Insightful Athlete: Victoria's Secret VSX

I wandered into Victoria's Secret today thinking I would just peruse the bras and swimwear...I was surprised (and excited) to see their front room decked out with their fitness line!

I was already a big fan of their bras. They have padding AND underwire....but its no surprise that they are amazing. Victoria's Secret has been an expert in bras long before Lululemon has been in yoga pants!

In addition to the bras, they had a wide selection of cubbies filled with pants, crops, and shorts. I was expecting some racks of crops, but not all of these cubbies!

It was a little crazy in there....but it was a Saturday afternoon. I should have expected a hot mess. Despite things being messy, they had plenty variation of colors and styles and the employees were really proactive.

I tried on the Studio tank and the Knockout capri. I was REALLY impressed with their quality. The tank felt just like Lululemon's Swiftly tank. So well, I would consider this a Lululemon dupe. The Knockout capri were better than most of Lululemon's Wunder Under Crops. I can't really call it a Lululemon dupe, because it completely surpasses.

Not only were the Knockout Capris really compressive....they were completely opaque. They hid my imperfections, and I felt like the compression gave my booty a little bit of a lift. The patterns and colors were fun as well :).

The Studio Longsleeve was identical to Lululemon's Swiftly. It was really soft and thick. I also really liked the dot version of the Knockout Capri. They looked like a fun variation of Lululemon's Parallel Stripe Wunder Unders.

The Secret Hot Shorts were also really cute. They fit really well. The length was also adjustable with the drawstrings on the side.

I tried on two of the Angel sports bras. They were both really flattering with good padding and underwire. I got fit by one of their associates and found out I was a 32DD. I think their size is skewed up a full cup though....I'm a large C or small D. I don't think I'm technically a DD.

My goodies! Oh my...if I didn't have a wardrobe full of athletic apparel! It was hard trimming it down, but this is what made the cut:

I got three No-show thongs for 3/$33. I really like Lululemon's Muda Light as Air thong, but it is a little expensive at $16. I tried to pick some colors I could wear under my yoga pants, so I chose a light pink, yellow, and a deep navy.

These bras were pretty amazing, so I ended up getting two. In retrospect, I probably should have waiting until one of their many sales....but I was in love :).

I do have an issue with Lululemon and other brands pinching my skin/back fat. I really like how these were practically molded to my body, yet everything remained flat.

I had to get the knockout capri. I wanted the pink dots, but I wanted the solid pink more. I also liked the black and white dots, but I already have my Lululemon Parallel Stripe WUC.

I have been on a hunt for bright pink crops. I loved Lululemon's Zing Pink Light WUC, but they were really sheer. It was a bit of a disappointment. I also tried Under Armour's pink crops, but they were a little sheer as well. These were completely opaque....so opaque I could barely see my knee through the crops!

Compared to Lululmeon's WUC, they were slightly longer. The gusset was more diamond shaped than triangle. The color is a little darker than Zing Pink Light (upper right corner).

I also couldn't resist the Studio tank. I loved the grey stripes and pink piping. The tank fit like Lululemon's Swiftly tank, and was soft and opaque.

I initially thought the Studio tank was slightly shorter than the Swiftly tank, but I was wrong! The Studio tank was slightly longer!

I think I actually prefer the Studio tank to the Swiftly tank. The Studio tank fits me a little better, and I find the Swiftly tank a little boxy. I would also say the Studio material is a little thicker and softer!

I also got the Studio Longsleeve. It was another item I was thoroughly impressed with. I really liked the pink color with the darker pink trim!

Compared to the Swiftly LS, the Studio is slightly shorter. However, the length is not noticeable.

The Swiftly LS has a ribbed cuff, while the Studio LS is smooth. The thumbhole on the studio is slightly smller and the swiftly has more material after the thumbhole. These are slight differences, and I don't have a preference of the two. I like them both equally.

The Studio LS have a bit more of a scoop neck collar, while the Swiftly has more of a crew. I actually prefer the collar on the Studio LS. I think the crew neck is a little too high, but their scoop neck version is a little two low. The Studio LS is just right.

The fit on the Studio tank was very nice. I couldn't tell the difference of the two! They felt and fit the same to me! Not bad, considering the Studio is 20% cheaper!

Overall, I am REALLY impressed. Not only are they about 20% cheaper than Lululemon (excluding their regular promotions and rewards), but their quality is just as good....if not better....than Lululemon. I was a big fan of the crops and the underwire bras. I also like have a second option for my Swiftly tops...especially when I'm too lazy to set my midnight alarm for Lululemon's uploads!

What do you guys think? Have you tried the VSX lately?

Lululemon better watch their back! Athleta, UA, and now VSX has really stepped up their game to be realistic competitors!