Like many gym girlies, I wear Lululemon leggings nearly everyday. While I've tried nearly every fabrication, the Align leggings are my favorite — they're also our best overall leggings. They have a buttery soft fabric that truly feels like a second skin. I have tested hundreds of leggings for the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab and I haven't found any other pair that is as comfortable to wear in and out of the studio.
Align leggings have a cult-like following, but many fans have begged for one change: no front crotch seam. And Lululemon has finally answered. I tested the new Align No Line Leggings to see how they compare to the tried-and-true Lululemon Align's. Do they actually prevent camel toe?
Pros
- No center seam to help prevent camel toe
- Buttery soft and smooth fabric
- Top-tested material
Cons
- $10 more than the original Align leggings
| Material | 81% nylon, 19% Lycra elastane |
|---|---|
| Size range | 0–12 |
| Inseams | 25 and 28 in. |
| Colors | 7 |
What are the differences between the classic Align leggings and the new No Line version?
Both leggings are made with the same signature fabric used in the entire Align collection, which is a blend of nylon and elastane, and feature a high-waisted band with a hidden pocket that lays flat without digging in. The only major difference in the design is that the original Align leggings have a center crotch seam while the new iteration does not.
The No Line style costs $10 more than the original Align leggings and is only available up to a size 12, while the original Align leggings are available up to a size 20 and in more colors and inseam lengths.
Why the Lululemon Align No Line Leggings are worth it
When I tested this new iteration, I didn't notice any changes in performance. They were just as comfortable and reliable as my usual Align leggings. The Align material performed well in our tests, but I did notice some pilling with continued use.
Some online reviewers noted a tighter fit compared to their usual Align leggings, which might be because stretchy materials tend to loosen with continued wear and laundering, so a new pair tends to be more snug. However, I found them both to fit the same out of the package.
I tapped Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., NASM-CPT, the nutrition & fitness director at Good Housekeeping to also test this new launch. "I really like that these new leggings from Lululemon offer a smooth, seamless look that I didn't have to constantly adjust during my barre workout," notes Sassos. "The subtle seam detailing on the back is quite flattering too."
Like online reviewers, she also found them tighter than her usual Align leggings. We both agree that these leggings are best suited for lower impact workouts like barre and Pilates. For sweatier workouts, I recommend Lululemon's Wunder Train leggings.
The main benefit I found of this new version of Align leggings is the flattering fit. I thought my previous Align leggings were the pinnacle, but without the center seam, these have a smoother look (sans camel toe!). It's a slight improvement, so I won't be replacing all my old pairs with this new version, but when shopping for Align leggings in the future, I'll definitely choose the No Line option instead of the originals for a smoother look that doesn't dig in with no fear of camel toe.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour is the associate director of the Textiles Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she has been leading activewear testing since 2018. She has tested hundreds of leggings for Good Housekeeping, including multiple styles from Lululemon. She has a fiber science degree from Cornell University, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. Seymour loves to wear leggings in and out of the gym, lifting weights and attending pilates classes multiple times a week.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
