If you’re like us, you live in leggings—even if you have no intention of working out. For many, Lululemon’s Align leggings have essentially become synonymous with comfy leggings that have been popping up on fitness influencers’ social media feeds for the last few years.
After watching dozens of women rave about the leggings’ super-soft fabric and ultra-flattering high waist, we had to try them for ourselves. Let us tell you, Align is officially Lululemon’s dark horse. In fact, we tested them alongside a dozen other top-notch leggings when we found the best leggings of 2022, and we voted the Aligns the best workout leggings.
Starting at $98 at Lululemon
What’s so great about these leggings? First, there’s what the brand calls a “naked sensation” — while that might sound like marketing jargon, it really is the best way to describe how Align pants feel on your body. Soft and huggable, they literally hug your curves from waist to ankle. Second, there is the substance. The material called Nulu is super soft, sweat-wicking and has a four-way stretch. These pants let you move—whether it’s hot yoga or getting in and out of errands.
Then there’s the design. The waist is high. Very high. There’s added upper body coverage thanks to the double layer waistband that gently snuggles you in and gives you the tummy control you crave without digging, pinching or bulging.
Need more reasons to try them out? We spoke to A Double Dose blogger Alexis Belbel, who often shares her love for Align with her 418,000+ Instagram followers. “What I like best about these Align leggings is that they’re so soft and feel like butter,” she says. “Almost like you’re not wearing anything, in the best possible way. I also love the colors they come in and the different length options. So if you are tall or short they have the perfect ones for you.”
The same goes for Genuinely Jessica blogger Jessica Hall, who regularly shares selfies in Align pants with her 55,000 followers. “The Align leggings make me feel safe and confident in all types of workouts,” she says. “I love how high waisted they are and how they shape my body. They are undoubtedly my favorites.”
The only downside to Align is the price, which ranges from $88 to $98. The good news is that there are similar pairs available on Amazon for a fraction of the cost. Equally high-waisted and ultra-thin, both the Colorfulkoala and CRZ Yoga Naked Feeling collections are similar to the Align leggings — and they start at just $24.
Colorful koala leggings
Colorfulkoala’s legging, which is most similar to Align – the High-Waisted Yoga Pant – has nearly 35,000 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.6 stars. So when we researched leggings to try as part of our best leggings story, we just had to try these. After weeks of testing with 10 different employees, we found that all of these reviewers were actually right – the Colorfulkoala leggings really are 5-star leggings at a fraction of the price.
We loved them so much we named the Colorfulkoala High-Waisted Yoga Pant the best budget leggings of 2022 thanks to their surprisingly supportive and stretchy fabric, great durability and useful pockets. While they didn’t feel quite as buttery soft as the Align leggings, our testers said they came pretty close, especially for a pair that’s nearly a quarter of the Align price. Plus, these leggings come in a whopping 35 colors and patterns.
So if you’re dreaming of a pair of fantastically soft, supportive leggings that can handle anything from a lazy day on the couch to a tough workout session, but don’t want to spend too much money, you’ll be more than happy with the Colorfulkoala High-Waisted yoga pants Check out our tried and true picks below for the best budget leggings and other options from Colorfulkoala.
From $25 on Amazon
Ridiculously soft, supportive and comfortable, your money will be well spent on these leggings. So much so that after testing them, we voted them the best budget leggings of 2022. They are very similar to Lululemon’s Align leggings. So if you want a quality pair but can’t afford the aligners, this pair is for you.
Starting at $23.99 at Amazon
If you’re looking for a different style, Colorfulkoala also has these high-waisted capri pants that come in 10 different colors and feature a handy side pocket.
$22.49 at Amazon
This pair doesn’t have pockets like our top budget pick; However, the Buttery Soft Leggings are made from an 80% polyester blend instead of a 75% blend for an even softer feel.
Starting at $19.99 at Amazon
When the weather gets hot, sometimes you just can’t wear full length leggings. That’s why bike shorts are an absolute must-have this summer.
CRZ Yoga Naked Feeling Leggings
The CRZ Yoga Naked Feeling line comes in dozens of colors and patterns and has a variety of styles (cropped, pocketed, biker shorts), but our personal favorite – and the style that most closely resembles the Align Pant II 25-inch is – is the high-waist tights that are available in 42 rich colors and patterns.
We also tested these in our search for the best leggings, and they ended up being our second pick for best budget leggings, right behind the Colorfulkoalas. We found them extremely soft, not quite as buttery as the Aligns but very similar to the Colorfulkoalas. However, they felt a little less sturdy and had smaller pockets, and one tester had some issues with the waistband that often rolled off during runs. On the other hand, the CRZ leggings come in more sizes than the Colorfulkoalas (XXS to XXL versus XS to XL) and showed no signs of wear or pilling after a few washes.
While we ended up picking the Colorfulkoala leggings as our best budget pair, CRZ Yoga also has some surprisingly great leggings at really low prices. Read our thoughts on these and other leggings in our guide to the best leggings of 2022, and check out our favorite CRZ items below.
From $26 on Amazon
Similar to the Align Pant II 25-Inch, these pants have a high-rise, double-layer waistband and a lightweight, super-snug feel. With more than 22,000 positive reviews on Amazon, they are quickly becoming a top category seller on the site.
Starting at $25.60 Amazon
If you’re constantly misplacing your keys and phone, opt for these pants, which come with two handy pockets deep enough to stash your belongings. Would you like a shortened version with pockets instead? Try these.
From $24 on Amazon
Just like the 25 inch pant, which is only cropped to a 21 inch inseam at mid-calf, these leggings have the same tummy control and come in 25 fun colors and patterns.
$20 at Amazon
We love the handy back pocket of these cute shorts, which come in three colors, have stylish (but not too revealing) mesh side panels, and won’t break the bank at just $20.
$32 at Amazon
For ultimate relaxation, opt for these stretch jogging pants from CRZ Yoga. Dress them up or dress down, they also feature pockets and an elastic waistband with drawstring for a comfortable fit.
Lululemon Align Leggings
Starting at $98 at Lululemon
Perfect for those who are smaller and looking for ankle length leggings, these pants are available in 18 shades. If you’re on the larger end of the spectrum, check out the 28-inch pant.
Starting at $88 at Lululemon
Perfect for yoga, spinning, or just running errands on a warm day, these cropped Align pants are at the lower end of the price range (yippie!) and come in 14 shades. Looking for a longer crop that lands mid-calf? Then you should try this 23-inch version instead.
$98 at Lululemon
Depending on who’s judging, these joggers could be the best of the Align world as they combine buttery soft Nulu fabric with the loose, relaxed design of a jogger. Did we mention they have pockets? More to know: A shorter version is also available.
Starting at $98 at Lululemon
While all Align pants are high-waisted, the 28-inch inseam of these super-high-rise pants hits the spot when you’re looking for something with even more coverage.
Starting at $58 at Lululemon
Bike shorts are bang on trend in workout fashion, and these super soft come in four dark patterns and colors. It is also available in high rise and super high rise styles.
$98 at Lululemon
If you’re looking for a looser fit with a wide leg, these super high leggings are for you. And yes, they have pockets.
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