From Workouts to Wanderlust: Exploring the Outdoor Voices Exercise Dress
Product Review Summary
The Outdoor Voices Exercise Dress seamlessly combines versatile functionality with exceptional comfort, making it a valuable addition to any travel wardrobe. With its ability to transition effortlessly from workouts to social outings, it’s a must-have for those seeking both style and practicality.
Ratings
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★★★★★
As a tried and true medium, the Exercise Dress in my purchased size was a flawless fit. Adjustable bra-like straps provided personalization, while snug shorts with an OV liner prevented it from riding up. The double lining makes it so you don’t have to wear a sports bra unless you find yourself doing high-impact activities like running or intense cardio.
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★★★★★
Made from 85% Nylon and 15% Spandex, the Exercise Dress offers remarkable lightweight comfort. Utilizing OV's "LightSpeed" fabric, it flexes, breathes, and adapts seamlessly. My experience wearing it during various activities, even falling asleep in it, attests to its comfort. Following the website's advice of cold wash and flat drying is crucial; I learned the hard way, as machine-washing and drying caused armpit elastic stretch.
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★★★★★
Incorporating the Exercise Dress into your travel wardrobe is a no-brainer; it's essentially a versatile outfit, easily dressed up or down, and I personally love pairing it with a tied white linen top for extra coverage. Whether for active pursuits or urban exploration, the dress excels. Notably, the cleverly concealed side pockets are a standout feature, proving handy for storing essentials during runs or in busy tourist spots. With an array of colors and prints, you could effortlessly sport a new dress for each day of the week!
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★★★★★
Priced at $100, the Exercise Dress leans toward the higher end, yet its remarkable versatility and numerous styling options justify the investment. Proper care, including avoiding the dryer, ensures it remains a durable wardrobe staple for years.
Pros:
Extremely lightweight and comfortable
Hidden side pockets
Available in various colors and prints
Fits true to size
Cons:
Higher price point
The double-lining may not suffice for high-impact activities like running (i.e. you may have to wear an extra sports bra underneath)
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Outdoor Voices: What To Know About the Brand
Outdoor Voices is a contemporary lifestyle brand that celebrates the joy of moving and being active. With a refreshing and inclusive approach to fitness, the brand encourages everyone to embrace recreation and movement as a part of their daily lives. Offering a range of thoughtfully designed activewear and accessories, Outdoor Voices prioritizes comfort, versatility, and a playful aesthetic. Their products blend performance and style, catering to individuals who seek to seamlessly transition from workout to casual wear. Through their vibrant color palettes, minimalist designs, and emphasis on community, Outdoor Voices fosters a sense of camaraderie among fitness enthusiasts and those who simply enjoy staying active in a relaxed, approachable manner.
Outdoor Voices Exercise Dress Review
If there’s one thing I love in this world, it’s a single piece of clothing that can act as an entire outfit. Enter, the Exercise Dress.
The below review is of The Exercise Dress from Outdoor Voices in Medium.
First Impressions
In true OV fashion, the Exercise Dress comes in an array of vibrant colors and unique prints. Initially, I opted for the dress in Navy, but as my confidence grew, I couldn't resist adding two more to my collection: the captivating Butterfly and the lively Wavy Checker prints. Delivered in an environmentally-conscious recyclable brown mailer, my dress arrived neatly packaged. OV's commitment to sustainable shipping materials has always resonated with me, and as I unveiled my dress, I was excited to slip it on and put it to the test.
Sizing and Fit
I’m a tried and true medium and I found the Exercise Dress I purchased in the same size to be an impeccable fit. The adjustable straps, reminiscent of bra adjustments, allowed for a personalized fit, while the underlying shorts offered a comfortably snug feel without excessive tightness. The added feature of the OV shorts liner effectively prevented any riding up. Additionally, the dress boasts a double lining, eliminating the need for a sports bra unless you find yourself engaging in high-impact activities like running or intense cardio.
Quality of Materials
Crafted from a blend of 85% Nylon and 15% Spandex, the Exercise Dress boasts an exceptional lightweight nature and unparalleled comfort. Constructed using OV's proprietary "LightSpeed" fabric, it's a performance woven material meticulously designed to flex, breathe, and effortlessly adapt to your every motion. The name isn't just for show; it truly lives up to its promise. Personally, I've sported my OV Exercise Dress during errands, walks, hikes, and runs, and I’ve even fallen asleep with it on (and it was still comfy, btw!). The official website recommends washing it on cold and drying flat, advice I wholeheartedly endorse. Regrettably, I machine-washed and dried my first OV Exercise Dress, causing the elastic around the armpits to stretch out and lose its snugness.
Overall Design
Including the Exercise Dress in your travel wardrobe is a no-brainer, as it’s essentially an entire travel outfit that you can dress up or dress down. Personally, I enjoy coupling it with a white linen top, skillfully tied for added coverage. For more active pursuits like hikes, runs, or city walking tours, wearing it as is proves just as effective. However, the real standout feature of this dress is the hidden side pockets ingeniously built into the shorts. I've found them incredibly handy for stashing a credit card during runs or discreetly tucking away my phone in bustling tourist areas. With an extensive range of colors and prints to choose from, you could easily have a unique dress for each day of the week!
Value for Money
With a price tag of $100, it does lean towards the higher end, but given its exceptional versatility and dozens of styling possibilities, the investment feels entirely warranted. Furthermore, by properly tending to it (remember to avoid the dryer!), you can expect it to remain a staple in your wardrobe for years to come.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to packing for sunny getaways, I consider the Exercise Dress an essential item for every woman. Its versatility is unmatched, effortlessly transitioning from workouts and hikes to refined dinners or lively nights out. Moreover, it's incredibly comfortable and fits true to size. With OV consistently introducing new hues and patterns annually, you can anticipate refreshing your wardrobe with a novel dress whenever you're seeking a change. All in all, if your budget allows, this dress stands as a highly valuable investment for your travel capsule wardrobe.