Whether you‘re an avid athlete dedicated to a specific sport or a fitness enthusiast who likes mixing it up with different activities, finding high-quality, stylish activewear that fits well and doesn‘t break the bank can be a challenge. With so many brands and options out there, it‘s hard to know which ones are actually worth your hard-earned money.
If you‘re in the market for new athletic apparel, let me introduce you to Baleaf – an up-and-coming activewear brand that believes everyone should have access to comfortable, functional sportswear no matter their size, sport of choice, or budget. In this comprehensive Baleaf review, I‘ll give you the full scoop on the brand‘s background, bestsellers, customer feedback, and more to help you decide if their gear is right for you.
What Is Baleaf?
Founded in 2015 by experienced ecommerce entrepreneur Lefee Xu, Baleaf is a direct-to-consumer brand that designs and sells high-quality, affordable activewear for men, women, and kids. Unlike many sportswear companies that cater to a specific sport or type of athlete, Baleaf aims to provide versatile apparel that can cross over between activities and keep up with your active lifestyle – simplifying your workout wardrobe while saving space in your closet.
According to their website, Baleaf‘s mission is fourfold: "To unleash your mind, body & soul. To create a better active lifestyle for the 99%. To lower the manufacturing industry‘s carbon footprint. Co-create a better active lifestyle!" The brand operates on the premise that most people only wear a fraction of the clothes they own regularly, especially when it comes to sportswear, as different activities often call for dedicated gear.
By focusing on multi-functional designs and durable, technical fabrics that work for a variety of sports and conditions, Baleaf can produce fewer, more practical styles that give you more bang for your buck and reduce clothing waste. The brand also uses sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing practices to minimize its environmental impact.
Another thing that sets Baleaf apart is its commitment to size inclusivity. Recognizing the lack of stylish, well-fitting options for plus-size athletes, Baleaf offers all of its clothing in sizes XS-3XL with many styles also available in petite, tall, and extra-tall lengths. No matter your body type or proportions, you can find activewear that looks and feels great at Baleaf.
Over the past 8 years, Baleaf has been steadily growing its customer base and gaining recognition in the crowded activewear market. The brand now has over 12,000 followers on Instagram and 1,000 on Facebook, and has earned media mentions in major outlets like Shape, Travel + Leisure, Runner‘s World. Clearly, Baleaf is striking a chord with shoppers seeking functional, size-inclusive athleticwear that doesn‘t cost a fortune.
Baleaf Bestsellers Review
Now that you have a general idea of what Baleaf is all about, let‘s dive into some of the brand‘s most popular products for women and men. I‘ll share an in-depth look at the materials, special features, fit, and customer reviews for each item to give you a better sense of Baleaf‘s quality and performance.
Women‘s Bestsellers
Laureate 28" Thermal Leggings Review
A great pair of full-length leggings is an activewear staple for any woman, whether you‘re a yogi, runner, hiker, gym rat, or all of the above. Baleaf‘s Laureate 28" Thermal Leggings are designed to be your go-to bottoms for medium to high-impact exercise year-round.
Made from a soft, moisture-wicking blend of polyester and spandex with a brushed fleece lining, these leggings provide light insulation and plenty of stretch for full range of motion. The waistband is high-rise with seam contouring for a no-slip, no-dig fit, and the built-in gusset ensures full coverage during squats and bends.
Other handy features include a zippered back pocket big enough to hold your essentials and flat seams to prevent chafing. Baleaf also puts its leggings through squat tests to make sure the fabric doesn‘t go sheer when stretched. Available in classic black and several other colors, the Laureate Thermal Leggings have a sleek, timeless look that pairs well with all your tops and sneakers.
Priced at $33 and offered in sizes XS-3XL, these leggings are an amazing value compared to similar styles from big athletic brands that cost twice as much or more. On Baleaf‘s website, the Laureate Thermal Leggings have an impressive 4.7 out of 5 star rating from over 500 reviews. Happy customers rave about the soft, cozy feel, opaque coverage, and versatility for different workouts.
The leggings also have over 19,000 reviews on Amazon with a 4.4 average rating. Reviewers praise the quality construction, true-to-size fit, and ability to keep them warm in cold weather. Several mention wearing them for long runs, hikes, and skiing with no slipping or overheating. The few negative reviews cite pilling after washing or a too-snug fit in larger sizes.
Overall, if you‘re looking for a pair of warm, durable, squat-proof leggings suitable for all kinds of exercise, the Laureate Thermal Leggings are an excellent affordable option. They seem to perform just as well if not better than more expensive thick leggings and work for a variety of body types.
Triumph 28" Thermal Water-Resistant Pants Review
When the weather gets wet or snowy, sometimes even fleece-lined leggings aren‘t enough to keep your bottom half protected. That‘s where Baleaf‘s Triumph 28" Thermal Water-Resistant Pants come in. Imagine lightweight snow pants combined with your favorite thermal joggers and you‘ll get the idea.
The Triumph pants have a polyester/spandex shell that repels light rain and snow, with a pillowy waffle-knit fleece lining for warmth and softness. Ankle zippers allow you to cinch the cuffs over your boots to seal out the elements, while zippered pockets on the thighs and back keep your belongings safe and dry.
The high-rise waistband has a comfortable back yoke and drawstring for easy fit adjustments on the go. Baleaf added some stylish seam and pocket details for a more fashionable look than your typical utilitarian snow pants too. You can wear them on the slopes, shoveling the driveway, walking the dog, or running errands on a blustery day.
At $42, the Triumph Water-Resistant Pants provide great protection and value for all your cold-weather activities. They come in sizes XS-2XL and five versatile colors including basic black, navy, and olive green. Baleaf customers give the pants a 4.7 average rating, with reviewers saying they‘re totally windproof and waterproof yet still breathable and comfy.
Several reviewers with self-described "thick thighs" appreciate the sleek, non-bulky fit and full coverage. Negative reviews mention the short inseam length and low rise in the back. The pants also have a handful of positive Amazon reviews noting the functional, flattering fit. For the price point, the quality and performance are hard to beat.
Laureate Jacquard Thermal Pullover Review
To complete your cold-weather activewear wardrobe, check out the Laureate Jacquard Thermal Pullover. This half-zip mock-neck top is made from the same type of brushed, moisture-wicking polyester/spandex blend as Baleaf‘s thermal leggings to provide lightweight warmth and sweat management.
The long raglan sleeves allow for full shoulder mobility, while thumbholes keep your hands cozy and prevent the sleeves from riding up. Two zippered pockets offer a secure place to stash your phone, keys, and cards if you‘re heading out for a ski, run, or hike. The jacquard fabric has a subtle heathered texture for an elevated look too.
Ideal as a base layer under a jacket or on its own, the Laureate pullover is a great way to extend your outdoor workout season through the winter. It comes in five colors and sizes XS-3XL, all for under $40. Reviewers say the top fits true to size with room for layering and keeps them toasty on the trails or slopes. A few customers wish the pockets were bigger or that it came in more colors, but overall this pullover is a high-quality, versatile piece you‘ll reach for all season.
Men‘s Bestsellers
Triumph UPF50+ Sun Shirt Review
For active guys who spend time outdoors, sun protection is just as important as sweat-wicking and quick-drying properties in a top. Baleaf‘s Triumph UPF50+ Sun Shirt offers all three in a lightweight, comfortable package that works as well for a run as it does for a round of golf.
The long-sleeve crewneck style provides full upper body coverage, with raglan sleeves for ease of movement and no shoulder seams to rub or chafe. The polyester fabric has a UPF 50+ rating to block harmful rays and dries in a flash if you work up a sweat or get caught in the rain.
Mesh underarm panels dump excess heat in your sweatiest areas, and the longer back hem provides extra coverage if you raise your arms. Flat seams and a tag-free neckline ensure an itch-free fit, while the regular cut allows room for your other layers without looking baggy.
With nearly 4,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.6 out of 5 star average rating, it‘s clear that men love the Triumph sun shirt for all their outdoor activities. Reviewers confirm that the fabric is super soft, breathable, and indeed UPF protective, and that the fit is comfortably relaxed without being too loose.
Many reviewers say they stock up on several colors to wear for everything from yard work to kayaking to lounging at the beach. Priced at just $19, the Triumph sun shirt is an affordable, effective way to shield your skin and stay cool in the heat. It comes in sizes S-3XL and every color of the rainbow, so you can find the perfect match for your bottoms.
Laureate Thermal Water-Resistant Tights Review
Baleaf also makes thermal water-resistant tights for men, with all the same great cold-weather features as the women‘s version. The Laureate Thermal Water-Resistant Tights have a durable, lightly insulated polyester/spandex construction that fends off wind and rain while still wicking away sweat.
A brushed fleece interior keeps your legs toasty on chilly runs or rides, while the ergonomic seam placement and gusseted crotch prevent any bunching or restriction. Two side pockets and two inner waistband pockets hold your essentials, and ankle zips make them easy to get on and off over shoes.
Men on Amazon give these tights a 4.6 average rating, praising the cozy warmth, weather protection, and compression-like fit that supports their muscles during long winter workouts. Reviewers also appreciate the convenient pockets and reasonable $30 price tag for the quality. A few men with larger legs find them slightly snug, so if you‘re between sizes you may want to size up. The tights come in four practical colors and sizes S-2XL.
Laureate Ultra Light 5" 2-in-1 Shorts Review
For hot weather training, it doesn‘t get more versatile than Baleaf‘s Laureate Ultra Light 5" 2-in-1 Shorts. As the name implies, these shorts have a built-in boxer brief liner to provide support and coverage with a lightweight outer shell for unrestricted movement.
The recycled polyester fabric wicks sweat, dries quickly, and has four-way stretch that moves with you. A mesh ventilation panel in the back helps you stay cool when you‘re working hard, while three pockets (two side and a zippered back) hold your phone, cash, and keys. Reflective details on the legs boost your visibility in low light for after-hours sessions too.
With a huge range of colors, an elastic drawstring waistband, and sizes S-3XL, any guy can find his ideal fit in these do-it-all shorts. Over 1,000 reviewers on Baleaf‘s site and 500 on Amazon give the shorts a 4.5 star average rating, calling them a total steal at $22. Men say the 2-in-1 design is super comfortable for activities like running, HIIT, and weight training, and doesn‘t cause any chafing. The UV protective fabric is also a plus for outdoor enthusiasts. The liner can run slightly small, so most reviewers suggest sizing up if you have muscular thighs.
Is Baleaf A Good Brand?
After an in-depth look at the company and its top-rated products, I can confidently say that Baleaf is indeed a good brand worth trying for your activewear needs. The combination of practical, multi-functional designs, quality materials and construction, inclusive size range, and affordable prices make Baleaf stand out from other athletic apparel brands in its category.
By focusing on versatile pieces that perform well for different activities and body types, Baleaf simplifies the process of building a complete workout wardrobe for the average person. The brand‘s commitment to sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices is another big selling point for environmentally conscious consumers.
Customer reviews across the board confirm that Baleaf clothing delivers on its promises of comfort, functionality, and durability. While no brand can please every single customer, the vast majority of verified buyers on Baleaf‘s website and Amazon are highly satisfied with their purchases. Many reviewers happily report that Baleaf‘s activewear exceeds their expectations for the price point and even rivals more expensive name brands.
If you‘re an active individual who wants stylish, size-inclusive athleticwear that won‘t blow your budget, Baleaf is definitely worth checking out. The brand has something for every sport, season, and body shape. Assuming you take good care of your gear by following the washing and drying instructions, your Baleaf clothing should last for many workouts to come.
