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😫 The Problem: The “Leggings Are Pants” Struggle
Every winter, I face the same wardrobe crisis. I refuse to wear “hard pants” (jeans) when it’s freezing outside, but I also refuse to look like I just rolled out of a dumpster. I live in leggings. The issue is finding a top that actually works with them.
Most sweatshirts are too casual for a Zoom call or a coffee date. Most regular sweaters are cut too short, hitting right at the waistband and leaving my backside completely exposed—which makes me self-conscious when I’m out running errands. I wanted something that felt like a wearable blanket but looked intentional enough to pass as “fashion.” I needed length, I needed coverage, but I didn’t want to look like a shapeless blob.
🕵️♀️ The Discovery
I kept seeing the LILLUSORY Turtleneck popping up in “Best Seller” lists and influencer hauls. It had that specific “Free People” aesthetic—slouchy, effortless, and textured—but without the $150 price tag. What caught my eye specifically was the split hem and the tunic length.
The photos promised exactly what I was looking for: a sweater that covers the bum but has a slit on the side so it doesn’t catch on my hips. I ordered the “Apricot” color to see if it was actually opaque or if it would be one of those cheap, see-through knits.
✨ How It Solved It
I pulled it out of the vacuum-sealed bag (don’t panic, it fluffs up), and my first impression was the weight. It’s heavy. Not “weigh you down” heavy, but “expensive quality” heavy. It’s a viscose/nylon/polyester blend, which gives it a “squishy”, bouncy feel rather than a dry, scratchy feel.
Here is why it has stayed in my rotation:
- The “Bum Cover” Factor: It actually does it. The back hem is slightly longer than the front. I can wear my thinnest gym leggings and feel completely covered walking around the grocery store.
- The Neck Situation: I usually hate turtlenecks because they feel like they are strangling me. This is more of a “funnel neck.” It stands up on its own but is wide enough that it doesn’t touch my throat constantly. It looks structured without the suffocation.
- The Silhouette: The side slit is the MVP here. Because the sides are open, I can do a “French tuck” into the front of my jeans or leggings to give myself a waist, while leaving the back loose. It solves the “shapeless blob” fear instantly.
⚠️ The “Uh-Oh” Moment (It’s Not Perfect)
I have to be real about the Batwing Sleeves. While they look incredibly chic and slouchy when you are just walking around indoors, they are a nightmare to layer.
If you live in a really cold climate and need to wear a fitted denim jacket or a tailored wool coat, good luck. The excess fabric under the armpit bunches up and feels uncomfortable inside narrow coat sleeves. You basically have to wear a poncho, a vest, or a very oversized puffer coat over this. If your winter coat is fitted, this sweater will annoy you.
⚖️ Pros vs. Cons Breakdown
Here is my honest assessment after wearing it for a week straight (don’t judge me).
| 🥰 Life Improvements (Pros) | 😤 Annoyances (Cons) |
|---|---|
| “Squishy” Soft: The viscose blend is incredibly soft against the skin. Zero itch factor. | Coat Struggle: Batwing sleeves make it hard to wear fitted jackets over it. |
| Leggings Friendly: The length is perfect for covering the rear. | Storage Hog: It is chunky. It takes up a lot of space in a drawer. |
| Structured Neck: The turtleneck stands up nicely and looks expensive. | Hand Wash Best: To keep the shape, you shouldn’t just toss it in a hot dryer. |
| Flattering Cut: The split hem prevents it from clinging to “hip dips” or love handles. | Sizing: It runs large. Do not size up unless you want to swim in it. |
🥊 Why It Beats the Old Way
My “Old Way” was relying on oversized college hoodies. While comfy, hoodies scream “I’m having a lazy day.” I wanted something I could wear to a casual office setting or a brunch without looking underdressed.
The LILLUSORY sweater beats the hoodie because of the texture. The ribbing on the neck and cuffs adds a level of polish that cotton fleece just can’t match. It bridges the gap between “pajamas” and “real clothes.” I feel just as comfortable as I do in a sweatshirt, but when I look in the mirror, I look like I put effort into an outfit.
🎯 Final Verdict
If you are looking for the ultimate “leggings companion” for fall and winter, this is a solid win. It hides what you want to hide while showing off just enough style to look intentional.
👉 Buy this if: You live in leggings, you hate tight turtlenecks, and you want that oversized “boutique” look for a budget price.
🚫 Skip this if: You need to wear tailored blazers over your tops, or if you prefer form-fitting clothing that shows off your waist.
My Advice: Stick to your true size. I almost sized up for “extra cozy,” and I’m glad I didn’t. It is naturally oversized; sizing up would have made the sleeves too long to function.
