In Search of the Perfect Yoga Pant -- Hard Tail

Yes, I take my yoga seriously, but sometimes I like to lighten things up and talk about, say, yoga pants. Often I don't care what I wear when I practice, but when I go to a studio, a workshop, a training, or a conference, I like to wear a nice pair of yoga pants (one that travels well, for example and if it's cold outside, a pair with a little weight to them) appropriate for the occasion. And although this will most likely get me nominated for an episode of TLC's What Not To Wear, I do wear yoga pants around the house and out and about. What can I say -- I like to wear a reminder of my practice. Ah, who am I kidding -- I like to be comfortable.

I've tried all kinds of yoga pants -- from the cheap to the outrageously expensive (my 12-step group will be happy to know that I haven't purchased a pair of Lululemon's in years). I shop the sales and usually get some great deals in the mid-range -- around $40-50. What is it about adding the word "yoga" in front of a piece of clothing that causes the price of the item to catapult in price? Some of my "dressy" pants aren't as expensive as some of the yoga pants prices I've seen out there. Crazy!

Well, I recently got a recommendation that I have to share. I don't really keep up on all of the fashion names so when a friend profusely recommended Hard Tail yoga pants, I couldn't quite place the name. Then I opened up the latest yoga magazine (I'm not sure if it was Yoga Journal or Fit Yoga) and I see a two-page spread advertising Hard Tail. It's a good thing that I saw the ad after I ordered the pants, as it looked like some fashion magazine spread (shudder!).

I've had the pants (I bought two pairs) for a while now and I absolutely love them. The weight of the cotton is just right -- not too heavy and not too light. And they passed the wash test -- they still look great after a few washings. I have to give my friend credit -- she was right, they flatter my booty region. Yep, a little strategically-placed spandex does the trick (which is a nice thing for a yogi like me -- one who isn't practicing "buns of steel" yoga).

Yet I must be honest -- the best part about my Hard Tail yoga pants experience wasn't really the pants, but the online store that I bought them from. One of the things I love about blogging is giving props to deserving people. I only mention the products/people that I have personal experience with and I like to praise the best. Well, Melange is truly the best. I can't say the last time I had such a pleasant online experience. I loved the free shipping and the great deals on Hard Tail yoga pants (10% off your first Hard Tail purchase and a free pair after you buy 10 pairs), but what I really loved was the personal attention and the attention to detail.

I was contacted multiple times by the ever-attentive folks in Melange customer service -- once to give me a status update on my order (which arrived within days) and another to check in to see if I liked my pants. The pants were wrapped so beautifully (complete with a sweet treat and a lovely note, I might add) that I almost didn't want to open them. Of course my excitement over the pants (I wanted to see if my friend was right about them) won out and I carefully untied the ribbon and unfurled the tissue paper. I felt like I was receiving a gift rather than simply opening an order I had placed. I'm happy to say that the price was well worth the quality (and the customer service made me feel as though I had spent thousands of dollars rather than just $100). In my quest to find a worthy yoga pant, I found an amazing online retailer.

So Hard Tail yoga pants get a thumbs-up from this yogi and Melange gets two thumbs-up. They'll definitely be getting repeat business from me. If you're looking for some cool clothes at cool prices (they carry some othe yoga wear brands), then they should get some business from you too.

Namaste!

Comments

[Diane]

You are most welcome Cyndie! I totally agree with you about adding comfy clothes to your wardrobe. Life is too short to be uncomfortable! I've gotten some great comfy but nice-enough-for-work clothes from prana.com. I've heard good things about lucy.com as well. Happy shopping!

[Cyndie]

Funny you should mention yoga pants in your blog today. I just got home from work and besides the usual, feed and potty the dogs, start dinner, etc. I had to change out of my uncomfortable shoes and work clothes. I made a mental note to start adding earth shoes and nice yoga pants to my work wardrobe so I DON'T have to change once I get home and I can be comfy all day. Thanks for the great places to shop! Cyndie