The Leggings
A devoted On fan—I’ve been running in the brand’s sneakers for nearly a decade now—I’m less familiar with its apparel than I am its running shoes. Still, given the brand’s reputation for innovation, I had high hopes for the leggings and the design tech that powers them, which promises a soft and smooth-to-the-touch wear, with just enough stretch for low-impact movement.
What stands out for me with any new legging is fit and feel first, performance second. I go through a mental checklist to determine what works and what doesn’t: What’s the length and general cut? I like a 7/8 crop since I’m only 5’1, and usually don’t do side pockets since I’d rather keep my phone in my jacket if I’m running (if it’s a studio class, I’m not working out with anything on me). I don’t like anything ultra high-waisted and prefer fabrics that are soft and barely-there—I want second-skin, not Saran Wrap.
They say first impressions are everything, and it didn’t take long for me to figure out what the SenseTec Studio legging was all about. Like Cami in her tripod headstand, I found the leggings to be wonderfully well-balanced: Lightweight but not light-as-air, stretchy but not too loose, and comfortable from the get-go. A 1 p.m. workout under the blazing sun is ultimate litmus test: I got a little sunburnt, but at least I didn’t overheat.
The leggings have a phone pocket that I barely noticed, and the 23-inch inseam hits right at the ankle (just how I like it). The high waist bunched a little when seated, but it was hardly cause for breaking focus when attempting an inversion (the whipping wind, however, was another story).