Vancouver-based design studio Mitmunk’s product description for their Vostok leggings is way better than anything I could come up with:
The original artwork features a print with scratched, rusty armour plates, buckles, studs, nails, and mesh panels, giving an athletic, streamlined look that flatters the body. Circuit board motifs are printed near the waist and hip. The muted colour palette shows off the shading and details: light and dark greys, blue-grey, cool dark browns, pale yellow highlights.
This legging’s design was named for the first manned spacecraft, designed by Soviet engineer Oleg Ivanovsky. Apparently, Ivanovsky also worked on the Sputnik satellites, including the rocket that launched Laika the dog into space. I would guess if Sigourney Weaver had to choose a pair of leggings to take with her on the Nostromo, this would be the pair.
I didn’t go to space, but Mitmunk did send me their Vostok leggings to review for training Brazilian jiu jitsu. When they arrived, I wasn’t sure how the fabric would handle the intensity of rolling, but I couldn’t be happier with them. In addition to being extremely comfortable and supportive, they look cool.
“At first I thought the leggings would stretch out or become heavy once they became saturated with sweat, but they were incredibly resilient. They wicked the sweat away from my skin and retained elasticity roll after roll.”
Although my leggings are designed for regular wear, they turned out to be perfect for BJJ. And when I spoke to Mitmunk co-owner Heather Joan Tam, she mentioned the company is expanding their line to include items specifically designed for athletics.
Features
- Polyester/Spandex blend fabric
- Outer fabric has a slight sheen
- Interior has a brushed finish to ensure it feels soft against the skin
- Hand-printed, sublimated graphics
- Flattering fit
- Flatlock stitching
Performance
At first I thought the leggings would stretch out and sag or become heavy once they became saturated with sweat, but they were incredibly resilient. They wicked the sweat away from my skin and retained elasticity roll after roll.
“Brazilian jiu jitsu spats and athletic bottoms are often designed with thick, tight waistbands that cut into the waists of those of us who aren’t shaped like an hour glass. Mitmunk says ‘no’ to muffin top.”
A lot of spats designed for BJJ are constructed with slippery fabric, which can make it easy for opponents to slip out of submissions. The Vostok leggings provide the perfect level of friction to maintain contact. And to top it all off, the waistband is light and comfortable. Brazilian jiu jitsu spats and athletic bottoms are often designed with thick, tight waistbands that cut into the waists of those of us who aren’t shaped like an hour glass. Mitmunk says “no” to muffin top.
Downsides
Though these leggings are awesome, I do have a couple of issues with them. Since I’m on the short side, the design of the leggings does not line up correctly with my anatomy. The knees are below my actual knees, so I have to pull them up at the thighs and create folds to make them line up.
“A lot of spats designed for BJJ are constructed with slippery fabric, which can make it easy for opponents to slip out of submissions or positions. The Vostok leggings provide the perfect level of friction to maintain contact.”
I also have to keep in mind the fabric is slightly transparent when stretched. I always wear nude-colored underwear to ensure color doesn’t peek through the fabric design. Because of the design, the slight transparency is not as noticeable as it is when I wear black spats. I wouldn’t have noticed it at all if I hadn’t tested the feature with colored underwear, just to be sure. As I said, this issue is easily solved by wearing nude underwear.
Sizing
According to the Mitmunk website, the company has been working to make their sizing closer to standard sizing. The pair I reviewed was size medium and fit me perfectly. Normally I would take size small or size four in lululemon tights, so you may want to contact the company if you are ordering this item to be sure the sizing is right for you. For measurements and more photos, visit my blog.
RELATED: Make an Impact With These Eco-Friendly Fitness Clothes
Follow Mitmunk on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr and visit their new website to see all of their unique and amazing designs for leggings, tops, dresses, shorts, and even underwear. The best part for Americans is that the prices on the website are in Canadian dollars, so you’ll get even better deals. Shipping to the Canada and the United States appears to be about $14.00.
The Mitmunk Vostok leggings are available for $66.00 at Mitmunk.com.
