Base Runners, a review of fit, fabric content and function

Hello everyone,

A few of days ago I wrote a post about one of my favorite types of Lululemon Skirts, the Pleat to Street. A reader commented saying that she enjoyed posts about individual items (Thanks, Michele!), so I recalled a post that I had intended to write about Base Runners, and searched to see if I had written a draft at all, and unfortunately, although I had taken some photos of my Base Runners, I had yet to actually write this post. So, here it is, enjoy!

Base Runners

My opinion on Base Runners is as positive as my opinion on other items that I own & enjoy, however, this post will also encompass the opinions of the reviewers on Lululemon.com. My goal is to provide answers, to those purchasing these now or on eBay in a few months when they’re no longer on the Lululemon website.

I really love my Base Runners. They really are fabulous for wearing over shorts, or just for winter warmth in general. I’ve worn them during harsh Canadian winters and mild American winters alike. They’re comfy, cozy, soft and as described by Lululemon, have a “relaxed sensation.” I appreciate the little bit of reflectivity at the cuff as well as the deep pockets.

Quality Issues-

A reviewer has said that the waistband is rolling on her pair. I have not experienced this issue, but have heard that some people are/ do. This is something that I would concern myself with when making a purchase decision.

A few reviewers have complained about pilling. I haven’t experienced excessive pilling on any of my Base Runners- even the ones that are 3 years old. There are a few here or there, and there’s certainly some wear on them, but I take responsibility for that. The reason I feel that I have been able to keep my Lulus in the best possible condition is because I follow my own advice with regards to caring for them.

Some reviewers have complained that the newest versions are not holding up as well as the older versions. To be honest, I disagree, but in the interest of transparency, I will always do my best to talk about what the opinion is in aggregate- not just my own opinion. The reason I don’t believe that this is true is because the fabric content has largely remained the same, and admittedly anecdotally, I haven’t experienced increased pilling in my newest Base Runners as opposed to pairs I’ve owned from previous seasons.

Speaking of fabric content- I took photos of the fabric content of my Base Runners from previous seasons and from this season. As you can see, the fabric content has largely remained the same, with the exception of Elastane replacing the Spandex, which in my understanding is a very similar fabric.

IMG_9566
Previous Season’s Tags
IMG_9575
Previous Season’s Base Runners, in order of their tags as pictured above.
IMG_9567
This season’s Base Runners’ tags
IMG_9571
This season’s Base Runners in order of their tag’s appearance above.

 

Fit- I recommend sizing down, but if you’re a curvy girl like me, you might be more comfortable in your TTS. I wear these in my TTS- and frankly, I would be comfortable even if they were very loose on me (if, I lost weight or purchased a larger size) because they look like they can also be worn that way. So, if you’re checking these out on eBay, and they’re a size smaller, or your TTS, you’re in luck either way, as IMO, they’ll probably fit you just fine- although one will provide a slightly different (tighter or looser) look. Also: especially if you intend to wear these over shorts, you can go TTS (Or maybe even size up!). I wouldn’t want you to give up on a good deal on eBay if you spot a pair either a size up or a size down. Honestly, I’d probably give them a shot!

I hope this has been helpful! Thanks for stopping by!

 

 

 

 

UPLOAD Commentary

Hello everyone!

This week was a GREAT one for upload. I just had to comment. Let me know what you think too!

Base Runner Pant III

These are incredibly soft, so comfortable and great for winter, in my experience. These are the newest incarnation of the Base Runner pants, and I can only hope that I will be as satisfied with them as I have been in the past. Here they are in heathered dark fuel/ menthol, and heathered bordeaux drama/ bon bon.

Base Runners Fuel Green Base Runners Fuel Green 2

heathered bordeaux drama bon bon base runner

This is the bottom, pictured to show the reflective detail and the other colour option, Heathered Bordeaux Drama
This is the bottom, pictured to show the reflective detail.

Personally, I prefer the heathered bordeaux drama, but the Fuel green are gorgeous too! Which ones do you like? Or get? Not a fan of these colors & just get the black ones? Let me know!

Fleecy Keen III

This jacket has been popular for a long while and people have been really excited to see its return.

I thought it would be a good idea to post its many features:

  • Fleece fabric is super soft and lightweight
  • quilted Glyde fabric helps protect against light wind and rain
  • zip on the removable hooded dickie and cinch the drawstrings to hold onto heat
  • reflective details help keep you visible in low light
  • unzip the vents on the arm and shoulder for a little extra airflow
  • thumbholes and Cuffins™ sleeves help keep your hands warm
  • imported
Fuel Green Fleecy Keen
Fuel Green Fleecy Keen
Fuel Green Fleecy Keen Reflective Details
Fuel Green Fleecy Keen, in the dark, to show reflective details
Wine Berry Fleecy Keen
Wine Berry Fleecy Keen back view
Wine Berry Fleecy Keen Detail
Fleecy Keens have a zip-out liner feature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Run: Inspire Crop II *All

Luxtreme 

LOVE these. I have the Wunder Under Crops in this pattern, so I don’t need them, but if you like this pattern, these are a great option.

Inspire Crops Sapphire Space Dye
space dye twist sapphire blue multi/naval blue

Sapphire Inspire Crops

Kanto Catch Me Short

These shorts aren’t getting a lot of buzz on the boards, but the Ultra Swift/ Luxtreme combination is likely to be very comfortable- and I predict that they will sell well. Here are the specs:

  • Swift Ultra fabric is four-way stretch and sweat-wicking
  • Luxtreme® fabric waistband is sweat-wicking
  • added LYCRA®Â fibre for great shape retention
  • our signature three-pocket waistband has room for your essentials
  • reflective details help you shine bright in low light
  • relaxed sensation
  • imported

I’m curious about these and hope they show up at my store.

Kanto Catch Me Short 2
painted animal sprinkler black/black
Kanto Catch Me Short
butterfly texture black white/forage teal

UPDATE: I bought these shorts and they do not fit like I thought they would. I thought they had a liner but they don’t. If you’re a curvy girl like me, you might want to reconsider getting them- or maybe size up.

Throw Back Scrunchie

mountain peaks bon bon bordeaux drama
mountain peaks bon bon bordeaux drama
painted animal sprinkler black
painted animal sprinkler black
butterfly texture black white
butterfly texture black white

Now, when I tell you that people hate this, it’s not a complete picture. They don’t hate scrunchies, or this scrunchie in particular. What they hate is the price. $12. “A $12 Scrunchie!?” If you’re like me, though, what you don’t see is a scrunchie, what you see is a relatively inexpensive way to own a piece of the Lululemon brand. Over the holidays (which is what every retailer in the country is gearing up for right now), many parents go into Lululemon stores across the country and buy things for their teenage daughters, who want a piece of the Lululemon cache. I’ve seen many parents go in, and instead of pants, they buy their teenagers a headband. They’re a great stocking stuffer, and not as pricey as a pair of pants. I know, I know, what about Ivivva? Ask a teenager whether or not they think Ivivva is cool. Half the answers will be either ‘no,’ or ‘that’s what my little sister and her friends wear,’ and the other half will be ‘what’s ivivva?’ Ivivva is not a well-known brand. That matters. Lululemon was ranked 29th last year in terms of brand value– Ivivva was not on the list.

So, this upload, in addition to these cute scrunchies, they’ve uploaded several new headbands and new colors of the headbands that were already online and I am sure, that many of these will sell well. Personally, I’m on a boycott until they bring back the Bang Buster.

What do you think about the scrunchie? Did you buy one?