What It Is: RYU makes high-performance urban athletic apparel for men and women. I wear my RYU athletic apparel at the gym, on nature trails or in the city.
What You Might Not Know: Since I’m doing this RYU review, it makes sense to mention their Size Up/Size Down program: If your size changes because you achieved a fitness milestone within a year of purchasing any RYU apparel, they’ll exchange it in your new size for 50% off. Then they’ll donate your original items to a local charity.
Feelin’ the Love: I was an RYU Ambassador for a few years, so it’s safe to say I’m decently qualified to write this RYU review because I’ve tried (worn, worked out in) almost everything they have in store and online. No exaggeration.
If I’m being honest, there have been a few misses with what I’ve tried, but when RYU gets it right, they really nail it. Here are three favorites you can grab in stores or on the web RN!
RYU Review: Sideline Parka
Debuted last season and back in stores now, the RYU Sideline Parka for men and women is made from 55% PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled Polyester), which is a down alternative. The textiles used throughout the coat are free of harmful chemicals, as well. Looks like the Sideline Parka is doing its part to respect the environment, which is an important element of the RYU brand.
I essentially lived in this coat last autumn/winter and have already been reaching for it a lot this year. The longer style is perfect for staying protected against winter elements. What’s more, the fabric is water repellant—rain beads off it—and the coat keeps me warm.
I’m cold most of the time in winter weather, so when I say “it keeps me warm,” you can bet that statement holds weight. Having said that, the fit is just roomy enough to also throw on a thick sweater or light down jacket underneath. I sometimes do that too.
IMO, there is one weird thing about this coat: It has shoulder straps built into the back on the inside. What for? Let’s say you’re roasting because you unwisely wore the coat to the mall (guilty) or the sun comes out when you’re trail walking. You can slip the coat off your shoulders, using the internal straps to wear it like you would a backpack.
At first, I thought this was silly, but turns out I’ve taken advantage of it a few times. I probably looked like a dork doing it though. The straps are removable if you really can’t deal, but I don’t even notice them most of the time.
At 300 bucks, the RYU Sideline Parka is an investment, but winter coats often are! Mine still looks and feels new.
RYU Review: Tera Hoodie and Tera Crew Sweatshirts
I have both long-sleeve styles of this Tera top and if you ask me, these are close to the perfect sweatshirt because of how they feel. They are cozy and warm but not super thick. And there’s no bulk around the sleeves, which can make some styles feel like just too much sweatshirt.
With just enough of a relaxed fit, any of the RYU Tera sweatshirts work equally well with jeans or workout tights. They also wash nicely; no pilling. Enough said.
Available for men and women.
RYU Review: Waist Pack
As far as I’m concerned, RYU’s waist pack is the perfect all-weather accessory for an active lifestyle. I’ve used it for everything from sightseeing in Montreal to weekend nature walks to cycling along the seawall with my daughter.
It’s exactly the right size to stash just the essentials: money or credit card, keys, lip balm, gloves, phone and poo bags (we bring our dog along on those weekend nature walks).
At the time of this post, the RYU Waist Pack was already in short supply. Last I heard, this item was sold out across Canada, but there was still a limited amount in the U.S. Watch for more like this for Spring/Summer 2020.
If I Could Change One Thing: Nothing. That’s why these are my faves.
Should You Buy It? As per the title of this blog post, yes! RYU has stores in New York, California, B.C. and Ontario. Or shop online at ryu.com.
