We’ve Tested Dozens of Lululemon Leggings, But These Are the Very Best

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Whether you’re a daily runner or a Pilates princess, there’s a high chance you own a pair of Lululemon leggings—or you’ve thought about investing in a pair. But with dozens of styles to choose from, all made from different fabrics, it can be tough to tell them apart (or decide on just a few).

After years of wearing these pairs to the gym and beyond we’re confident we’ve found the very best Lululemon leggings. As editors who’ve tested hundreds of pieces of activewear, trust us—they’re well worth the hype.

Our top picks

1. Best Overall: Align Pant High-Rise Pant, $98
2. Best for Everyday: Align No Line High-Rise Pant, $108
3. Best for Lifting: Wunder Train High-Rise Tight, $98
4. Best for Running: Fast and Free High-Rise Tight, $128
5. Best for Yoga and Pilates: Groove Nulu Super-High-Rise Flared Pant, $118

Hundreds of workouts later, these are the pairs we reach for the most.

Best Overall: Align Pant High-Rise Pant

After hearing tons of praise for Lulu’s Align Pants, I caved and bought my first pair a few years ago. I intended to wear them for weightlifting at the gym (and I do!), but their soft, stretchy fabric makes them supercomfortable for days spent on the couch too. One of my favorite features? They don’t have a top seam, so the waistband doesn’t dig into my stomach—instead, it actually moves with my body.

In addition to being a time-tested fan-favorite, the Aligns are hugely popular among other SELF editors. Associate social media manager Katie Gunderman describes them as perfect for low-impact workouts and chill days. Contributor Amy Winderl agrees: “The material fits snug, but not compressive, which is perfect for when you just want to be comfy while working from home or running errands. But then I don’t need to change if I end up doing a workout later on,” she says.

Best for Everyday: Align No Line High-Rise Pant

Finally, a version of Lululemon’s best-selling Align leggings without a front seam. If you’ve ever been plagued by the dreaded camel toe, you’ll want to get your hands on these ASAP. A couple of SELF editors managed to snag a pair and quickly put them to the test at the gym and out on runs.

“Leggings where nothing digs in? Sign me up,” shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis says. “These new Lululemon leggings are a true game changer. They’re made with that same buttery Align feel but have no seams, so they’re more flattering and more comfortable.”

Best for Lifting: Wunder Train High-Rise Tight

Nothing’s more annoying than having to fidget with your ’fit mid-workout because your leggings keep slipping down. Enter Lululemon’s Wunder Train Tight: SELF’s director of fitness and food, Christa Sgobba, swears by them because they’re made with compressive fabric and an internal drawstring, so they won’t budge.

“The Wunder Trains stay put during any kind of exercises you throw at them—deadlifting, lunging, squatting—and I never have to worry about the waistband rolling down,” she says. “Plus, they’re supportive without feeling overly constrictive, which can be super uncomfortable for lifting leggings.” Another bonus: Unlike some other Lululemon styles, these are available in five(!) inseam lengths.

Best for Running: Fast and Free High-Rise Tight

Gearing up for a marathon or just starting your running journey? Either way, the Fast and Free leggings will have your back. They’re sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and offer UV protection—a must to shield your skin from the sun’s rays while you’re out on long jogs. Plus, they have two side pockets to hold larger items (like your phone) and hidden waistband pockets for your tinier must-haves (keys, credit card, lip balm).

“The Fast and Frees are my go-to running leggings when it’s finally too cold for shorts,” Sgobba says. “I love the generous pockets, which are big enough to fit my hulking Google Pixel phone plus lots of gels (and secure enough too—no annoying phone bouncing).”

And, while they feel pretty thin, they’re surprisingly durable: “I took a hard, nasty spill in these thanks to an uneven sidewalk, and even though my leg got scraped up and bloody, the fabric did not rip!” Sgobba says.

Best for Yoga and Pilates: Groove Nulu Super-High-Rise Flared Pant

Flared leggings (or yoga pants, if you’re a millennial) are back and better than ever. And they’re not just a comfortable fashion choice—they can also be great for low-impact exercises like Pilates and yoga. “If you’re someone who lacks a little bit of mobility or needs help when you’re in class, you can grab the flare of the pants to pull your leg up or to pull yourself into a position,” Francine Delgado-Lugo, CPT, certified personal trainer and cofounder of FORM Fitness Brooklyn, previously told SELF.

SELF’s special projects coordinator, Paige Levinson, says the Groove Nulus are her go-to: “I wear them to everything from lounging around my apartment to Pilates, strength training, and long walks around the city,” she says. She’s a beginner Pilates student, but adds that the lightweight, stretchy fabric helps her feel like a pro in class. “They make me look and feel so strong,” she says.

How we chose the best Lululemon leggings

SELF’s team is full of fitness enthusiasts, so we’ve worn a lot of Lululemon leggings—and we have thoughts. The pairs above are the ones we live in. They’re stretchy, breathable, lightweight, and oh so comfy, making them perfect for the activities listed here. We’ve been wearing them for years, and they still hold up.

Related:

• Yes, a Good Yoga Mat Makes a Difference—These Are Our Favorites
• Our Favorite Cute, Cozy, and Ultra-Comfy Sweatshirts
• The Best Lululemon Dupes You Can Find on Amazon

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