Vancouver-based RYU (Respect Your Universe) Apparel believes in respecting individualism, knowing that we’re all connected deep down and our differences make us both extraordinary and human.
You are more than your training, your workout or the sport you play. You have chosen a healthy, active lifestyle that inspires everyone around you. That’s why we build and engineer products that are not only the best to train in, but are tailored for any urban setting. An innovative way of thinking how we live, dress and perform.
Their apparel line is meant to move with you, with pieces tailored and constructed for performance. We’ve been watching their brand grow over the years and since their West 4th Avenue store isn’t very far from where we live and work out ourselves, we were sent a few pieces from their current men’s and women’s collections for a spring fitness guide.
Women’s Ethos Crew
The moment I tried this top on, I knew I’d found a cozy piece of activewear that I could wear all day long, from workouts in the morning to a cafe in the afternoon. The Ethos has a sister pullover style with a cowl neck for a few dollars more, so depending on your taste, both are easy to layer and provide warmth and coziness.
Detailing includes raglan sleeves, shoulder darts and diamond underarm gussets, all there for maximum range of motion and stretch. RYU uses an innovative CorLayr™ Structure fabric that incorporates 3D knit cotton.
Both models are available in XS to XL in Heather Stone Grey and Blackened Mulberry (the Ethos Pullover also comes in Heather Anchor, a slightly darker grey). CAD $137
Women’s Power Short
Super soft and comfy with an elastic waistband, RYU’s Women’s Power Short is both stylish and functional. I like the length too: not too short nor too long, so they’ll be great for the gym as well as outdoors on warmer days.
Two front zippers have a small flap in front to hide the zipper, creating a more a tailored look than your average gym or yoga shorts.
Along the back of the band is a hidden pocket for stowing flat essentials like a credit card, cash or ID. They’re available in sizes S to XL in Black, Granite and Blackened Navy. CAD $70
Women’s Everywear Trainer
These high elastic-waisted, drawstring-tied trainers have a relaxed fit, great for all-around activity from cycling to jogging. They sport side zippers that go halfway up the legs for cooling down.
They’ve also got two front zipped pockets for keys, cash or small items. They’re constructed of abrasion-resistant fabric with 16% Spandex for stretch. The Everywear Trainer comes in Black, Cinder, Blackened Umber and Navy, sizes XS to XL. CAD $135
Men’s Graphic Vapor Crew Neck
Here’s a great, easily layer-able workout top with four-way stretch in an ultra-light, seamless knit fabric that even includes UPF 50+ for sun protection. The Vapor Crew Neck is made of 70% Nylon, 30% Polyester with Polygiene®, an antimicrobial silver salt treatment built right in.
This innovative technology is permanently integrated in the fabric, hindering the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Seamless knitting machines eliminate a need to create and sew together various types of fabric so this shirt is truly seamless.
In addition, cross section nylon yarns used increase the shirt’s surface area for enhanced sweat-wicking. The Vapor comes in sizes S to XL in Asphalt Heather, Cerulean and Cement. CAD $63
Men’s Kaon Half Zip Pullover
The RYU Kaon Half Zip has ribbed cuffs and hem, a half front zipper, raglan shoulder sleeves and four-way stretch double knit fabric for maximum range of motion. We like the embossed “Respect Your Universe” contrast strip along the shoulder on the outside, plus the striped detailing along the inside neck and zipper.
This is a modern take on the classic pullover style and is ideal for warm-ups, cool-downs or sporting on a cool morning jog. The Kaon comes in sizes SM to XXL in Black, Cinder and Deepest Navy. CAD $120
Men’s Kaon Track Pant
Perfectly suited for the Zip Pullover is the Kaon Track Pant, with that same cool piping detail, here down the outer side of the legs. These track pants have a relaxed fit with two front pockets and a gathered elastic waistband.
The soft double-knit material contains 75% polyester for four-way stretch, 20% rayon for added breathability and 5% Spandex for added comfort. The Kaon Track Pant comes in sizes SM to XXL in Black, Cinder and Deepest Navy. CAD $115
Men’s Vapor Long Sleeve Tee
Last but not least is the RYU Vapor Long Sleeve Tee, ideal for just about any active lifestyle or adventure. The fabric and technology is the same as the short-sleeve Vapor, with the addition of long sleeves for a bit more warmth.
This one has additional detailing: a subtle RYU logo and graphic down its back. It’s available in S to XL in a few extra colours than the short-sleeve tee: Asphalt Heather, Cerulean, Cement, Cinder, Titanium and Fatigue. CAD $73
RYU has two stores in Vancouver, plus West Van (Park Royal), Burnaby (Metrotown) and two in the Toronto area (Queen Street West, Sherway Gardens). All apparel is designed in Vancouver.
Based in the US? They’ve also got stores in Brooklyn, NYC, in Venice, CA and in Newport Beach at Fashion Island. Visit RYU online for details, hours and special events.
