That being said, the first thing I noticed when I was reading the reviews of the Mika Yogawear's Mikaela Shorts was that they were reviewed by Amber Richard (American Pole Fitness Championships Pole Artist of the Year 2009, and actually wearing Mika Yogawear brand in the linked video) and Zoraya Judd (American Pole Fitness Championships, 2nd place champion, women's division and Pole Athlete of the Year 2010). These shorts were included in the gift bag that all competitors received at USPDF Nationals. After reading that, I had a feeling this is the brand that the pro's wore. Call me crazy--why would I think that? I listed them on my initial pole dance shorts blog post, so scroll down and find it!
I contacted Mika Yogawear to see if I could test them out myself and give you all a full-on, honest to goodness extended review of the product.
I got two pairs--the Mikaela Shorts and the Betty Shorts. I got the Mikaela in XS (since the S/M was sold out due to high demand!!!!!!) and the Betty in S/M. The first thing I'll say is this: I have a big booty. Its not bubbly, its wide and flat (working on making it more bubble), and it has a habit of eating shorts and undies. Constant wedgies, I have 'em. (Told you I was gonna be honest)
I have NO IDEA how this woman (Laura Costa, owner) has managed to make a product that DOESN'T go up the crack when moving and bending, doing the splits and flying. This put me in immediate joyous shock. I wore the Mikaela to teach Pole Intro, Pole 1, and Pole Conditioning AND I wore them on a 5 mile jog and I think I had one wedgie the whole time. These shorts, both styles, stay put when you put them on. In addition, they are soft at the waist line and do not give you a muffin top. Muffin top is my nemesis and the Mikaela and the Betty conquered. Due to the size of my thighs, I probably would look best in a S/M for the Mikaela, but the XS still works out just fine. I could stand to go up a size in the Betty, which runs a bit smaller (see below--I'll explain). The side drawstring on the Mikaela comes in perfectly handy when you need just a little more skin exposure for contact on the pole. They move with you, not against you, and I never had a feeling that a butt cheek--or worse, "London and France"--was exposed for the world to see. They allow me perfect exposure of the upper inner thigh for holds such as the cross knee/ankle release, Z Seat and anything along those lines. The side drawstrings also stay in place relatively well without tying, so if your a bit more shy you can easily transition them from shorter to longer, depending on the level of difficulty your workout or hold is.
The sizing for the Mikaela (90%polyester, 10%lycra) runs true to size. My pants size is a 4. The XS work just fine because they're stretchy, but I probably should have had a S/M. My measurements are roughly 28/23/36-37, so if you're around my hip size, go for the S/M. I got them in black and I cant wait to get them in the nude tone--Goddess.
Regarding the Betty: they run a bit small. I got those in a S/M, and probably needed a M/L. These shorts are a bit more tiny, but if you have round hips these will flatter your curves. Unlike the Mikaela, the Betty has an extra panel of fabric (90%polyester, 10% lycra) in the crotch area for sweat absorption and camel toe protection (haha!). These shorts have a ruched side instead of a drawstring. They're very slimming. The inseam is slightly shorter than the Mikaela, but has the exact same anti-peekaboo technology. The goodies are safe. I also wore these shorts to all three levels of pole classes and to the gym for my weight workout at the gym. The waistband is also super duper soft.
I ran, yoga'd, pole'd, and then I washed them to see how they would hold up. Twice. I washed them twice this week and I accidently tested out their ability to hold up in a dryer. Normally, I never dry my workout stretchy clothing or bathing suits for fear that they'll stretch out and become useless and baggy. The first time I washed my two shorts I left them out to dry, and they were fully dry in about an hour. I wore them both again just to see if there was shrinkage in the product and there isn't--they still fit just like the first time. Today I washed them again and they accidentally made it into the dryer on high heat. When I discovered this, I thought "Well....at least I have one more thing to review....". I inspected them, and tried them on. To my surprise, no damage. I can usually tell a big difference when I accidentally dry swimsuits or sports bras. Not with the Mika Yogawear products. Resilient, yes. Idiot proof, yes. There was no fading, stretching, shrinking or discoloration. The breathability of the fabric is a HUGE plus as well.
All in all, I give this product a 9 on a 1-10 scale (10 being best, 1 being worst). They score high on the sexy/flattering scale and even higher on the functionality scale. It isn't often you find form and function in the same package with a variety of color choices with such good customer service. The only issue I take is the sizing. However, I do tend to be a very odd and exaggerated shape, so this may not be an issue with all ladies. When you purchase, keep in mind that the Mikaela is true to size and the Betty runs slightly small. Even though the shorts were slightly off in size, they still worked with me and not against me, which allowed me to focus more on my workout and posture, as opposed to picking a wedgie or pulling the shorts up/down and doing all sorts of unnecessary adjustments. This is incredibly important because distraction kills progression. The best part---they made me FEEL good.
Laura Costa, the owner of Mika Yogawear has phenomenal customer service skills. We had a chat on the phone and a few chat's through email and she is delightful to speak with and very helpful. She's more than willing to talk about individual sizing for different shaped ladies and is very confident in her product, which makes me feel confident about it in turn. After testing it, I can see why she is sure of herself. She even sent me a card (her stationary choices are quite nice as well--real talk right from an artist). I can say with full honesty that I'll purchase all of my pole related bottoms from Mika from now on. (Gotta try out tops next!!!!!! I've got my eye on the Lola and the Ella).
If any of my readers have specific questions about either of these products, please leave your question in the comments below. If I forgot to say anything, I'll be sure to add it in.
ANY ladies interested in purchasing this product, please have a chat with me or Briana at LSF in the coming days!!! I'd like to place a bulk pre-order and see as many of your asses in these shorts as possible with the LSF logo embroidered on it. If you want to purchase from Mika directly please see the following links:
Website- http://www.mikayogawear.com/index.php
Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/mikayogawear?ref=ts
Twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/mikayogawear
Below you'll find some real deal, at home, no photo editing shots of me in the shorts so you can get an idea of length, size and shape.
Mikaela, drawstrings fully out.
Mikaela, drawstrings pulled in. Yes, thats a pole bruise on my hip.
Mikaela, front view with drawstrings fully pulled in.
The Betty! So tiny and so hot! (Did yall notice my fur baby sleeping on the bed behind me?)
Thanks for reading!!!
Nia
