Zella Capri Leggings

Why I Love Zella Capris

Hey friends! I’m back with another buying guide, this time for one of my all-time favorite activewear items – Zella capri leggings! As an avid yogi and gym rat, I live in leggings, and Zella’s capris truly stand out from the pack. Their buttery soft fabric, flattering fit, and performance features make them perfect for both working out and wearing casually.

After trying countless pairs over the years, I’ve become a Zella capri fanatic and wanted to share my tips for finding the perfect pair. In this guide, I’ll cover everything from fit and features to cost and care, so you can feel confident rocking these leggings for any activity! Let’s dive in!

All About Zella Capris

For those not familiar, Zella is Nordstrom’s in-house activewear brand known for its stylish and functional designs. Zella capris are mid-calf leggings crafted with performance fabrics that wick sweat, stretch comfortably, and hold up during intense workouts.

They hit right below or at the calf for a flattering silhouette. I love the cropped length because it shows off cute sneakers, and prevents overheating at the gym or yoga studio. The leggings are available in a range of colors and prints, but I stick to classic black which matches everything.

The Perfect Fit

One of the biggest reasons I’m obsessed with Zella capris is the fit. They have just the right amount of compression to sculpt and support your body during exercise, without feeling restrictive. The stretchy material moves with you, whether you’re downward dogging in yoga or sprinting on the treadmill.

I have muscular calves and found many capris too tight around my legs. But Zella’s fabric has plenty of give to accommodate athletic figures. The waistband is also wide and stays put without digging in. For reference I’m 5’7″ and prefer a size medium for the ideal slim but not skintight fit.

High Performance Features

Beyond the stellar fit, Zella capris perform beautifully during tough workouts thanks to moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you cool and dry. They’re made from a blend of nylon and spandex, so the material is quick-drying and stretchy.

I stayed fresh as a daisy wearing them for Hot Yoga and HIIT classes! The leggings also have a gusseted crotch which allows for full range of motion during squats, lunges, and other bodyweight moves. For high intensity training, these are an absolute must-have.

Beyond the Gym: Lifestyle & Casual Wear

One of my favorite things about Zella capris is their versatility. While engineered for fitness, their elegant style allows you to wear them for running errands, traveling, and casual everyday use. I throw them on to walk my dog, grab coffee with friends, run to the grocery store – you name it!

They instantly elevate a basic tee and sneakers into a cute weekend outfit. I also appreciate that the dark colors don’t show sweat or odor, so I can rewear them a few times between washes. Zella capris truly pull double duty as activewear and athleisure.

Care & Maintenance

Caring for Zella capris is blissfully easy. I like to wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle, then either hang dry or tumble dry on low. The material doesn’t wrinkle or shrink much, so they always look fresh out of the dryer.

To get out tough sweat stains, I sometimes pretreat them with a bit of stain remover or vinegar before washing. I’ve found they can safely be washed and dried dozens of times without losing their shape or compression. With proper care, these leggings really stand the test of time!

The Downside: Price

Now for the not-so-fun part about Zella capris – the price tag. Quality activewear comes at a cost, and these leggings typically retail around $60 or higher per pair. Ouch, I know!

The good news is Nordstrom often has great sales on Zella to help lessen the blow to your wallet. I also have luck finding discounted pairs on Poshmark since the brand is so popular. For the buttery soft fabric and high performance, I find them worth the investment. But the price is likely their biggest drawback.

The Best Places to Buy

Wondering where to pick up a pair of Zella capris? Here are my top recommendations:

• Nordstrom: As Zella’s parent brand, Nordstrom has the largest selection of colors, prints, and new releases. I shop the site for the best variety.
• Nordstrom Rack: Check the sales section for steeply discounted Zella leggings in past season colors and styles.
• Zella.com: The brand’s website is a good option for basics like black, navy, and grey pairs. Sign up for emails to get notified of promotions and restocks.
• Poshmark: Search this resale app for lightly used Zellas at 50-60% off retail pricing. Great way to save!
• Amazon: Limited colors and sizing, but you may find select pairs for cheap with free Prime shipping. Always check reviews first.

Finding Your Perfect Pair

If you’ve made it this far, it’s probably time to shop for your own Zella capris! Here are some final tips for finding that ideal pair:

• Look for a dark neutral color like black, navy or graphite grey for maximum versatility.
• Check the inseam length to ensure the cropped cut hits at your preferred spot on your calves. Different styles range from 19-22 inches typically.
• Browse size charts and reviews to nail down your best fit. Size up if between sizes for a looser compression feel.
• Opt for the high waisted versions for a flattering sculpted look during workouts. The waistband won’t dig in or roll down.
• Add a pair to your cart any time you see a promotioal discount or flash sale to get the biggest bang for your buck!

The Final Word

Well, I hope this guide provided the full scoop on my go-to leggings! Let me know if you end up trying Zella capris after reading. I’m happy to answer any other questions you might have about sizing, styling or where to find the best deals. Give this workout staple a spin – your legs and wallet will thank you later!