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Wednesday 1 February 2017

Coco Bay launches its activewear range


Cocobay are already well known to many for their fabulous swimwear, beachwear and accessories. They stock brands such as Seafolly, Banana Moon and Baki. Part of their appeal to me is that they have a section dedicated to DD/E/F bra sizes plus a great choice of bikinis and swimming costumes which fit and flatter like other brands just can't. I have several happy clients who have used their service and who wouldn't now dream of shopping in a store for their swimwear.


The girls at Coco Bay also know their stock really well and give great customer service, to the point that recently they won Feefo's "Excellence in Customer Service Award".  On the back of all of that, they have recently expanded into activewear, with their philosophy being simple:

"Together with our award winning Customer Service, we aim to make buying activewear easy and totally un-intimidating for our customers. We are offering our own unique edit of products that all combine quality and innovation along with style that is aspirational yet approachable."


Loving Coco Bay as I do, I was really interested to see that they would be including activewear in their range and I couldn't wait to see their collection. When I discovered that it included Seafolly (many pieces of which are exclusive to Coco Bay), I knew that it would be great.  Being a bit of a runner and a lover of exercise, I was delighted to be able to try out a selection of their pieces


First off, the jacket. Oh this is so gorgeous. I'm wearing the Seafolly Activewear Flower Festival Windbreaker Hoodie I  love that it's both feminine and practical. With its pretty print and cropped style it's just lovely. It would also be a great piece for a festival, or a beach holiday so unlike some active wear jackets which have "sports gear" written all over them, this would be multi-functional.


On my bottom half, I'm wearing the Bodyglove Activewear Wonderland Tsunamui Capri Leggings  in multi. These have mesh inserts to assist with ventilation which is handy on a long run. They are also super stretchy so great for yoga or pilates and the fabric just feels a lovely quality.

Bodyglove (who make the above leggings) is a brand that I haven't come across before but it was started over 60 years ago by twin brothers in Missouri, who made the first practical wetsuit. It is still a family owned surf/dive brand and they have now expanded into beach and activewear. Given the fabric and fit of these leggings, the brand's history doesn't surprise me. As Coco Bay are the only UK stockists of Bodyglove, if you're not a fan of being seen in the same as everyone else, this could just be for you.


The long sleeved top that I am wearing is also by Bodyglove and it's the Chinook mesh hooded top in diva red. It's a looser fitting hoodie, which will have particular appeal to some as not everyone likes close fitting layers. It's made from a lightweight mesh, breathable fabric and I  have to say that the combination of this top and the jacket meant that I was warm but that the air was circulating - if you get my drift!

What really appeals to me is that the Coco Bay founder, Belinda Robinson found the concept of activewear completely alien and it was only when trying on the samples from Seafolly and Bodyglove that she appreciated what the fuss was all about. It's true what she says, the products really do feel amazing on (much nicer than most of the slightly shabby washed out stuff that I wear) and I am led to believe, by my friend, that the leggings are flattering.


And I think that all of the above is important for anyone just entering the activewear clothing arena, as well as those already well and truly in it. Like pyjamas and underwear and all of those things that we "make do" with because we don't feel that they really matter, sports wear often gets neglected. However I have to say, with particular reference to the leggings, wearing some that don't fall down, or ride up, or cut you in half, that breathe and stretch and make you look better than you do - well that's a revelation that has me jumping for joy.

Oh and just as a little enticement, there's a 15% discount off all of the lovely activewear with the code BETHACTIVE!