Before You Splurge: Is Everlane's Perform Activewear Collection Worth $90?
From unexpected skin irritation to surprisingly good fit, here's the unfiltered review of Everlane's Perform Activewear Collection, and the responsible alternatives worth considering.
Time to Read: 9 mins
Everlane is a San Francisco-based fashion brand that has built its reputation on transparent pricing, accessible basics, and a commitment to more responsible production practices. Within the sustainable fashion space, it has become one of the most recognizable mainstream brands, so much so that it could be considered the “GAP of ethical fashion.” So it’s not surprising that conscious consumers in need of new activewear may turn to Everlane for several reasons.
The Basics
Everlane hails a “Good” Good On You rating, which is hard to come by. Thanks to their dedication to using low-impact materials, upholding strict people and animal policies, and providing more supply chain transparency than most, they’ve become a trusted source for ethical consumers.
For shoppers looking to build a more responsible activewear wardrobe, Everlane’s Perform Collection offers leggings, bras, camis, shorts, and tops made with recycled nylon and elastane.
The collection checks several boxes that conscious consumers often look for:
Relatively affordable pricing
Inclusive sizing for curvier body types
Sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing virgin plastic use
A streamlined, minimalist aesthetic
The Collection
Among the collection’s offerings, the Perform Bike Short ($48) and Invisible Bra ($38) stand out as popular basics designed for everyday movement.
The Perform Bike Short promises lightweight comfort and flexibility, while the Invisible Bra is marketed as a seamless, barely-there undergarment designed to disappear beneath clothing. Together, they create the kind of matching set many shoppers gravitate toward when building an activewear wardrobe that can transition from workouts to everyday wear.
But do these pieces actually deliver on comfort, performance, and sustainability? Here’s what consumers should know before adding them to their cart:
The Brand
As responsible packaging becomes increasingly common throughout the industry, and at the time of this review, Everlane’s reliance on poly bags feels somewhat behind the curve. While the packaging is recyclable, many consumers may expect a company with Everlane’s resources and sustainability positioning to be pushing further toward biodegradable or plastic-free alternatives.
Where Everlane truly shines is in customer service. Returns are straightforward and convenient, whether processed through an Everlane store or a participating drop-off location. Consumers can choose between refunds, exchanges, or store credit, making the process relatively hassle-free.
The brand’s customer support also deserves recognition. Features like “Text Us” allow shoppers to quickly confirm store inventory, reserve items, and receive assistance before making a trip to a physical location. These kinds of services can be especially valuable for consumers who struggle to find the right fit and want reassurance before heading to a store.
Reviewer Disclosure
This review is written from the perspective of a petite, curvy shopper with highly sensitive skin that is prone to irritation, rashes, bruising, and scarring. The evaluation also considers factors such as functionality, utility, durability, fabric composition, and long-term sustainability. Consumers with similar body types or skin sensitivities may find these observations particularly relevant.
The Invisible Bra
Pros
Fit: When purchased according to Everlane’s size guide, the fit is accurate and comfortable. The band sits securely without feeling restrictive, while the flexible, non-molded cups adapt naturally to the body. Because the cups aren’t heavily structured, they can accommodate minor weight fluctuations better than many traditional bras.
Utility: Everlane delivers on its promise of a seamless bra. The fabric is smooth, soft, and virtually undetectable under clothing, making it an easy everyday option. The moisture-wicking material also helps keep things cool and comfortable throughout the day. The flattering V-cut provides a subtle, natural lift without relying on heavy padding or push-up construction.
Comfort: The lightweight fabric creates a barely-there feel that makes this bra easy to wear for extended periods. Once adjusted, it doesn’t feel like wearing a bra at all, which, for many consumers, is exactly the goal.
Cons
The straps: Consumers with longer torsos may find the straps uncomfortable. While wearing the bra, the straps may consistently dig into your shoulders despite multiple adjustments, making it difficult to achieve a comfortable fit.
The chemical smell: Consumers sensitive to smell might want to skip this bra. It’s very strong, off-putting, reminiscent of fast fashion pieces. It’s enough to raise some flags: Why would a sustainable brand make a product that smells like a chemical factory?
The potential for contact dermatitis: Consumers with sensitive skin, beware that you may develop a rash where the ring of the bra rests on your skin. While wearing the bra, irritation and scarring developed where the front hardware rested against the skin, raising our concerns about long-term comfort for consumers prone to reactions.
Improvements
One improvement that would make this bra truly live up to its “invisible” marketing is removing the ring hardware located on the front of the straps. Based on our experience, the hardware doesn’t appear to serve a meaningful purpose and arguably makes the bra less invisible. A cleaner design with seamless straps across the front and adjustable fasteners only at the back would create a more streamlined look while potentially improving comfort.
From a sustainability standpoint, there’s also room for innovation. With growing concerns about synthetic fibers and the release of microplastics into waterways, it would be exciting to see brands develop a truly seamless or “invisible” bra that relies less on plastic-based materials altogether.
Unfortunately, this isn’t a product that we can recommend, particularly for consumers with sensitive skin. While wearing it, the bra caused irritation and scarring that persisted long after wear. While everyone’s skin reacts differently, shoppers who are prone to rashes, allergic reactions, or skin sensitivities may want to proceed with caution.
Our try-on experience also raises broader questions about the use of recycled nylon- and elastane-heavy fabrics in intimate apparel. Consumers seeking gentler alternatives may find themselves gravitating toward natural fibers such as organic cotton or linen, which are often viewed as kinder to both the skin and the environment.
The Perform Bike Shorts
Pros
Fit: The fit is where these shorts shine: They hug the body beautifully and provide a flattering, sculpted silhouette without feeling restrictive. For consumers who enjoy activewear that accentuates their natural shape, these shorts know exactly what they’re doing. They snatch in all the right places while still allowing for comfortable movement throughout the day.
Construction: The built-in device pocket hidden inside the front waistband is another thoughtful detail. While it’s not large enough to replace a traditional side pocket, it’s a convenient spot for storing small essentials when heading out for a walk, workout, or quick errand.
Fabric: The fabric also moves exceptionally well with the body. Whether stretching, lounging, walking, or flowing through yoga poses, the shorts flex easily without creating a stiff or constricting feeling. There’s a noticeable freedom of movement that makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Wear: And then there’s the weight, or rather, the lack of it. These shorts are incredibly lightweight. In fact, they almost feel like wearing nothing at all. For consumers who dislike bulky activewear fabrics or live in warmer climates, that barely-there feeling may be exactly what you’re looking for.
That said, whether the lightweight construction is a pro or a con will ultimately depend on personal preference. Shoppers seeking breathable comfort and unrestricted movement may love it. Those looking for the support and coverage typically associated with traditional bike shorts may find themselves wanting a little more substance.
Cons
The construction: The biggest strength of these shorts is also their biggest weakness… they feel like wearing almost nothing. Consumers expecting the structure and support of a traditional bike short may be surprised by how lightweight the fabric feels. There isn’t much compression through the thighs, and the overall construction leans closer to shapewear than performance activewear. To put it another way: homegirl did NOT understand the assignment.
For shoppers with curvier body types, particularly pear-shaped figures, the minimal coverage may feel a little too revealing for everyday wear. Rather than offering the confidence and support many people look for in a bike short, the fabric tends to highlight every contour. For some, that’s a feature. For others, it’s a dealbreaker.The performance: The moisture-wicking claims also leave something to be desired. While the fabric may technically offer moisture-management properties, the performance wasn’t particularly noticeable while wearing them.
As a result of these cons, these shorts may be better suited for at-home yoga sessions, lounging, or staying cool on hot days than for running errands, outdoor workouts, or everyday wear.
Improvements
The biggest opportunity for improvement is functionality. A thicker, more substantial performance fabric would better align with what many consumers expect from a bike short, providing greater support, durability, and versatility for everyday wear.
Improving the moisture-wicking capabilities would also help the shorts perform more effectively during workouts and other high-movement activities.
As it stands, the design prioritizes a barely-there feel. With a few adjustments, it could evolve into a piece that delivers both comfort and utility.
Responsible Alternatives
If given a do-over, these shorts probably would have been returned in exchange for either Pact’s Go-To Pocket Bike Short or Girlfriend Collective’s High-Rise Pocket Bike Short and Black Triangle Bralet.
For starters, Pact’s bike shorts are more affordable (about $13 cheaper, to be exact). They’re also made primarily from organic cotton, which many conscious consumers prefer over synthetic materials. The shorts still contain elastane for the stretch and durability activewear requires, but the overall fabric composition feels like a step in the right direction.
Girlfriend Collective’s Bike Shorts and Triangle Bra are probably the closest comparison to Everlane’s Perform Bike Short and Invisible Bra, since they also utilize recycled materials. The difference is that Girlfriend Collective provides a detailed breakdown of each product’s benefits, making it easier for consumers to understand its impact. In many ways, Girlfriend Collective’s shorts feel like what Everlane was going for, but missed.
Going Forward
For a brand known for radical transparency and elevated basics, the Perform Collection doesn’t fully deliver on its promise. While the customer experience remains a standout, the product quality, packaging choices, and functionality leave room for improvement. Simply put: these pieces aren’t quite giving what they’re supposed to give. That’s what makes this review so surprising!
Is Everlane’s Perform Collection Worth It?
Everlane built its reputation on “radical transparency,” yet consumers aren’t given much information about the environmental impact or performance of the Perform collection beyond where it’s made.
And honestly? We have questions. The quality, utility, and packaging simply didn’t meet the expectations that come with Everlane’s reputation. With so many ethical brands out here doin’ the damn thing, consumers should expect more, not less, from one of the biggest names in conscious fashion. So, no, we wouldn’t say this collection is worth buying in its current state; maybe give them some time to take in consumer feedback and rework the collection.
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