Lerin is IN
In Search of the Perfect Workout Outfit, We Found It Locally Made
When it comes to workout sets, I am picky. So picky that I’ve basically stuck with the same boring sports bras and leggings for the past decade. Don’t get me wrong: I’ve tried to branch out. I just always find an issue. I’ve had seams fall apart, too-thin materials, tops that offer zero support… the list goes on. Perhaps the worst of all is when I finally find a trendy set, only for it to be completely dysfunctional. You know the feeling. So, I was skeptical to try out Lerin, the latest Coral Gables-based activewear brand.
Founded by Gables resident and former Pilates instructor Rachel Schultz, the luxury athletic apparel brand is supposed to combine fashion with functionality. “There are so many [sets] that are cute, but you can’t workout in,” says Schultz. To fix the issue, she started her own line and began experimenting with different straps and styles. “My team and I personally wear, wash, and test everything for months before sending [the designs] to the factory,” she says.
To test it out for myself, I snagged a pair of Schultz’s favorite “Amy” leggings ($110) and the “Olivia” top ($75), both in blue, and headed to a Pilates class. At first, I was worried that the long sleeves would rub against my skin or that the trendy cut-out would prove to be yet another stylistic element that would ultimately compromise functionality. I was sorely – make that happily – mistaken.
Lerin’s fabric is thick, durable, and buttery soft. I was pleasantly surprised by how the set doubled as a second skin, not falling down or bunching up a single time during the intense workout – something not even my beloved Lululemon leggings can boast. But the defining detail that makes this set stand out from the rest is the lining and seams.
Sometimes when you have a seam down the front of the leggings, it can ride up and draw attention where you don’t want it. And while the Lerin leggings do have that front seam, the material isn’t broken up into segments. Instead, it has an H-shaped gusset, which places less stress on the front seam and distributes it equally throughout the leggings.
Right now, the collection only comes in black and blue. However, Schultz is releasing another line this month consisting of three new colors and six new garments. While headquartered in the LifeTime building on U.S. 1 at Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Schultz has no brick and mortar outlet of her own (yet). But, you can find all of Lerin pieces online at lerinusa.com or locally at OHM Boutique, Tina B. Miami, and Pilates One, or at one of the brand’s pop-up events.