 21 Active Seamless Leggings ($9, originally $15)

"Admittedly, I had my doubts when it came to trying out Forever 21's new athletic collection, simply because the pieces are so affordable; how good could they really be with an under-$30 price tag? But both the seamless leggings and cropped zip-up hoodie surpassed all of my expectations in the best way. These Forever 21 workout leggings are super thick and boast a contouring design that hugs my curves while still offering plenty of stretch in the butt and waist for me to move around with ease. Since they aren't see-through, I feel comfortable wearing them for high-intensity workouts like weightlifting or squat reps, but I can also throw them on for low-key activities like yoga or even just a walk around my neighborhood. I love that they don't feel too heavy, despite their denser composition. And since the Stone Blue coloring is so unique, the bottoms add a welcomed softness to my workout wardrobe.

Somehow, for as much as I love the seamless leggings, I find myself even more obsessed with the cropped hoodie. This jacket is the perfect layer to have in any season, but it's especially great throughout the spring when the mornings and afternoons still have a slight chill to them. The style is made from a woven polyester material that's sleek to the touch, with a mesh lining that adds an extra layer of breathability — perfect for sweat-inducing activities like runs or cardio sessions. I love pairing it with the seamless leggings for a more cohesive workout ensemble, and can easily wrap it around my waist if it starts to feel too warm." — Kyley Warren, assistant editor, Commerce

Rating:

★★★★★

Forever 21 Seamed Longline Sports Bra ($8, originally $13) and Forever 21 Active Heathered Flare Leggings ($15, originally $25)

"I swear these flare leggings were plucked straight out of my Pinterest board. The crossover waist is so flattering, and the length is great for a 5'3" girlie like me. The material feels soft and breathable (they're 92 percent cotton!), but it still gave me the level of support I expect — and occasionally rely on. I'd wear these to yoga class, but also for a busy day running errands — they're versatile like that. I'm also happy to report that these leggings held up beautifully in the wash, which is a true testament to quality as far as I'm concerned.

I love a longline sports bra, and this one completes the set so perfectly. I almost wish it was a touch longer, or that the straps were adjustable in some way, but it's still super comfy, and the straps fit well as is. I'm also a big fan of the scoop neckline and seamed details — it's giving me corset vibes!" — Chandler Plante, assistant editor, Health and Fitness

Rating:

★★★★★

Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on POPSUGAR Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.