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Work from home or not, I’ve gone all in on the “athleisure” movement. Being able to wear clothes that feel as comfortable as pajamas while also looking presentable is unbeatable. As I slowly replace my boring, traditional pieces with more advanced apparel, I’m always on the lookout for great brands. When I came across Olivers—a Los Angeles-based company making premium athletic gear—I was really excited to see if I had found the next hidden gem in menswear.
Classic Wears With A Hint Of Innovation
Olivers started in 2013 with the intention of creating simple, tailored apparel with the best possible fabrics. The Olivers team has traveled to places like Australia and Peru to find fabrics that feel great to wear and also perform with an active lifestyle—they don’t mess around when it comes to textiles.
Their All Over Stretch Weave fabric is the main ingredient in Olivers’ first creation, the now bestselling All Over Short (AOS). Described as “A modern-day answer to 70s-era nylon,” it’s lightweight, soft, water repellent, and moisture wicking. Passage Stretch Weave is Olivers’ answer to outdated denim. The material is a proprietary blend of CORDURA Nylon and Lycra, which makes for breathable, stretchy pants that move in the same motion as your body. In addition to their new twists on short and pant fabric, Olivers offers high-quality, updated versions of classic materials like oxford, merino jersey, and French terry.
The result of this devotion to quality fabrics and superior craftsmanship is a collection of pants, shorts, and tops that could probably replace everything in your wardrobe right now. Just in time for summer, I got to try the All Over Short, Passage Pant, and Surge Tee.
All Over Short
These are the “short that started it all,” and for good reason: they’re straightforward, versatile, and an instant classic. I’m wearing them as I write this, and they’re perfect for hanging out or going for a stroll, especially if the temperature is anywhere above 65°.
What sets the AOS apart from others is definitely the All Over Stretch Weave fabric; it’s top-notch quality. I could wear these everyday for years and feel confident they wouldn’t lose their integrity. I typically wear a size medium, and as the Olivers’ site shows, the AOS is meant to rise above the knee and be slim. If you like baggier gym shorts, I’d go a size up (you can also get a longer or shorter inseam). The AOS also has a great elastic waistband that keeps the short secure, but doesn’t feel too tight.
Passage Pant
Similar to Lululemon’s ABC Pant collection, the Olivers Passage Pant is a great alternative to jeans or khakis. The Passage Stretch Weave fabric has made a fan out of me: it has four-way stretch, feels like it could handle a beating, and dries quickly (Olivers recommends not putting in them in the dryer). With over 15 color options spanning from Desert (pictured below) to Navy and Brass, you're bound to find a shade to incorporate into your wardrobe.
Like other Olivers pieces, quality is the best part about the Passage Pant. The stitching is precise, the buttons and rivets feel unbreakable, and the five pockets make them a great pair of travel pants. A bit pricey at $148, this pair of pants is an investment piece—and I have a feeling I’ll be able to wear them for a long time.
Surge Tee
The Surge Tee may be one of the softest t-shirts I’ve ever worn. It’s made with organic recycled cotton, which reduces water and energy consumption. It’s form fitting and a part of Olivers’ technical activewear collection—again, I ordered a medium, but if I get another one I’ll get a size bigger. It feels a little tight in the chest and shoulders.
When I wore the Surge Tee to the gym, I almost forgot I had it on; it allowed for great movement, and I didn’t feel too restricted. This is a great shirt if you do a lot of upper-body exercises, but at $55, it’s hard to have one for every workout.
Final Thoughts
I’m no expert, but Olivers definitely passes my test for quality athleisure. The AOS is the perfect short for just about any activity, the Passage Pant could easily replace my jeans and other casual pants, and the Surge Tee is extremely comfortable and functional.
The only thing that’s holding me back from completely replacing all my clothes is the price. Like Lululemon, it’s definitely on the higher end of the workout gear spectrum. Durability and overall structure justifies the cost, but it’ll take some time before I’m able to afford a closet full of Olivers. That being said, I can’t wait to enjoy the summer and get active, now with some of the most comfortable clothes I’ve ever worn.
5 More Reasons To Love Olivers:
1. 365 Guarantee: Olivers will repair or replace products that have manufacturing defects within the first year after purchase.
2. Slim, never skinny: Olivers look great on many different body types, with an emphasis on being form fitting.
3. Bundle and save: Buying multiple styles? Look into their packs (which include t-shirts, gym shorts, hoodies, and joggers) and save money.
4. Rewards: Refer a friend with a $50 coupon, you’ll get one too if they make a purchase.
5. For the office: In addition to their workout-oriented activewear, Olivers has some great button downs that just like the Passage Pant, could easily be worn for a night out or on a Zoom call.
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