Ask anyone to name the best workout leggings of all time, and there's a good chance they'll reply without hesitation: lululemon leggings. The only problem we’ve encountered with the mega-popular activewear company? It makes so many different styles that it can be overwhelming to decide which pair to buy. And considering these bottoms don’t come cheap, you want to make sure you’re getting the pair that’s right for you, right? Luckily, we tested and reviewed the most popular styles, so you don't have to. Scroll on to find out all the tea.
What Are the Best lululemon Leggings? We Tested and Reviewed the 7 Most Popular Styles
These leggings are actually worth buying
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Published Jan 10, 2024
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lululemon/Design by PureWow
The Best lululemon Leggings at a Glance
1
Best Overall
lululemon Align Leggings
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2
Most Versatile
lululemon Wunder Train Leggings
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3
Best with Pockets
lululemon Fast and Free Leggings
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4
Most Lightweight
lululemon Base Pace Leggings
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5
Most Breathable
lululemon Swift Speed Leggings
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How We Tested lululemon Leggings
We've put these leggings to the test in a variety of workouts, ranging in intensity from easy (hi, hot girl walks) to incredibly tough HIIT workouts, long runs, cycling classes and more, then monitored how they wore over time. Based on that wear and tear, we were able to report on which leggings are the best and for what workouts. Our editors tested the brand’s many best-selling styles (seven, to be exact). When we tried them out, we took into consideration their wear through various workouts over months (at least) and are here to report our absolute favorites. The editors who tested range in body types, fitness levels, material preferences and more. lululemon leggings are made for working out (even though sometimes they're so comfy we lounge in them, too), from yoga and Pilates to HIIT, running and weightlifting, so they're engineered to withstand mostly all exercises.
Some of our favorite fabric features? The four-way stretch with added Lycra for shape retention, sweat-wicking capabilities and quick-drying fabric for those super sweaty workouts. Spoiler alert: The lululemon Align leggings ($98) are our top overall pick because they're just so damn flexible, making them great for everyday wear, sweaty yoga classes, runs and more.
How We Chose the Top lululemon Leggings
Our editors offered up opinions on their favorite lululemon leggings they've owned for years, as well new top sellers we've tested. Not every style made the cut, as we tried to highlight the crème de la crème in terms of quality, fit and durability, from material to waistband thickness to product features to which workouts are suitable for each pair. Here are some of the things we considered while testing:
- Fabric features: sweat-wicking, four-way stretch, breathability, waistband pockets, external pockets
- Workouts we tried: yoga, Pilates, weight lifting, running, spinning, walking, HIIT
- Durability: monitored any pilling over time, seam construction, shape retention
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Best Overall
What We Like
- great for low-intensity workouts
What We Don't Like
- sell out frequently
lululemon
With more than 8,000 five-star reviews, these are hands down lululemon’s most popular leggings. That said, a lot of people prefer to wear them as everyday loungewear because of their signature buttery soft material and flattering fit. The Nulu material is lightweight, and provides excellent flexibility for comfy day-to-day lounging and low-intensity workouts alike. "They're literally so soft, and I feel like my body is fully supported through my Pilates workouts," says commerce editor Olivia Dubyak. If you do want to work out in them, they’re best for low-impact activities like yoga or Pilates, since they're not as sweat-wicking as other styles. “I'm newly pregnant and the bloating is insane, so I was pleased to find out the leggings stretch along with my body, which is great news for when the real bump comes along," Dubyak adds.
Fast Facts:
- Material: Nulu
- Length: 23, 25, 28 and 31 inches
- Size Range: 0 to 20
- Promising Review: "If I could live in a pair of leggings (which I frequently do), it would be these." —Olivia Dubyak, commerce editor
Most Versatile
2. lululemon Wunder Train Leggings
What We Like
- thick waistband
What We Don't Like
- material can pill through time
lululemon
Dubyak swears by these for her intense workouts. "I grab for these leggings constantly when I'm heading to spin or to the gym to lift weights," she says. The Wunder Trains are just as soft and comfortable as the Aligns, but they’re made from a more sweat-resistant material, so you'll feel like you can actually work out in them. The four-way stretch fabric makes them super flexible, too.
"If my Aligns are in the wash, this set is my second pick for feeling comfy around the house," she continues. One thing worth noting: While multiple reviewers note that they don’t pill over time, the fact of the matter is, if your thighs rub together even a little bit and you wear them frequently, you're likely to get a smidge of pilling after a while.
Fast Facts:
Best with Pockets
3. lululemon Fast and Free Leggings
What We Like
- very lightweight
What We Don't Like
- not available in 31-inch length
lululemon
Finding a pair of leggings that actually stays put while you are working your butt off is no small feat. This pair's waistband is made to fit tight and has a built-in drawstring that you can adjust if needed. They're designed to be lightweight and breathable to keep you cool during tough workouts so you aren't drenched in sweat by the end. "I love lululemon’s Fast and Free line because it’s just so lightweight," says fashion editor Abby Hepworth. "TMI, but I am basically the sweatiest person I know and therefore can’t stand leggings that are thicker or more substantial in weight." These babies also have convenient side pockets and five smaller waistband pockets. "They are the perfect size for all my essentials—phone, keys, ID, energy chews—and can even expand to fit more if I want to stow gloves or a headband or even a small water bottle," she says.
And if you prefer HIIT workouts or are a long-distance runner, Hepworth has a hot tip for you: "I find they run pretty true to size but I often go up one to account for swelling on hot days and to ensure maximum comfort. The fact that they have a drawstring waist means I can make adjustments easily so I never worry about them sagging or falling down," she says.
Fast Facts:
Most Lightweight
4. lululemon Base Pace Leggings
What We Like
- cooling to the touch
What We Don't Like
- almost a little too slippery
lululemon
These leggings have pretty much everything. They are so comfortable, durable and versatile for any workout (we should know, we've worn them for running, lifting and spinning). But according to Dubyak, she'd maybe skip these for Pilates and yoga. "The slipperiness of the material is a little too slick for workouts when you have to hold intricate poses that require a lot of focus; like my foot is sliding down my leg during tree pose." The Nulux fabric is basically weightless and super breathable, so if you are running outside on a hot day, these won't make you too hot. They have a back pocket, hidden drawstring in the front and no inseam to avoid pilling of the thread. Can you ask for anything more in a workout legging?
Fast Facts:
Most Breathable
5. lululemon Swift Speed Leggings
What We Like
- back zipper pocket
What We Don't Like
- tapered waistband seam
lululemon
If leggings tend to make you feel like you're stuffed in sausage casing, this breathable, flexible pair will change your mind. "The fabric is super soft and slippery, which is great because there's no chafing and the crotch doesn't pill," Dubyak says. "I feel like this material is a mix of the Everlux and Nulux material with a dash of Nulu in there. My only issue is is that it's a little thick, so if you prefer a super lightweight, thinner legging, these may not be for you."
Fast Facts:
Best for Running
6. lululemon Wunder Train Contour Fit Leggings
What We Like
- very sculpting
What We Don't Like
- can feel too tight at times
lululemon
The narrow waistband and high-rise fit make these leggings a wonderful choice for an intense workout. "I was training in the winter for my half marathon and these leggings kept me warm and my legs feeling supported through my ten-milers," says Dubyak. The fabric is sturdy, which is great for avoiding snags or rips, and it's fast drying, so even the sweatiest workouts won't leave you feeling damp. Customers also love the adjustable drawcord at the waist for keeping them in place during their workouts.
Fast Facts:
Best for Everyday Wear
7. lululemon Align Crop Leggings
What We Like
- color options
What We Don't Like
- not optimal for high-energy workouts
lululemon
You already know all the reasons why we're obsessed with lululemon's Align legging (from their buttery-soft feel to cozy, contoured fit), so it really shouldn't come as a surprise that we're equally as obsessed with the cropped Align style.
"I love that they hit perfectly above my ankle and don't bunch up like some of the longer lengths do on me. You also can't beat the soft, barely-there fabric and high-rise band that stays up without having to constantly be adjusted," says assistant commerce editor Natalie LaBarbera. They're available in 17-, 19- and 21-inch lengths, so you can pick where you want them to hit your ankle.
Fast Facts:
- Material: Nulu
- Length: 17, 19 and 21 inches
- Size Range: 0 to 2o
- Promising Review: "Being only 5'2'', the Align crop leggings are my top choice for low-impact workouts like barre, yoga and walks with my dog." —Natalie LaBarbera, assistant commerce editor
What to Consider When Shopping for lululemon Leggings
If you're considering investing in lululemon leggings and are a bit apprehensive because of the cost, take these factors into consideration to ensure you're getting the best pair for your lifestyle.
- Activity: Are you wearing these as everyday loungewear only? Opt for a pair that is known for comfort. An avid runner? A set with sweat-wicking fabric and hidden pockets will be the best.
- Material: Take a gander at the site's different materials and see which aligns best with your personal preference as well as what activities you plan to wear them for to get the best pick (you can then get a matching sports bra, too).
- Length: If you're on the shorter side and prefer full-length leggings, you likely won't need the 31-inch inseams. Measure your inseam and compare it the size chart to decide the length you're going for.
What Fabrics Are lululemon Leggings Made Of?
One of the many reasons we love lululemon leggings is because they're so damn versatile. Whether you're wearing them for yoga, running or lounging, they feature great stretch and, often, moisture-wicking capabilities. Here's a breakdown of the legging materials you can choose from:
- Nulu: The Align leggings—lululemon's most well-known style—are made with the brand's Nulu fabric. This material is buttery soft, very stretchy and lightweight. It's great for lower-impact workouts like Pilates and yoga because of the minimal compression.
- Nulux: Extremely lightweight, this material is wonderful for running. It has a slippery finish and is cool to the touch to avoid overheating. Leggings with this material are very stretchy and have Lycra, which ensures they keep their shape after a lot of wear.
- SmoothCover: The brand claims this material is as soft as the Nulu fabric and offers a second skin-like fit. It has a matte appearance and is sweat-wicking. It's blended with an added Lycra material which allows for it to retain its shape and not wear out.
- Everlux: This material is great for high-intensity training because of the high compression, breathability and sweat-wicking features. The fabric has a sleek, brushed feel which is great for running or circuit training (aka no pilling or rubbing).
What Length of lululemon Leggings Should I Get?
lululemon leggings are available in seven different lengths across styles: 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 28, 31 inches. The best way to decide which is right for you is to consider your proportions and what part of your leg you want your leggings to hit. For example, if you're very tall and want the hem to stop at your ankle, you probably should opt for the 28- or 32-inch length. If you're short and want a cropped fit, the 17- or 23-inch styles are going to fit you the best.
Take measurements of your inseam (your upper thigh to your ankle) and you can see where each length will fit you from there.
Which lululemon Leggings Offer the Best Compression?
The Wunder Train Contour leggings ($98) are a top contender for the best compression, according to self-proclaimed lululemon legging connoisseur and PureWow commerce editor Olivia Dubyak. "They sculpt the hell out of your waist and thighs without feeling like your circulation is being cut off while also smoothing your skin," she says. These leggings are available in multiple lengths and colors, too. While everyone may have a different opinion on which set offers the most significant compression, we recommend opting for the leggings with the Everlux and Nulux materials to snatch your waist in the most effectively.
What Are the Most Popular lululemon Leggings?
If you pop onto the women's leggings page on the site and filter by top rated, you're going to find that the Align styles flood the top spots. The comfort and soft material of these leggings are truly unmatched, which is why we ranked the Aligns as the best overall pair. You'll also find that other bestsellers like Wunder Trains, Fast and Free, Swift Speed and Base Pace are well-loved for all of the higher-intensity physical activities.
How to Wash lululemon Leggings
The brand has a guide for how to care for your lululemon gear on its website, so we recommend following each tip there to ensure your leggings stay in tip-top shape for as long as possible. But here are a few basics to remember when you're ready to wash your lululemon leggings:
- Wash on cold and hang dry
- Wash with like items (workout gear, like materials, etc.)
- Avoid fabric softener on sweat-wicking items
- Wash bright colored items alone and before first wear
Are lululemon Leggings Worth the Money?
This depends on who you are as a wearer. Do you prefer high-end leggings that are made for specific activities and have the technology to withstand workouts? If so, then absolutely. If you couldn't care less and don't put too much stock in your workout clothes, then we might steer you in a different direction to save some money.
Shop Other lululemon Products We Love
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.