REVIEW: Tessa Lang’s Tigers and Toucs Leggings

A year ago, I was in Asheville, North Carolina visiting some family and friends. On a walk in an artistic part of town, I happened to walk into the studio of an artist named Tessa Lang. I was intrigued by her squiggly, almost cartoon-like style of painting nature scenes and was excited to see that she had printed some of her art onto leggings (my favorite thing ever). Since then, we have kept in touch and I’ll tag her whenever I take some fun gym video with her work on my body. She offered to send me a pair from her new Chtapodi collection so I could review and send a picture for the website. This was the best deal ever.

The following is my 5-star review. Some pics follow. You can see her work on her Instagram @tessalangart and her website as well.

Let me begin by saying that I happen to live in leggings as a dance teacher and adult gymnast, so having Tessa Lang’s work in my daily rotation is a delight.  From the moment I first set eyes on the small rack of leggings when I walked into her Asheville, North Carolina studio a year ago, I was intrigued. They were so vibrant and unique, unlike anything you would see in Athleta, which is where I usually get my workout gear. I decided to buy the Elephant Love pair off the rack and have loved them ever since. I call them my Señor Elephante leggings. A few months later, I ordered a couple more pieces and I loved them too (Compression: The Duel and She’s is like a wildflower; beautiful, fierce and free). 

Now, I have what may now be my favorite pair from her newest Chtapodi collection: Tigers and Toucs. 

The practical positives:

• COMFORT: When I first put them on, I immediately noticed how soft and supple they were on the inside. They hug the legs so comfortably. If you are wavering between a larger and smaller pair, size up. The compression is ample. I’m tall (5’7”) and the bottom rests just above my ankle bone. Very comfortable, not squeezy at all. 
• POCKETS: As a dance teacher, pocket leggings are very important to me. I particularly love side pockets; these have a large back pocket. I was originally worried, but it works. There’s plenty of room for a large phone, along with a small pocket in the left waistband for a key fob or some cash.  My phone rests securely at my back as I navigate my life. I’d love to see a side pocket version in a future collection (hint!).
• FABRIC: These will last a long time. Whatever the blend of polyester and stretch is, it’s not chintzy. They are built well, hug the right places, and shape your rear quite nicely. I am not a model, but even I was impressed when I looked in the mirror at my 51-year-old self.

Now, forgetting all the practical stuff: the leggings are simply gorgeous. Literal works of art on your body: the vibrant colors, her signature style of bringing the natural world to life, and it’s all PRINTED ON A LEGGING! I saw a friend the first day I wore them and she instantly complimented them. In fact, every pair I’ve worn have gotten amazing feedback from total strangers. They are fun, free-spirited and bring me joy every time I wear them.

Overall, brava on this beautiful collection! Tessa has outdone herself. You have hooked this New Yorker.