From the gym to the yoga studio, I’ve worn my fair share of sports tops. I have scoured near and far for the perfect top to sweat in. Flashback 1992 – my awesome hot pink leotard. 1996 – as my style matured, I flirted with t-shirts and tank tops. 2003 – my type of top had the qualities of style, substance and longevity. But I was still searching for the perfect fit.
Every morning, I went to the gym and some tops would wink at me as they passed me in the cardio room. Nothing serious, just some eye candy. I tried to meet some tops in the fitting rooms, but they were either too much drama or offered too little support. I almost gave up the search until one day my friend introduced me to her friend, lululemon. She suggested I give it a chance at the downtown store, no strings attached. Just take a look.
The lighting was good and the music pumping. I saw from across the room a stunning tank on the back wall. Sure it looked nice on the hanger, but would it pass my three tests? I took the tank to the back for some one on one time. Would I be able to fit into it? Move in it? Sweat in it? A woman knows within the first thirty seconds of meeting a top if she’s going to go home with it or not that night.
The Power Y Tank was its name and it passed the first test – it fit great! I danced around awkwardly in my fitting room and I could move in it – check! Two for two, but I was still weary in committing to the brand. Was it truly moisture wicking, four-way stretch, and flat seamed?
I gave the Power Y a chance and brought it home. I wore it to the gym, and it got better each time. No chaffing, no bunching, no crazy sweat patches, and I’m a crazy sweat-er! Wash after wash, it still met or exceeded my expectations. I tried rockclimbing, yoga, and spinning – check! Coffee dates, groceries, even the movies – still worked! We even double dated a few times: under a sweater with pants, over a bra with shorts – the Power Y kept its cool.
I could tell the designers took their time to create this cut and I could see the amount of thought put into the fabric composition. I knew there was something different about this garment – it was here to stay.
Flash forward to 2009, and I have more Power Y tanks than boyfriends (thank God!). Like any good relationship, ours has matured and changed, but its core focus remained the same – moderate support, built-in bra, great neckline, and longer in the torso. My six-year relationship with this style has only gotten better and I can’t wait to see where we go next.
Below: Elim fit, err, colour tests the newest Power Ys to arrive in our store.


