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I remember being intrigued by Fabletics when the activewear retailer launched State-side, mainly because the brand's co-founder is the loveable, active and bubbly Kate Hudson. So, I'm really excited that they launched in the UK this summer; not least because their expansion across-the-pond lead to one of my favourite fit-fashion discoveries.

The Perfect Sports Bra for Smaller Boobs

Introducing my new favourite sports bra: the Fabletics Koia.

I'm going to launch straight in here by stating the obvious: I'm not very curvy. I find it notoriously hard to find a good fitting, supportive sports bra (because, yes, even girls who are smaller up top still require support) that isn't completely unflattering. If ever I have discussed this problem with a girl suffering from the opposite issue, my complaints have generally been met with a rolling of the eyes. I'm not complaining about my figure, let me make that clear, but I honestly struggle to find good-fitting gym tops. I've previously spent hours in stores such as lululemon, trying style after style, only to be met with annoying gaping from one angle or another, so I was especially dubious when it came to ordering online.

Thankfully though, Kate Hudson and her team have embraced what she refers to as "the most challenging aspect of the process of designing activewear": taking every body type into consideration. The Koia Sports Bra boasts four-way stretch and moisture wicking properties, but the features that really sold it to me were the removable cups that ensure it maintains a flattering shape and the unique cut; a complimentary V-neck and unusual cut-out back. I love this soft heather grey/mint julep colourway but I can't wait to add some other shades to my collection too.

The Fabletics VIP Service

One of the things that attracted me to Fabletics was hearing that you could get your hands on an entire 2- or 3- piece gym outfit for as little at £22. To be honest, usually this would have put me off as I would have assumed the quality to be sub-standard, but the at the time, I was at an event where lots of other fitness fanatics were flaunting Fabletics' perfectly-fitting, stylish designs, which survived a gruelling few rounds of circuit training.

So, how do you get high-quality, hip activewear with such an appealing price tag? The answer is to sign up to the site's VIP membership. Complete outfits for VIP Members start from only £44, a saving of up to 40%, but your first item, which can be one of these outfits or one of the stylish separates, is half price! As part of the membership, your account will be debited £44 each month, enough to buy you an entire outfit, customised based on your lifestyle quiz. What I love though, is that there's never any obligation to buy (I've skipped a couple of months myself), and there's also the option to check out as a regular customer (although, minus the perks).

My Fabletics Experience

Unfortunately, I didn't benefit from the aforementioned half price item on my first order. Well, I did, until that item had to be returned. My initial order was for the Gaviota Capri Pants, Lima Capri Pants and the Koia Sports Bra. The latter of the two were described as being the same colour way: the high intensity print. However, when they arrived it was clear that the prints were not the same. The fundamental pattern was identical but while the trousers had a green-hue to the print and stitching, the bra was more purple, red and pink based with dark edging. The fabrics were similar, but not similar enough, and wearing the two together made me feel a little jester-like. 

As for the Gaviota Capri Pants, I simply needed to exchange for a size up because the mesh panels, which I adored, didn't benefit from the same amount of stretch as the rest of the fabric. However, after a couple of incidents of the courier not showing up to collect my return, and a two-week wait for Fabletics to confirm receipt of my items, I decided to arrange a refund instead (by that time, I had decided that I'd prefer more ankle-length options to see me through the colder months). If Fabletics were to release a full-length version of these pants for winter, I know that I, and some of my fitness friends, would be ecstatic! In the meantime though, I'm eyeing up the Cobalt Koia...

Although I've had a mixed experience with Fabletics so far, I'm still a VIP member and enjoy checking back for new styles. I'd love to know if you've tried any Fabletics kit yet, and what experience you've had?

*Photography by Cantara (Gymbags and Gladrags)