Girlfriend Collective: The Complete Guide and Review

Words By Hannah Abu

When it comes to shopping for activewear, the options can be overwhelming. With countless sports brands out there, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of choices! Join us at The Sports Edit where we curate the finest brands and shine a spotlight on the very best.

One of our absolute favourite brands is the Girlfriend Collective. Read our guide and review to discover everything you need to know.

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GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE LEGGINGS REVIEW

If you’re looking to refresh your legging collection or try something new, Girlfriend Collective’s collection of leggings are a must try. With their compressive fit and commitment to being eco-friendly, there’s a whole lot to love about them!

In addition to being the perfect all rounder, prepare to be amazed by the incredible range of colours in the Girlfriend Collective leggings collection. They have it all, whether you're in the mood for bold and vibrant shades or prefer more subtle and classic tones. From striking reds and blues to calming neutrals and earthy tones, there's a colour to match every mood and occasion.

Compressive High Waisted Leggings

First up, the Compressive High Waisted Leggings feature a four-way stretch, breathable material, and are also sweat-wicking. That means that you will be comfortable and confident no matter what type of exercise you’re doing. Holds you in – so you never feel held back.

You can expect maximum coverage with this full-length design. If it's your first pair of Girlfriend Collective leggings, we'd suggest a muted look in a neutral black tone. Neat.

These leggings feature Girlfriend Collective’s best-selling fabric, which smooths your shape and gives you the maximum hold and support for high-intensity activities. Made from recycled water bottles, these squat-proof leggings are also UPF 50+.

TSE tip: your normal size will initially feel tight, but will mould to you over time. Get a size up if you prefer a less compressive fit or are between sizes.

Best for: Running & HIIT

Feels like: Slick, sturdy, buttery soft.





High Waisted Pocket Leggings

Want somewhere to store your trinkets while you work out? The High Waisted Pocket Leggings are worth your time. Available in six beautifully understated colours (we love the Moss tone!), these leggings have everything that you need.

Grab a pair of these, and you can also expect a compressive fit, four-way stretch, and double side pockets, which can fit your phone.

FLOAT High Waisted Leggings

With a matte fabric finish and sheer-proof material, the FLOAT High Waisted Leggings always come out on top. If you’re looking for leggings to wear to the gym for lighter exercise or to brunch, you’ve found them here. Feels soft, works hard — for you and the planet.

The FLOAT fabric is lighter than the Compressive Leggings, making them perfect for warmer days, sweaty workouts or just lounging around! As the name suggests, these ones sport a high waisted design and are available in bespoke colours to boot. This ultralight, ultrasoft fabric gives you a nearly-naked feel to keep you cool and comfortable during those bendy poses.

Best for: Yoga & pilates

Feels like: Buttery soft, light and billowy

Features side and back seams contour shape, flexible front panel great for active and leisure, slip-resistant waistband, and a fabric that is pet hair and lint resistant.

HOW DO GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE LEGGINGS FIT?

If you're wondering how these leggings fit, we've got you covered. Rest assured, these leggings are generally true to size, making it easier for you to find the perfect fit. Why not indulge in a little self-care by picking up a pair?

Say goodbye to guessing games and trust the labels as you choose the size that complements your unique body shape. For more detailed information, check out the size guide here for more information.

Full Length Leggings vs 7/8 Length Leggings

When it comes to Girlfriend Collective leggings, there's one important detail you should keep in mind: they tend to run long. If you're on the petite side, opting for 7/8 leggings instead of full-length styles might be your best bet. This way, you can ensure the perfect coverage without the hassle of excessively long leggings. Curious about 7/8 leggings? Don't worry; we've got you covered. Learn more about 7/8 leggings here.

Finding leggings that fit just right can be challenging for those on the shorter side. That's where 7/8 leggings from Girlfriend Collective come to the rescue. With a slightly shorter length, these leggings are designed to flatter petite frames and provide the ideal coverage. The great news? Most Girlfriend Collective leggings are available in 7/8 length so you never have to compromise on style again!

If you’re looking for guidance on which pair is best for you, we have some thoughts on the matter. Our favourites so far have been the Compressive High Waisted Leggings 7/8 or the standard High Waisted Leggings. Both designed to offer a flawless fit so you can bend and flex with ease.

Do you find yourself carrying essentials with you while you work out? Girlfriend Collective has your back with the High Waisted Pocket Leggings or High Waisted Pocket Leggings 7/8. With these styles you get the benefits of the compressive fit and high rise support, along with a pockets to conveniently store essentials!

Of course, it doesn’t end there. The FLOAT High Waisted Leggings and FLOAT High Waisted Leggings 7/8 are popular all year around. With extra soft material and a seamless fit, these leggings are ideal for your next gym session. The full-length pair also features a back pocket, which is a real winner.

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GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE LEGGINGS FOR YOGA vs GYM

Choosing the right pair of Girlfriend Collective leggings for your workout doesn’t have to be a struggle. If you’re a fully-fledged yogi, you may find that a pair of 7/8 leggings do the trick.

You should look for a pair that has support, a tight fit, and the comfort you need to move. We suggest the Compressive High Waisted 7/8 Legging style which ticks every box.

Looking to get your sweat on? Many of the Girlfriend Collective leggings — such as the standard Compressive High Waisted Leggings — feature sweat-wicking and breathable fabrics.

Before you choose the perfect pair for you, take a look at the specifications. Opting for a pair that will keep you clean, cool, and comfortable is always the way to go.

GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE SPORTS BRAS

The search for the perfect sports bra is never-ending. You need a bra that gives you the ultimate level of support while looking and feeling great too. Luckily, the sports bras from the Girlfriend Collective fit the bill. Here are some of our favourite styles to get you started.

As with all compressive Girlfriend fabrics, the fit of the Paloma and Dylan is no different: Your normal size will feel tight initially, but will gradually mould to your body over time. If you prefer a less compressive feel, opt for a size up.

Paloma Bra

Offering full coverage and a sleek design, the Paloma Bra is an excellent all-rounder. This bra offers medium support and a compressive fit. It’s perfect for low to medium intensity workout sessions.

Dylan Bra

Next up, let’s talk Dylan Bra. Featuring four-way stretch, a racerback design, and even a built-in band for support, there’s a lot to get excited about here. This all rounder sports bra has been expertly designed for medium-impact workouts and always looks perfect.

Topanga Bra

Made with recycled materials and spandex, the Topanga Bra offers just the right amount of support. This sports bra comes complete with a high neck look and an adjustable neck. It’s ideal for low-impact workouts, such as yoga or Pilates.

Tommy Bra

The Tommy Bra has a full coverage look with a neat square neck. It’s also made from sustainable materials and comes with a secure double lining too. This sports bra is designed for low-impact workout sessions, and is perfect if you’re looking for comfort.

Bianca Bra

As the newest addition to TSE, the Bianca Bra is the most stylish yet. This one shoulder, asymmetric crop top is surprisingly compressive. So whether you're at dance class or cycling there, you'll feel comfortable and supported.

Cleo Bra

Boasting sweat-wicking and quick-drying material, the Cleo Bra is straight out of a dream. Made with low-impact workouts in mind, the Girlfriend Collective sports bra is double lined and lightweight, Put simply, you can’t go wrong with the Cleo Bra.

Juliet Bra

The Juliet Bra is super soft with a brushed matte finish. Add that to the adjustable straps and double lined material, and you will find that it will be your new go to. You can wear this bra for either low-impact or medium-impact workouts. The choice is yours.



Vendor: Girlfriend Collective Juliet Bra - Black
Sale price
$49.00
Regular price
$61.00


HOW DO GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE SPORTS BRAS FIT?

Before you start shopping, it’s a good idea to know how these bras fit. The Girlfriend Collective sports bras run true to size, with the exception of the Paloma classic and Dylan bra which comes up a little small.

Let’s take a quick look at how you can choose the ideal bra for your size and shape.

Find Your Correct Sports Bra Size

As a starting point, you should check out our size guide for Girlfriend Collective sports bras. As a general rule, these sports bras tend to be close to the right size, however the compressive fabrics on the Paloma and Dylan may feel tight at first.

For that reason, you might want to try both a larger and smaller size, and figure out which one is right for you before you decide which size is perfect for you.
If you don’t know what sports bra would suit you, don’t panic. Read our sports bra guide first to figure out which one is right for you. It’s easier to get it right than you think!

Being armed with the right info will make shopping for your perfect sports bra a breeze so take your time when considering sizing options!

Low to Medium Support

We’ve already covered which Girlfriend Collective bras are low or medium impact (see above!). But what do these terms mean? In simple terms, low-impact sports tend to include yoga, walking, and pilates . For these activities, you will find that a low support sports bra does everything you need.

Medium-impact workouts involve a slightly faster pace. For example, you may wear a medium support bra when you are cycling or even weight training. Finding the right bra for your workout is essential when it comes to your comfort and your performance.

GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE UNITARDS

Searching for the best unitards for your next session? The Girlfriend Collective comes out on top again. This trendy and sustainable brand has everything you need when it comes to these beautiful pieces of sportswear. Here are three that we’re obsessed with right now.

Girlfriend Collective Scoop Unitard

Looking for something a little different? The Girlfriend Collective Scoop Unitard is a real stunner. As the name suggests, this unitard features a scoop neck design and a built-in bra for the ultimate level of support. You are sure to love it as much as we do.

Girlfriend Collective Bike Unitard

Cyclists rejoice! The Girlfriend Collective Bike Unitard is the perfect blend of fashion-forward and functional. The unitard is bike shorts length, has a scoop neck, built-in bra, and is made from breathable fabric. Perfect for your next jaunt across the city and taking the guesswork out of picking an outfit.

GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE SHORTS AND SKORTS

When you’re looking at Girlfriend Collective activewear, it would be a mistake to overlook the shorts and skorts. These super cute and (you guessed it!) short pieces of sportswear will empower your workouts. Here’s what you need to know and why we love them.

What is the Difference Between Shorts and Skorts?

Chances are, you know what shorts are. Unless you’ve been living under a rock since you were born, of course. But what on earth is a skort? This portmanteau is made up of the words ‘skirt’ and ‘short’ and the real-life garment combines the two.

That means that you get a pair of bike shirts sitting neatly under a beautifully fitted skirt top. Nice.

Girlfriend Collective Shorts

Need some new shorts for your gym sessions? The Girlfriend Collective has a few you might want to check out for yourself. We simply cannot get enough of the High Waisted Bike Shorts and the FLOAT High Waisted Bike Shorts.

You can wear these breathable, body-shaping shorts on a city bike, on a hike, or even to your next spin class.

Girlfriend Collective Skort

Can’t decide between a skirt and shorts? You no longer have to. The Girlfriend Collective Skort is exactly what it says on the tin. This piece of sportswear has built-in compression shorts, cute little side slits, and even some hidden pockets. No wonder it’s so popular.



Vendor: Girlfriend Collective Skort - Ivory
Sale price
$39.00
Regular price
$96.00


One of the standout features of the Girlfriend Collective Skort is its built-in compression shorts. These shorts offer excellent support and flexibility, allowing you to move freely. The compression technology provides a snug fit that enhances comfort and performance, making it an ideal choice for a range of adventures. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to a smooth, streamlined silhouette.

Who doesn't appreciate a good pocket? The great news is the Girlfriend Collective Skort doesn't disappoint. It features hidden pockets that are discreetly integrated into the design, allowing you to carry essentials like keys, cards, or other small items without sacrificing style. No more worrying about where to stash your belongings while you're on the move.


Finally, The Girlfriend Collective Skort brings together the flair of a skirt and the practicality of shorts in one stunning garment. It provides the freedom and comfort of shorts while maintaining the charm of a skirt. Whether you're heading to the gym, going for a run, or simply enjoying a casual day out, this skort ensures you'll feel effortlessly stylish.

IS GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE ETHICAL AND SUSTAINABLE?

The short answer is yes. Girlfriend Collective founders, Ellie and Quang Dinh, strive to make the brand as eco-conscious as possible. The dynamic duo are dedicated to creating a sportswear brand that is not fun and functional but also good for the environment.

The main recycled material that the company uses is certified Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex. If you want to learn more about the company’s sustainability story, read our guide here.

THE TAKEAWAY!

Girlfriend Collective offers beautiful, sustainable, and functional sportswear. Whether you’re looking for a new pair of leggings, sports bra, pair of shorts, or even a skort, you don’t have to go far.

Check out the brand’s ever-growing selection. We’re certain that you won’t be disappointed with what you find there.