Thanks to reader Ms. D for putting in this request! I appreciate being able to help! On Monday, Lululemon uploaded last years Toasty Tech Tight II‘s to the Canadian site, but with a big hefty price increase, and more importantly, a big price difference with the competing Keep The Fleece Tights. The Keep The Fleece Tights sit at $128, and the Toasty Tech Tight II
Toasty Tech Tight II
For the Toasty Tech Tight II’s, I really love the quilting pattern at the side, and I love the matte purple color I have which Is black grape. I don’t love the contrasting waistband though so I would probably gravitate more to the new Cyber color. Comparing the fit to the Keep The Fleece, these feel less compressive and higher in the waist. They may be less compressive because they’ve stretched out after some wear over the years but I think the ribbed bands and seam details on the Keep The Fleece help retain shape as well. These are the same length as the Keep The Fleece but because there isn’t the zipper detailing at the hem and it’s a narrower cut it looks less obviously too long. There is less pooling and bunching at the hem.
Buy The Toasty Tech Tight II Here
Keep The Fleece Tight
I know a lot of people aren’t fans of the ribbed panels across the legs and they definitely can be visually less lengthening, but I love the edgy motto look to them. I really love the zipper at the ankle as well and generally gravitate to this pair over my other pair but that may be due to the color being more neutral. This just looks ‘outfit worthy’ for a big oversized slouchy sweater and scarf while the other pair looks like ‘I’m out for a
Buy The Keep The Fleece Tight Here
So there you have it! Both are equally suitable for winter running although neither
13 comments
Cristina, THANK YOU!!!!! Appreciate how fast you put up this review! 🙂
I need to go to a store and try to decide between these two. I am here in Vancouver and was planning to use them for snowshoeing on the North Shore.
Again, thank you!
Thank you for the review 🙂 Are the side pockets the same size? I can’t fit my iphone with its case on my keep the fleece tights.
Cristina, thanks so much for the comparison! I have the dark sport red “Keep the Fleece” tight and love all of the fun details and zippers. I was hoping for another color option in those. The “toasty tech fleece” looks nice and I am eyeing the purple color, but they haven’t made their way to the States. I’m not sure if I want to spend that much so I’ll have to think it over.
For those who want a basic cozy tight at a better price ($98.00) Athleta has the “Ridge tight” which is a fleece lined high waisted tight with side zip pockets. They come in two colors, black and navy. I would have bought the navy but they were sold out in the tall size I needed.
To my Canadian friends, I’m hoping that Athleta will expand to Canada. I generally prefer Lululemon, but I do find some nice items at Athleta and they have some really good sales.
Thank you for the comparison. I am one of those people how do not love the ribbed banding and feels like it cuts off the leg so to speak, making it look less flattering than the Toasty. I love the Toasty. I like the detailing a lot better (that quilted panel!), plus the rise on the Toasty is great for me (I’m 5’10). Admittedly, I have not tried the newest one that has come out; I am just going on photos and reviews. Yes, the fabric on the one I have is a tad shiny when stretched out, but I’m okay with it. The one I just got off the sale board, an all black pair, seem to have less shine than the pixie/blk combo and bordeaux that I used to own. I had the purple too and it was quite matte. I wonder if the new ones have the shiny look? Anyone else know what I am talking about?
You are the best Cristina. I missed out on Toasty Techs but I do run in the winter so this was great and helpful.
I bought the Keep the Fleece tights earlier and have already ran in them a few times. This morning when I went for my run here in Ottawa it was -12C and also windy and I felt comfortable in them. I do not know how they will do in -20C but at that temperature I always layer my tights anyways (I like Icebreaker tights layered with sweat pants).
I think I will jut buy another Keep the Fleece then. I wish we would get more colours in Canada. I am not too picky in terms of design difference between the two so I will go with the cheaper one.
I noticed a price increase in Calm and cozy Jacket 🙁 it was uploaded on Monday at $108 usd and now is $118! Am I crazy?! I was waiting to order it with some of the Black Friday stuff and now it’s more expensive
LLL black Friday (WMTM) uploaded at 12am ET. Some decent discounts!! Got a backup principal dancer funnel neck and ready to rulu pants (knew those would go on sale based on the poor reviews this year). Happy Thanksgiving to the US, and happy shopping to all!
Women have to remember that the tights all look good on the models whom are advertising them. And most women just wear them because they are too lazy to dress in normal attire and want to look athletic when they are not. The products are all good quality and you get what you pay for. If you are hitting the gym or the trails you want quality products an
Women have to remember that the tights all look good on the models whom are advertising them. And most women just wear them because they are too lazy to dress in normal attire and want to look athletic when they are not. The products are all good quality and you get what you pay for. Work hard, play hard and wear quality, not does this make my butt look like I work out. Sad
The real test for these tights is whether or not I can clean and jerk you up over my head (I can) and then toss you back onto your mommy’s lap so that she can help YOU remember that nobody asked you, STEVEN!
Glad I happened to check back on this post! Your response to Steve is perfect and priceless. ??
Christina, sometimes you just make my heart sing girl!! Thanks for the laugh. And yes, when I work out do I want to wear tights that make my ass look good, or not good. Gee, hmm, duh!!!!!
You are awesome, Cristina!! 🙂