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 brand thoughtfully creates the designs based on the most sought-after features for top-performing bottoms, whether you're looking for running leggings that wick sweat, cropped leggings with pockets or ones that are fast drying. Considering these activewear bottoms don’t come cheap, you want to make sure you’re getting the pair that’s right for you, right? My colleagues and I put these lululemon leggings to the test during a variety of workouts, ranging in intensity from easy 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. Spoiler alert: The lululemon Align leggings ($98) are my top overall pick because they're just so damn flexible, making them great for everyday wear, sweaty yoga classes and more. Scroll on to find out all details on our top recommendations based on the ones we tried.
What Are the Best lululemon Leggings? We Tested and Reviewed the 5 Most Popular Styles
These leggings are *actually* worth buying
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The Best lululemon Leggings at a Glance
Best Overall
lululemon Align Leggings
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Most Versatile
lululemon Wunder Train Leggings
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Best for Curves
lululemon Wunder Train Contour Fit Leggings
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Best Leggings with Pockets
lululemon Fast and Free Leggings
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Best for Petite Figures
lululemon Align Crop Leggings
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How I Tested the Best lululemon Leggings
We tested the brand’s many best-selling styles (five, to be exact). When we tried them out, we took into consideration their wear through various workouts over a period of multiple months and are here to report our absolute favorites. These leggings are made for working out (even though they're so comfy that I often just lounge in them, too), so they're engineered to withstand a lot—and we put those claims to the test with walking, running, cycling, yoga-ing and more.
How I Chose the Best lululemon Leggings
A team of editors selected our favorite lululemon leggings we've owned for years, as well top sellers we've newly tested. Not every style made the cut, as we focused on the crème de la crème in terms of quality, fit and durability, from material and waistband thickness to product features and versatility. 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 I Like
- great for low-intensity workouts
- buttery soft
What I Don't Like
- sell out frequently
lululemon
With nearly 9,000 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. 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 wore my usual size while I was pregnant and was so impressed with how they continued to stretch with my belly and go back to their usual shape postpartum.
I will say that the inner thighs pill when these are worn frequently because of rubbing, which is why the brand really recommends these bottoms for yoga versus every day wear (but, alas, I continue to rebel). I always follow the washing instructions to a T to avoid unnecessary wear and tear, too.
Fast Facts
- Material: Nulu
- Length: 23, 25, 28 and 31 inches
- Size Range: 0 to 20
Most Versatile
2. lululemon Wunder Train Leggings
What I Like
- thick waistband
- drawstring waist
- sculpting
What I Don't Like
- material can pill over time
lululemon
I swear by these for intense workouts, whether I'm headed to spin or to the gym to lift weights. The Wunder Trains are almost 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—they honestly fit like a second skin. Plus, they make my booty look nice and sculpted. If my Aligns are in the wash, this set is my second pick for feeling comfy around the house. The high-waist fit sits comfortably above my hips and they don't fall down when I run. If you do want a little extra tightness, there's a drawstring cord you can adjust at the top of the waist.
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, especially on the seams.
Fast Facts
- Material: Everlux
- Length: 23, 25, 28 and 31 inches
- Size Range: 0 to 20
Best for Curves
3. lululemon Wunder Train Contour Fit Leggings
What I Like
- very sculpting
- extra room in hips and thighs for curves
What I 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 a half marathon and these leggings kept me warm and my legs feeling supported through my ten-milers. 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, I didn't use this feature much, though.
The Everlux fabric is a dream for working out and the contoured fit does something for my legs and butt to sculpt me and show off my shape. These Wunder Trains are the ideal choice for runners who have a curvy shape because they allot for extra room in the hips and thighs. The waist is still very narrow, so if you like extra room there consider sizing up.
Fast Facts
- Material: Everlux
- Length: 23, 25 and 28 inches
- Size Range: 0 to 14
Best Leggings with Pockets
4. lululemon Fast and Free Leggings
What I Like
- very lightweight
- slick material
What I 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 PureWow 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. The Nulux material is very snug with a slightly slick feeling to the outside that allows your legs to glide easily with every stride you take. This also makes them great for layering a thicker pair of joggers or sweats if needed in colder weather, too.
Fast Facts
- Material: Nulux
- Length: 23, 25 and 28 inches
- Size Range: 0 to 18
Best for Petite Figures
5. lululemon Align Crop Leggings
What We Like
- multiple color options
- thick waistband
What We Don't Like
- not optimal for high-energy workouts
lululemon
You already know all the reasons why I'm 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 I'm equally as obsessed with the cropped Align style, and so is PureWow Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera. "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 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
The Bottom Line: Are lululemon Leggings Worth It?
In short, yes. They're high-quality, durable and uniquely designed to withstand the physical requirements of your chosen activity, whether that be a super intense HIIT class or a relaxing stretch sesh. In order to get the most out of your lululemon leggings, it's important to shop based on the features you need for your preferred workouts. If you're a runner, gravitate toward the materials that wick sweat and don't cause chafing. If you're a yogi, opt for a pair that allows for flexibility and shape retention. Each set of leggings lists the types of workouts they're made for and in the middle of the product page, you'll find a break down of its features and what the materials do for you as a wearer.
Sure, spending nearly $100 on a pair of leggings sounds quite expensive, but I've had my leggings for several years and they're still holding up strong. So, at the end of the day, you really are getting your money's worth.
What Should I 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 style with sweat-wicking fabric and hidden pockets will be the best. Check the website to ensure that your chosen set of leggings is designed with your particular workout in mind.
- 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 to the size chart to decide the length you're going for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Fabrics Are lululemon Leggings Made Of?
One of the many reasons I love lululemon leggings is because they're so 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).
Which lululemon Leggings Offer the Best Compression?
In my opinion, the Wunder Train Contour leggings ($98) are a top contender for the best compression. They sculpt the hell out of your waist and thighs without feeling like your circulation is being cut off while also smoothing your skin. 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, I 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 I 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 Do I Wash lululemon Leggings?
The brand has a guide for how to care for your lululemon gear on its website, so I 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
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