Disclosure: Montiel sponsored this review, but 4 of us Lafayette Moms Blog writers received clothing before we started to spread the good word, and we cannot recommend them enough.
Montiel – Your New Favorite Workout Brand
My Journey to a Healthier Me
Over the course of a year, I began the slow journey of losing the dreaded baby weight. Only problem was, I wasn’t just carrying 
baby weight. I was carrying baby weight, newlywed weight, and just plain I don’t eat well weight. My husband and I began working with a health coach to learn a healthier lifestyle. We began eating right and exercising. Since last summer, I’ve lost 60 pounds, gone from a size 18 to a size 8 and found my groove with fitness. I’ve become obsessed with spending some quality time in the gym. I do not see gym time as alone time, self care time, or just something I do if I’m bored. Gym time for me can be family time with the whole gang, a date night with my husband, or pump class with a few friends. Either way, I make it happen. I have noticed a huge difference in my energy level since I’ve started working out, as well as eating clean. Gym time can be costly though. I started just wearing whatever I had laying around, but soon I was spending a fair amount of time in workout clothes. Since I found myself wearing leggings, sports bras and other workout items 3- 5 days a week, I jumped at the chance to try out Montiel!
“Want To Try Montiel?” Um, YES!
Montiel offered to send some mommas (myself included) a sports bra, a shirt and a pair of their leggings for FREE. As a new found gym rat, I was so excited to try another brand of workout gear. So many of my go to outfits have become too big, or I’ve worn them for so long that they’re wearing out. Since my journey to a healthier me, I’ve tried four or five different brands of workout clothes, and I’m pretty sure my search is over. Everything Montiel sent me was great, washed well, worked well in the gym and in everyday mom life. I hate having to change clothes after the gym to go about my daily life. I love that I could wear these leggings to run errands, as well as run at the gym. Win, win!
We’ve all been there; we’re doing squats at the gym only to look in the mirror and realize that our new, expensive gym leggings are completely see through. Who am I kidding? I was trying to get something off the bottom shelf at Target and my 5 year old yells, “Mommy, I can see your panties.” Regardless of when it happens, see through leggings are about the worst thing ever.
I have some pretty steep requirements for leggings, especially leggings I plan on working out in. Some leggings are completely suitable for hanging out around the house, but don’t quite cut it in the gym. Other leggings, like the new Montiel High Waisted Leggings, meet my very strict standards for a great workout legging. First off, they are incredibly comfortable. Like fitted, compression leggings, but don’t make me look or feel like a busted can of biscuits. Secondly, I tend to size up because of my hips and booty (baby got back!), which makes the waist in my leggings too big. Not a problem, says the good people of Montiel. Y’all! I ran a mile, then did some strength training, and not once did I stop to pull up my leggings. This is an absolute first for me! They literally fit me like a glove.
I also tend to have a length issue with many a pair of pants or leggings. Where are my 5’9 or taller girls?! Everything is too short! Ugh. I usually just go with it, and say they are ⅞ cropped leggings, or capri length even, but these leggings once again score big with me. The length is perfect! The High Waisted Leggings also held up well in the wash, though I love them so much, I washed them inside out, in cold water, on the gentle cycle, and laid them flat to dry. I’m making these babies last as long as I can. We, at the Courville house, are on a budget, and these beautiful, great, leggings are an investment that I will care for. For $78, ($62 with coupon code LOUISIANAMOM), you, too, can have these are amazing leggings. I would say the leggings are true to size. I can also tell you that – while Montiel gave me leggings to try – I am a customer for life!
Montiel also has a wide variety of shirts that are absolutely amazing.
Seriously, go check them out; there’s something for everyone. Montiel sent me the long sleeve Hanley. I LOVE this shirt! Given that I live in workout clothes when I’m not working, a cute workout shirt is a must.
Now, this shirt is so precious that I don’t think it can be held back by being classified as a workout shirt. I wore the Teardrop bra and Hanley shirt out on a date with my husband. I felt great about my outfit, and that made me enjoy my night! Well that, and my husband is pretty wonderful. The Hanley is basically wrinkle free, and definitely pill free after a wash. (I did lay this flat to dry as
well). I will say this, if you have an expectation of your workout shirts to cover your booty, then the Hanley shirt may not be your best pick. I normally really care about the booty being covered, so I’d rock the Hanley on a date, or with a pair of shorts. For leggings, I’d stick with the Riley Racerback shirt, so my Ass-sets are covered. I’d also say the Hanley fit is true to size, but I might would cover a bit more booty with a size up.
Now let’s talk bras.
I live in sports bras. I mean underwire bras are for work. Sports bras are for everything else. I’m not a fan of super compression bras, as I have no boobs, and don’t like to feel too restricted. The Teardrop sports bra is perfect for a medium support, comfy bra. This bra is not only comfy, it is also totally adorable. With so many open back clothing options these days, I love a cute strappy sports bra. Let’s be honest … my husband likes them too. The Teardrop bra has a wonderful strappy back, but the Teardrop name comes from the cute little cutouts on the front/top of the bra. For $38 (again $31 with code LOUISIANAMOM), this bra is worth every penny. It has removable pads, if you don’t care for any padding in a sports bra. The Teardrop bra going to be precious with all my summer sleeveless apparel, or sleeveless winter apparel because it’s Louisiana after all.
Whether you’re a die hard gym rat, a marathon runner, or an athleisure enthusiast, I encourage you to find a pair of leggings that fit you like a glove, underwear that makes you feel sexy, and a shirt that is so versatile that you can wear it to the gym and out on a date. For me, clothing is all about feeling good in the skin you’re in. Find that, and wear the heck out of it!
FAQs About Montiel ::
- Do the Montiel Clothing Items run true to size? Yes! I found everything to be TTS. Leggings may be a bit on the small side, so if you’re in between size up.
- Is Montiel something I would buy again? Absolutely! I really loved all the pieces I was sent. I felt confident, comfortable and ready to hit the gym or run errands!
- How do I get 20% off my order? Insert Coupon Code LOUISIANAMOM at check out and you will get 20% off your total purchase.
- What is the return policy? Montiel offers free shipping and returns within the United States! Easy!
- Where is Montiel made? According to the OUR STORY section of their website, Montiel is made in Los Angeles! Yay for made in the USA!
- How much does Montiel clothing typically cost? The bras run from $38 – $46. Camis and tanks run from $42-$48. The leggings cost from $48 (Shorts), $68 (Capri), and $74 – $80 for full length pants.
If you’d like to treat yourself to any Montiel Clothing options use code “LOUISIANAMOM” for 20% off your total purchase.
Want to learn more about Montiel? Visit ::
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