Michi - "Wave" Sports Bra + "Glow" Leggings

Michi, the Brand:

Black activewear is ubiquitous, but I can tell when it's done by Michi. It may be the placement of a white strip, which recalls the pattern of a killer whale, or the subtle mesh inserts on the side of the leggings, to play off the depth of the black fabric. Founded in New York, Michi often incorporates elements of dancewear, for body types which are not typically associated with dancers. As shown on its website, Michi celebrates strong shoulders and hips, with just the right cut of sports bras and leggings. The brand has created signature looks out of the simplest of colors, and is as committed to the aesthetic as it is with maintaining the quality of its activewear.

The "Wave" Sports Bra:

The "Wave" sports bra and "Glow" leggings were not sold as a set because they came out in different seasons--2020 for the sports bra and 2019 for the leggings, I believe. But as with most of the separates from Michi, they go well together. It is not only because they are both black-and-white. A black jacket and a black skirt do not automatically make a suit. The key in tying the look together is Michi's consistent color selection, season after season. The brand's white is the kind that people go to the dentists for; there is no ivory. The "Wave" sports bra is flanked by two panels in the brand's signature white, strategically placed for an uplifting effect. Contrast this version with a monochrome one and the difference is immediately noticeable.

The "Glow" Leggings:

The all-black "Glow" leggings are a staple at Michi, but at that price point I wanted something more striking. And striking I got--the seasonal special of the black-and-white version looks like an abstraction of a killer whale. The curved white strips at the hips are quite dramatic and can be difficult to wear. In all honesty, I have not found any non-Michi sports bra which would go with the leggings. It is already a wonder that Michi sports bras which did not come with the leggings as a set could somehow be paired with them. But as someone who loves black activewear and seeing it re-invented, I applaud the creativity.

SMusicHDance Checklist:

Padding for sports bra: Yes, removable (comes with inserts)
Sports bra straps: Non-adjustable
Legging rise: High-rise, with wide waistband
Legging length: Full length
Pockets on leggings: No
Support level: Good for running and gym workout. The leggings are squat-proof and not see-through. Sweat wicking.
Comfort level: I love this set for working out but would not recommend it for lounging around.
Fit: True to size for both. Based on the brand's size guide, I should be Sz Small (34A) for the sports bra and Sz Medium (27"-29" natural waist) for the leggings. The fit is snug but the sizes are correct.

Buying Online:

Michi is available at the brand's own website and the luxury activewear boutique Carbon38. From Michi's own website, free shipping is offered to US and Canadian orders over US$200. Returns for full-price items are accepted within 30 days of receipt, and return shipping is free for US and Canadian returns provided that you use the pre-arranged courier. Michi does ship to countries other than the US and Canada, but at a significant cost. The above terms are applicable at the time of this writing and you may refer to the brand's website for any update.

The "Wave" sports bra came out in 2020 and the black-and-white "Glow" leggings in 2019, and neither item is still available. For your consideration, I have linked below my suggestions for the current season. *This is not a sponsored post. I acquired the products on my own and receive no compensation for any purchases made via the links.

Photographer: Thomas Paul Hannam