‍Is Lolë the elevated outerwear brand I’ve been looking for? ‍

Between my hot yoga sessions, grueling gym workouts, and spending more time outside, this past summer has been transformative! Now that it’s fall, I decided I was NOT going to let the dropping temperatures and shorter days get in the way of staying active. The only way to step into the fall is with a wardrobe overhaul— one that is focused on layerable, durable pieces to keep me active even as the months get colder!

Enter Lolë, Montreal's activewear secret, and a brand I first encountered during a recent Reddit deep dive on cold weather outerwear. 

After reading comments like…

My beautiful, BEAUTIFUL winter coat is from Lolë. I live in the heart of the north so this coat is a godsend. Lolë is the future I swear.
‍@hmmflowers

and

I LOVE Lolë coats. As a fellow northern-dweller, I find they strike the perfect balance of fashion meets function; they are stylish, fitted, warm and all around, weatherproof. So many winter coat brands force you to choose between fashion OR warmth, Lolë offers the best of both worlds!
@wintersoulstice

…I knew I had to give Lolë a try.

And yes, while the brand sounds suspiciously like that other double L syllable brand, dare I say the pieces I tried are more stylish, and even higher quality. Join me as I explore Lole's debut U.S. offerings, blending the best of style and function for women.

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Who is Lolë? 

Lolë is a Montreal-based clothing brand with long lasting pieces that span outerwear and activewear. Lolë was founded in 2002 but is just recently making a splash in the States. My favorite aspect is that they go beyond “athleisure,” keeping elevated style at the forefront of each piece.

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Meet your reviewer

Between the gym, yoga, and hikes, I’ve been going through athletic wear like most people go through underwear. I’m 5’5” and about 160 lbs, so finding athletic and outerwear isn’t typically a challenge. But finding quality pieces that last beyond one season is. Holes in your leggings after just a few months of wear, anyone?

I decided to test out both active and outerwear pieces to see if Lolë lives up to its reputation. Is this brand the answer to my activewear struggles?

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Lolë Fall ‘23 collection review 

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Emeline Down Jacket (in Cerise)

New York weather is unpredictable, so versatility is a must. I ordered the Emeline Down Jacket, which turned out to be perfect for chilly fall mornings or cool evenings. Its warm yet moisture wicking insulation lets me to move through the city in style and comfort! I’ve tested the jacket on both wet and windy days, and I’ve stayed dry and cozy. The hood is fully insulated, and removable when the weather report looks clear. The shell is soft to the touch, and I appreciate how it has that more fitted, refined look that can be tough to find in outerwear. Cerise is “cherry” in French – it’s deep and rich, without being too bright red.

This is a true 3 season jacket. I’ll use it right over workout clothes or a tee, and layered over a sweater for winter. Seriously, this jacket is layerable, lightweight, and breathable. Practical too, with deep outside pockets and a convenient inside pocket – perfect for storing my airpods or phone when going on a jog on cold days.

‍Emeline Down Jacket

$159

Materials:

Composition: SHELL: 100 % Nylon | LINING: 100 % Nylon | INSULATION: 70% Duck Down 30% Feathers

Down percentage: 70/30

Down Fill power: 550

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Piper Oversized Rainjacket (Port) 

I never thought a rain jacket could be comfortable and help elevate a look—but the Piper Oversized Rainjacket is an elevated take with a comfy, oversized fit. This fall has been WET, and after putting Piper to the test, I can confirm that I’ve stayed nice and dry. I also find myself wearing this on non-rainy days because of its full coverage and rich color. It’s deeper than red but not quite purple.

I was actually excited to wear it on a rainy hike and it kept me dry. I wore it to the office the very next day because of its quick drying material. When the weather finally cleared up I folded it into its built-in backpack!

I appreciate that the fabric is durable and soft, and not plasticky. The best part is that it layers nicely over the Emeline Down Jacket, providing warmth on the coldest days without the bulk. I’m looking forward to bringing the combo with me on my trip to much chillier Sweden later this fall.

Piper Oversized Rain Jacket

$169

Materials:

Composition: FACE: 100% POLYESTER / BACK: 100% POLYURETHANE

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Sculpt Rib Flare Leggings (Black)

In my search for the perfect legging for the gym and beyond, I tried out The Sculpt Rib Flare Leggings. With their subtle ribbing, these leggings look extra luxe and hug and support me in all the right places. They have enough stretch but never seem to roll down or slip as I workout. Unlike other leggings I’ve tried, I’m not stuck pulling these leggings back up in the middle of a HIIT workout or worrying about them slipping down when stretching or squatting. Despite how much I sweat, their moisture-wicking is top notch and I’m never left with that wet, sticky feeling. 

Their flared style helps make my figure look more balanced, and I’ve already caught everyone from my Gen X sister to my Gen Z niece trying to steal these leggings because they “look so cool.”

I will say that the pants are a bit long on my 5’5” frame. I’m going to hem them because their buttery softness and lovely ribbed texture definitely make up for it. Plus, they match with everything and they’re perfect for the gym, meeting friends, or anything in between.

Sculpt Rib Flare Leggings

BLACK FRIDAY SALE: 25% OFF

Materials:

Composition: 75% NYLON 25% ELASTANE

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Sculpt Rib Bra (Black)

For me, sports bras are usually some unholy combo of not supportive enough, too thick, or too tight on my ribs. I loved the Sculpt Rib Leggings but I was still skeptical about trying The Sculpt Rib Bra. Much like its leggings counterpart, it’s super soft and durable, with the small ribbing adding visual interest and a bit of shaping. I wore it for one of my more intense (read: super sweaty) workouts and I was surprised that I didn’t feel sticky or gross afterwards. 

The fabric is breathable yet supportive and can withstand all of my favorite workouts at the gym or when I hit the trail. I even find myself wearing it on days where I don’t workout – it feels almost like a second skin and less like a restrictive sports bra. No digging into my ribs here.

Sculpt Rib Bra

BLACK FRIDAY SALE: 25% OFF

Materials:

Composition: 75% NYLON 25% ELASTANE | MESH : 81% NYLON 19% ELASTANE

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Performance Wool Long Sleeve (White)

I’ve never tried a wool base layer before – I just assumed they’d be too itchy and annoying to launder. I ordered the Performance Wool Long Sleeve because, honestly, it looked really cute on its own, and I love thumb holes. When I opened the package, I couldn’t really believe that this was wool. The top is silky soft and keeps me warm, yet I don’t break a sweat until I start hitting the weights or jogging. It’s perfect for layering under the Emeline Down Jacket or wearing under a vest before heading out the door and grabbing a cup of coffee. 

The thumb holes are a small perk that makes a big difference — no more bunched sleeves when layering up. I’m excited for more chilly days where I can layer it underneath a sweater before heading to the office!

Performance Wool Long Sleeve

$66

Materials:

Composition: 84% POLYESTER - RECYCLED FIBERS, 11% MERINO WOOL, 5% ELASTANE

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Quilted Jamie Bag (Black)

I’ve been looking for a cute, small, versatile bag that, most importantly, I could use hands-free. Enter Jamie, my new everyday bag.

The Quilted Jamie Bag goes with all the casual looks I have in my closet, and the quilted design can elevate it to dressier occasions in a pinch. The adjustable strap lets me wear it as a fanny pack or extend it out to crossbody style. It fits all of my necessities (phone, keys, wallet, make up, and the other small items I need that day) without being unwieldy. It’s a perfect grab and go bag—because it’s so versatile I actually haven’t switched bags in three weeks!

Quilted Jamie Bag

$35

Materials:

Composition: 100% NYLON

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‍Final Thoughts

I’m someone who usually shies away from spending too much on fitness and outerwear (what’s the point if I’m just going to sweat in it, right?). But these Lolë pieces are absolutely worth it, especially considering the most expensive piece I tried was still only $169 (for the Piper rain jacket)! Breathable fabrics make layering a breeze. Each piece is attractive on its own and works perfectly when layered together. I’ve transitioned from chilly early mornings to warm afternoons and back to cold evenings with ease. Each piece is durable, and based on my own experience and the reviews I’ve read, I expect them to last for years to come.

Lolë offers free standard shipping and 30-day returns on orders over $99, so you can mix and match to your heart’s content.