Here's What Happened When We Set Out To Discover If Inclusive Activewear Is Actually Inclusive

Bit funny how attached they are, especially considering clothing sizes seem to vary from store to store regardless. 

Sohan is 164cm tall (5'5), wears a size L top and XL bottom. She's worn STAX. before, but was excited to officially put the brand to the test and consciously assess whether it's worth it. 

Sohan's success criteria:

"I'm looking for something that is cute, comfortable and practical. Tight enough that it's supportive, but I can still breathe. I basically do not want the tights to ride down my body as I'm running my 5km." 

Jules is 175cm tall (5'7), wears a size XS top and XS bottom. While she hasn't tried STAX. before, she has a wardrobe full of activewear — which means she's our expert in the performance of the product. 

Jules' success criteria:

"I really want it to be breathable — I don't want the sweat to stay on my skin. I also don't want it to feel like shape-wear, I personally don't like when I feel really sucked in. And I want it to be good quality, so I don't want it to be transparent — I don't want to do a squat and suddenly you see what underwear I have on. I really just need it firm, fitting and fabulous." 

Hameda is 180cm tall (5'11), wears a size 2XL top and 3XL bottom. She doesn't often spend big bucks on activewear — figuring the cheaper stuff will probably do the trick. Will this review convince her otherwise?

Hameda's success criteria:

"Basically what I'm looking for in activewear is — I'm a tall girl, so I don't want my leggings riding halfway up my calves. I don't want my sports bra to be digging into my sides, until all I can think about is taking it off. And I want it to feel almost like a second skin — just so I can work out and feel fabulous."

Low and behold, they seemed to fit each of us absolutely perfectly, despite the varying heights and length of limbs across the board. 

Each of us set off to test the activewear doing what we would usually do when we wanted to be active — because we all know the preference for what kind of physical activity to partake in is as diverse as the bodies we're trying these outfits on. 

Sohan tested her STAX. outfit out with weight training and a jog. 

During the workout, Sohan noted that the clothes were comfortable and fit more firmly when she was sweating — which she actually appreciated. She also loved how versatile the 'fit was — as effective at the gym doing weights as it was jogging. 

Jules tested her STAX. activewear with a HIIT workout — including a warm-up of 2000 stair sprints. 

During her workout, Jules noted that it didn't feel like her crotch was dropping, and that it was a great fit. Despite the vigorous sweating that her high-impact workout was causing, the activewear remained dry and comfortable on her body. 

Hameda tested her STAX. activewear with a 5km walk though her local neighbourhood. 

During her test, Hameda mentioned that despite feeling the sweat, her outfit was still completely dry and as soft to the touch as ever — meaning it remained just as comfortable as the moment she put it on as it did throughout her walk. She also reported zero swamp-crotch or camel toe — so there's another huge win for STAX.

One takeaway from STAX. is that it's clear they keep diverse bodies in mind when they're sizing their activewear — so that no matter your measurements, the outfits you purchase will probably fit you exactly the way you want them to fit you. A WILD concept, right? 

We've still got a huge way to go in terms of expanding the available sizing across all brands, but big sizes mean nothing if the clothes fit horrendously on the bodies they're trying to dress. 

Get the best black tights full length from STAX. for $79.95.

Get the best black classic crop from STAX. for $44.95.

Get the best black body tank from STAX. for $49.95.

Alternatively, you can shop the entire STAX. range here.