There was a time not too way back once I was firmly within the “leggings usually are not pants” camp. Then a pandemic occurred, and I began working from residence full time. Abruptly, I’ve extra leggings than I’ve denims and trousers mixed. Who says individuals cannot change? I put on leggings at the least 4 days out of the week now.
In the case of leggings, the primary model that normally involves most individuals’s thoughts is Lululemon. And with good purpose: Their best-selling Align leggings are fairly nice. I personal 4 pairs — I obtained all of them as items for my birthday and Christmas in recent times — and I can attest they’re comfortable, easy and have loads of stretch to maneuver with you.
Just lately, nevertheless, I ordered a pair of Athleta Elation leggings (on sale!) and my first thought once I put them on was, “Are these higher than my Lululemons?” After which, “What’s the distinction between Athleta and Lululemon?” Because the day went on, I could not assist however surprise which pair I would suggest if somebody requested which $100 pair of leggings was higher. I made a decision it was time for a really “scientific” head-to-head comparability.
The contenders: Lululemon’s Align High-Rise Pant versus Athleta’s Elation Split Flare Pant. The silhouettes are completely different, however the materials is fairly related and so they’re each tight and stretchy from the knees up. I do not really put on leggings to train or work out, so my findings are strictly athleisure-based. Each pairs have been examined by carrying the leggings as on a regular basis pants whereas doing common issues like working from residence, strolling the canine and operating errands.
Lululemon
The favored Align pants are at present obtainable in 11 colours in sizes 0-20 and in 4 completely different lengths. There are greater than 21,000 critiques for the leggings at Lululemon, and consumers give them 3.6 out of 5 stars.
Athleta
The basic model of Athleta’s Elation tights has greater than 5,300 score on the model’s web site. The pants can be found in 14 colours in sizes XXS-3X in petite, common and tall lengths.
For those who’re searching for a distinct silhouette, the split flare version of the leggings is a well-liked choose that consumers give 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Lululemon vs. Athleta: Which pair is softer?
I am going to begin by saying that each pairs are very, very comfortable. In keeping with the product description of the Athleta leggings, they’re constituted of the model’s Powervita material that’s “buttery comfortable with assist that looks like a delicate hug.” Equally, the Lululemon Align leggings are constituted of “tremendous comfortable Nulu material” that provides “light-weight, breathable protection.” To my contact, the materials really feel virtually an identical, but when I needed to name it, the Lululemons are only a tad softer.
Lululemon vs. Athleta: Which pair is thicker?
There may be really a noticeable distinction within the thickness of the Athleta and Lululemon leggings. The Lululemon Align leggings are positively extra light-weight than the Athleta leggings and simply really feel thinner total. To be clear, the Lululemon leggings do not feel low cost, simply not as substantial because the Athleta pair. For those who’re somebody who likes a barely-there really feel, then the Align leggings will probably be your favourite, however when you’re searching for some heft so that you really really feel lined, then the Athleta leggings are the higher choose.
Lululemon vs. Athleta: Which pair is extra supportive?
Though the Lululemon Align leggings really feel thinner and extra light-weight, I’ll say they’re surprisingly supportive. They don’t seem to be tight in any respect, however I nonetheless really feel “held in” round my abdomen, booty and hips when carrying them. That stated, the Athleta Elation Pants completely provide extra assist. The Lulus are like a delicate contact, whereas the Athleta pair is extra like a firmer squeeze. I personally like a snugger match, so once I’m feeling like I should be “snatched,” I attain for the Athleta pair.
Lululemon vs. Athleta: Which pair runs true to dimension?
I normally put on a dimension 26 or 27 in denims, which corresponds to a dimension 2 or 4 in pants. I can match some XS bottoms, however normally go along with a dimension S to accommodate my rear finish. My Athleta leggings are a dimension small and match me completely, whereas I want a dimension 6 within the Lululemon leggings. So I would say the Athleta leggings are fairly true to dimension, whereas the Align pants run a bit small. One shopper at Lululemon agreed, writing of their assessment “Undoubtedly dimension up when you’re curvy!”
Lululemon vs. Athleta: Which pair holds up higher within the washer?
I wash each pairs of leggings within the washer in chilly water after which air dry; I’ve by no means put them within the dryer and by no means will as a result of I am satisfied they’re going to be ruined. After 4 washes, each have held up very nicely. Neither have began to tablet or go see-through in any areas, so this one is a tie.
Lululemon vs. Athleta: Which pair passes the squat take a look at?
Like most individuals, if I pay $100 for a pair of leggings, I anticipate them to supply full protection, with nothing beneath displaying. I can report that neither the Lululemon Align leggings nor the Athleta Elation leggings are sheer while you bend down or bend over. Mentally, nevertheless, it generally feels just like the Lulus are. I had my daughter and my accomplice verify they could not really see something by the Align leggings as I squatted and contorted and so they stated they could not. However there’s one thing in regards to the thinner, lighter-weight material that also makes me a tiny bit skeptical. Personally, I felt far more safe that I used to be 100% lined and never displaying off the products within the Athleta pair.
Lululemon vs. Athleta: Which pair is best?
Truthfully, this can be a robust resolution as a result of I actually like each pairs of leggings. In my view, the Lululemon Align leggings reside as much as the hype though the $100 price ticket is difficult to swallow. But when I am spending my very own cash, then I would most likely go along with the Athleta Elation leggings as a result of they really feel thicker, extra substantial and supportive and I feel they’re going to maintain up higher over time. My birthday is subsequent month and the basic Elation Tights are on the high of my want record as a result of I like them a lot and need one other pair. I’ll say, when you’re an individual who sweats quite a bit or runs sizzling, you would possibly go along with the Align pants. I’m at all times chilly and actually just like the heavier material of the Elation leggings, however I can positively see how they might be too cumbersome for some individuals, particularly of us who have a tendency to carry warmth.
Athleta
The Elation 7/8 Tights have a close to excellent 5 out of 5 star score amongst consumers at Athleta. Many purchasers touch upon how comfortable the leggings are and the way they do not slip down throughout exercises. One shopper who shares my opinion wrote, “I swear these are higher than my beloved ___lemons! [They] keep in place and [they are] smoother!”
lululemon
The critiques quoted above mirror the newest variations on the time of publication.
