Friday, June 17, 2011

Wilson La Divine Womens Capri Pant - Comfort & Function for Everything from Tennis to Dog Walks


Product Review

Image Provided by
Wilson Racquet Sports

When I was invited to participate in several different Wilson Racquet Sports social media projects this spring -- including an apparel review and being tapped for the Wilson Pro Tennis Clinic Team at the SheCon 11 women blogger conference  in Miami --  I couldn't be more stoked.

You see, my first love in life was not a boy in junior high like some other girls my age.  Instead it was tennis, a sport that I've been passionate about (though only playing occasionally in recent years) ever since I first picked up a racquet in 7th grade.  In fact, the first tennis equipment I ever owned were all Wilson products from the late 1960s: the Stan Smith and Chris Evert Racquets and the brand's tennis balls.

The 2011 Wilson Racquet I used at Brickwell Tennis Club, Miami
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Be on the lookout for more about vintage and new Wilson racquets as well as a variety of other Wilson products I've used over the years in future stories on this blog.  This post, though, is a review about the Wilson Racquet Sports line of tennis apparel  -- in particular the Wilson La Divine Capri Pant for women -- that the Chicago, Illinois company sent me in May to wear and write about.

Yes, in case you're curious, I'm one of those relics who once played tennis as a U.S. Lawn & Tennis Association member (the USLTA is today known as the USTA).  From the first time I tried this lady's 2011 capri on, I appreciated not only the comfort it afforded, but also how these made me feel more positively about my 50+ year-old silhouette.   That's not even to mention how functional I found these to be, moving with a range of body motions both on the court and off.  
I love wearing the La Divine Capri for walking little Dexter, too, at home in L.A.
iPhone Photo by son of MommyBlogExpert.com

So far, in addition to playing tennis, I've worn this comfy and sporty Wilson apparel item for dog walking and cycling.  Seeing that these are so potentially versatile, I also hope to try the capri out for yoga and hiking this summer.  And, as a side-mention, I also love to snow ski.  So -- based on the quality of my experience with their tennis wear -- if Wilson were ever to expand into the winter ski pants business, I'd be the first customer in line to buy a pair.
Working on my backhand at the Wilson Pro Tennis Clinic, Miami
Photo by  Cy Dofitas, U.S. Promotions Coordinator, Wilson Racquet Sports

Now, let's get back to tennis as I share a first-hand report of what wearing the La Divine Capri was like while playing tennis at the hosted Wilson Pro Women's Tennis Clinic at Brickwell Tennis Club in Miami.  Before this, I'd always worn completely white on court -- though colors and even black are perfectly d' rigueur these days.  

Wearing this piece of Wilson apparel was particularly remarkable for me -- it's important to point out -- because it was the first time ever that I've worn black for tennis.  It is also a really amazing story, considering that this clinic took place mid day in May and it was quite hot and humid in South Florida.  Even still, I felt really comfortable the entire time we were on the club's clay courts. 
My Wilson Pro Clinic court partner, also wearing the La Divine Capri, Miami
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

By digging a bit into the company's literature and looking closely at the tag that came with this capri pant, I learned the reasons why this product's performance lives up to its claims.  For sure, the Wilson capri's sleek design and styling combined with the premium, technologically advanced lightweight and breathable fabric with which they are constructed really did allow for adequate moisture wicking.
La Divine Capri product tag indicating protection against heat, moisture, and bacteria buildup
Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

About the La Divine Capri 
This capri length compression pant, composed of Poly/8% Spandex, features a back mesh yoke and storage pockets for balls.  Designed with a mesh gusset at crotch, they come in black with pool blue contrast color inset detail on sides at hem.  Available in women sizes extra small through extra large. Buy online and in-store nationwide.  List price $35
Close-up of Wilson La Davine Capri Pant w/ pool blue inset stripe at hem
Image provided by Wilson

About Wilson's Women's Spring 2011 Line
The 2011 Wilson women's footwear and apparel line definitely includes white and black, but also darker colors like pool blue and royal purple.   The La Divine collection features the capri pant I reviewed, as well tank, dress, and skirt styles.
Image provided by Wilson

About Wilson Racquet Sports
Wilson Racquet Sports is a division of Chicago-based Wilson Sporting Goods which is owned by Amer Sports.  The company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of technologically advanced sports equipment for a range of categories including: football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, youth sports, uniforms and apparel, golf, footwear and racquet sports -- including tennis, racquetball, squash, badminton and platform tennis. 

Vintage Wilson Mustang Tennis Racquet
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com
 
More Blog Posts on Family Tennis Coming Soon!
  • How to Get Your Kids Into Tennis
  • Vintage Tennis History and Equipment
  • Brickwell Tennis Club Clinic & Fall Women's Camp
  • Tennis Shoe and Racquet Review 
  • My Story: Returning to Regular Tennis Play After Age 50
FTC Disclosure:  I received the capri pant from Wilson to facilitate this review.  In addition, I received the brand's tennis visor for participating in the court action at the Pro Women's Tennis Clinic hosted by Wilson at Brickwell Tennis Club in conjunction with SheCon in Miami.  However, MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.   

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