Thursday, March 28, 2024

Fit Review: Cool Racerback II

by Cristina

Before you get upset at the thought of another rant post against the Cool Racerback II, I need to let you know ahead of time (so that you will keep reading) that I have more good things to say about the Cool Racerback II having tried it on than negative. Or maybe it’s equally positive and negative. Either way I promise you it’s a balanced review and not ranting. I was surprised and actually delighted by certain changes that I hadn’t seen mentioned anywhere else about the new Cool Racerback II. I went in prepared for the price increase but I actually gasped when it rang up at $58.24. That takes the CRB II from being a collectible easy monthly purchase to a very occasional and infrequent indulgence. The price difference isn’t so huge that it makes that much difference to the bottom line at the end of the year – it’s not even adding up to an entire CRB, so why would it change my shopping habit so drastically? Psychologically that is a big jump for a consumer. It makes me pause and wonder what more substantial purchases I could have made with that amount.  

Cool Racerback II – Super Purple

Super Purple is gorgeous but it’s too close to my original Cool Racerback in Power Purple so I didn’t feel too tempted. It’s a actually a blend between Bruised Berry and Power Purple. This is my TTS 10 and it fits much more relaxed around the middle than my original Cool Racerbacks. The Original is form fitting around the middle and much longer so the widest part hits lower on your hips. This version feels looser around the middle and hits higher up on my hips while not feeling too short. The higher neckline on this was a neutral change for me since I didn’t mind the original neckline and I don’t mind this higher neckline. The neckline actually reminds me a lot of the Modern Racerback Tank (Pima Cotton).

I’m sorry, I still really hate the back. The racerback seems unbalanced with the really thick ‘t’ and the thinner stem. I hate how much of my shoulder blades are exposed. The original comes up to just below my armpit and covers my wings. 

Cool Racerback II Hounds Camo

I tried on the Hounds Camo print in store and was surprised that it didn’t feel as hot as all my other print Cool Racerbacks. In fact, it felt really cottony and not polyestery at all which is what EVERY printed Cool Racerback has ever been. This was the most delightful update for the CRB II. It is actually a regular knit luon without any polyester print!!

Here you can see the reverse side of the print and it’s actually purple, and matte! It’s a knit luon and not a smooth plasticy polyester!

Another difference I haven’t seen mentioned anywhere is the seam detailing around the neckline. It’s actually a quite flattering double hem. 

Another one of my concerns was the ‘v’ seam in the back. This post [here] shows the stitching at the point is quite bulky but the one I saw in store today was pretty flat. You can also see the luon here and how matte and soft it is. It’s 92% Nylon/8% Lycra.

Detail look at the finishing at the neckline.

 Original Power Purple Cool Racerback overtop of the new Cool Racerback II Hounds Camo. You can see it’s actually quite a bit wider in the torso than the original. I was surprised at how much. 

https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.lululemon.com%2Fp%2Fwomen-tanks%2FCool-Racerback-II%2F_%2Fprod8260582%3Frcnt%3D12%26N%3D1z13ziiZ7z5%26cnt%3D36%26color%3DLW1AAVS_026674&site=www.shopstyle.ca&pid=uid6784-25288972-7

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48 comments

Ljg680 August 11, 2016 - 2:16 am

I bought a purple one today in a size down from my normal crb size. My crb size in the purple was huge. I don't like the back compared to the original crb. And the stitching looks really sloppy. But I don't have any purple tanks 🙁

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 3:32 am

The stitching on the inside of my purple one is really sloppy too 🙁 I asked if they had another in same size and colour and they looked in store and online and said no, but that if I ever had any problems with the stitching they would repair it for me. I really liked the way it looked on me and don't have any purples tanks so I went ahead and purchased it. Love it other than the price and the stitching.

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 2:18 am

bought purple today in my NYC store. I really love it. I love the cut. for me it's TTS. I'm a size 2 and bought sz 2. The stitchings on all my CRB II are flat and neat.

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 3:38 am

My purple one seems to be true to size compared with my original CRBs too. I wear a size 2 in CRBs as well. I ordered the red one yesterday and really hope it's the same. I will be so upset if it turns out to be wider.

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 2:19 am

sorry about the price increase in Canada. It's $48 in USA. What a drag and I would be PISSED ALSO!!

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 2:27 am

Yes $58 makes me think twice about what else this money buys…I have to admit I need a purple and a red crb as I don't have any so I will splurge on those…but I will be thinking twice about bottoms at $128….$144 with tax…buys quite a few groceries ..lol and I have amassed about 50 bottoms in 2 years so I wear some once a year…don't need any more other than special ones. Thanks for fit review….sounds like I should size down as I do now with crbs…

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 3:21 am

My Super Purple CRB II measures the same width when I compared it with some of my original CRBs… I hope my True Red one that I ordered is the same and not any wider!! I wear a size 2 and love the width the way it is, I don't want it to be any wider and won't be able to size down if it is! Fingers are crossed.

Perhaps the one you got that is wider width is a sizing inconsistency issue? I don't think they should have altered the fit to make them wider than they were because then they wouldn't be true to size, imo. It looks to be a whole size difference in width.

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 4:34 am

It does seem weird! I did measure differently than your photo above, but I'd expect to see more of difference in width if it is that much wider. I measured directly over each other, not off center like yours above, but really not any difference to be able to measure off center… The only difference in width I noticed was at the very bottom where it is now shorter looks a tiny bit wider than the original does at that point on it's length, if that makes sense, but not much difference. Maybe it is like you say, that the 'A' line is more exaggerated and noticeable with the difference in length… hmmm… now will have to wait until next Wednesday to see what my red one will be like…

Anyway, thank you for sharing your review, and I'm glad that you ended up liking it more than you had thought! It looks really good on you!

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Lulumum August 11, 2016 - 3:43 am

Weird. Both the purple and the print where the same. I just measured it against my other original CRB's and it's the same as the photo above. I think the 'A' line is just a much more exaggerated proportion.

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 3:30 am

Thanks for the review, I still dislike it, especially the thong back!

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 3:40 am

haha, it does look like a thong now that you mention it! Regardless, I actually find it flattering!

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Our Daily Lemon August 11, 2016 - 3:56 am

I had the same thought! Shoulder blade whale tail!

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 5:20 pm

at least thongs look good when you wear them! lol

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 12:45 pm

I tried it on in my store, and I liked it except for the back top part. The "stem" part of the straps is way too small and thin and long and not flattering. Other than that, I actually really liked how it looked everywhere else. But the back/neck part kept me from buying.

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 5:18 pm

this! I don't think I've seen a single pic with anyone's back looking flattering with that thin stem part. this completely ruins the tank for me (this and the new pricing, of course).

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 5:48 pm

Totally agree! The skinny back stem/T-strap looks really unflattering on most people. And with a strappy bra underneath, it ends up looking like a messy jumble of too many straps criss-crossing all over. I'm going to wait to buy until a CRB III comes out with a slightly wider racerback…

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 5:54 pm

hahaha CRB III

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 6:15 pm

They might as well since the CRB 2 is garbage.

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 6:54 pm

…and I wonder, will the price go up yet another $10 for a new CRB III… with all that 'innovation' it must take…

…and speaking of Lululemon's highly 'innovated' products, did anyone else see this as a response to the most recent review for Swiftly Long Sleeve (on US site only)?

(copy and paste)

"Thanks for sharing your thoughts. We value your feedback and want to explain in further detail the changes to our Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve Crew. In the eight years since we first introduced the Swiftly style, our designers and R&D teams have been innovating and product testing to create the very best products for our guests. We are now able to offer colours and beautifully crafted textures to this style. New colours include sapphire blue, true red, black, chilled grape, brave olive and a premium grey. As always, if you have a specific quality issue, we are all ears so don't hesitate to reach out to our GEC at 1.877.263.9300 or visit your local store."

I'm sorry, I know this is a canned response that they are told to say, but this it's absolutley ridiculous. I have tons and tons of Swiftly tops and I admit, I just purchased a new one since the price hike, but absolutely nothing has changed, imo, they seem the exact same as they have been. It's a load of BS trying to justify the price hikes.

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 9:15 pm

Anon 11:54 – I saw that and my eyes rolled so hard. The black Swiftly I bought a few months ago is literally identical to the black ones currently being peddled for $10 more in every way.

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Anonymous August 12, 2016 - 3:03 am

@ anon 11:54 & 2:15. If the above response were indeed true, specifically mentioning the new colours listed, then why did ALL the existing Colours go up in price? Why not just the new and " improved" ones? ( I am smelling something stinky here)

I agree with LLM, looking at her pics above objectively I like the front, and the slightly higher neckline but do not like the back at all. To me, every picture I see of the back makes everyone's back look wider and larger. Including my own and I am a size 6. It looked like my wings could spread out and fly! Lol. Needless to say, there will be no CRB II's in my closet. Have been actively buying CRBs on MD to add to an existing decent collection. That will do me just fine. Went into my store tonight, did not see a thing to temp me and for the first time ever, the team in there did not look happy. And that is unusual as it has a great staff.

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 2:18 pm

Has anyone tried on/seen the new Mini Splatter Black White printed one? Just wondering if this one is the same kind of material as the Hounds Camo one? and/or whether or not it fades out to white when stretched? I can see that it has white on the inside, but don't know if fades out or not… just curious since reading that the new camo one is a different material than other prints they've been doing… I really like this print, but won't order it if it's one of those ones that end up fading out to white over bust area.

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 2:49 pm

LLM how does super purple compare to iris flower?

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 5:02 pm

Hi anon 7:49 AM, I'm not LLM, but I have the Super Purple CRB II and Iris Flower Swiftly Short Sleeve Scoop and Half Zip. I would say they are very similar colours. I also have a Bruised Berry Forme Jacket that is quite similar, just a little darker than Super Purple, but not much difference at all.

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 4:25 pm

Holy 125 piece upload to WMTM on canadian side AND NOT ONE THING TO BUY! lol

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 5:12 pm

lol, I was thinking the same!

It's so disappointing to see the Swiftly tops go to WMTM now for what their regular price was just a week or so ago… 🙁 Yeah, great deal Lulu, thanks (rolling eyes)

Also, I noticed a few things that had been taken off WMTM not long ago and now put back on at a higher price. Example, Gather and Crow Crops II were on there for $49 previously and then taken off a week or so ago and now they are back for $74… smh…

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 5:15 pm

this!!! I first got excited seeing so many items uploaded. then realized there is nothing to buy!
pricing for swiftly top is so disappointing. I was tempted to get the tank, then did the math and realized it is same as old regular price. I mean, c'mon!

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Michelle Lu August 11, 2016 - 5:20 pm

Can't believe the WMTM price of Swiftly's was actually increased $10 because regular price went up. I bought a SS a few weeks ago for $49 and now it's $59. It's so tacky and backwards to jack up sale prices on items that didn't even sell for their original $58. They're hoping someone will accidentally pay an additional $1 because they weren't aware of the price change? Much lame.

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 8:31 pm

I had just come here to rant about exactly this topic! Things are now on sale for slightly more than they cost when they were originally uploaded. God, they must really think we're suckers.

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 11:30 pm

Hahaha! I was thinking the EXACT same thing – WMTM is full of things that were slightly CHEAPER a week ago, and could be RETURNED. Sigh… what a joke. So many items on "sale" with not a thing worth purchasing. But the truth is, most random shoppers won't really know the difference. It's just the old die-hards that notice, and I think our numbers are slowly shrinking.

My 4-6x/month purchase history has slowed to a trickle – I'm just buying the original CRBs as they hit WMTM, and pondering one or two items that I hope will hit WMTM soon. I can certainly afford the new prices, and would have gladly paid them for the lulu of old (I still love my pre-2010 items, and they still look and perform wonderfully), but the quality and feel of the new stuff is decidedly worse. Not worth it IMO.

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 5:11 pm

Trackers are 54$ on WMTM!
Ha!

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Anonymous August 12, 2016 - 3:15 am

It's ridiculous! I actually added a CRB to my cart, the espresso multi (the Browns & orange one) and then I noticed it was " marked down to $39. I went back and saw that the changed the MD price range to $29-$39. A $3 dollar MD Lulu? Are you kidding me!? I was so put off by that that I emptied the cart and said forget it. It's nice to see from the above comments that I am not the only disgusted one…

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Spidermobile_Girl August 11, 2016 - 5:58 pm

WMTM upload is weird. Lots of stuff from previous years and ya, not digging the regular "sale" prices. Not buying anything.

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 6:59 pm

Thanks for the thorough fit review. I agree with you about the back of the tank, I wish they hadn't changed it.

As for WMTM this a.m. I bought the On The Double Pullover. I have one already and love it so I am glad to be able to buy another one on sale. I also bought the Gather Me Jacket in Misty Blooms which I am shocked that it showed up in our WMTM when this print never made it to Canada until now. This is the most I have spent in months.

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 8:00 pm

Anon 11:59 am
I am very interested in the On the Double Pullover too but am unsure of what size to order. Can you tell me if they run TTS? I can't decide if I should order 2 or 4. I am a 2 in the Turn jacket but 4 in a Scuba II. TIA!

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 9:23 pm

I would recommend your size up – especially if you plan to put it over anything other than a CRB. I had a TTS 4 in the On the Double, but I ended up with a 6 from ebay and I prefer it much better.

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 9:26 pm

You would probably wear a size 2. I don't wear Scubas but I have tried them on and would probably wear a size 6. I am 5'2", 126lbs., 34B. The size 4 on me fits snug but not tight and if I went up a size it would have been too big. So I would say it is a tts snug fit. I really hopes this helps because it is a really nice fitting pullover.

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Anonymous August 12, 2016 - 3:39 am

This is very helpful, thank you. I am going to go with the 2….and hope it's not too snug 🙂

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 9:08 pm

Nope, sorry. Never going to buy it. Completely decline to be suckered to buy an inferior product for more money. This is a matter of principal and smarts, to be quite frank. LLL doesn't want my money, congrats, they won't get it.

FYI there are CRB i's on wmtm Canada (bali breeze, boom juice, pink shell) including the new addition paint storm multi priced at $39 from $42. This is probably a mistake (should be $29) but haha this would not surprise me if this was the "discounted" price. Or trying to make up for "duffelgate"

And completely hysterical that the recently upped Swiftly s/s is "down" to $59 from $68.

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 9:19 pm

They are absolutely manipulating the prices on WMTM in their favor in light of the recent increases on full price items, including but not limited to jacking the "original" price up on WMTM listings to make it look like the discounts are deeper.

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Anonymous August 11, 2016 - 9:59 pm

Their bottom line must be suffering! Maybe the thousands of seawheezers will bring in the dough that they are missing from people too pissed to buy anything at the new prices!

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Anonymous August 12, 2016 - 2:19 am

I can't stand the CRB ii. They can make it in all the nice colours they want. I'm not a child after a shiny bauble.

I didn't realize there were so many items on wmtm Canada. Fully agreed: not a single thing I desire to purchase. Wow on the manipulation with the short sleeve swiftly and other items, even the FTB bra is at "was $52" and now they "sale" price is $34-$44. I used to get that bra for $29-$34 on md in store (and have ordered online when they have size 6) but now? Forget that!

Agree with you as well Anon 6:05PM. The brand is manipulative and dishonest. I have a good stock of CRBs, shorts, and crops. Someone did ponder/question how to safely remove the logos in a post one time. I'll actually have to look into that. I love the technical properties of the clothing I own, but I cannot support this brand any longer.

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Anonymous August 12, 2016 - 1:05 am

Thanks for your thorough and unbiased report on the new CRB, Lulumum. The changes don't interest me. This tank was always ill-fitting on me, and I don't like the new style. I have about five CRB's, including the lace one, and they will last me until I get tired of them and sell them. I'm more concerned about WMTM. To sell a one year old jacket that went on sale a year ago for $70, now for $128, is in the "fleecing of customers" category. And to remove all the feedback that also commented on the shedding insides of the @go fleece jacket, is downright dishonest. Do they think we don't notice these things? I've had it with this company.

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CatepillarInTraining August 12, 2016 - 3:12 pm

did you feel like you needed to size down due to the extra width? I already sometimes struggle with my size in CRB's- even though they're one of my favorite tops it seems like they're kind of inconsistent and I've passed up a few cute colors just because they were too big in my size and the size down wasn't perfect. That's what worries me the most about this "update"

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CatepillarInTraining August 12, 2016 - 3:30 pm

did you feel like you needed to size down due to the extra width? I already sometimes struggle with my size in CRB's- even though they're one of my favorite tops it seems like they're kind of inconsistent and I've passed up a few cute colors just because they were too big in my size and the size down wasn't perfect. That's what worries me the most about this "update"

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Anonymous August 12, 2016 - 6:46 pm

This worries me the most too. I don't want it to be any wider! If it is I won't be able to size down.

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Anonymous August 12, 2016 - 3:54 pm

remember when WMTM would drop and it'd be a race to check out before someone else scooped up your item? there are still 124 items sitting on wmtm page… oh how i miss the good old days! lol

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Anonymous August 12, 2016 - 7:14 pm

I know! It sure seems like this company is going down the toilet. I guess this is what happens when there seems to be zero priority for customer appreciation and outright greed is the number one and only priority. Also agree with what others have said, it seems like this company is proving to be both manipulative and dishonest.

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