For many people, the start of autumn is the perfect opportunity to say goodbye to denim shorts and wear soft, stretchy leggings instead. When the weather outside is terrible, what could be better than putting on some comfy pants and relaxing on the couch with a movie or a book? We don’t think so.
When you talk about leggings, the first brand that probably comes to mind is Lululemon. There’s a good reason for that. Because our best-selling Align leggings are amazing. I have several pairs, and they are soft, smooth, and have plenty of stretch.
But Lululemon isn’t the only game in town, right? I recently purchased Athleta’s Elation leggings. My first thought when I put them on was, “Isn’t this better than my Lululemon?” “What’s the difference between Athleta and Lululemon?” If someone asked me which $100 leggings were better, I couldn’t help but wonder which one I’d recommend. I decided it was time to do a “scientific” head-to-head comparison.
Contenders: Lululemon’s Align High-Rise Pant vs. Athleta’s Elation Leggings. They are not the same by any means, but the materials are quite similar. I don’t train in leggings, so my findings are strictly athleisure-based. I tested both pairs as everyday pants while working from home, walking the dog, and running errands.
match up
lululemon
Lulu’s Align leggings are available in over 15 colors, sizes 0-20, and 4 lengths. Over 9,000 5-star reviews.
Pros Wide range of sizes Four inseams Machine washable Side waistband pockets Very soft and lightweight Cons Expensive Made for yoga, not intense training Thin fabric may not provide enough support for some wearers You may not get it It’s a little small $98 at Lululemon
Athleta
Athleta’s Elation tights have more than 6,000 five-star ratings on the brand’s website. The pants are available in approximately 15 colors, sizes XXS to 3X, and petite, regular, and tall lengths.
If you’re looking for a different silhouette, we recommend the split flare version of the leggings, which shoppers rate 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Pros Comprehensive sizing Available in 3 inseams Back waistband pockets Machine washable Thicker, more supportive fabric Cons Expensive Made for yoga, not intense training Thicker fabric may vary depending on the wearer May be a bit too heavy $89 at Athleta
Lululemon vs. Athleta: Which pair is softer?
Both pairs are extremely soft. Athleta says the leggings are made from the brand’s Powervita fabric, which is “buttery soft and supportive with a gentle hug.” Similarly, Lululemon’s Align leggings are made with “super-soft Nulu fabric” that provides “lightweight, breathable coverage.” The fabric feels almost the same to the touch, but if I had to say, Lululemon’s is a little softer.
Lululemon vs. Athleta: Which pair is thicker?
There is a clear difference in thickness between Athlete leggings and Lululemon leggings. Lulu’s Align leggings are lighter than Athleta leggings and feel thinner overall. Let me be clear: Lululemon leggings are not cheap. It’s just not as comprehensive as Athleta. If you like a last-minute feel, you’ll love the Align leggings. But if you’re looking for some weight to feel more covered, Athleta leggings are a better choice.
Both Lululemon and Athleta leggings are super soft, smooth, and feel great against your skin.
Lululemon vs. Athleta: Which pair is more supportive?
Lululemon Align leggings feel thinner and lighter, but are surprisingly supportive. They aren’t too tight, but I do feel like they’re holding me in place around my stomach, butt, and hips when I wear them. That said, the Athleta Elation pants offer more support. The Lulus feels like a gentle touch, while the Athleta pair feels like a firm grip. I like a snug fit, so when I feel like I need to be “cinched in,” I reach for my Athleta pair.
Lululemon vs. Athleta: Which pair is true to size?
I usually wear a size 26 or 27 in jeans. This is equivalent to a pant size 2 or 4. You can wear very small bottoms, but I usually choose ones that are small enough to fit my butt. My Athleta leggings run a size small and fit perfectly, but my Lululemon leggings require a size 6. So, I think the Athleta leggings run true to size and the Align pants run a little small. One Lululemon shopper agreed, writing in her review, “If you’re on the chubby side, you should definitely size up!”
Lululemon vs. Athleta: Which pair lasts longer in the washing machine?
I wash both leggings in the washing machine in cold water and let them air dry. I have never put it in the dryer, and I never will, as I am sure it will ruin it. Both held up very well after 4 washes. Neither of them pill or are see-through, so this is a tie.
The material of the leggings isn’t too thick or bulky, but both remain 100% opaque when you bend over or stretch.
Lululemon vs Athleta: Which pair will pass the squat test?
Like most people, when I pay nearly $100 for leggings, I expect full coverage with nothing showing underneath. Both the Lululemon Align leggings and the Athleta Elation leggings are not see-through when bending over or leaning forward. However, mentally, I sometimes feel just like Lulu and the others. I had my daughter and partner confirm that when I squatted and squirmed, they couldn’t, in fact, see anything through the Align leggings. However, I’m still a little skeptical about this thin and light fabric. I didn’t have to show off my Athleta pair of products and felt more secure knowing they were 100% covered.
my verdict
This was a difficult decision because I really like both leggings. Lululemon’s Align leggings live up to the hype, even though their $100 price tag is hard to swallow. However, if I were to spend my money, I would probably choose the Athleta Elation leggings. Because I think leggings are thicker, sturdier, feel more supportive, and hold up better over time. If you sweat a lot or are sensitive to heat, Aligns is for you. I’m always sensitive to the cold, so I love the thick fabric of the Elation leggings, but I can see how they might be too bulky for some people.
Athleta
Many of Athleta’s customers rave about the softness of the leggings and say they don’t slip down during workouts. One shopper who agrees with me writes, “I swear this tastes better than my beloved ___ lemon!” [They] Stay where you are; [they are] Make it even smoother! ”
$89 at Athleta
The reviews cited above reflect the latest version at the time of publication.
