Holy heck, friends — I’m gonna spare you the usual warm-up banter and just cut right to it: if you haven’t tried adidas’ Soft Lux line, it is a freaking treat. I mean, as of a couple of weeks ago, I was in the same boat, but now that I’ve experienced this elevated twist on the usual sweat separates, it’s gonna be tough to go back.
quarter-zip top (S) | pants (S) | vest (S) | shoes (size down half) | socks | bag
adidas Soft Lux Review: The Chic, Lint-Free Athleisure Set I’m Obsessed With
Quite simply, these adidas Soft Lux offerings are some of the most comfortable, chic, lint-free athleisure pieces I’ve ever put on my body.
Yeah. Lint-free.
As in, no mystery fuzz in your underarms.
No linty bits clinging to your sports bra.
But also? When I was laying on the ground playing with the pooch the other day, all the dust and fibers from our flatwoven rug brushed right off the black Soft Lux pants.
If you’re a frequent wearer of any black leggings or sweats, you’ll appreciate this for the true miracle it is.
What Makes adidas Soft Lux Different? (Hint: It’s Totally Lint-Free)
Online, adidas describes the whole Soft Lux situation as “peached spacer fabric with super-soft modal” — which sounds like witchy marketing speak for futuristic magic sweats that are lighter, sleeker and, somehow, still warmer than traditional alternatives. (Wait, did I miss my calling as a copywriter for athletic wear? Because I think mine is maybe a bit more descriptive.)
But truly, this fabrication might be my favorite thing adidas has ever done — and that includes the stunning gold Sambas I’m wearing in this post. It’s simply so freaking cool — with a smooth, almost sueded exterior (I guess that’s where the peached comes in); great drape (thanks, no doubt, to the super-soft modal); and a lofty, light feel that has just enough structure (oh hi, spacer fabric! hmmm, maybe they do know what they’re talking about…).
quarter-zip top (S) | pants (S) | shoes (size down half) | socks | bag
Add in a sleek interior (see again: lint-free) that feels genuinely great against bare skin while ensuring that pieces layer without clinging to whatever you’re sporting below, and it’s truly genius.
The subtle three-stripe logo on all the pieces reinforce the chic, futuristic aesthetic of the collection, too. And, of course, it doesn’t hurt that the entire Soft Lux line features the coolest modern silhouettes and proportions.
The Soft Lux Quarter-Zip: Elevated, Oversized & Surprisingly Versatile
quarter-zip top (S)
This Soft Lux Quarter-Zip is a perfect example. It’s got a vibey stand-up collar, drop shoulders, generous, bat-wingy sleeves and a current, boxy shape that looks oversized without feeling sloppy.
It’s one of those pieces that can be tucked or untucked, zipped or not, and wears more like a sweater than a sweatshirt. A gem.
Soft Lux Loose Pants: Elegant, Drapey & My New Favorite “Sweats”
quarter-zip top (S) | pants (S) | vest (S) | shoes (size down half)
And these Soft Lux Loose Pants are downright…elegant? Harem-adjacent, I’d say, with so much billowy volume you could easily pass them off as something that actually requires effort. Ha! Honestly, one of the most exciting pairs of “sweats” I’ve ever owned — so good that I also nabbed them in the same olive-gray Silver Pebble hue as the quarter-zip.
How I’m Styling The Soft Lux Set For Fall, Coastal Days & Winter Layers
This is the exact type of outfit I can get away with wearing almost all year-round in these parts, but it’s especially perfect for a brisk day on the coast.
Layered up with the Helionic CLIMAWARM Relaxed Down Vest I’ve been wearing for a couple of years now, it’ll take me well into winter, too. And since these Soft Lux Loose Pants have cinched hems, they’ll be perfect for pulling on over base layers aprés ski — without fear of dragging them through sludgy parking lots.
The Helionic CLIMAWARM Vest: A Cute Layer That Actually Performs
quarter-zip top (S) | pants (S) | vest (S)
Speaking of that Helionic Vest — I originally bought it because it was cute, offering roomier proportions than the trimmer, slimmer puffy vests I collected when we first moved to the Bay (IYKYK).
But turns out, it’s a heck of performance piece. CLIMAWARM technology designed to trap heat while releasing moisture. Cozy, lined zip pockets. A drawcord at the waist to cinch out chill. Water repellent finish. And 600 Fill insulation. It’s an actual winter performance workhorse that has gone well beyond drop-off and dog walks.
Gold adidas Sambas: The Holiday Shoe I’ll Wear With Everything
quarter-zip top (S) | pants (S) | shoes (size down half) | socks | bag
And then there are those gold Sambas, which need almost zero explanation. My 3-year-old actually squealed when she helped me open the box, but when her big sister ran over and exclaimed, whoa Mom, those are awesome! I knew I’d struck, well, gold.
It’s not often I get positive feedback from the 10-year-old, so do with that what you will. I’ve also gotten compliments from the sneakerhead stock guy at the fancy grocery store and a true-blue teenager at the library, so I’ll now be wearing these every day until the end of time, thankyouverymuch.
I also guarantee you won’t find a more comfortable holiday shoe. I fully intend to pair these with anything and everything that needs a festive boost in the coming months, so bring on the party invites.
Samba Sizing Tips: How These Fit Compared to My Usual Size
pants (S) | shoes (size down half) | socks
I know there are mixed reviews on Sambas sizing, but with every pair I’ve owned, I’ve found success sizing down half from my (non-adidas) usual size. I’m a solid 8 in almost every other brand, and these are perfect (with even the teensiest amount of space to spare) in a women’s size 7.5.
Also: a moment for the socks! If these are still in stock when you’re reading this, they’re an immediate add-to-cart for a teen, tween or yourself. There’s even a subtle little shimmer in the black striping. So stinkin’ cute.
quarter-zip top (S) | pants (S) | shoes (size down half) | socks | bag
Soft Lux for Men: Great Gifts (and Colors Worth Stealing)
Oh, and one last thing worth mentioning? While any of these pieces would make fantastic gifts for the gals in your life (I think my own mom would love the Quarter-Zip in black for her long Wednesday walks), the Soft Lux line is also available for men.
We’re talking crewnecks, hoodies, tees and their own version of these very cool pants — in some seriously good colors that I’d be tempted to steal for myself. I’m dropping a few, below, so you can see what I mean.
Soft Lux, friends. Give it a try. I know you’ll be just as obsessed.
xo,
Em
Oh hey friends! Follow me on Instagram for accessible, easily adaptable recipes; real life kid lunchbox inspo; sneak peeks of The Mom Edit content (and sales!); and more snippets of our life on the Northern California coast. Byeeeeee.
