As an activewear enthusiast always on the lookout for stylish yet functional workout clothes, I was excited to recently discover TLF Apparel. This brand has generated a lot of buzz for their trendy, high-performance gear designed to take you from gym to street.
I spent the last few weeks thoroughly testing out some of TLF‘s most popular styles for both women and men. In this in-depth TLF Apparel review, I‘ll give you my honest thoughts on the quality, comfort, fit, performance, and style to help you decide if their products are right for you.
About TLF Apparel
Founded in 2012 by fitness industry veteran Chris Ferguson (also behind BSN Supplements), TLF stands for "Taking Life Further." The brand‘s mission is to empower people to reach new heights both in and out of the gym with clothing that looks and feels amazing.
TLF caters to millennial fitness lovers seeking high-quality activewear with modern style. Headquartered in Florida, the brand has amassed a dedicated following, with over 320,000 Instagram followers and 166,000 Facebook fans.
What makes TLF stand out is their emphasis on performance-driven fabrics and flattering cuts designed to enhance your shape. The brand uses technical materials like their Infi-Stretch, Infi-Soft, and Infi-Defense technologies for optimal comfort, breathability, flexibility, and odor-resistance.
Women‘s TLF Apparel Review
TLF offers a wide range of activewear essentials for women including leggings, joggers, shorts, sports bras, tanks, and more. I tested out three of their best-sellers:
TLF All-Day Joggers Review
These super soft French terry joggers feel like a cozy upgrade from typical sweatpants. Made from a cotton/spandex blend, they have a gently tapered fit that hugs in all the right places.
The high waistband is stretchy and smooth against the skin, with an adjustable drawstring for extra security. Handy pockets, including a hidden zippered one, add functionality.
I wore these on a chilly morning walk and they kept me toasty without feeling too thick or bulky. They‘re perfect for light workouts or just lounging. The only thing is the length runs a tad long on my 5‘4" frame.
TLF Tempo Sports Bra Review
For low impact activities, the Tempo Sports Bra provides light support and lots of style. The sexy strappy back and subtle cut-out details elevate it beyond a basic bra.
Silky soft fabric wicks away sweat while the 4-way stretch allows you to move freely. The removable cups are a nice touch for optional shaping. Sizing runs true and the band doesn‘t budge during yoga sessions.
While not ideal for running or HIIT, this bra is great for studio classes or wearing as a chic crop top with the matching Tempo High-Waisted Leggings.
TLF Tempo High Waisted Leggings Review
These full-length leggings check all the boxes – they‘re buttery soft, totally squat-proof, and the high waist tucks everything in. The compressive fit makes my legs feel energized during tough training sessions.
Flat seams prevent chafing and the gusseted crotch allows you to lunge and stretch without worry. I appreciate that they‘re not see-through at all, even in lighter colors. The Tempo Leggings are definitely pricier than some competitors at $69 but the quality is far superior to my cheaper leggings that pill and fade after a few washes.
Customers rave about these, with one review proclaiming "these are the SOFTEST leggings I have ever worn in my life. Literally feels like I‘m wearing butter, the stretch is great and they don‘t slide down during my workouts, squats, anything!"
Men‘s TLF Apparel Review
Guys can also choose from a solid lineup of tanks, tees, shorts, joggers, and more. Here are my thoughts on three popular men‘s styles:
TLF Tactic Performance Bamboo Tank Review
This muscle tank is made for showing off all your hard work in the gym. Its breathable bamboo/spandex fabric is unbelievably lightweight – it almost feels like you‘re wearing nothing.
The deep scoop neck and racerback design gives you full range of motion for upper body exercises. This tank stays put without riding up or chafing.
The tailored fit shows off your physique in a flattering way, especially if you size down. I wish there were more colors beyond the basics, but overall it‘s a solid workout tank that outperforms cotton ones that get soggy with sweat.
TLF Command Joggers Review
When you want to look pulled together on rest days, throw on these slim-cut joggers made from soft, stretchy French terry material. The tapered ankle cuffs show off your sneakers while zippered pockets securely hold your essentials.
I threw these on with a hoodie for weekend errands and got several compliments on how sharp they looked. They‘re super comfortable yet polished enough to wear out and about.
My only gripe is the price – at over $60 they‘re definitely more of an investment jogger. But the premium details and perfect fit might be worth it if you‘re tired of frumpy old sweats.
TLF Element Shorts Review
Attention cardio lovers, these 5" inseam shorts will be your new favorites for running, HIIT, and more. The Element Shorts are incredibly lightweight and moisture-wicking with perforated vents for extra airflow.
A soft, elasticated waistband stays secure and the zippered back pocket is handy for gels or keys on long runs. The interior liner prevents chafing and offers support.
After testing these on several sweaty 5Ks, I was impressed that they never bunched up or felt heavy with sweat. Quick-drying and odor-resistant, you can get a few uses before washing. Compared to running shorts from brands like Nike and Under Armour, these exceeded my expectations.
What Other Customers Are Saying
From my research, the majority of TLF reviews are very positive. On TLF‘s site, most products have 4 or 5-star ratings. A few recurring comments:
- Leggings are 100% squat-proof and not see-through
- Fabric is ultra-soft, breathable, and wicks sweat
- Sports bras/tanks are supportive and stylish
- Men‘s joggers and shorts fit true to size
- Items hold up well in the wash without pilling/fading
Several TrustPilot reviewers complimented TLF‘s premium quality materials compared to other popular activewear brands. "I have Gymshark, Alphalete, Nike and Adidas but TLF is hands down my FAVORITE! The leggings are literally to die for. So comfortable and flattering," one customer wrote.
The main complaints seem to be around customer service delays, shipping speeds, and higher prices compared to competitors. A few reviewers had issues with sizing inconsistencies between different styles. However, most customers felt the quality was worth the price and that items looked even better in person.
TLF Apparel Pros and Cons
To sum up my thoughts on TLF, here are the main advantages I discovered:
- Exceptional fit and performance fabrics
- Styles are both functional and fashionable
- Diverse range of colors and designs for men/women
- Inclusive sizing from XS-XXL
- Items hold up very well over time
- Free shipping over $100
A few potential cons to consider:
- Pricier than some other activewear brands
- Shipping can take 7-10 days (longer outside the US)
- Website doesn‘t have as many customer reviews as I‘d like
- Not many discount codes available
Is TLF Apparel Worth It?
After thoroughly testing TLF‘s activewear, I‘m happy to recommend them – with a few caveats. If you have a bigger budget and prioritize quality over quantity, you‘ll appreciate TLF‘s premium, high-performance fabrics and flattering designs. Serious fitness addicts who live in activewear will get their money‘s worth.
However, if your wallet is feeling stretched thin, you might experience some sticker shock. TLF is an investment, but I believe you‘re truly getting what you pay for. Cheaper leggings and sports bras I‘ve tried from Amazon just don‘t compare in terms of buttery soft material, durability, and attention to detail.
Ultimately, your decision comes down to your activewear preferences and spending threshold. If you‘re tired of sub-par workout clothes that bag out or pill after a few washes, TLF is absolutely worth trying. I plan on slowly building a capsule collection of my favorite TLF essentials that I can mix and match.
One last tip – if you are going to splurge on TLF, I recommend signing up for their email list for exclusive sales and promos. You can also shop their outlet section for great deals on past season colors up to 50% off.
I hope this TLF Apparel review helped you decide if their activewear is right for you! Let me know in the comments if you‘ve tried this brand and what your experience was.
