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Lululemon and Alo both offer stylish athleisure and workout apparel, but their leggings are what make these brands star players in the fitness industry. While Lululemon and Alo may be popular (and for good reason), it can be daunting to splurge over $100 on a pair of pants without knowing if they're really worth it. To help you make the decision of which leggings are worth the investment, we put Lululemon vs. Alo head to head in a test.
In addition to my firsthand experience with both pairs of leggings, I also consulted the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab. Our fiber scientists have put Lululemon and Alo leggings through the ringer to see which leggings are more breathable, comfortable, durable, stretchy and more. After plenty of workouts, wash cycles and other tests in the Textiles Lab, one brand comes out on top. Ahead, discover whether we recommend Lululemon or Alo leggings.
Lululemon Align Leggings overview
Pros
- Top-performing material in our Lab tests
- Lack of center seam helps prevent camel toe
- Buttery smooth and soft material
- Stretchy fit is great for various body types
Cons
- Sizing can be off
- Prone to pilling
| Sizes | 0–12 |
|---|---|
| Material | 81% nylon, 19% Lycra elastane |
| Lengths | 25 in. and 28 in. |
The Align No Line Leggings are excellent for low-impact workouts like Pilates, yoga and walking, but we recommend Lululemon's Wunder Train High-Rise Tight for more intense, sweatier workouts like running. The Wunder Tights are our experts' top overall pick among the best workout leggings, however in this comparison, we are focusing on similar styles of yoga pants from Lululemon and Alo.
Not only are the Align No Line Leggings more popular among shoppers, but our pros also rated it the most comfortable pair of workout leggings and the best overall yoga pants in their testing.
Alo High-Waist Airlift Leggings overview
Pros
- Breathable and lightweight
- Maintained shape in Lab tests
- Shiny, stylish appearance
- Less prone to pilling
Cons
- Some testers said it was a bit see through
- More expensive
| Sizes | XXS–XL |
|---|---|
| Material | 82% polyester, 18% elastane |
| Lengths | 7/8 (XXS, XS & S: 24.25 in., M. L & XL: 24.75 in.) or Full (XXS, XS & S: 28 in., M, L & XL: 28.5 in.) |
Our pros in the Textiles Lab rated the Alo High-Waist Airlift Leggings as the most stylish among the top-performing workout leggings in our tests. It's a bit pricier than the Lululemon leggings, but its breathability, durability and appearance can make this purchase well worth it. Its lightweight feel can especially be ideal for outdoor walks and running errands in the hot summer months. We also love Alo's Airbrush High-Waist Bootcut Legging if you're like me and prefer flared yoga pants over tights.
Fabric
Lululemon:
The brand's signature Align collection utilizes their Nulu Fabric, which is constructed with 80% nylon and 20% Lycra elastane. The Lycra allows the tights to maintain their shape while stretching around the curves of the body as you move, walk, squat and lunge. "The material is buttery soft, so they felt great for all-day wear," says Textiles Lab Associate Director Emma Seymour. She's not wrong — of all the leggings I've tested and owned in my years of working out, these are by far the softest and smoothest pair of leggings I've ever tried.
While the fabric is lightweight, it feels substantial and the slightest bit thick to me. I wouldn't opt for these leggings on a hot summer day, but I felt airy and cool while working out in my basement and at the gym. Updates Editor at the GH Institute Elizabeth Berry agrees: "I find the thickness to be versatile for spring and fall adventures or yoga sessions, but I think I will sweat far too much in these during the summer," she says.
Alo:
The Alo High-Waist Airlift Leggings are made with their signature Airlift performance fabric, which is constructed with 82% polyester and 18% elastane. Airlift is Alo's highest compression fabric option, compared to the Airbrush and Alosoft collections, which offer medium and minimal compression respectively.
The brand states the high compression and snug fit makes it ideal for Pilates, yoga, street style and high-intensity workouts. While I can agree with the first three of those activities, I would not necessarily recommend these leggings for high-intensity movements like running or a HIIT class. Our Lab pros say the sleek material creates a lightweight feel that easily moves with you through exercises, but it doesn't feel as substantial as other pairs that we tested.
Style
Lululemon:
The Lululemon Align No Line High-Rise Pant is a newer style that forgoes the front crotch seam down the center of the pants, which helps prevent camel toe. "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," says GH Institute Fitness Lab Director Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., NASM-CPT.
These leggings have a high-waisted band that is decently long and wide, a feature that most of our testers and experts loved. "The second I put this pair on, I was impressed with the flattering waistband that didn't dig in and created a smooth shape," Seymour says. A small pocket on the interior of the waistband lays flat against your stomach that can easily fit light items like keys or an ID. On the backside of these leggings underneath the wide waistband is a subtle seam detail that accentuates your curves and glute muscles, a small detail that I love. It's available in nine colors, including one colorful tie-dye design.
My only gripe with the style of these leggings is that I found the waistband to be too high for my liking. Proportionally, I have slightly longer legs and a shorter torso for my overall height. This made the leggings rise up way past my belly button near the bottom of my sports bra, even when I sized down (more on that later). Another tester reported a similar experience and said, "They fall about 2 inches below my boobs. It is very high but I like it." Consider the proportions of your torso and whether you like a very high or moderately high waistband (to each their own!).
Alo:
The Alo High-Waist Airlift Legging features a bit of sheen on the exterior, which offers a more stylish look in my opinion than the matte finish of Lululemon's leggings. Whether you're walking down the streets of NYC after a Pilates class or you're a fan of athleisure and wear leggings in your everyday life, these shiny pants can elevate your look. "The shiny material made my legs look long and lean," says Seymour.
These leggings have a front and back seam with a wide waistband as well. It's also high-waisted, but lands right at the belly button or slightly above, depending on your body type, which I prefer. It's available in 13 colors, including bright shades — all of which have the subtle sheen. All in all, these leggings look incredibly stylish and no one will bat an eye if you go from the gym to a restaurant: "I always reach for this pair of leggings when I'm heading to brunch straight from a Pilates class," Seymour says.
Opacity
Lululemon:
I stretched, did yoga, lifted weights in the gym and went on a light jog wearing the Lululemon Align No Line High-Rise Pants. Not once did I notice these leggings looking a bit see-through. The matte finish gives the leggings a solid opacity, which helps add to its buttery smooth look.
Alo:
While we love the appearance of the Alo High-Waist Airlift Legging, some testers found them a bit see-through when performing certain movements like squats in the gym or downward dog in a yoga session. Seymour reports that she found similar results in Lab testing, so it's best to match the color of underwear to the leggings or your skin tone if you're going for a seamless look (unless you go commando!).
Comfort and performance
Lululemon:
Both brands offer incredibly comfortable leggings, but the Lululemon Align No-Line leggings are by far the smoothest and softest pair of leggings I've ever worn. Don't take it just from me, though — our fiber science experts and GH testers all gave these leggings high ratings for comfort. "They have a lightweight feel that is cozy like a second skin," said one tester who also called these leggings "insanely soft."
I have sensitive skin and get itchy when wearing tight fabrics, but after a few washes, but I didn't have any problems with these leggings and I lounged around the house in them for hours at a time. "I have worn a handful of Lululemon leggings over the years, but this pair stands out for its snug fit that isn't uncomfortable," Berry shares.
When it comes to Pilates, yoga, weightlifting, walking and cycling, these leggings are surprisingly more breathable than you'd think given their substantial feel and Seymour reports that the waistband stayed put during yoga practice. While I wouldn't go running or do any high-intensity movements with these leggings, they're incredibly comfortable and stretchy, making them the perfect pair for performing movements like downward dog, squats and lunges or even just lying on the couch. "I really dislike a tight, restrictive or compressive legging, so the Align legging is my standard go-to for workouts, hanging out or traveling," said one tester. Another shared, "They didn't feel compressive or too snug yet they looked very flattering."
Alo:
Our testers and experts gave the Alo leggings high ratings for comfort and breathability. One tester said these leggings were "very comfortable for everyday loungewear and almost any workout." Seymour found zero issues with the waistband digging in.
And while the Lululemon Align leggings have a slightly brushed feel that's softer, Seymour says that the Alo leggings are smooth and not restrictive. In our Lab evaluations, the Alo leggings aced washing testing and wicked away moisture, meaning you'll feel drier and cooler during a sweaty workout.
Sizing and fit
Lululemon:
The Lululemon Align No Line High-Rise Pants are offered in two inseam lengths (25 and 28 inches) and sizes 0 to 12. Unfortunately, Lululemon only offers more colors (13), sizes (0–20) and lengths (23, 25, 28 and 31 inches) for the Align Leggings with a center seam — but at least it's $10 less than its no-line counterpart.
In terms of sizing, Lululemon has confusing and inaccurate sizing in my opinion (though Seymour found they fit true to size). For example, I have a 26-inch waist, which is typically a size 0 or 2 at most retailers. At Lululemon, this is a size 6. Yet, after testing a size 4 and 6, the size 4 fit me the best.
Be sure to check the size guide and your current measurements, and I recommend sizing down if you're in between sizes. Berry is 5'7" tall and tested the 28-inch length leggings. After trying the pants on, she said, "The length is ideal for me as it falls just at my ankle, but individuals shorter than 5'7" may find this inseam a tad long." If you're taller and want a capri style, then opt for the 25-inch length.
Alo:
Most of our testers found the Alo leggings to fit well and comfortably, and Seymour says the leggings fit true to size. One tester reported that the waistband reached right at their belly button and was a great height. "The waistband is the perfect height and is a consistent tightness," they said.
However, another tester found the leggings to run a bit long, despite getting the 7/8 length option. "I'm 5'6' and these 7/8th leggings have more than enough fabric to cover my full leg," the tester shared. They also said it was "not as well fitting on [my] calf above the ankle" compared to the rest of the legging.
It's good to know that Alo slightly changes the inseam length depending on the size — something I don't see often in athletic wear or pants in general. The 7/8 length option offers a 24.25-inch inseam for the XXS, XS and S sizes or a 24.75-inch inseam for the M, L and XL sizes. The full inseam length offers a 28-inch inseam for the XXS, XS and S sizes or a 28.5-inch inseam for the M, L and XL sizes.
Pilling resistance & washability
Lululemon:
Lululemon's leggings did pill a bit during our abrasion tests in the Lab. However, a tester who owned the Align Leggings for years said it took a few years for the leggings to begin pilling. She eventually repurchased the pants and felt the pilling was not a deal-breaker considering the pants otherwise stayed in great condition for a long time. Plus, these leggings did not shrink after laundering in our Lab tests.
Alo:
Alo's leggings repeatedly perform well in our laundering and abrasion tests. The 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging aced stretch recovery testing and showed no pilling after abrasion tests. However, Seymour reports that these leggings unfortunately shrank a bit after extensive laundering. To prevent shrinkage and pilling, the brand recommends flipping the leggings inside out, using cold water, washing on a gentle cycle and tumble drying on a low setting (or better yet, hang them to dry).
Lululemon vs. Alo: Final thoughts on which pair of leggings are better
When it comes to the best brand for leggings between Lululemon vs. Alo, we must admit that Lululemon takes the cake. The leggings are ultimately worth the investment: They received nearly perfect ratings for comfort, have a smooth feel that feels buttery soft and perform well when exercising.
While these leggings may not have a shiny, luxurious appearance like the Alo leggings, the lack of a front crotch seam helps prevent camel toe and creates a seamless look. Plus, these leggings stretch with your body, feel breathable and testers loved the wide waistband that didn't budge during workouts.
Seymour prefers the look of the Alo leggings and personally wears both, but she thinks the softer material on the Lulu leggings makes them more comfortable. "I wear them when lounging and to most workouts," she says. On top of that, the Lululemon Align No Line High-Rise Pants are about $20 cheaper than the Alo High-Waist Airlift Legging. So, not only do we feel you'll get more use out of the better-performing Lululemon leggings, but you'll also spend a bit less money.
We wish Lululemon offered the Align No Line High-Rise Pant in more sizes and inseams, but the original Align Leggings with the center seam are still a great option. Hopefully, more sizes will be added for the leggings sans center seam soon so more body types can try the pants out as well.
Shop more from the winning brand
From running shorts to jackets, sports bras and more, Lululemon's clothing and workout gear have all performed well in our testing. Below, check out Lululemon's top performers in our tests along with sports bras and tank tops constructed with their signature Align fabric. Keep in mind that the sports bras with Align fabric are for low-impact movements and the sizing can be a bit confusing, so be sure to cross-check the size guide with your measurements.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has been testing fitness apparel, including leggings, sports bras and more for decades. Our fiber scientists regularly put leggings to test with industry standardized evaluations and special equipment like our abrasion machine to test for pilling.
Isabella Cavallo is the assistant commerce editor at the GH Institute. Cavallo has years of experience reviewing products, especially fitness gear and workout apparel. While working at the GH Institute, she has reviewed running shorts, running belts, swim caps and sneakers, and has firsthand experience running marathons, cycling, swimming laps, hiking and lifting weights.
To compare Lululemon and Alo leggings, Cavallo consulted previous testing notes and the Textiles Lab Associate Director Emma Seymour. She oversees all testing of fitness apparel in the Textiles Lab. In our most recent test of leggings, Seymour evaluated over 35 pairs of leggings and personally tried nearly every pair in a workout routine. Before joining GH, she earned a degree from Cornell University in Fiber Science and Apparel Design.
Isabella (she/her) covers commerce and product-related content in the home, lifestyle, fitness, technology and beauty. She graduated from Binghamton University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in English: Literature & Rhetoric. Before joining GH, she was an editorial assistant at Prevention, where she covered health topics and celebrity news.
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.
