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We tried Popflex, the size-inclusive activewear brand that Taylor Swift loves, and now we're huge fans, too
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Look, I don't make all my fashion choices based on Taylor Swift's style, but I can't say I'm not a little influenced. So when Swift was spotted no less than four times wearing a small activewear brand called Popflex, I was obviously intrigued. It's even been heavily speculated that the "lilac short skirt" Swift sings about in "imgonnagetyouback" off her new album, The Tortured Poets Department, is the Popflex Pirouette Skirt.
Fortunately, my coworker Jaclyn Turner was already a big fan of the brand. She clued me into Popflex's romantic and feminine silhouettes and even showed me a few TikToks of the thoughtful design process Popflex founder Cassey Ho puts into each new style. As the author of several of our guides to the best plus-size clothing, I was even more excited to hear how size-inclusive the brand is — nearly all the styles are available up to a 3X and pants are available in several different inseam lengths at all sizes. After adding approximately two dozen styles to my wishlist, I knew I had to pull the trigger and try the brand for myself.
Since I'm at the high end of Popflex's size range (a 3X or women's 24), I also enlisted the help of Jaclyn (closer to a 1X or XL) to test out the brand at the mid-size range. (We hope to add in some straight-sized testers soon.) Over the course of two months we've tested the products firsthand while playing tennis, hiking in the Rockies, and on long walks and bike rides. Below you'll find our review of eight Popflex styles — nearly all of which we loved.
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Our top Popflex styles at a glance:
Our in-depth Popflex review:
I'd like to say I was obsessed with the Popflex Pirroutte Skirt before my queen Taylor Swift put a certain "lilac short skirt, the one that fits me like skin" onto the world stage. This skirt is a frilly, ballerina spin on a workout classic, and I don't even know where to begin except to say I'm obsessed. I chose a basic black color because I wanted to wear it with everything. It's currently very very sold out, but PopFlex is taking preorders for the restock. —Jaclyn Turner
This is the piece that felt most outside my comfort zone, but the one I was most excited to try. As a tall girl with a big booty, short skirts always feel like a hazard for me, but the built-in shorts in this skort make me feel extra comfortable that my butt is fully covered while I'm running around a pickleball court or hiking up steep trails. It's not only incredibly cute, but also super soft and comfortable, and I've gotten many compliments on it. —Lauren Savoie
A twirly tennis skort can do no wrong in my book. This one is so comfy and elevates my errand look, but I also can't wait to take this skort to the tennis court. It's a great-fitting basic that sucks me in and I love the length. I'm going to need this in every color. —Jaclyn Turner
This is a great sports bra; supportive, soft, and cute. It's become my go-to for low- to medium-impact activities like pickleball, hiking, and biking. I've felt super comfortable wearing it on its own and under clothes, which is not something I can say for every sports bra in my dresser. It has a great amount of coverage, which makes it feel closer to a cropped tank than a sports bra. I'm definitely curious to check out more of the brand's bras, including the super cute Romance Ruffle Bra and ballet-inspired Coquette Long-Sleeve Mesh Bra. —Lauren Savoie
I don't typically equate hoodies with being stylish, but this one certainly is, with its oversized balloon sleeves, slightly cropped fit, and dramatic sweeping hood. A TikTok about how founder Cassey designed it actually lives rent-free in my head, so it was definitely one of the Popflex pieces I was eager to try. The brand suggested I size down in the Cloud Hoodie to an L/XL, and it fits perfectly. My one odd observation is that the matching metal cord stoppers could kind of hurt if flung around, and I am curious as to how they may clang in the washing machine. —Jaclyn Turner
The Cloud Zip Hoodie was probably my favorite of everything I tried (but it was a tough call!). This hoodie has the perfect oversized fit, which is hard to find when you're plus size. You can tell that so much thought went into the design. The hoodie is more fitted at the hips than at the waist, which produces a bubbled-over look rather than hanging straight down like most zip hoodies. The sleeves are similarly bubbled at the wrists, so the look is oversized but still fitted. I love the slightly off-the-shoulder opening and the materials are supersoft. The 1X/3X is generously sized; I usually wear a 3X and I felt like I had plenty of extra room in the hoodie. —Lauren Savoie
I attribute these sleek flared leggings to putting me back on to yoga pants. They elongate my legs and give my butt a nice lift. I feel nice and supported, and the fabric is so buttery soft. They come in five different inseams, too, which is nice for girls of all heights. Also, thank goodness for subtle side pockets that easily fit my phone. —Jaclyn Turner
These leggings, with their high-waisted crisscross details, make me feel very Gen Z (in a good way!) I love that they come in different inseams. At 5'11", I find that pants are chronically short on me, but these leggings in the 34" inseam were perfect, if not a little long (they go up to a 37" inseam). They're comfy and cute and I feel like they will be a staple of many "hot girl walks" this summer. —Lauren Savoie
This corset-style top is so cute and flirty, and the adjustable straps are an absolute must. It could easily go from barre to dinner. The light bubblegum pink color did show a little more of my tummy details than I personally feel comfortable with, so next time I'd probably opt for a darker color. —Jaclyn Turner
The material on this tank top is so silky and smooth. I loathe the phrase "buttery soft," but it's honestly what popped into my head when I first tried it on. It has a pretty solid built-in bra, but because of the cut-out, you can't really wear a sports bra underneath it, so I'd likely wear this for lower-impact activities like walking and casual biking. The Audrey Tank is honestly a bit more my style and probably what I'll opt for the next time I place an order. —Lauren Savoie
This one was my one wild card and, unfortunately, a pass. While I absolutely loved the Iris color, the fit of the Supershort Runsie did not flatter me. The built-in sports bra was not supportive enough for me, causing my breasts to sag over the cutout design, while the built-in biker shorts gaped away from my legs and hit at an odd length. Overall, the design made me feel very round. —Jaclyn Turner
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