Bo + Tee Review
Bo+Tee is Oh Polly’s gym range brand. Launching in 2020— just as lockdown kicked in— there was a lot of buzz on social media over the new collection. It was high in demand with new styles dropping and selling out almost immediately. To save you the arduous back and forth over whether or not to take the plunge and try it for yourself (and if anything, just to save you that delivery fee $$), I thought I’d share my thoughts on the new Bo+Tee range.
When I looked into the range, there were two products I really wanted to review, and it was important to me to test a lighter coloured item of clothing to see how ‘squat proof’ it was— no one likes a VPL when you’re working out. I opted for the seamless range given its reputation for being breathable , durable, flexible. Click here for a new Bo + Tee 2022 review.
Credits: Boandtee.com
Accomplish pink seamless top and leggings
Online photo– Seamless Pink Top (£32 now £25) & Leggings (£35 now £30): From the online photos I’d say colour wise this was true to what was pictured on the website. So, with this item at least, you can rest assured that you won’t have any surprises when your clothes arrive.
FIT
Top: Despite being a larger chested girl a small usually fits perfectly on fitted crop tops, although it’s sometimes a squeeze. Strangely, there was actually space at the bottom of the crop top to potentially size down. One thing I noted (although this was definitely my own error) was that this crop top wasn’t padded— for some reason I assumed it would be, but this was never specified on the website. You would 100% want to wear a sports bra underneath this as, unfortunately, it’s rather see through which is a shame. It has a square neckline which is quite flattering and cut out thumb holes. I have never found these overly useful in the gym but helped to keep the top from riding up!
Leggings: They also have a ribbed high-waisted fit which is flattering, but I feel it doesn’t tuck you in as much as the unitard (limited podgy belly shown when doing those ab exercises).
It is with regret that I must inform you these are NOT squat proof, despite the website saying that they are. The darker styles in this collection may potentially be squat proof (or just underwear proof) however this colourway is NOT. With light colours (beige included) and even a seamless thong on you can see every indent and curve of your underwear. So, despite these fitting quite nicely it’s just not worth the embarrassment of wearing these at the gym— unless, you know, visible pant lines are your thing.
Feel
Top: Because of the awkward fit, this top did ride up. I’d attempt sizing down but I’d still want to wear a sports bra underneath so it simply just didn’t serve its purpose. Even from watching workout videos from some influencers who have braved the tops with no sports bras- it clearly gives no support.
Leggings: The leggings allow for a lot of movement and amazingly don’t ride up (believe me I’ve tested countless lunges/ squats and star jumps). It’s just a shame that they’re so see through as this detracts from their benefits.
Overall: I’d attempt a darker colour and potentially change a long sleeve top for a non sleeve top. I’m thinking long sleeve top and leggings to actually wear in the gym and do a proper workout would be TOUGH.
Credits: Boandtee.com
Make it count red seamless unitard
Online photo– Make it count Unitard (£35 now £30). I’d say its pretty spot on in terms of what it actually looks like in the flesh— potentially a little darker if I’m being pernickety.
FIT
Unitard: I was a little apprehensive as shape wise, the top half of the unitard looked similar to the seamless V neck sports bra. A few of my friends tried this and mentioned how low cut this was and how you’d possibly feel uncomfortable wearing this at the gym with this much skin on show. This, coupled with the limited support made me hesitant to purchase something similar. Nevertheless, this unitard weirdly feels quite supportive with removable padded cups and adjustable straps for extra support. In general I find it quite difficult to get something with decent support for HIT workouts as a bigger chested girl, but I’d give this a 4 out of 5. If I’m being really critical, I’d say that this unitard wouldn’t be my go-to for HIIT workouts, but I’d be comfortable wearing this for pretty much any other form of exercise. It accentuates your figure and is incredibly flattering.
FEEL
Unitard: I absolutely loved the feel of this. It has an elastic middle panel around your waist and it really does suck you in so you don’t feel like you are on show. Despite feeling quite heavy on the hanger it is incredibly lightweight and not restricting at all when on. I did worry that the shorts would perhaps be way too short but luckily these fall just below the glutes. They sit quite well when you’re moving and don’t ride up.
Sweat and squat proof- These on me actually were squat proof and when working out in this I didn’t see any sweat marks!
Not see through- In bright lights it is possible to see the outline of your underwear, but other than that they’re pretty opaque.
Overall: This would be one of my favourite gym wear pieces EVER if only there was better support in the top half but I do realise that’s a tough ask with this specific style. I rarely say this but I did feel it was worth the £35!
Recommendation
Overall I would recommend Bo+Tee looks wise for their active wear but for more strenuous exercise I think you are worth sticking to gym wear built for the occasion.
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Great post and great tips
Thanks, Tigs
These look good. I’m not really expert abut these but your review will help others to know about it. Thank you for sharing!
Love Oh Polly. Haven’t wore any of their active wear yet, but that set is cute! Thanks for sharing.