Khadeeja Nadeem wins a Ruche Swim Shirt from Coolibar - a modest swimming top to wear when she's at the pool or beach this summer!
Showing posts with label Workout Wednesday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Workout Wednesday. Show all posts
August 14, 2014
Giveaway Winner! - Ruche Swim Shirt from Coolibar
Congratulations to our winner, Khadeeja Nadeem!
Khadeeja Nadeem wins a Ruche Swim Shirt from Coolibar - a modest swimming top to wear when she's at the pool or beach this summer!
Check out Coolibar's 25% off sale, going on now!
Khadeeja Nadeem wins a Ruche Swim Shirt from Coolibar - a modest swimming top to wear when she's at the pool or beach this summer!
August 6, 2014
[Workout Wednesday] Coolibar Swimwear + GIVEAWAY!
A few weeks ago, I posted about Coolibar, a swimwear company that promotes safe sun exposure. Company founder, John Barrow, named the company after an Australian tree in the outback that provides shelter from the sweltering sun.
While Coolibar's focus is on safe sun exposure, their designs are fall into the modest swimwear category. I tried and tested two items: the Ruche Swim Top in Aquatic Paisley and Active Swim Tights in Graphite.
To say I loved my Coolibar items is an understatement. It's rare that modest swimwear looks cute and covetable. Usually in dark, sun-absorbing black and navy, the paisley print and light grey made me feel less conscious about my choice of swimwear.
My friend Sarah, who was graciously gave up a Sunday morning to meet me at her neighborhood pool and then proceeded to be my photographer (thank you Sarah!), said over and over how much she liked my top, and I COULD NOT AGREE MORE.
Design-wise, it's incredibly cute, with a loose fit and shape. It fell well beyond my waistline, a true tunic length. The top gives the option to wear it as an A-line tunic, or to pull the side ties to ruche it an inch or so. I personally liked the ruched look, but it was a very sporty look overall.
This top was functionally fantastic. I personally love to swim laps so having swimwear made of material that releases water allows for a smoother pool experience. Think any Olympic swimmer: they choose their swimwear based on drag and the more the drag, the heavier you feel in the pool. I felt light and it was easy to move around in the water.
I personally would not swim in the top without ruching it, because it did float up a little. Thankfully the tights felt high enough on my waist that I didn't feel exposure, but it could be an improvement in the design.
As soon as I got out of the water, I could already tell how "dry" I was - which meant for less shivering by the pool. Many women who try to find modest swimwear end up wearing long cotton tops, which tend to hold much water while swimming.
Coolibar's clothing also guarantees UPF protection of 50+ for the life of the garment, so while you're sitting poolside waiting to dry, you're also protected from the sun's harmful and damaging UVA and UVB rays. Their SUNTECT fabrics are embedded with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the same minerals used in sunscreen, that won't wash out or fade away.
After my swimming adventure, I ran both items through the wash very easily and they held their shape and size - definitely quality products. Their price point is about the same as you would find for other performance swimwear, but right now Coolibar is holding a summer sale special - 25% off plus free shipping on all items, so all the clothes you see here are on sale for 25%!
ALSO, the most exciting thing is that Coolibar is doing a giveaway with Greater Lengths readers! 1 Greater Lengths reader will receive a ruched top of their choice! More details on that here.
While Coolibar's focus is on safe sun exposure, their designs are fall into the modest swimwear category. I tried and tested two items: the Ruche Swim Top in Aquatic Paisley and Active Swim Tights in Graphite.
To say I loved my Coolibar items is an understatement. It's rare that modest swimwear looks cute and covetable. Usually in dark, sun-absorbing black and navy, the paisley print and light grey made me feel less conscious about my choice of swimwear.
My friend Sarah, who was graciously gave up a Sunday morning to meet me at her neighborhood pool and then proceeded to be my photographer (thank you Sarah!), said over and over how much she liked my top, and I COULD NOT AGREE MORE.
Design-wise, it's incredibly cute, with a loose fit and shape. It fell well beyond my waistline, a true tunic length. The top gives the option to wear it as an A-line tunic, or to pull the side ties to ruche it an inch or so. I personally liked the ruched look, but it was a very sporty look overall.
 |
| Pulling the sides to ruche the top |
 |
| Tying the ties |
I personally would not swim in the top without ruching it, because it did float up a little. Thankfully the tights felt high enough on my waist that I didn't feel exposure, but it could be an improvement in the design.
As soon as I got out of the water, I could already tell how "dry" I was - which meant for less shivering by the pool. Many women who try to find modest swimwear end up wearing long cotton tops, which tend to hold much water while swimming.
 |
| Feeling dry even though I'm dripping wet after a few laps and a game of pool basketball with Sarah. |
After my swimming adventure, I ran both items through the wash very easily and they held their shape and size - definitely quality products. Their price point is about the same as you would find for other performance swimwear, but right now Coolibar is holding a summer sale special - 25% off plus free shipping on all items, so all the clothes you see here are on sale for 25%!
ALSO, the most exciting thing is that Coolibar is doing a giveaway with Greater Lengths readers! 1 Greater Lengths reader will receive a ruched top of their choice! More details on that here.
 |
| Loving this look! |
If you're looking for modest swimwear for your next beach trip or even just to hang out with your friends at the pool, head to Coolibar's website and buy buy buy! (and enter the Coolibar giveaway here!)
August 4, 2014
July 2, 2014
[Workout Wednesday] Ramadan Running
Working out during Ramadan is hard - it's so easy to just go to bed after iftar or laze around until you do fall asleep. However, with my third marathon 18 weeks away (eek - that seems much too soon!), I can't take it too easy.
I haven't yet found myself treading pavement outside yet, but the plan is to utilize Friday and Saturday evenings to do just that. What generally spurs my motivation is new workout clothes. With the heat, it's hard to find something comfortable yet modest to wear for working out, though these contenders may be making themselves into my closet.
Most of these are tunic-length workout tops, with a few modest workout pants (and sorry Kate W., no running tunics this time). I like the wraps and tops, because they give flexible to add this light layer over a top that may be a smidge too short in the waist without adding too much heat-trapping clothing.
I haven't yet found myself treading pavement outside yet, but the plan is to utilize Friday and Saturday evenings to do just that. What generally spurs my motivation is new workout clothes. With the heat, it's hard to find something comfortable yet modest to wear for working out, though these contenders may be making themselves into my closet.
Most of these are tunic-length workout tops, with a few modest workout pants (and sorry Kate W., no running tunics this time). I like the wraps and tops, because they give flexible to add this light layer over a top that may be a smidge too short in the waist without adding too much heat-trapping clothing.
April 30, 2014
[Workout Wednesday] Wick-It Good
I've been getting a lot of requests for the origins of the tunic workout top I wore at the Nike Women's Half Marathon in DC this past weekend (the one where I scored some Tiffany's bling!).
Ladies and ladies, it is none other than the Athleta Wick-It Wader Cover Up, seen here and here! Athleta carries a few different styles of their Wick-It Cover Ups. These tops are great and currently my most favorite product from Athleta. They are meant to be worn as bathing suit cover ups, but are made with their sweat-wicking material, making them ideal for modest exercise clothes! The cover ups all fall past the normal waist line, providing ample rear coverage, and in a rich array of colors for every mood.
They're on the pricier end, retailing at $69, but I got mine on sale for around $40 - well worth the price, I thought.
Click on all of them to see them in every color!
Ladies and ladies, it is none other than the Athleta Wick-It Wader Cover Up, seen here and here! Athleta carries a few different styles of their Wick-It Cover Ups. These tops are great and currently my most favorite product from Athleta. They are meant to be worn as bathing suit cover ups, but are made with their sweat-wicking material, making them ideal for modest exercise clothes! The cover ups all fall past the normal waist line, providing ample rear coverage, and in a rich array of colors for every mood.
They're on the pricier end, retailing at $69, but I got mine on sale for around $40 - well worth the price, I thought.
Click on all of them to see them in every color!
April 23, 2014
[Workout Wednesday] Clothes That Run
Back in November, I signed up for a half-marathon for this coming weekend, thinking, "April? That's PLENTY of time to train!" Unfortunately, I'm a wimp when it comes to the cold, so I was indoors a lot more than I would have liked to be during the training period.
I've done a few half-marathons before but not really since May 2012. At least this time around, I find myself more confident about the clothing I plan to wear. Distance running clothing is a strategy. You want to be warm when you start, which means donning extra layers. By the time you hit mile 2, your body temperature has risen from the exercise and you find yourself shedding those layers. This is why you often see distance runners in tiny, thin layers - their body is pumping so much blood, they're keeping from overheating.
Finding modest running clothes has been one of the biggest challenges of the sport. Most workout clothes are fitted, curve skimming, which on some level I understand the necessity of design. Too much fabric and you're reserving unnecessary heat. However, with performance materials, modest exercise clothes are possible and available more easily! Exercise fabrics are now created to vent heat, pull away moisture and sweat; it's why I champion wearing performance clothing over cotton any day.
For this weekend's half-marathon, I'll plan to wear my pair of Adidas Adifit pants (seen here) with my Athleta Wick-It Coverup (seen here) and a long Nike sports bra tank. Sunday's weather is predicted to be in the high 60s, so those two layers should be plenty. The Wick-It Cover up is tunic-length, and has rounded hems that are split down the side. This allows my legs to push the top out of the way and prevents it from from getting caught by friction in my...front.
If you're in need of your own outdoor modest exercise clothes (tops and pants!), see a few of the options I pulled together. Click on the item to be taken to the retailer!
Modest workout tops and tunics (don't forget to click on the side arrows to see more finds!)
Modest workout pants (don't forget to click on the side arrows to see more finds!)
I've done a few half-marathons before but not really since May 2012. At least this time around, I find myself more confident about the clothing I plan to wear. Distance running clothing is a strategy. You want to be warm when you start, which means donning extra layers. By the time you hit mile 2, your body temperature has risen from the exercise and you find yourself shedding those layers. This is why you often see distance runners in tiny, thin layers - their body is pumping so much blood, they're keeping from overheating.
Finding modest running clothes has been one of the biggest challenges of the sport. Most workout clothes are fitted, curve skimming, which on some level I understand the necessity of design. Too much fabric and you're reserving unnecessary heat. However, with performance materials, modest exercise clothes are possible and available more easily! Exercise fabrics are now created to vent heat, pull away moisture and sweat; it's why I champion wearing performance clothing over cotton any day.
For this weekend's half-marathon, I'll plan to wear my pair of Adidas Adifit pants (seen here) with my Athleta Wick-It Coverup (seen here) and a long Nike sports bra tank. Sunday's weather is predicted to be in the high 60s, so those two layers should be plenty. The Wick-It Cover up is tunic-length, and has rounded hems that are split down the side. This allows my legs to push the top out of the way and prevents it from from getting caught by friction in my...front.
Modest workout tops and tunics (don't forget to click on the side arrows to see more finds!)
Modest workout pants (don't forget to click on the side arrows to see more finds!)
April 16, 2014
[Workout Wednesday] Covering my tail with an extra #WorkoutWednesday post!
Because I've been slacking lately on the Workout Wednesday posts, I decided to give you all a two-for-today deal. See the earlier post here, which focused more on long workout tops. It's almost like I'm covering my own tail.
Spring is elusive but here at last, and which that comes fewer and fewer long pant options for outdoor workouts. Check out the modest workout pants shown here for your spring and summer workouts. Almost all of these are made of performance material, offering sweat-wicking and quick-dry capabilities. These pants are great for those summer walks, gym workouts, and chasing the kids (your own or your nieces and nephews.)
Click on the items below to go straight to the retailers site. Remember, color and size options vary and typically sell out quick!
Spring is elusive but here at last, and which that comes fewer and fewer long pant options for outdoor workouts. Check out the modest workout pants shown here for your spring and summer workouts. Almost all of these are made of performance material, offering sweat-wicking and quick-dry capabilities. These pants are great for those summer walks, gym workouts, and chasing the kids (your own or your nieces and nephews.)
Click on the items below to go straight to the retailers site. Remember, color and size options vary and typically sell out quick!
[Workout Wednesday] A New Crop of Long Length Workout Tops
As I sit here, eating the last of the Lovely Candy Co caramels received at a recent conference, I have to wonder what business I have posting a new Workout Wednesday. I am eating bon bons and talking about fitness fashion. Though what puts one more in the mood for a good, sweat-dripping workout than new clothes?
The focus is on long workout tops today, as requested by my sweet, loyal friend and Greater Lengths follower, Kate. Kate's got the body of a model - made of height and legs and lean muscle. She's a recent CrossFit convert, a running inspiration (she's completed 4 Marine Corps Marathons!) and made a beautiful bride last year to a very lucky guy. In short, she's awesome. Oh yeah, and she's a Rodan + Fields consultant - check out her page here.
Such a woman still has her needs and one of them is tunic length modest tops to reach past her waist. She wrote,
Because it's spring (well, except for today, if you're on the east coast - brr!) and because that's as good a reason as any to pick up your spring workouts, here are long, modest workout tops for anyone. Keep in mind that the sleeveless options can be layered with shorter, cropped longer sleeved options to maximize your modesty preference.
Click on the items below to go directly to the retailers page. Remember, if you like the style but not the color shown here, the retailer may have additional color options.
The focus is on long workout tops today, as requested by my sweet, loyal friend and Greater Lengths follower, Kate. Kate's got the body of a model - made of height and legs and lean muscle. She's a recent CrossFit convert, a running inspiration (she's completed 4 Marine Corps Marathons!) and made a beautiful bride last year to a very lucky guy. In short, she's awesome. Oh yeah, and she's a Rodan + Fields consultant - check out her page here.
Such a woman still has her needs and one of them is tunic length modest tops to reach past her waist. She wrote,
"You recommended a New Balance tank which I am obsessed with. I should have bought 10 of them but I didn't so now I'm on the hunt for a tank that covers my bum."FYI - she's referencing the blue New Balance tunic running top shown in this post.
Because it's spring (well, except for today, if you're on the east coast - brr!) and because that's as good a reason as any to pick up your spring workouts, here are long, modest workout tops for anyone. Keep in mind that the sleeveless options can be layered with shorter, cropped longer sleeved options to maximize your modesty preference.
Click on the items below to go directly to the retailers page. Remember, if you like the style but not the color shown here, the retailer may have additional color options.
March 5, 2014
[Workout Wednesday] A 2-for-1 Kind of Pant
I've been seeing these more and more lately - skirted leggings. I think the modest fitness trend is picking up; that or women just really like skirts with leggings. Either way, these could be a win-win for the modern women looking for a little extra rear coverage for her workout
(Sorry for such a short post today - I've been under the weather for the past few days with a nagging cough and cold that has zapped every ounce of energy from my being. I haven't been sick in FOUR years. Coupled with the few inches of snow we just got [why is it snowing in March?!], I'm just trying to make it to spring in one piece.)
(Sorry for such a short post today - I've been under the weather for the past few days with a nagging cough and cold that has zapped every ounce of energy from my being. I haven't been sick in FOUR years. Coupled with the few inches of snow we just got [why is it snowing in March?!], I'm just trying to make it to spring in one piece.)
February 26, 2014
[Workout Wednesday] Cold Weather Wear
The winter weather in DC and the rest of the east coast
seems like there’s little hope for abatement. We were teased with a few days of
temps above 50 and then this “little chance of snow” has turn into a
half-storm.
When I work out, I prefer to be outdoors. There’s something about being physical under open skies that appeals to me much much more than any promise fitness machinery will ever make. To entertain a winter workout outdoors, bundling and layering is important.
To entertain a winter workout outdoors as a modest dressing Muslim woman (but really, anyone who prefers modest clothing), tunic lengths and loose fits are vital. I encourage all women out there to wear performance fitness clothing. A former victim of the t-shirt/sweatshirt workout combo, once I transitioned into sweat-wicking material, my exercise experience – as well as my health because you don’t want to retain sweat against your body in cold temps! – improved drastically.
Check out these pairings for modest fitness clothing inspiration. Click on the links below each photo to be taken directly to the retailer.
Like what you see? Click on a link below to be taken directly to the retailer.
Multi-Color Tunics
1. Nike 'Epic' Long Training Shirt
2. Adidas Tiro Speedkick Pants
Heathers
1. New Balance Heather Tunic
2. New Balance Anue Mantra Yoga Pants
3. New Balance All Over Heather Pant
Nike Epic-ness
1. Nike 'Epic' Dri-Fit Wool Crew
2. Nike 'Epic' Training Pants
3. Nike 'Epic' Dri-Fit Wool Crew
4. Nike 'Revival' Dri-Fit Woven Pants
Pink Gear
1. Champion Loose Fit Yoga Top
2. New Balance Boyfriend Stripe Tank
3. Under Armour 'Icon' Pant (also available here for less)
Mulberry Galore
1. Nike Dri-Fit Wool Hoodie
2. Reebok Dance Woven Cargo Pants
3. Moving Comfort All Over Vibe Shirt
When I work out, I prefer to be outdoors. There’s something about being physical under open skies that appeals to me much much more than any promise fitness machinery will ever make. To entertain a winter workout outdoors, bundling and layering is important.
To entertain a winter workout outdoors as a modest dressing Muslim woman (but really, anyone who prefers modest clothing), tunic lengths and loose fits are vital. I encourage all women out there to wear performance fitness clothing. A former victim of the t-shirt/sweatshirt workout combo, once I transitioned into sweat-wicking material, my exercise experience – as well as my health because you don’t want to retain sweat against your body in cold temps! – improved drastically.
Check out these pairings for modest fitness clothing inspiration. Click on the links below each photo to be taken directly to the retailer.
Like what you see? Click on a link below to be taken directly to the retailer.
Multi-Color Tunics
1. Nike 'Epic' Long Training Shirt
2. Adidas Tiro Speedkick Pants
Heathers
1. New Balance Heather Tunic
2. New Balance Anue Mantra Yoga Pants
3. New Balance All Over Heather Pant
Nike Epic-ness
1. Nike 'Epic' Dri-Fit Wool Crew
2. Nike 'Epic' Training Pants
3. Nike 'Epic' Dri-Fit Wool Crew
4. Nike 'Revival' Dri-Fit Woven Pants
Pink Gear
1. Champion Loose Fit Yoga Top
2. New Balance Boyfriend Stripe Tank
3. Under Armour 'Icon' Pant (also available here for less)
Mulberry Galore
1. Nike Dri-Fit Wool Hoodie
2. Reebok Dance Woven Cargo Pants
3. Moving Comfort All Over Vibe Shirt
February 19, 2014
[Workout Wednesday] Modest Gym and Fitness Tops
It prides me to say that the most common reasons Greater Lengths is stumbled upon is the search for modest workout clothes. This implies a lot of things:
I do get a sincere sense of satisfaction and motivation when I get comments like these on the blog:
In the name of alliteration and all things modest fitness apparel, welcome to the first installment of “Workout Wednesday”, a regular feature which will be dedicated to the fitness clothes available on the retail market that defy the typical body-skimming athletic apparel trend. This is a double benefit for me as I am trying to get back into a normalized running routine and having new clothes is a spring of motivation.
Please leave comments and your thoughts. I love knowing your opinion!
- Women who dress modestly are not letting clothing get in the way of their fitness
- In general, women are seeking more modest ways of covering up while working out
- My blog is providing solutions to these needs!
I do get a sincere sense of satisfaction and motivation when I get comments like these on the blog:
In the name of alliteration and all things modest fitness apparel, welcome to the first installment of “Workout Wednesday”, a regular feature which will be dedicated to the fitness clothes available on the retail market that defy the typical body-skimming athletic apparel trend. This is a double benefit for me as I am trying to get back into a normalized running routine and having new clothes is a spring of motivation.
Please leave comments and your thoughts. I love knowing your opinion!
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