💸 Is Varley Worth the Splurge? The ‘Rich Mom’ Athleisure Trend Put to the Test
Varley, a brand born from the fusion of London’s sophistication and L.A.’s laid-back luxe, has firmly established itself as the name to know in the premium activewear space. It’s not just about clothes that perform; it’s about pieces that elevate your entire look—a perfect embodiment of the polished, timeless “Old Money Aesthetic.” For years, I’ve been on the hunt for activewear that doesn’t scream ‘gym’ the moment I step out, and I can confidently say: Varley delivers.
What sets Varley apart from giants like Lululemon? While Lulu is performance-driven at its core, Varley is a fashion brand rooted in movement. The quality, the chic color palettes, and the details—think shawl collars, tailored trims, and high-quality hardware—make their pieces look less like athletic gear and more like designer staples. This versatility is their superpower.
✨ Deep Dive: My Favorite Varley Staples & Why They Outshine the Competition
1. The DoubleSoft® Collection: A Game-Changer in Comfort
If you buy one thing from Varley, make it a piece in their proprietary DoubleSoft® fabric. This material is truly exceptional.
- The Vine Half-Zip Pullover: A Varley classic and my personal obsession.
- The Highlight: The feel. It’s a plush, substantial, yet lightweight fabric—the kind you never want to take off. It’s cozier than a typical sweatshirt but polished enough to wear to a meeting or a nice lunch.
- Versus Other Brands: Where some brands’ soft fabrics feel flimsy or pill quickly, the DoubleSoft® holds its structure and softness wash after wash. The oversized fit is perfect without looking sloppy.
- Sizing Tip: It’s designed to be oversized, but stick to your true size for that perfectly relaxed, effortless drape.
- The Relaxed Pant: The perfect companion to the half-zip.
- The Highlight: The tailored look. It’s a sweatpant that doesn’t resemble a baggy pair of pajamas. The fabric and the precise cut—often featuring a slim cuff or straight leg—give them a flattering, expensive silhouette.
- Pain Point Solved: For those who hate joggers that are too tight or too baggy, these strike the perfect balance: roomy and comfortable but slim through the hip for a chic look.
2. High-Performance Leggings: A Different Approach to Activewear
I’ve put their leggings through the paces—from Pilates to a quick jog—and here’s the scoop:
- The ‘Always’ Leggings (Compressive): Excellent for moderate-impact workouts. The compression is supportive, and the fabric is substantial enough for full coverage (no see-through issues here!). They’ve held up to frequent washing with zero pilling after months of use.
- The ‘FreeSoft’ Leggings (Lighter-Weight): Perfect for yoga, travel, or everyday athleisure. These are buttery soft and less compressive.
- The Honest Comparison (Varley vs. Lululemon): If you are a serious high-intensity runner, Lululemon’s technical fabrics might still be your go-to. However, for studio workouts, walking, and most importantly, looking incredibly put-together before and after, Varley wins on the aesthetic. Their neutral, rich color palette is unmatched.
💭 Real-Life Customer Feedback: What People Are Saying
You don’t just have to take my word for it. Varley’s reputation is built on its luxurious feel and versatility.
“A True Wardrobe Staple.” – Sarah M.
“I was hesitant about the price of the Hawley Half-Zip, but it’s honestly the most-worn item in my closet. It’s the perfect weight, the collar is so flattering, and I can literally throw it over leggings for the school run or pair it with trousers and boots for work. It’s the definition of ‘elevated casual’.”
“Sizing Can Be Tricky, But Quality is 10/10.” – Jessica P.
“My only minor complaint is sizing. The relaxed-fit items are very generous, so I had to size down in the sweaters and puffers. But once you nail the fit, the quality is incredible. My Alder Shorts are the only shorts I wear for travel because they look tailored yet feel like pajamas.”
👚 Varley Outfit Inspiration: Styling the Effortless ‘Rich Mom’ Look
The beauty of Varley lies in its monochromatic, mix-and-match aesthetic. Here are my favorite ways to style their pieces for that coveted high-end, relaxed look.
| Look | Key Varley Pieces | Styling Tip |
| Travel Day Luxe | Vine Half-Zip Pullover, Relaxed Pant (or Slim Cuff Pant) | Pair with crisp white sneakers and a structured baseball cap. A trench coat elevates the entire ensemble. |
| Polished Casual | Half-Zip Sweater, High-Rise Leggings | Throw a tailored blazer over the top and swap sneakers for chic loafers or ankle boots. Jewelry is essential here! |
| Effortless Errand Run | Betsy Sweater (Matching Set), Alder High-Rise Shorts | A coordinated set instantly looks pulled together. Add a large leather tote bag and sunglasses. |
| Workout to Cafe | Always High-Rise Leggings, FreeSoft™ Cori Bra | Layer with a longline puffer vest or a cozy sherpa jacket after your session. |
🛒 Where to Buy Varley Clothes
Varley’s collections are an investment, and securing your favorites can sometimes be a challenge, especially with popular items like the Vine Pullover. I recommend checking multiple retailers for the best stock and occasional sales.
- Varley Clothing (Official Site) – Best for full collection access.
- Nordstrom – Great for easy returns and rewards.
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- Revolve
- NET-A-PORTER
- Anthropologie
Would you like me to find the current best pricing and availability for a specific Varley item, like the Vine Half-Zip Pullover or the Alder High-Rise Shorts?