Hey there, fitness friend! If you‘re like me, you‘re always on the hunt for cute and comfy activewear that can keep up with your busy lifestyle. Well, I‘m excited to introduce you to a brand that has totally won me over – Calia by Carrie Underwood.
In case you‘re not familiar, Calia is a women‘s activewear and lifestyle brand that launched in 2015 as a collaboration between country music superstar Carrie Underwood and Dick‘s Sporting Goods. Calia‘s mission is all about empowering women to prioritize their health and wellness without sacrificing their personal style.
As someone who practically lives in leggings and is always running from the gym to errands to playdates, I‘ve been a big fan of Calia for years now. The brand just gets what active women need – high-quality, functional pieces that are also super cute and affordable. Trust me, once you try Calia, you‘ll wonder how you ever survived without it!
Why Calia Stands Out in the Activewear Market
In case you hadn‘t noticed, activewear is having a major moment right now. The global activewear market size was valued at a whopping $353.5 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $547.2 billion by 2028. With so many brands hopping on the athleisure trend, it can be hard to know which ones are actually worth your hard-earned cash.
Here‘s why I think Calia rises above the rest:
1. Inclusive sizing: Calia offers sizes XXS-3X, making it one of the most size-inclusive activewear brands out there. No more feeling left out or struggling to find your size!
2. Functional fabrics: Calia uses high-tech fabrics like Bodyfree, Powermesh, and Calibreathe that are designed to wick sweat, reduce odor, and provide the perfect amount of stretch and support for any activity.
3. Stylish designs: From bold prints to cool cut-out details, Calia‘s collections are always on-trend. You‘ll actually want to wear these pieces out and about!
4. Affordable prices: Calia‘s prices are comparable to brands like Old Navy and Gap, but the quality is so much better. Most pieces are under $100, with frequent sales and promotions.
5. Body positive mission: Calia celebrates all women and encourages us to love our bodies and prioritize our health. The brand‘s campaigns feature diverse models and even has a dedicated plus size collection.
Don‘t just take my word for it – here‘s what some other Calia fans have to say:
"I‘ve tried so many activewear brands and Calia is hands down my favorite. The leggings are totally squat-proof, the sports bras are so supportive, and everything fits like a dream. Plus, the prices are unbeatable!" – Lauren, 28
"As a new mom, I practically live in activewear. Calia has been a lifesaver – the pieces are so comfortable and easy to move in, but also make me feel put together. I especially love the maternity and nursing-friendly options!" – Rachel, 34
"I‘m plus size and have always struggled to find cute, well-fitting workout clothes. Calia‘s plus collection has been a game-changer. I finally feel confident and motivated to hit the gym!" – Valerie, 42
A Closer Look at Calia‘s Bestsellers
Now that you know why Calia is so awesome, let‘s dive into some of the brand‘s most popular pieces. Trust me, you‘re going to want to add these to your cart ASAP!
Energize Ultra High Rise Leggings
These leggings are a fan-favorite for a reason. The ultra high rise waist provides a smooth, secure fit (no more yanking up your pants mid-workout!), while the Calibreathe fabric is ultra-lightweight and breathable. Plus, they have pockets!
The Energize leggings come in a bunch of fun colors and prints, but the Everglade Double Dash Print is my personal fave. The abstract camo pattern is so unique and pairs perfectly with the Energize Ultra High Rise Bra for a matching set.
"I am OBSESSED with these leggings! They are so lightweight and comfortable, yet still provide enough compression and coverage. I wear them for everything from yoga to HIIT workouts to running errands. The pockets are a game-changer too – I can easily fit my phone, keys, and credit card. I‘m slowly building a collection of every color!" – Amy, 31
Strappy Low Impact Sports Bra
If you‘re more of a low impact gal, this strappy bra is perfect for activities like yoga, pilates, or just lounging around. The V-neck front and intricate strappy back detail make it cute enough to wear on its own, while the removable cups and soft, stretchy fabric provide just the right amount of support and coverage.
I love the Aqua Blue color for summer, but it also comes in classic black, white, and a pretty coral shade. At just $35, this bra is an amazing value compared to similar styles from Lululemon or Athleta.
"This bra is so cute and comfortable, I find myself reaching for it even on days when I‘m not working out. It provides just the right amount of support for my B-cup chest and the strappy back detail is so fun to show off with tanks and open-back tops. I might need to order a few more colors!" – Sarah, 25
Wrap Cardigan
Everyone needs a good throw-on-and-go layer, and Calia‘s Wrap Cardigan is the perfect piece. Made from a cozy, stretchy knit fabric, this cardigan features a flattering wrap silhouette, slouchy pockets, and thumbholes (my fave!).
The Ginger Snap color is a rich, warm caramel that will pair with everything in your closet, but it also comes in classic black and gray. This cardigan is perfect for chilly studios, post-workout coffee runs, or WFH days.
"I am so glad I snagged this cardigan! The material is lightweight but still warm and cozy. I love the wrap style and the pockets are perfect for stashing my phone or a protein bar. I‘ve been wearing it non-stop over leggings and a tank for quick errands or as a cozy layer for virtual meetings." – Kelly, 36
Anywhere Camo High Rise 7/8 Leggings
Camo is always a good idea in my book, and these high-rise leggings are no exception. The Graystone Washed Camo Print is a cool, tonal take on the classic pattern that will pair with all your favorite workout tops.
Made from Calia‘s signature Anywhere fabric, these leggings are buttery soft and breathable with the perfect amount of stretch. The 7/8 length is great for petites or showing off your favorite sneakers. Dress them up with a denim jacket and booties for a cute athleisure look!
"These are my go-to leggings for strength training! The fabric is super comfortable and flexible, but still provides enough compression and coverage. The high waist stays put through squats and lunges and doesn‘t dig in or roll down. I‘ll definitely be buying more!" – Kristin, 29
How Calia Stacks Up to Other Activewear Brands
With so many activewear brands out there, you might be wondering how Calia compares. Here‘s a quick breakdown:
| Calia | Lululemon | Athleta | Old Navy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Point | $$ | $$$ | $$$ | $ |
| Size Range | XXS-3X | 0-14 | XXS-3X | XS-4X |
| Quality | High | High | High | Medium |
| Fabric Technology | Bodyfree, Powermesh, Calibreathe | Luxtreme, Nulu, Everlux | Powervita, Supersonic, Nirvana | Go-Dry, Powersoft, Breathe ON |
| Sustainability | Uses recycled materials, minimizes waste, gives back to local communities | Committed to 100% sustainable materials by 2030 | 80% of materials are sustainable fibers, Fair Trade certified, gives back to charity partners | Uses sustainable fibers like recycled polyester, donated over $31 million to charity in 2020 |
As you can see, Calia offers similar quality and fabric technology to higher-end brands like Lululemon and Athleta, but at a more affordable price point. Calia also has a wider size range than Lululemon and is comparable to Athleta.
While Old Navy is the cheapest option, I‘ve found that their activewear just doesn‘t hold up as well over time in terms of fit, stretch, and durability. It‘s worth investing a bit more in Calia for the better quality, in my opinion!
The Full Calia Experience
One thing I love about Calia is that they offer a true omni-channel experience. In addition to their online store, you can also shop Calia in-person at select Dick‘s Sporting Goods locations.
The in-store experience is so fun – the Calia section is always so beautifully merchandised with cute, colorful displays and a welcoming, girly vibe. The sales associates are also super knowledgeable and helpful. I‘ve had them help me find my perfect size, recommend outfits, and even give me tips on new workout classes to try!
Calia also offers free in-store or virtual styling appointments with their trained stylists. You can book a 30-minute session to get personalized recommendations based on your size, activity level, and style preferences. Such a cool feature for activewear!
Online, Calia has an amazing Fit Guide that helps you find your ideal size and fit based on your measurements and fit preferences. They also have a comprehensive FAQ section and stellar customer service – I‘ve had to exchange a size before and it was totally seamless.
Plus, Calia offers free shipping on orders over $49 and free returns on all orders – so you can try on a bunch of pieces risk-free! Pro tip: sign up for their email list for 15% off your first order and exclusive sales.
Oh, and you have to follow Calia on Instagram! Their feed is total fitspo – colorful flat lays, real women of all sizes rocking the gear, glimpses behind-the-scenes, and fun workout ideas. Join the #CaliaByCarrie community for some seriously positive vibes.
Final Thoughts
Whew, that was a lot of info – but I hope this deep dive into Calia by Carrie Underwood was helpful! As you can probably tell, I‘m a huge fan of this brand and truly think they offer the best combination of style, quality, functionality, and value in the activewear space.
Whether you‘re a gym rat, yogi, runner, or just looking for comfy athleisure, Calia has something for you. The brand‘s mission of empowering women to embrace an active lifestyle is so inspiring, and I love how they celebrate all bodies and fitness journeys.
So go ahead and treat yourself to some new Calia gear – I promise you won‘t regret it! And be sure to tag me in your cute mirror selfies so I can cheer you on.
Here‘s to moving our bodies, feeling confident, and looking cute while doing it!
Xoxo,
Your Fitness Fashionista Friend
