Hello, summer! We know that long, hot days are still a few months away but we are already dreaming of sand and surf. This year we designed our swim collection with removable cups, coverage and our soft and breathable Swim fabric for maximum fun in the sun. We were inspired by athletes on the West Coast and created these pieces with beach volleyball, stand up paddle boarding and sandy Savasanas in mind. I know we’ve still got a bit of a winter hangover but I see sunny skies in our future!
JOANNA - Product Editor

A light support, low coverage option for the A and B cup girl. The adjustable straps give you support and leave the fit in your hands. This triangle top was designed to keep you under wraps and unrestricted.

Why We Love It?
The strap design removes the pressure from the back of the neck and the single tie just makes life easy.

A medium support, low coverage option for the C and D cup girl. The laser cutting and bonding makes this top incredibly comfortable and supportive.

Why We Love it?
It fits like our favourite bra but without the bulk.

A medium support, medium coverage option for the A and B cup girl. The adjustable strap lets you customize the fit so you can tighten up before you dive in.

Why We Love it?
The racerback shape give us the coverage and support we need to be surf and stretch ready.

Low rise, medium coverage bottoms with a classic, no-fuss bikini fit. The adjustable waistband and thoughtful design of these bottoms help to keep them in place - the perfect surf, yoga and volleyball partner.

Why We Love it?
The bottoms are lined in places where sand can collect so we don’t have to worry about the beach rubbing us the wrong way.

Medium rise, medium coverage bottoms designed for those of us who like a little more coverage. An elastic drawcord at the waist and a smooth flat waistband help to keep you covered without digging in.

Why We Love it?
These bottoms can be tied to the Board Balance Rash Guard and help us stay covered when things get wild.

· it’s soft, soft, soft
· it’s lightweight, breathable and four-way stretch
· it has a UPF rating of 50+ (it’s basically like a bodyguard for your skin)
· it has incredible shape retention
· it’s sand resistant (the tight weave of the fabric keeps sand out)
· it's chlorine resistant

HEAT IT UP

A hot yoga class in the middle of February can cure even the worst case of winter chill. High temperatures and deep stretching? I mean, what’s not to love! We designed this low coverage, hot yoga gear with lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics to help keep us cool. Let’s be honest...Trikanasana in 105˚F is hot enough.

JOANNA - Product Editor

	Is there a specific hot yoga class you are really into right now?
	I like hot at yyoga. I also recently went to my first Moksha class in East Vancouver and I loved it. I found the flow energizing but also very restful and rejuvenating.
	What makes designing gear for hot yoga challenging? Is there a specific problem you were trying to solve with these designs?
	The balance of coverage and breathability can be challenging. When we were designing the Heat It Up gear we focused on making easy to move in, easy to sweat in and easy to peel off after class.
	What makes Power Luxtreme and luon light fabrics so great for hot yoga?
	Both of these fabrics are moisture-wicking and breathable. Power Luxtreme also feels cool to the touch, which in a bonus in 105˚F heat.
	Did you have a chance to try out any of the Heat It Up gear during the design process?
	Yes! I wore the shorts to hot yoga a bunch of times. They are awesome for the yogi who's looking to feel free and wants to wear next to nothing in hot class.
	Do you have any favourite features?
	I love having a no-dig waistband and a drawcord in both the Heat It Up shorts and the crops so I don't have to worry about them staying in place. I also love having a front closure on the bra because it makes it easy to get it off after class.

Are you still looking for your perfect mat and aren't sure where to start? We've put together an infographic so you can find the perfect one for you - check it out! 

What does the ideal mat look and feel like for you? What else do you need to feel at home in your practice?

WHY WE LOVE THIS

This mat is like the red carpet of yoga mats. It is designed with a natural rubber base that keeps it securely on the floor (it also provides incredible support). The top layer is made with smooth polyurethane that will make you want to linger a little longer in Savasana. The 5mm thickness makes it really soft, cushy and supportive and because it’s ultra-absorbent it’s also super grippy. This Mat is our partner in crime in an hour of Power or a super sweaty Vinyasa Flow.

JOANNA - Product Editor

A big version of The Mat designed for those who want a little more practice space. The (Big) Mat has all the same incredible features as the Mat. Sometimes size really does matter.

This lightweight version of The Mat is perfect for long travel days and short commutes. The (un) Mat layers easily over less than sanitary studio mats. Weighing-in at less than 1kg (2.2lbs) it’s our go-to mat for yoga on the fly.

WHY WE LOVE THIS

Practicing yoga in 105˚F heat can get really, really sticky. We engineered The Towel Mat with that kind of sweaty intensity in mind. The absorbent microfiber top and acrylic print were designed to keep you from slipping around and a grippy rubber base helps to keep the mat in place. This lightweight, commuter friendly mat can also be rolled up like a traditional mat or folded (and squished) into a bag. If you are looking for low maintenance cleaning, this mat is the ticket (you can put it in the washing machine and the dryer). Let’s be honest, after a 90 minute hot yoga class, easy cleaning is a dream come true.

JOANNA - Product Editor

COOL RACERBACK: THE PERFECT YOGA TANK, PERIOD.

The Cool Racerback has been making our dreams come true for almost as long as the Groove Pant (I wear one almost everyday). The no-fuss, carved racerback shape makes it easy to move and focus your practice, the hip length helps to keep your Asana under wraps and the simple and streamlined construction makes it easy to layer over your favourite bra. The functionality and versatility of this tank (and the fact that it comes in a candy shop of colours) make it a do-it-all basic we just can’t live without.

JOANNA - Product Editor

We make our four-way stretch luon light fabric with fine dernier yarns to create a lightweight material. This breathable fabric is moisture-wicking so it works overtime when we turn up the heat.

The racerback cut and hip length of this tank makes stretching, running and jumping a no-fuss endeavor. The slim fit helps to keep us covered when we handstand and the long length layers easily over tights.

Flat seams are a girl’s best friend when it comes to long stretches, long days and long runs. This thoughtful detail helps keep sweaty skin from getting irritated and keeps us comfortable.

The Power Y Bra is a perfect match for this tank and that’s because we designed it that way! Thin straps, medium support and a carved racerback shape designed to stay undercover. What’s not to love.

WHY WE LOVE THIS

We get it. Sometimes going ‘au natural’ is just the right choice. We designed The Pure Mat with two layers of natural rubber and a grippy textured surface making it Bakasana and Savasana ready. The closed cell construction means sweat won’t absorb into the mat so it’s easy to clean and easy to share. We also engineered two different thicknesses of The Pure Mat (3mm-5mm) because sometimes we like a little more cushion and sometimes we want to lighten up. This mat is the kind of natural goodness that really floats our boat.

JOANNA - Product Editor

Natural rubber is a soft and stable surface. It gives The Pure Mat the kind of cushiony feel that makes you want to Down Dog. The ultra-grippy surface makes it easy to get a grip - even when things get sweaty.  Natural rubber does have a slight scent that will fade over time (turns out first impressions aren’t everything). Just roll it out and let it breathe before you head to class.

WHY WE LOVE THISListening to your body when you are training and racing can be key to preventing injury and maximizing performance. Training with a heart rate monitor can help you strategically adjust speed or power, maintain pace and prevent overtraining. Instant, real time feedback during a workout can be the difference between burning out and a personal best. Because we love training with a heart rate monitor we designed this Special Edition All Sport Bra with the technology built right in. Sounds like a win win to me!JOANNA - Product Editor

THE BRA

The All Sport Bra *Heart Rate Monitor is compatible with most snap-in heart rate systems. Wanna get your heart racing in the Special Edition Bra? Find it here!

WHY WE LOVE THIS

SEE IT IN ACTION

Staying warm this winter just got a whole lot easier. Check out the Uba Hoodie*Lux!

WHY WE LOVE THISThere is (almost) nothing I love more than a little Après. Play days in the snow and long fun-filled nights? Sign me up! This winter we focused on designing gear that could take us from mountain adventures to fire-side festivities and everything in between. Here's a behind-the-seams look at a few styles we can’t wait to play and warm up in. Take that cabin fever! JOANNA - Product Editor

1/ St. Moritz Jersey
This long sleeve was engineered using moisture-wicking and lightweight Merino Wool Jersey. This wonder fabric helps to keep us warm when we get cold and helps to cool us down when things heat up (you won’t want to take it off). We added thumbholes to this base layer to help keep wrists warm and make layering easy.

2/ St Moritz Sweater
When the snow starts to fall we can’t wait to get outside (although we do love a good glass of wine and a crackling fire). With that in mind, we designed a sweater we knew would be good for both. Breathable and moisture-wicking Merino Wool joins forces with a soft Sweater Knit fabric to give us the best of both worlds. The raglan sleeves and built-in stretch help to reduce bulk and give us the freedom to make moves (on and off the mountain).

3/ St Moritz Jacket
Soft and fuzzy Fleece, water- and wind-resistant Cire fabric and a double-layer collar make this jacket a triple threat against winter chill (and cabin fever). The extra fuzzy arms feel incredible (they are out-of-this-world soft) and help to keep us cozy on the way to and from yoga.

4/ Chalet Keep Your Neck Cozy
Our chunky knit neckwarmer is made with a blend of organic cotton and rayon derived from bamboo and cashmere (yes – it is as awesome as it sounds). This soft and breathable infinity scarf makes it easy to get wrapped up in warming up. Editor’s note: they had me at chunky knit neckwarmer.

WE LOVE MERINO WOOLMerino Wool is nature's tech fabric (#shityogissay)! This high quality wool is naturally insulating, moisture-wicking, soft and breathable. The best part? It doesn't feel itchy thanks to the fine merino wool fibres. It's perfect for layering and great for those looking for a natural fibre option.

Good things come to those who wait and in this case, it's for this cozy Après gear. This stuff will be popping up online and in stores over the next few weeks. 

Hint: If you've fallen as hard as we have for the St Moritz sweater, check back online on Thursday to get your hands on it.

THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID

Can you tell us about your own experience with inversions and how it inspired the design of this tank?

Getting into Form Stand or Handstand pose requires deep breathing and focus. I have been practicing yoga for 14 years and I still can’t do a handstand without support. I designed this tank with a high cut in the front so that I could practice without feeling like I was going to fall out it.

What makes this tank yoga ready?

This tank is designed with high coverage in the front and an open back so you still have room to breathe and sweat. The adjustable straps and the slim fit also help to ensure it won’t flip up.

Why is this tank made with two different fabrics?

We used luon® fabric in the top so you will get a really supportive feeling in the bust. The body of the tank is luon® light. This lightweight luon® fabric feels less restrictive through your core. I sweat a lot in my classes so I like to choose fabrics that are breathable and can wick moisture.

What is it that makes you love high coverage yoga gear?

I have been teaching yoga for three years and I teach mostly Flow style classes. Wearing high coverage gear means I don’t have to worry about cleavage when I am doing a Chaturanga demo.

BASE LAYERYour base layer actually touches your skin so it is important that this layer is moisture-wicking (staying dry is key to staying warm). This layer should be fairly simple in design. Buttons, zippers or elaborate neck lines can make layering tricky. Look for soft, moisture-wicking, anti-stink fabrics and aim for a snug fit.
Run: Ice Queen LS
This body-skimming base layer is made with buttery soft Rulu™ so it feels great against our skin. The inherently-wicking Rulu™ and quick-drying mesh panels work together to pull sweat away from the body. Don’t get your sleeves in a bunch - thumbholes make layering over this base no problem.

MID-LAYERThe mid-layer is on double duty. It has to work to insulate and keep you warm as well as continue to move moisture from the inside out. This layer needs to be engineered with insulating fabrics and venting so it can get the job done. Look for a body-skimming fit and mesh panelling or zipper vents.

Run: Toasty Tech Pullover
This soft and insulating mid-layer was designed with Tech Fleece and mesh panelling to support your base layer in wicking away moisture. The magnet snap helps to lock out the cold and cuffins with thumbholes keep your hands warm (think of them as built in running gloves).

OUTER LAYERThis layer is all about protecting you from rain, slush and snow while still giving your body a chance to vent. The outer layer finishes the job the base layer starts by allowing moisture vapour to escape. Look for water- and wind-resistant fabrics and ensure you have a good range of motion. Run: Hot Cheeks Skirt
We designed this outer layer so that even when it gets really cold we won’t feel the need to run in our ski pants. This 800-fill-power premium goose down skirt layers easily over run tights and helps to keep our tush toasty without weighing us down. With a 360˚ reflective details and secure zipper pockets, this little layer is a B.F.D.

Run: Turn Around Jacket
We designed this reversible winter run jacket with zipper vents so we can cool down without stripping down. The water- and wind-resistant Cire fabric, wicking Rulu™ fabric panels and 800-fill-power premium goose down combine forces to kick some serious (winter) butt. This jacket takes element protection to a whole new level.

Get winter ready - Find these layers in store and online this week!

WHY WE LOVE THISBarre inspired classes can be a great compliment to your run training or yoga practice and an awesome excuse to escape the cold. My favourite part of the class is feeling like a ballerina (if only for a few seconds) when I pop my leg up on the barre. We caught up with one of our accessories designers, Katie, to get some behind-the-seams details on the pieces she designed for the collection. I mean, who doesn’t like a leg up. JOANNA - Product Editor

THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID

What keeps you coming back to the barre?

For awhile I was hitting up barre classes in the morning and then heading to yoga after work. I find that I am stronger and more open in my yoga practice when I’m going to barre classes too.

Where did the inspiration come from to design a barre collection?

We met with Carolyn and Ella from The Bar Method™ Vancouver and talked about what they loved (and didn’t love) about the gear they were currently using for practice. This feedback combined with feedback from our stores, inspired us to create the collection.

What were you solving for when you designed this gear?

The barre studio is generally cold. You do build up heat and fire but it is a slow build. There is a lot intense movement followed by stretching so the heat is not consistent. I wanted to design pieces that I could layer to keep me feeling warm and cozy when I needed it.

I know it’s hard to choose a favourite but do you have a favourite product or feature from the collection?

I love the detachable pouch inside the Method bag. It was originally designed so you could store your socks in an easy to find spot but it is also great for storing small things like lip gloss, hair elastics and earrings.

SET THE BARRE

1/ Mad Knit Earwarmer
The breathable knit makes these earwarmers warm and cozy. The wide cut also helps keep your hair from getting wild. One head-hug from this soft earmwarmer and we were head over heels.

2/ Infinitely Mad Scarf
Not all good things must come to an end. Exhibit A: this soft, chunky-knit infinity scarf. It's made with a wool blend so winter won't be giving you the cold shoulder. The only thing better than a happy ending? No ending at all.

3/ Method Bag
No need to cram before class – this bag sits upright and is designed to fit into your studio's locker! It's also got pockets for your phone, tablet and gear, so you can get from class to coffee - no sweat.

4/ Women's Method Sock
These socks were designed with silicone dots so you can get a grip no matter how hard you're sweating (and shaking). The tall length makes them one part sock, one part legwarmer and strategically placed terry padding puts a little cushion between you and the barre.

Turns out there's a method to our madness! This barre inspired collection will be in store and online this week. 

WHY WE LOVE THIS “It’s slowly getting a little colder every day and, for me, that means it’s time for run pants. This winter we focused on developing new fabrics that feel warm but light, strategically placed fabrics that solve for splashes and chill, as well as reflective details that won’t leave us looking like a pylon. I know that winter running can get wild but, let’s face it, life is too short to run on a treadmill.” JOANNA - Product Editor

1/ Run: Clear As Mud Pant
Puddles and slush are a winter running reality but running in wellies is ridiculous. The slim straight cut of these pants and the built-in water-resistant gaiters help to protect us from the elements. We’re trading our waders for gaiters.

2/ Run: Runder Under Pant
This clean and simple design is the running version of the Wunder Under Pant we all know and love. Run-friendly features like flip-up reflectivity and a continuous drawcord make these pants the black cashmere sweater of our running wardrobe.

3/ Run: Make a Move Pant
Running in cold weather is serious business and we designed these slouchy run trousers because it’s business time. The inherent moisture-wicking nature of the Rulu™ fabric makes these pants feel like a warm hug on a cold winter morning and that is all the motivation we need to get outside and run.

4/ Run With Rover Pant
At the end of a long and rainy day, we may not feel like heading out for a run but our best friend, Rover usually can’t wait. We designed these pants with a cozy Rulu™ inner layer and a protective water-resistant outer layer that will help keep us warm and dry. These pants may just be our new best friend (sorry Rover).

THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID

We caught up with run designers, Niamh and Caitlin, to get the behind-the-seams rundown on our winter run pants.