We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Fashion Clothing Athleisure & Loungewear The Best Lululemon Leggings of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Just when we thought we couldn’t love the Align Tight any more By Cai Cramer Cai Cramer Cai Cramer is a shopping writer at PEOPLE.com with 2 years’ experience in journalism and digital media. She regularly tests the best and buzziest products in the beauty and lifestyle spaces and has researched and written about moisturizers, blow dryers, clothing, and luggage, among many other popular products. People Editorial Guidelines Published on February 6, 2024 07:15AM EST In This Article View All In This Article Reviews Things to Consider How We Tested FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is People Tested? Photo: People / Ashleigh Morley If there’s one thing that we’re grateful that the yoga and Pilates craze has given us, it's the normalization of wearing leggings as pants. They’re comfortable. They’re stretchy. They’re great for running — or runs to the supermarket, for that matter. What’s not to love? Upscale activewear brand Lululemon has become basically synonymous with the word “leggings,” taking over the closets of exercise-lovers and comfort-seekers worldwide since their journey started in 1998. The brand's luxurious fabrics and flattering styles have made Lululemon a staple among celebs (Camila Cabello, Gwyneth Paltrow, and so many more), and while Lululemon's products do fall on the more expensive end of the price spectrum for athletic wear, the high-quality materials often make for longer lasting pieces. The sheer number of options available online or in Lululemon’s stores is dizzying, so we tried out 23 of the brand’s most popular styles. We truly put these pants to the test, wearing them through sweaty exercise sessions of all types and rating each style for qualities like opacity, fit, hold, durability, and value. Through all of our hours of testing, we learned that drawstring cords are essential for preventing the dreaded slip-down-tug-up cycle, and that not all pockets are created equal. Read on to discover our picks for the best Lululemon leggings for every lifestyle and workout routine. Best Overall lululemon Align High Rise Pant with Pockets PHOTO: lululemon $128 at Lululemon Pros Two side pockets can comfortably fit a phone. Perform well across all types of exercise, from running to yoga. So comfortable you can even lounge on the couch wearing them. We found the color and fabric held up after multiple washes. Cons There's nothing we don't love about this style. What happens when the best-selling, celebrity-loved Align legging is given pockets? They land the coveted top spot on our ranking of the best Lululemon leggings! These buttery soft pants can handle any level of activity, from running to weight lifting and everything in between. Made from Lululemon’s proprietary Nulu fabric, these pants feel like a second skin while wicking sweat and maintaining shape through wear after wear. This version of the popular Align leggings features handy side pockets that can hold your phone, wallet, or whatever else you decide to stuff in there during a run. And, if you’re a sucker for pockets like we are, you’ll be thrilled to know that the Align leggings also have a back pocket that can fit a few small items. This model is cut with a flattering high-rise waistband and is available in three different lengths: 23, 25, and 28 inches. (Pro tip: Most Lululemon stores will also hem their pants for free if you bring them in!) Our tester loved that these pants didn’t let her down — literally. She said they felt super secure, staying put while she worked out. Nothing moved — not the waistband, the legs, or the crotch. Comfortable enough to lounge on the couch in with just the right amount of compression to hug you through every yoga pose, these leggings are versatile and oh-so soft. We were impressed by these pants’ ability to withstand the dreaded washing machine. The color held up beautifully, even after multiple washes, and these are still soft and stretchy. If you’re looking for a legging that strikes the perfect balance of comfort and performance, you can’t go wrong with the Align High Rise with Pockets. Lengths Available: 25, 28, 31 inches | Material: Nulu Fabric | Designed for: Yoga (but works for everything) | Pockets: Two side drop-in pockets, back drop-in pocket Runner-Up, Best Overall lululemon InStill High-Rise Crop PHOTO: lululemon $128 at Lululemon Pros Buttery smooth fabric that's so comfortable. Features a light compression, which is great for yoga. Completely opaque, these leggings won't be see-through at the gym. Cons Sweat stains might be noticeable with certain colors. If ever a pair of leggings could be described as a soft, cuddly hug, these would be it. Don’t let their buttery smooth feel fool you — the InStill High-Rise Crop can handle some serious movement. These pants are made specifically for yoga (but great for hanging out, too) and offer a light compression that won’t fall down mid-workout. “I put them on and immediately knew they wouldn't be see-through (no matter what the lighting + squat combination was),” our tester shared. “They're just that good.” Made from Lululemon’s body-hugging SmoothCover Fabric, these pants are supportive and sweat-wicking. The flattering high-cut works for various body types, and our tester felt that these pants offered an exceptional fit. Our tester said she doesn't think she’s ever had a pair of leggings that fit better. The high-rise waist is incredibly comfortable — and for someone who usually has a hard time getting a pair of pants to fit both her waist, hip, and butt ratio, she was shocked at how well these leggings worked for her. Some shoppers pointed out that the lighter shades of the InStill High-Rise leggings sometimes show sweat stains, so keep that in mind when picking out your shade. Overall, these leggings were deserving of the highest praise from our tester and earned perfect scores for opacity, fit, and hold. Lengths Available: 21, 23, 25, 28 inches | Material: SmoothCover Fabric | Designed for: Yoga | Pockets: Back drop-in pocket Best Everyday lululemon High-Rise Align Pant PHOTO: lululemon $101 $86 at Amazon $98 at Lululemon Pros Made with super soft Nulu fabric that stretches four ways for maximum comfort. Sweat-wicking material offers light support and is great for a variety of activities, from yoga to lounging. Cons The silky-soft fabric sometimes slips down throughout the day. These pants are so good we had to include them twice (this time sans pockets). The classic Align leggings offer all the comfort, support, and sweat-wicking power you could possibly ask for in a legging with a flattering high-rise cut. While the lack of side pockets limits what you can carry, it also means there’s less fabric on the hips, which some customers find more flattering. The multi-way stretch fabric truly moves with you while maintaining its compression. They are just fitted enough around the legs, butt, and stomach that you feel secure and covered without feeling suffocated. You heard it here first: The days of uncomfortable, too-tight leggings are officially over. Some customers commented that their leggings slid down a bit throughout the day, though we did not personally experience this. The Align pants are a great everyday pair of leggings, especially for those who prefer a smooth, pocketless pair. Lengths Available: 17, 21, 23, 25, 28 inches | Material: Nulu Fabric | Designed for: Yoga | Pockets: Hidden waistband pocket Best Compression Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight PHOTO: lululemon $103 $98 at Amazon $98 at Lululemon Pros Medium compression fabric is sweat-wicking and great for moderate or intense physical activity. Thick material doesn’t fall down or show underwear lines like some other leggings we’ve tried. Cons Thick material might not be as good for hot weather workouts if you’re prone to overheating. Calling all athletes — we might’ve just found the compression leggings to end all compression leggings. Not only do these babies hug you in all the right places — but they also wick away sweat with ease. Lululemon describes the material these leggings are made from as “Our Fastest-Drying, Everlux Fabric,” which makes them great for sweaty gym sessions. These thick, high-rise pants come in three lengths that fall just above or below the ankle and are available in three colors: bright blue, dark green, or black. We tried these leggings out through various strength-based exercises and found that the drawstring keeps these in place throughout even high-impact workouts. They didn't budge or shift through a leg workout with squats, lunges, deadlifts, and more. You can even throw them on with your pickleball shoes and hit the court. The Wunder Train Leggings feature a small back pocket in the waistband, which is the perfect size to tuck away your keys or lip balm. Overall, these pants are a great choice for anyone who desires a little extra support to conquer even the most challenging workouts. Lengths Available: 25, 28, 31 inches | Material: Everlux Fabric | Designed for: Training | Pockets: Hidden waistband pocket Best for Hot Yoga lululemon High-Rise Drawcord Waist Crop PHOTO: Lululemon $59 at Lululemon Pros Lightweight, sweat-wicking material makes these great for hot workouts. Drawcord hidden in the waistband keeps them in the correct position as you move. Cons Thinner material means these might show more lines or bumps underneath. On the hunt for great yoga pants? Lululemon started as a yoga studio, so it’s no wonder they make the best leggings for the practice. Though many of the brand’s pants were created for bendy exercise, the All The Right Places High-Rise are our favorite pick for moving through your flow with breathable comfort and a great amount of stretch. We adored these leggings — even after a sweaty hot yoga session. Thanks to the moisture-wicking fabric, these leggings feel cool to the touch even after a hot room workout. Tugging your pants up while you’re in the zone mid-workout is endlessly frustrating, but that’s no problem for these sturdy leggings that feature a hidden drawcord in the waistband for adjustable hold through every downward-facing dog. Did we mention these pants also come with pockets? (Are we too pocket-obsessed? Maybe! But we’re OK with that.) Grab your yoga mat and hit the studio. The All the Right Places leggings are available in a variety of colors, from brights to neutrals, in a cropped cut that falls somewhere on the midcalf for most wearers. We awarded them with perfect scores for material, fit, and durability. We think these are a great choice for any sweaty activity, from hot yoga to cycling, because they keep you cool and dry and don’t roll down. Lengths Available: 23 inches | Material: Luxtreme Fabric | Designed for: Running and training | Pockets: Two side drop-in pockets, back drop-in pocket Best for Intense Workouts lululemon Invigorate High-Rise Tight PHOTO: lululemon $128 at Lululemon Pros High-compression material held us in comfortably through running, weightlifting, and more. Made from sweat-wicking, quick-drying material that is very opaque. Drawcord hidden in the waistband keeps them in the correct position as you move. Cons Might feel too compressive for some. We were super impressed with the Invigorate tight’s performance fabric. The Everlux fabric is ideal for tough training sessions, with a high compression level and a supportive, comfortable fit that makes us feel confident through every lunge. The Invigorate High-Rise Tights offer a high-rise fit and — drumroll please — side drop-in pockets. These compressive leggings come with a continuous drawcord, so you can tighten the waist to your heart’s content without worrying about the drawcord disappearing in the wash. Available in a variety of colors and a few fun patterns, we also love that the thick performance fabric was completely opaque — which means they passed the squat test and are leg-day approved. The thicker, more compressive style might feel tight on the legs and stomach for those who aren’t used to wearing compression pants while exercising, but the breathability and stretch make these pants a great option for everything from running to weightlifting. Lengths Available: 25, 28 inches | Material: Everlux Fabric | Designed for: Training | Pockets: Two side drop-in pockets, hidden waistband pocket Best Cropped lululemon SenseKnit High-Rise Running Crop PHOTO: Lululemon $158 at Lululemon Pros Continuous-drawstring waist means they won’t fall down throughout the day. Medium compression is great for all kinds of exercise. Reflective details help to make runners more visible at night. Cons Only available in limited color options. The SenseKnit High-Rise Running Crop pants from Lululemon are exactly what you’d expect them to be — a high-rise, cropped legging designed for running. Made from SenseKnit Technology with targeted support, these pants claim to be both sweat-wicking and quick-drying. We appreciated the comfortable feel of the SenseKnit fabric, which felt so buttery soft, we barely noticed we were wearing them. The comfortable, medium-compressive material doesn't sacrifice performance, and makes them ideal for running but still comfortable enough to lounge around in. The 23-inch cropped length falls somewhere around the lower or mid-calf on most wearers and allows the ankles to breathe. The SenseKnit High-Rise Running pants also come with Lululemon’s beloved continuous drawcord to keep them in place while you move. We love the reflective details that run down the bottom of the pant leg, plus a handy back pocket that large enough to stash your phone or keys in. We wish the back pocket had a zipper so that belonging would feel more secure while running, and a few more color options would be nice. Despite those small critiques, these pants are an amazing option for runners and loungers alike. Lengths Available: 23, 28 inches | Material: SenseKnit Fabric | Designed for: Running | Pockets: Fold-over envelope pockets The 12 Best Joggers of 2024 for Everything from Lounging to Downward Dog Best Flared lululemon Groove Super-High-Rise Crop PHOTO: lululemon $79 at Lululemon Pros Super comfortable even after 12 hours of wear, thanks to the buttery-soft Nulu material. Stylish flared cut is available in both full and cropped lengths. Cons Very light compression, which may not be supportive enough for some. The waistband slides down during high-intensity exercise (so it's better suited for low-intensity workouts). Flared leggings are back in style, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. The Groove Super High-Rise pants have a tighter fit at the hips that kick out at the bottom, creating a flattering and unique shape that’s perfect for yoga, lounging, and lighter activity. Even after wearing these leggings for over 12 hours, we felt completely comfortable. These pants are made from Lululemon’s buttery-soft Nulu Fabric and come in long and cropped lengths. We were impressed with the Groove Super High-Rise’s body-hugging fit, which fit perfectly without any gapping at the waist. We noted that these pants are not compressive, which makes them easier to slip on and off. We wish these leggings had a drawcord in the waistband to keep them in place during movement, but for a pair of leggings meant for lower-intensity workouts and chilling on the couch, we think this is a great choice. Lengths Available: 23, 31 inches | Material: Nulu Fabric | Designed for: Yoga | Pockets: Back drop-in pocket Best for Running lululemon Original Fast and Free High-Rise Crop PHOTO: Lululemon $128 at Lululemon Pros Seven different pockets means you have room to store your keys, wallet, chapstick, phone, and more. Medium compression held us in comfortably during runs. Very opaque material won’t show underwear and minimizes panty lines. Cons Side pockets are very deep, which meant that our phone sat around mid-thigh while we ran which we found a little uncomfortable. On your marks, get set, go grab yourself a pair of Fast and Free High Rise Crop leggings! Despite tough competition, these tights are our pick for the best pair of Lululemon leggings for running. They’re made of Nulux Fabric, which is breathable and sweat-wicking while providing a medium level of compression that’s great for running. The cropped cut is designed to fall somewhere around the mid-calf, and the breathable material feels cool to the touch no matter how sweaty your training sesh gets. “These leggings are super comfortable but provide a tight fit with support, offering a balance between stretch and compression. We wore the Fast and Free High Rise Crop pants for multiple short and long runs and felt that they were sweat-wicking enough to stay cool and comfortable, even during the hot summer months. The depth of the side pockets on these pants means that your phone might slip down to mid-thigh while running, which we found to be a little annoying. Despite that, we rated these pants as a 5 out of 5 across the board for material, fit, durability, opacity, and overall value. Lengths Available: 19, 23, 25, 28 inches | Material: Nulux Fabric | Designed for: Running | Pockets: Two side drop-in pockets, five waistband pockets Best Pockets lululemon Swift Speed High-Rise Tight PHOTO: lululemon $128 at Lululemon Pros Compression feature gives you a secure fit. Has a drawstring, unlike most leggings, that provides an adjustable fit and keeps the waistband secure There are two drop-in side pockets and a zippered back pocket that are great for storing essentials during your workout. Cons We love everything about this pair of leggings. It's no secret that clothes without pockets can be pretty inconvenient. When we're on the go, having our hands free is a must, and leggings with pockets make it quick and easy to store away phones, keys, and wallets. That's where the Swift Speed High-Rise Tight come in: They let you stow away all of your essentials while running errands or working out with their two drop-in side pockets and zippered back pocket. In addition to three pockets, the Swift Speed High-Rise Tight leggings also have a comfortable and secure fit that creates a flattering silhouette. Our tester loved that there was a drawstring to help keep the leggings in place, preventing any sliding or discomfort during workouts. Overall, the Swift Speed High-Rise Tight leggings are comfortable and convenient if you're looking for a versatile pair of leggings. With plenty pockets and a snug fit, these leggings are perfect for running errands (or just running in general!). Lengths Available: 25, 28 inches | Material: Nylon, Lycra elastane | Designed for: Running | Pockets: Yes Best Contour Fit lululemon Wunder Train Contour Fit High-Rise Tight PHOTO: Lululemon $98 at Lululemon Pros The material stayed soft and breathable, even on high temperature days. During testing, these leggings didn’t budge while working out. Cons There aren't any pockets other than one tiny pocket inside the waistband. The Wunder Train Contour Fit High-Rise Tight leggings have a fit that narrows at the waistband to avoid any gaping and skims your thighs and hips effortlessly. These leggings are versatile, suitable for outdoor or indoor workouts, or even just casual wear. They are designed to wick away moisture and provide all-day comfort. And the contour fit of these leggings ensures that they stay in place and don't slide down or up, giving you a flattering silhouette. When placed in the dryer, we found that these leggings maintained the same exact quality as when we first received them, which is not always the case for leggings of this material. One negative note is that there are no pockets; however, there is a secret compartment inside the waistband to store a key or card. If you're looking for durable, comfortable, and flattering leggings that are long-lasting, the Wunder Train Contour Fit High-Rise Tight 28 leggings are an excellent choice. Lengths Available: 25, 28 inches | Material: Nylon, Lycra elastane | Designed for: Training | Pockets: Yes Best for Cold Weather lululemon Fast and Free Fleece Tight PHOTO: lululemon $148 at Lululemon Pros Cozy fleece-lined fabric is warm and comfortable, making these a great choice for cold-weather runs or as a thermal layer under snow gear. Five small waistband pockets and two large hip pockets can carry all of our gear so we can be hands-free. Cons The cozy fleece material will be too warm for heated or hot-weather activities. Don’t let the cold weather stop your run. If you're looking for fleece-lined leggings, the Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece tights help to keep warm with a soft brushed fabric interior that feels cozy and supportive. These leggings have a drawcord waist that helps keep the pants up with minimal sagging. Five waistband pockets are the perfect size for a credit card, key, or tube of chapstick, and drop-in side pockets that can hold a cell phone or wallet. We love the extra warmth that the brushed-fleece lining provides and often reach for them as a layer under ski pants. Because of that fuzzy lining, these pants might be too warm to do heated exercises in, so we wouldn’t recommend them for hot yoga or for use in hotter weather. But as a layer for any cold weather activity, the fleece version of the Fast and Free tights is a cozy choice. Lengths Available: 28 inches | Material: Recycled polyester, Lycra elastane | Designed for: Running | Pockets: Yes The Absolute Best Black Leggings of 2024, Tested During Real Workouts Things to Consider Before Buying Lululemon Leggings Compression Level Lululemon offers a variety of compression leggings with varying degrees of squeeze. Celebrity trainer Megan Roup says, “If I am doing dance cardio I tend to gravitate towards more compression in my leggings and [a] sports bra for the added support and sweat-wicking. However, if I am doing something low impact like sculpt, compression isn't that important to me and I may gravitate to more of a softer fabric.” Figuring out the level of compression you need from your workout gear can be tricky, but a good rule of thumb is to choose pants that are more compressive for high-intensity workouts like running and weight lifting, and opt for stretchier, less compressive material for low-intensity workouts like yoga and barre. At the end of the day, the most important factor in choosing leggings is your personal comfort — don’t choose anything that squeezes you uncomfortably or leaves your extremities blue or swollen. “You'll want something that you feel supported in as you move around, that allows your body to sweat, and that makes you feel comfortable,” Roup says. The 10 Best Deals Hiding in Spanx’s Sale Section Right Now: Shop Shorts, Bras, Dresses, and More from $26 Length You can find Lululemon leggings in a variety of lengths, from as short as 17 inches (designed to fall around the upper calf) or as long as 32 inches (designed to skim the ground). Different lengths will fall in different spots on the leg depending on the height and leg length of the wearer, so knowing the length of your legs can be helpful in determining where exactly a pair will fall on you. Your best bet for finding the perfect length for you is to try the pants on, either in person at the Lululemon store or by ordering online from Lululemon.com. Material Whether you're looking for high-waisted leggings, fleece-lined ones, or something else, one of the most important factors when it comes to the fit and feel of leggings on the body is material. Each of the high-quality fabrics that Lululemon leggings are made from offer different levels of compression, sweat-wicking ability, and breathability, as well as varying looks and feels. Here are the descriptions that Lululemon offers for each of their most popular fabrics: Luxtreme: Slick and low-friction support, sweat-wicking, four-way stretch, breathable, feels cool to the touch, added Lycra fibre for stretch and shape retention. Nulux: Weightless coverage that passes the squat test, four-way stretch, quick-drying, sweat-wicking, breathable, feels sleek and cool to the touch, added Lycra® fibre for stretch and shape retention. Nulu: So buttery-soft, it feels weightless, four-way stretch, sweat-wicking, breathable, added Lycra fibre for stretch and shape retention. SenseKnit: Targeted support, four-way stretch, sweat-wicking, quick drying. Everlux: Our fastest-drying fabric, four-way stretch, sweat-wicking, breathable, supportive, feels cool and sleek on the inside, soft and brushed on the outside, added Lycra® fibre for stretch and shape retention. How We Tested Our team of active volunteers tested out 23 different pairs of Lululemon leggings. We made sure that our testing group was made up of people with varying levels of fitness and sizes. The testers wore their chosen Lululemon legging style in a variety of settings and through multiple forms of exercise including running, high-intensity workouts, yoga, and walking. In order to gauge the comfort of each pair, our testers lounged in their leggings all day while attempting to sit in a variety of chairs and positions. The testers also measured the sweat-wicking abilities of their leggings by placing a small drop of water on the inside of the fabric and recording how easily the water was able to absorb and spread across the fabric. They also performed a squat test, in which the testers did a series of squats in both neutral and brightly patterned underwear to gauge how see-through the leggings were. The testers also tested the hold of their leggings by using a pen to draw a line across their abdomen where the top of the waistband sits. They then did a series of squats, lunges, jumping jacks, and jogged in place to see whether the waistband had slid down. The testers then washed and dried the leggings according to Lululemon's instructions to test the washability and durability of each pair of pants. Finally, our testers rated each legging on a scale of 1 to 5 for material, opacity, fit, hold, durability, and value. Frequently Asked Questions How should I wash my Lululemon leggings? After a sweaty gym session, it’s imperative to wash your leggings to minimize the growth of smelly bacteria. Here are some guidelines from Lululemon.com about how to wash their fabrics: For Luon, Luxtreme, Everlux, Nulu, Nulux, Rulu, Seamless, Swift, and Warpstreme, we recommend:Machine wash cold with similar fabricsAvoid fabric softeners and abrasive fabrics/materialsHang to dry (or tumble dry on low) What do I do if my leggings are too long? Luckily for you, Lululemon offers complimentary hemming in all stores! Lululemon’s website claims that their turnaround time is about 3 days at most stores, but up to 7 days at pop-up stores. How long does Lululemon take to ship? Orders shipped through standard shipping are typically sent out 1-2 days after purchasing and should arrive to your address within 7 to 8 business days. Once you add an order to your cart, the estimated delivery will be presented upon checkout. Why Trust PEOPLE? Cai Cramer is a commerce writer who covers products across the beauty, fashion, health, and lifestyle spaces. To compile this article, she consulted our testers, who rigorously trialed a wide variety of Lululemon leggings, on key attributes such as moisture-wicking ability, washability, material, compression level, and durability. While researching Lululemon leggings, we spoke with celebrity fitness trainer Megan Roup, founder of The Sculpt Society. Meet Our Expert Megan Roup is a celebrity trainer and the founder of The Sculpt Society. Roup trains supermodel clients like Miranda Kerr, Karlie Kloss, and Shanina Shaik with a routine that incorporates dance, cardio, and yoga. What Is People Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.