A Complete Guide to the Best Lululemon Leggings - Including New Fall Colors

1 month ago 5

Updated on Oct 21, 2024 at 1:55 PM

LululemonPhoto Illustration: Becky JirasLululemonPhoto Illustration: Becky Jiras

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Have you ever found yourself staring at Lululemon's leggings wall in equal parts wonder and confusion, thinking, "What are the best Lululemon leggings for me?" Same — and it's a good problem to have. There are so many different styles, fabrics, and colors that we barely know where to begin. But that's also what makes Lululemon so amazing; whether you're a yogi or a marathoner, it has leggings options for you, as well as great sports bras, breathable athletic jackets, and comfy running shorts. In an effort to curb your confusion, we've rounded up some of the most popular Lululemon leggings to stock up on in 2024 and explained what sets each pair apart.

For the sake of this experiment, we've compared black Lululemon leggings and tights. That way, you can really understand the subtle but important differences, like fabric, fit, and feel. Because when it comes to leggings, those are the things that matter most.

What's the Difference Between Lululemon's Proprietary Fabrics?

There are five different proprietary fabrics Lululemon uses to make leggings: Nulu, Nulux, Everlux, Luxtreme, and SmoothCover. Here's how they're all different.

Nulu: Nulu is the buttery-soft fabric that the beloved Align collection is made out of. It's not the most high-performance, but it is supremely comfortable.
Nulux: One little letter makes all the difference. This fabric has a similar buttery-soft feel to Nulu, but is more sweat-wicking. If you want to feel like you're wearing nothing, go with a legging made of Nulux; it has a sort of naked sensation that's ideal when you're sweating it out.
Everlux: Everlux is the brand's fastest-drying fabric. This is thicker than Nulux but still sleek and breathable and likely the most versatile of all.
Luxtreme: Luxtreme is a thicker fabric designed to reduce friction and maintain its shape through each wear.
SmoothCover: SmoothCover is a combination of Nulu and Luxtreme. It's got the buttery-soft feel of Nulu with the shape retention and hugged-in sensation of Luxtreme.

Are Lululemon Leggings Worth the Money?

In short: yes. They're all comfortable and durable; you can't go wrong with owning any one of these pairs. On a personal note, we have tried what feels like every legging in the world and always come back to Lululemon. We've had pairs for years that still look and feel brand new — no pilling, sweat scents, fading, or riding down. The quality is unparalleled, and if you're going to splurge on leggings, you want them to last. Take care of your leggings, and they'll take care of you.

Best Overall Lululemon Leggings

Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant ($98-$118)

Fair warning: you're going to want to live in these leggings from Lululemon. The style is so soft, you'll feel like you're not wearing anything — which, in fact, is the purpose of the Nulu fabric it's made of. This is definitely a yoga pant as opposed to a running or HIIT pant, but it can also be an errands pant, a WFH pant, or really just an anytime pant.

One PS editor loves the style so much, she wrote about them in this review of the Lululemon Align Leggings. "I have a lot of leggings, but I don't have anything that feels like this," she wrote. "They're soft and cozy but not overly warm, and they feel like butter."

These are available in all different lengths, from tall to petite, so you can get a cropped version if you'd like. Plus, there's even a pair with pockets!

What reviewers say: These pants have more than 8,000 five-star reviews, with one user saying, "I need 949575853 more. It feels like i'm wearing nothing! The quality is absolutely there. The comfort is there. I want to wear nothing else but these leggings."

Why we love them: The soft, comfortable lounge leggings of your dreams do exist, and you'll find yourself doing laundry just so you can wear these over and over again.

What's worth noting: Like almost all Lululemon pants, these are high rise, coming up just past the belly button. Even after owning the pair for years, they feel just as soft and comfortable as the first day they were bought — no pilling or fraying.

Additional details: Sizes: 0-20 | Length: 23", 25", 28", 31" inseam | Colorways: 19

Best Lululemon Shorts

Lululemon Align High-Rise Short ($64)

These shorts take everything shoppers love about Lululemon's ultra-sleek Align leggings and translate them into a cropped style that's breathable, easy to move around in, and great for those sweaty, outdoor workouts when you want to wear as little as possible.

What reviewers say: The consensus on these Lululemon shorts is that they're seriously great. Some reviewers claim that the style is a winner because they feel "buttery soft" while on, and others have called them the "best biker short ever" because they fit like a dream and don't ride up when you run.

Why we love them: These athletic shorts are available to shop in a wide range of sizes and even feature three different length options, so it's easy to find your perfect fit.

What's worth noting: A few reviewers note that the lighter-colored shorts are easy to see through in direct sunlight. If this is a concern for you or you'd just prefer something more conservative, it's probably best to purchase the shorts in a darker color.

Additional details: Sizes: 0-20 | Length: 2", 4", 6", 8" inseam | Colorways: 10

Best Cropped Lululemon Leggings

Lululemon Align High-Rise Crop 23 Capri Leggings ($98)

For a breathable style that you can wear for hot yoga or to a Pilates class, go for these soft Lululemon leggings, which are designed for low-intensity workouts. Unlike other athletic bottoms, this style features a cropped silhouette that offers more ankle exposure and a less constricting feel.

What reviewers say: Shoppers love these capri leggings for their length and versatility; one user wrote in a review: "These are great in every way! I love the buttery soft feeling! They move with me, but the band stays put as I teach yoga!"

Why we love them: The comfy leggings have a casual design that's perfect for everyday wear. You can sport them to the gym, a workout class, or even while you're running errands around town.

What's worth noting: Some reviewers have noted that the seam on these leggings has started coming apart after only a few washes.

Additional details: Sizes: 0-20 | Length: 23", 25", 28", 31" inseam | Colorways: 12

Best Sweat-Wicking Lululemon Leggings

Lululemon Swift Speed High-Rise Tight ($69, originally $128)

When we're going out for a run or we know we're about to get sweaty, we reach for these classic tights from Lululemon. They're made of Luxtreme, a proprietary Lululemon fabric that will hold you in and keep sweat at bay. Whether you love running, boxing, or dance cardio, these leggings will help you feel supported. They offer slick and low-friction support, and there's no inner seam, which is a great choice if you're concerned about chafing.

Need further convincing of this workout pant's greatness? One PS editor wore them to run the NYC Marathon and detailed her experience in this Lululemon Swift Speed High-Rise Tight review, saying, "These leggings are crafted from the brand's super-compressive Luxtreme fabric, which is smooth, cool to the touch, and sweat wicking, all features I look for in my ideal pair of tights. What I love most about them is they feature a contoured waistband that firmly hugs your waist so that they stay put during your workout."

What reviewers say: These leggings have more than 700 five-star reviews. One customer says, "Love the compression! Keeps everything in for intense [workouts]. Love these for boxing." Another person writes, "Perfect fit for running and boxing workouts . . . Fabric is very reflective and great for early morning runs. The zipper pocket on the back waistband is big enough to fit an iPhone Plus with an otter box case."

Why we love them: Hot days and hard workouts have nothing on these moisture-wicking leggings, which will keep you cool through all kinds of high-impact activities.

What's worth noting: If you want something a little thicker, this is the legging for you. They have side pockets and a zippered back pocket, so if you're doing an exercise where you may have to lie down on your back, like yoga or Pilates, these may not be the best choice.

Additional details: Sizes: 0-20 | Length: 28" inseam | Colorways: 3

Best Lululemon Leggings For People With Curves

Lululemon Wunder Train Contour Fit High-Rise Tight ($98)

This contoured legging is perfect for people with curves. The brand has taken the bestselling Wunder Train tight and adjusted the fit to narrow the waistband. This is meant to prevent gaping and ensure a more snug fit. In addition, Lululemon added more room in the hips and thighs. Just like the classic Wunder Trains, these leggings are designed for cross-training; we like wearing them for a variety of workouts including strength training, Pilates, boxing, or yoga.

What reviewers say: One customer raved, "I have wider hips and a smaller waist, and these fit perfectly. I typically wear the regular Wunder Trains and have to pull them up all the time, but did not touch these once while working out." Another added, "The fit of these leggings is *chef's kiss* for athletic bodies with smaller waists and muscular legs. With these leggings, I didn't have to adjust them at all during my HIIT workout and didn't have to use the drawstring either."

Why we love them: If you have a smaller waist and larger hips or thighs, these are the Lululemon leggings for you; they're made specifically with your body type in mind, and they fit like a dream.

What's worth noting: These Lululemon black leggings have a drawstring at the waist, so you can tighten or loosen them to ensure a great fit. Check the size guide first, as they may fit differently than other Lululemon pants.

Additional details: Sizes: 0-20 | Length: 23", 25", 28" inseam | Colorways: 5

Best Lululemon Leggings For Working Out

Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight ($98)

If you're someone who fondly remembers your Wunder Unders (RIP), may we introduce you to the new iteration, the Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight? Wunder Unders were the pants Lululemon became famous for, but the fabric was thick, so they weren't always the most comfortable choice, particularly in a sweaty situation. The new Wunder Train is made of Everlux, the brand's quickest-drying fabric, making them lightweight and sweat wicking.

Perfect for any kind of training, whether it's weightlifting, boxing, or HIIT, these are the leggings you'll keep going back to — and they also have a cropped version available if you like to let your ankles breathe.

What reviewers say: With more than 4,000 five-star reviews, one happy customer says these are "like second skin with (the) right amount of compression. I didn't think I'd love another pair more than Align." Another customer says, "The Wunder Trains are my favorite legging from lululemon yet! They are buttery soft and do not pill, and the elastic on the waistband is a bonus! I wear these for spin class, yoga, walks, weight training, etc. Truly a multifunctional tight."

Why we love them: These are the do-it-all pants you'll rely on for years to come. No matter your workout of choice, these pants will keep you supported through it all.

What's worth noting: These leggings don't have side pockets. There is one pocket hidden in the waistband, and the brand does make a pair of Wunder Train leggings with pockets, but they're more expensive.

Additional details: Sizes: 0-20 | Length: 23", 25", 28", 31" inseam | Colorways: 12

Best Flared Lululemon Leggings

Lululemon Align High-Rise Mini-Flared Pant ($118)

You can't go wrong with these flared leggings from Lululemon, especially if you're looking to incorporate more of a retro flair into your workout wardrobe. Wear them for your next gym session with a cool pair of running shoes, or dress them up with an oversized T-shirt for a casual coffee run.

What reviewers say: One reviewer claims she gets "so many compliments" while wearing this stylish pair of leggings, while another says that the pants have just the right fit.

Why we love them: Flared leggings are back in style, and this pair from Lululemon proves that the look is here to stay. We love the nostalgic vibe of these pants, as well as the way they combine style with comfort.

What's worth noting: These flared leggings have limited length options, and some reviewers note that they've found the pant to either be too short or too long as a result.

Additional details: Sizes: 0-20 | Length: 28", 32", 34" inseam | Colorways: 7

Best Lululemon Yoga Pants

Lululemon Groove Super-High-Rise Flared Pant ($118)

These high-rise flared pants are made of Nulu, which is one of Lululemon's most weightless and breathable fabrics. The classic style pays homage to the OG yoga pant via its full-length, flared design, and can stand up to hot yoga as the fabric offers sweat-wicking capabilities. Plus, regardless of how much you stretch them in Warrior II, the added Lycra helps to ensure they'll retain their shape over time.

What reviewers say: With over 2,000 five-star reviews, customers report being pretty happy with these pants. One shopper calls them "super comfortable," while another says: "Super-soft buttery fabric, love the long legs, hem sits just above ground when wearing shoes (hate it when they are so short). I love the high waist on these — all in all a great pair of yoga pants!

Why we love them: Top-notch flexibility and comfort meet ultra-sweat-wicking fabric, so you can hold your Crow pose even if you're drenched in sweat. Need we say more?

What's worth noting: Some reviewers have acknowledged that the style started pilling rather quickly compared to some of their other pairs of Lululemon leggings and yoga pants, so it's important to take extra care when washing them. The athletic pants are also only available in one length option, which means sizing is limited.

Additional details: Sizes: 0-20 | Length: 32.5" inseam | Colorways: 6

Best Ribbed Lululemon Leggings

Lululemon Align Ribbed High-Rise Pant ($118)

So you love your go-to Align leggings, and maybe you're looking to pick up another pair. Why not try these breathable ribbed leggings? Picture the same buttery-soft Nulu fabric you've come to cherish, only with an added ribbed texture that makes these leggings feel current and cool. This is a new addition to the brand's lineup and one we want to add to our carts immediately.

What reviewers say: One buyer says, "this new ribbed style is so comfortable and flattering! The material is soft but also silky. 10/10 would recommend."

Why we love them: These leggings have the comfort of an Align legging with an added trendy ribbed look.

What's worth noting: Some customers have noted that these leggings can slide down, which is something to consider if you want to wear them for a workout or while walking around.

Additional details: Sizes: 0-20 | Length: 23", 25", 28" inseam | Colorways: 5

LululemonPhoto Illustration: Becky Jiras

Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.

India Yaffe was an associate editor on the Shopping team at PS for five years. She focused on curating the best fitness, fashion, beauty, and home products on the market for the PS audience.

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