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Here is my current Numi collection updated for Winter 2021!
Tap an item below or read on to learn more! Table of Contents:
Numi Sweat Proof Undershirt Reviews:
About Numi
In 2013 Founder Michelle was motivated to solve a problem she herself was facing - She was no longer wearing her favorite pieces of clothing because dry-cleaning was expensive and they were prone to noticeable sweat stains. Let's face it, we've all been there. After a successful crowdfunding campaign, Numi was born!
Numi's high performance sweat proof undershirts wick and absorb moisture and oder away from the body thus preventing stains. They've expanded into some beautiful silks that I hope to try! Numi The Crop - XS Black & Almond $60 (Oct 2021)Why I Was Interested In Trying The Crop by Numi
I followed Numi as a brand for a couple of years before finally ordering a couple of their performance sweat proof undershirts to try.
Shifting to more conscious clothing purchases recently means I have been slowly adding better quality pieces into my wardrobe. A lot of these pieces are beautiful natural/more sustainable fibers like cashmere, silk, organic cotton, tencel and modal to name a few. Proper care of our garments can help them to last much longer. Most of our clothing items are being washed way more often than is actually necessary which causes breakdown of the fibers and shortens the lifespan of the garment considerably. Thus, one reason to try Numi sweat proof undershirts was to extend the number of wears before needing to wash! Having a base layer prevents the garment from contacting your skin and absorbing sweat and other oils throughout the day. (And it's cozy in these cooler months!)
Throughout the day, I often notice visible sweat marks in the armpit region of my tops, no matter the weather. I do make and use my own natural deodorant which works great and honestly I feel that I sweat less than I used to when I used commercial “deodorant/antiperspirant”. Still, sweat comes out and I am totally okay with that (it's natural and part of the body's design!), but it can be awkward if it’s really noticeable.
And of course, I don’t want to have my garments stained over time from this. So preventing those sweat marks, temporary and permanent, is another reason to try Numi technical undershirts for women.
Finally, the modesty aspect. I personally always feel more comfortable when I have a modest base layer on. This allows me to wear different necklines and silhouettes without feeling self conscious or needing to constantly adjust them. I always thought a cami was the perfect solution for this, and recently tried quince silk camis, but was a little disappointed that the neckline was lower than my preference for this purpose and the fit was also not ideal for it either. So Numi undershirts could be a perfect cami alternative for modesty!
TL;DR - I tried Numi because I was interested in preventing sweat marks and stains, minimizing the need for washing garments, thus extending their life, and as a modest layering piece.
Numi The Crop Review - Fit
I chose size XS and the fit is comfortably snug, as it should be. I think XS was the right choice for me. I'm always torn between XS and S, but since I didn't have to accommodate my hips (petite pear over here!) as this is a crop top, I felt safe with the XS.
Numi The Crop Review - Quality/Longevity Prognosis
The material blend, 90% Tencel, 10% Lycra, is thin (except at the armpits) on purpose, so that it can be as invisible as possible underneath your other garments. This being the case and having some experience with soft materials, I anticipate it pilling a bit from the friction of always being worn under a garment. Since I don’t plan to wear this as a shirt alone, this shouldn’t be a problem if it does indeed happen. It won’t impact my primary ways of wearing the Numi Cropped Essential Undershirt - to prevent sweat stains and extend the life of my more precious garments. Finishing and stitching quality looked very nice upon arrival!
Numi The Crop Review - Wear Testing
To wear test this "sweat proof undershirt" I decided to wear it under a few different layers of clothing.
Layer 1: Numi Undershirt Layer 2: Quince Silk Button Up Layer 3: Mott & Bow Cashmere (Review Here) I started to get pretty warm in this combo and proceeded to clean the entire house and do laundry. By the end I was feeling very warm, if not overheated... And guess what? Success!! No moisture on my finer garments, even the Numi didn’t feel wet from the outside. Also no other deodorant marks etc. Initial thoughts from wear testing: Reverse neckline is too high and makes me feel frumpy. Scoop neck is so low it cuts below my bra lines which makes for weird lines under clothing and doesn’t help replace a cami for modesty. Sleeve lines could initially be seen on some thinner materials but seemed to roll out as the day went on and disappear. Could be avoided with the long sleeve edition possibly. Trying to pull fabric up at the shoulders to raise the scoop neckline caused weird bunching. I think with broader shoulders and a fuller chest you wouldn’t have any trouble, but I am petite and I think I must have narrow shoulders so it doesn’t work great for me and I hate the feeling of clothing falling off my shoulders. Numi The Crop Review - Functionality
The Numi sweat proof undershirt does the job for me. It keeps me feeling cozy, my armpits dry, and my other garments protected. Unfortunately as a modest layering piece, it’s not as functional as I would have hoped *on my body*. :( I find the crew neck option to be too high and the scoop neck is extremely low on me.
Additionally, I know many wear this shirt on it's own, but I find the material too thin for that purpose, personally. Numi The Crop Review - Were my expectations met?
Kind of. I'm getting 2/3 of my wishes on this purpose, so that's pretty solid!!
There are a lot of days when I'm like, "man... I wish that Numi neckline fit me better because everything else about it is EXACTLY what I want to wear and need for this outfit today..." I can't be the only one feeling like this is almost perfect! Numi The Crop Review - Would I Rebuy? Any Suggestions for Improvement?
I would definitely consider rebuying if Numi adjusted the neckline or made an additional neckline option that wasn’t such a low scoop.
I would also consider getting the full length version (aka "The Signature"). I bought the crop thinking it would be more versatile year round for modesty/sweat resistant layering without the bulk of tucking in another layer. In reality it’s making me a tad chilly in the winter because my chest feels snug and cozy with the extra layer, while my belly feels a bit breezy and exposed through the top clothing layer(s). In the warmer months I am guessing my use will be more limited than I initially expected because of the necklines being less than idea for me. For most people who don't mind a scoop neck like this and aren't as petite and narrow up top as I am, I believe this top will work very well for them as is! Numi The Crop Review - Will I Keep it and actually wear it?
Yes. I will definitely be keeping the Numi performance undershirts and I will definitely get good use out of them and continue to formulate an ongoing opinion of them.
I hope this review has helped you decide if Numi's Essential Undershirt "The Crop" is right for you or not.
Check out all of Numi's current lineup with a discount here! Numi The Mask - OS Black & Almond $15 (Oct 2021)
The Mask from Numi is made from upcycled fabric from their essential undershirts - Tencel/Spandex Blend. The masks are two layers and super soft, as you'd expect. Having a petite face, I have found that many face masks do not fit me well and gape open at the sides which is not ideal. The Numi face masks actually fit my face well! As with all masks I've tried so far that go behind the ear, the back of my ears do get sore after extended wear. But that's better than the alternative, for sure. :) Bundles of 3 masks come at a discoun, btw!
Other Numi Products I'd Like To Try
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Encircled
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encircled Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale picks:
I have a ton of encircled content on this blog including reviews and styling on a large number of their styles that could be helpful for you.
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Last Swab/ Last Tissue / Last Object Recommendations:
Absolutely love my original Last Swab and the Last Tissue packs. Use them around the house every day and perfect for in your purse/on the go while reducing waste! Check out their bundle packs for extra savings!
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Mott & Bow Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale picks:
Two of my favorite Mott and Bow pieces are
Nisolo
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Nisolo Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale picks:
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Pact Black Friday Cyber Monday Sale Recommendations:
Consider stocking up on bundled basics like tanks, socks, and undies for the family (which are already discounted plus the BFCM discount!) or this cozy brushed fleece zip hoodie!
Tradlands
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Pact Black Friday Cyber Monday Sale Recommendations:
Basically anything in emerald! I love this color and I think Tradlands has a style for everyone in this color.
You can get the famous Shelter Cardigan (review here, I have it in Birch, but the emerald is LOVE) I also keep dreaming about their new Chalet Tiered Dress - belted for some waist definition while enjoying the free flowy-ness of those pretty tiers and POCKETS! The Field Chore Coat, Cotton Beanie, Portland Boatneck and Cottage Crewneck Sweater all come in a gorgeous green hue!
Proud to be a Tradlands Affiliate • All opinions are my own.
Yes. Investment. Tradlands pieces (for most people) are an investment. The upfront cost may be higher, but you’re getting a quality garment that is going to last longer and is ethically made. But enough about that! TBH, you already know that and you probably have been looking for tradlands clothing reviews or even tradlands shelter cardigan reviews for that exact reason. I commend your diligence! I, too, am an avid googler of regular-people reviews of everything from spaghetti sauce to sustainable fashion. I always find everyone’s opinions or pictures are helpful in their own way. So let’s try on the Shelter Cardigan!
Oh hey! Cozy chunky knit sweater, anyone? Yes please! The Shelter Cardigan has a loose, gently oversized fit with drop shoulder and light balloon sleeves. This is a 100% cotton cardigan, which can be surprisingly hard to find.
BTW, I ordered XXS • 5’2” - b 33” w 27”
Take note of how beautiful the knit is and how sort of vibrant? the color is even though it’s basically just off white? I’ve seen this vibrancy in the other Tradlands knits and I think it’s one of the many reasons these sweaters scream quality to so many people.
If you’re looking for fit reference, note where the birch shelter cardigan xxs hits between waist and hips on a petite body. Also note the drop sleeve and overall sleeve length. Some pics I have rolled the sleeves a bit to give you an idea. This is easily a sleeves-over-fingers cozy kind of sweater for someone with my arm length! How do you like it with just the top button done?
Maybe you like the idea of buttoning all 3 of the buttons and doing a little cardigan tucked into high rise jeans look? Here ya go:
While many people love to wear the Shelter Cardigan as a top in itself, I think I would find it too low for comfort. I would at least want a cami or even a numi top (which will also protect the sweater from sweat) underneath. Here you can see the fit difference if you pull it back from the shoulders to make the neckline more modest or if you pull it forward. Which do you prefer?
Do you like to tuck in chunky knit sweaters and cardigans? Here’s a look with the Tradlands Shelter Cardigan tucked in to Mott And Bow High Waisted Black Skinny Jeans and finished with a red leather skinny belt. (Mott & Bow Bond Jean review here)
Are you the spunky wear-it-in-reverse type to get the most versatility out of every piece in your capsule wardrobe? Here’s the Tradlands Shelter Cardigan in reverse. I kind of loveee that diagonal knit at the shoulder, don’t you?
The Tradlands Shelter Cardigan is a beautiful and high quality, ethically made cotton knit cardigan with buttons. FYI The Shelter Cardigan does not have pockets, if that’s something you’re looking for in a cardigan. I chose the color birch because I wanted this piece to work with literally anything I’m wearing, no matter the color spectrum, but Tradlands has some really gorgeous new fall colors out like jam and also emerald green (I think that was released in summer, but still) so if this style if your jam (ha, jam.)… you may want to go big with another vibrant hue!
This slightly oversized slouchy cardigan is a huge departure from my historical style, but it’s actually a pretty awesome addition. When deciding between the Shelter Cardigan vs Cottage Crewneck Sweater, I opted for the shelter cardigan because it is a sweater with buttons. You see, my temperature fluctuates so much. One minute I’m hot, the next I’m cold. Then I’m hot, then the AC kicks on and my teeth start chattering… I have a hard time staying comfortable so I’m constantly putting on a layer and take it off which is much easier to do with an open cardigan or button cardigan than an over-the-head sweater. (Although those sweaters are great for true winter when I’m just gonna be cold no matter what until spring haha.)
Tradlands Shelter Cardigan is now my go-to cardigan for Fall and Winter layering.
Huge thanks to Tradlands for gifting this sweater! Stay tuned for more styling ideas featuring xxs tradlands shelter cardigan in birch. In the mean time you can see all available sizes and colors of the Shelter Cardigan on the Tradlands website. How To Save Money On Tradlands Clothing
And of course, if you’re a first time customer of tradlands you can get a $25 Tradlands Discount here.
Click here to check out the latest from Tradlands Clothing
First Time Tradlands Customer? Get a $25 Tradlands Discount here
Tags - Tradlands • Shelter Cardigan • Cardigan • Cotton • Sweaters • Fall Style • Winter Style • Style • Review • Petite Style • Petite Pear
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Here is my current sweater collection updated for Fall/Winter 2021!
Tap a sweater below or read on to learn more!
I'll be dividing the sweaters by category based on their material. You'll find cotton sweaters, cashmere sweaters, cotton cashmere blend sweaters, wool sweaters, rayon/wool blend sweaters and.. well I think that's it for now! :)
Cotton.Tradlands Shelter Cardigan - Birch XXS - $227 (Sept 2021)
For me, Tradlands Shelter Cardigan is a no brainer for when I need to throw on an extra layer and just feel straight up cozy. The fit is different than my usual style preferences because it's slightly oversized. This is what makes it such a cozy sweater. It has a nice amount of weight and a beautiful knit. Easy to toss over winter layers or a tank top on a cooler summer night. Keep it at the office to combat those drafts. Love it.
First time ordering from Tradlands? Get a $25 off $75 Tradlands discount here Everlane Soft Cotton Crew Sweater - Bone XS - sale $50 (Jan 2021)
The Cotton Crew Neck Sweater from Everlane is a basic kind of sweater that you can wear casually or dress it up. I regularly wear it over one of my Tradlands button ups and I also love it underneath my Everlane Picnic Dress.
Everlane Soft Cotton Crew Neck Sweater Review
Cashmere.Mott & Bow Willow Oversized Cashmere V Neck Sweater - Oxblood XXS - $149 (Sept 2021)
Mott & Bow's oversized cashmere v neck sweater in oxblood is a great addition to my sweater collection. The color is one of my personal power colors, meaning it's a color I always feel great and confident wearing. Worn alone with jeans or a skirt, it's a quick and easy outfit. The slightly oversized fit also allows for using this as a layering piece in the warmer months. I love a button up collar peeking out from under a v neck sweater.
-- First Time Ordering? Use Mott And Bow Discount Code TRIPDONTFALL! --
Everlane The Cashmere Crew Sweater - Red XS - sale $60 (Sept 2019)
I invested in some cashmere sweaters because I wanted more natural fibers in my wardrobe. I realized a huge contributing factor to difficulty regulating my temperature in the colder months was some of the synthetic fabrics that nearly all my sweaters were made of. Polyester, Acrylic, etc... These are no good for me, personally. I snagged a sale on a popular cashmere crew from Everlane. The fit of the XS is preferred and I do enjoy wearing this with jeans and patterned skirts that have red in them, as well as with solids to add a pop of color in the cold months.
Everlane The Cashmere Crew Sweater - Mustard Yellow S - sale $60 (Sept 2019)
Like the previous sweater, I snagged the mustard yellow cashmere sweater from everlane on sale and the only size was Small. I still wear this sweater regularly, although I definitely refer the XS fit on this sweater. I love the cheery yellow color and it pairs well with other colors I reach for regularly - navy, forest green, maroon, black.
Cotton Cashmere Blend.Mott & Bow Emma Light Ribbed Cotton Cashmere Crew - Black XS - $99 (Sept 2021)
This lightweight cotton cashmere sweater is like a dream. A high crew neckline and fitted silhouette make for a really chic look with no effort at all. It's a wonderful weight for transitional seasons or as a base layer in colder months.
Mott & Bow Emma Light Ribbed Cotton Cashmere V Neck - Ivory XS - $99 (Sept 2021)
Again, an excellent transitional sweater that is not too heavy and almost like a long sleeve fitted shirt, but better and cozier. The ribbed fabric blend gives it a bit of stretch making it nice to wear over a button down as well!
Wool.Quince Australian Merino Wool Open Cardigan Sweater - Navy XS - $39.90 (Feb 2021)
An easy cardigan with pockets to toss on for a little extra warmth but without being bulky. The Quince Merino Wool Cardigan is a cardigan without buttons, it has roomy pockets, and is super soft. Be careful when washing/drying because I accidentally popped mine in the dryer on auto once and I think it did shrink a bit, although not to an unwearable point.
Encircled The Dressy Sweatshirt - Navy XS - $154 (Nov 2018)
The first "better" sweater I invested in, from Encircled clothing - The Dressy Sweatshirt. This sweatshirt is made from a blend including rayon from bamboo and merino wool. They now have another wool free sweater blend available in this design. I find the wide neckline is too wide for my frame and petite style preferences. I still like to wear it as a quick throw on layer, especially when traveling.
Sweater Wishlist.
Overall, I feel like my sweater collection is pretty robust, but here are some additions I would consider in the future.
Mott & Bow Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater Willow in Black, $149
Tradlands Jude Pullover Sweater, $217
Tags - Tradlands • Everlane • Quince • Mott & Bow • Encircled • Shelter Cardigan • Cashmere • Dressy Sweatshirt • Cardigan • Merino Wool • Cotton • Sweaters • Cashmere Sweater • Fall Style • Winter Style • Style • Emma Sweater • Willow Sweater • Jude Sweater • My Closet
Travel To Thailand.
Proud to be an encircled affiliate. All opinions are my own.
As many people slowly start or continue to return to the office after abruptly working from home for possibly a year and a half or more, one thing is for sure: Uncomfortable workwear is out! At the same time, we want to look and feel put together and bring our best self to work, even if we are still working remotely.
Enter the new performance workwear line from encircled clothing. The Performance Pencil Skirt.
The Performance Pencil Skirt from encircled clothing features a comfy waistband, hidden pocket, and marries the comfort of activewear with the timeless look of a pencil skirt.
Comfy Dress Shirt CA or US/Global • The Dressy Mockneck Top CA or US/Global • Black Leather Ankle Boots Similar Here
The Performance Pencil Skirt, $168
XS-XXL • Bordeaux, Black, Slate Blue Shop here Canadians Shop here US/Global Limited Time Discount Code PERFORMANCE
Encircled Clothing Review: The Performance Pencil Skirt Review
I absolutely love the look of the performance pencil skirt. It’s totally up my alley as a regular skirt wearer. I know this has been thoughtfully designed to not be a constricting pencil skirt, but a comfortable pencil skirt that you can actually move in. While I appreciate the incorporation of the slit for easy movement, I really have to see this piece in person to decide if it’s right for me. The model is a good 5” taller than I am, so it’s possible that the slit would be okay for me, but I really prefer not to have slits above the knee. There are some really elegant ways to add movability into a pencil skirt via slits/splits without showing more skin based on how the slit is designed and constructed. I do also have pencil skirts that offer plenty of movability without having a slit at all, so I think it’s more of a style and design choice and I’m really curious to see one in person and see where/how that slit falls on me!
This is a pencil skirt with pockets. Well, a pocket. I think the hidden pocket is so cool, but I honestly haven’t used it at all in my other encircled pieces, so I’m not sure I would use it on this performance pencil skirt either. Of course, I get that everyone wants pockets in everything and it’s really hard to make a pencil skirt with pockets that are useful and flattering, so… good compromise.
Will you be trying the new Performance Pencil Skirt from Encircled? Let me know what you think! The Performance Work Dress.
The Performance Work Dress from encircled clothing is a boatneck dress with 3/4 sleeves, A-line silhouette, and a work dress with pockets!
Leather Slides Similar Here
The Performance Work Dress, $248
XS-XXL • Bordeaux, Black Shop here Canadians Shop here US/Global Limited Time Discount Code PERFORMANCE
Encircled Clothing Review: The Performance Work Dress Review
The Performance Work Dress is another piece that is totally up my alley. I’m excited to try the new fabric for this performance workwear line because I think it maybe the key to really being comfortable in encircled dresses and skirts! Let me explain… All of Encircled’s dresses and skirts that I’ve tried are comfortable. Their usual fabrics are amazingly soft, making them instantly comfortable. But comfort isn’t just the feel of fabric on your skin, it’s how you feel when you wear a peace, including the feeling of being at ease. Sometimes with beautiful modal fabrics while they certainly drape beautifully, they can also cling in ways you don’t necessarily want.
The Previous All Day Work Dress from encircled was amazing and is one of my favorite dresses to this day. It was a thicker micromodal/Lycra blend than other garments from the brand and had an under layer which really helped reduce the clinging affect on a slim fitting dress style. All that to say.. I think this new fabric blend may offer just the right amount of structure to put me at ease while retaining some flowy movement, and who doesn’t want that?
My personal hesitations with the piece: I love a boatneck style, but often times find them to be too wide for my frame. Or, even if the width is okay, bra-straps poking out drive me crazy and take away from the refined boatneck style. (Love when a garment has those little snaps to keep your bra straps in place!) So for The Performance Work Dress , I’d definitely need to try it on to see how the neckline sits on my body and, of course, I’m always interested in the length being at the knee or below. Personal preference :-)
Encircled Performance Workwear Line Overall Thoughts.
I’m really excited to see this new line from encircled and can’t wait to see what other pieces they release. Dying to find the perfect structured blazer. (And, incidentally, still on the fence about what a perfect blazer means for me and my wardrobe / personal style)
I imagine this new fabric which contains polyester, has been a tough call for the brand which focuses on eco friendly materials, ethical labor, and overall sustainability. But… that’s just it. Overall sustainability…. The most sustainable clothing pieces are the ones you wear and love year after year. And sometimes the most eco friendly fabrics don’t hold up as well and as a result you may not get as many years of wear out of those pieces. That’s part of the picture to consider as well. Pieces like the Performance Pencil Skirt and the Performance Work Dress have timeless designs and if the fabric blend holds up longer, provides structure, and resists wrinkles… you have to factor that in for sure. ;)
Congrats on the new launch, encircled! I know it’s going to be a hit! Check Out These Deals: |
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