Ellie in 2021

A look back at this past year and our hopes for 2022.

Hi, friends! ♡

I say it every year, but wow if the end of the year doesn't always manage to sneak up on me. We've only gotten to spend a few short reviews together, but I'm grateful for your candor, kindness, and for giving me the opportunity to grow as a writer.

So, I am here to deliver Ellie's 2021 year in review! Though I started doing reviews later in the year, I will be including helpful insights from another MSA writer; the lovely and talented Brandi.

So, where to begin?

Let's explore what we've been enjoying from Ellie's 2021 line, what are some things we'd like to see more or less of, and then round it out for possible trends to look forward to in 2022.

What is Ellie?

Ellie is a curated activewear subscription. Each month (on or around the 1st), a new collection is announced. Ellie offers three subscription types: 2-item boxes (generally a top, and bottom), 3-item boxes include one complete apparel outfit (generally a top, sports bra, and bottom), while 5-item boxes include the three apparel items + two fitness accessories/equipment items.

You have until the 4th of each month to skip. You don't have to worry about being charged if you decide to skip between the 1st-4th. Also, your subscription renews on the same date each month, so no surprises.

What Ellie Continues To Get Right

High-Quality Material

The quality of Ellie‘s products I've gotten to review has impressed me. I'm not used to workout clothes that feel great (that aren't a higher price point) maintaining their shape. Brandi described it perfectly when she said that Ellie products have a "brushed suede" feel. I've experienced mishaps with leggings in the past that might have felt great, but once I started doing any real activity in them (even a fast walk) I'd be pulling them up constantly. I haven't had any issues with Ellie's leggings, their sports bras, or pullovers maintaining their shape, fading, or piling. Brandi also pointed out some great features of the material and versatility of her Ellie outfits (ability to mix and match pieces) in this review here.

Convenience & Affordable Pricing

I never anticipated living in activewear quite the way I have these last two-plus years. Before then, it was one of the main reasons I had never really looked into an activewear subscription. Even though I was an avid runner, how much activewear did I really need, I used to think? Now, needless to say, I get it.

I love the idea of selecting a new outfit every month and knowing it'll be delivered without a trek to the store. I look forward to having a new outfit every month to incorporate into my daily routine which is (brace yourself because it's pretty exciting!); dog park, library for writing and research, dog park again, and then snuggles with Wyatt.

The affordability of Ellie's subscription really is a great deal. Even if I subscribed to the 5-piece set it would still be half of what I used to spend on one activewear piece.

What we'd like to see more of from Ellie in 2022

Size Inclusivity

This was something that was top of mind for me when I first began reviewing Ellie. As many readers pointed out, the current sizing Ellie offers is limiting.

Currently, the average American woman wears a size 16 or 18. For a brand to be truly representative of all sizes they need to ensure they are including sizes up to 24 or greater. As someone who has been many different sizes throughout her life, I can identify with the feeling of not being able to purchase a product (along with a myriad of other reasons) because my size was not offered.

Ellie’s current sizing ranges from XS-XL. Most reviews of Ellie's activewear identify it as running fairly true to size, but I've mentioned in my reviews that it runs a little bigger just because it’s not the norm that a size small would fit me for leggings, a sports bra, and a jacket. Ellie’s sizing chart indicates that a size small ranges from (4-6) for reference.

Ellie does provide inseam, length, and product details to help you better navigate what size may work best for you. For me, knowing the product materials can help me decide if I should size up or down.

Now, Ellie may very well have size inclusivity on their 2022 road map (fingers crossed!) because as a brand I do feel that they strive for inclusion so being able to offer an inclusive size collection seems like the next step.

More Trend-Inspired Workout Gear

Fashion experts have speculated on several different trends to take off in 2022. The one I am the most excited about? Dance wear-inspired looks. Dance was a large part of my life growing up and when the Black Swan came out, I begged my friends to take an adult ballet class with me, as I was convinced I could re-learn pointe at 30 something years old.

Needless to say, if this bodysuit trend continues to progress along with the promising resurgence of gauzy pullovers and legwarmers, I'd be one happy camper.

Until then, will just have to wait for what the creatives at Ellie come up with next.

What were some of your favorite Ellie outfits this year? Let me know in the comments!