As a writer, I spend most of my time hunched over a computer. I’m always looking for ways to be active outside of work, whether that be a long morning walk to stretch my legs or running a few miles on the Peloton. I love to move, but I hate feeling confined in super tight workout clothes. And because I’m a thrifty person (I’m a writer who hunts for bargains, after all), paying nearly $100 for a pair of Lululemon leggings isn’t my style. So when I discovered a brand called Colorfulkoala on Amazon, I was intrigued. These leggings are a fraction of the price of the big-name brands, but many reviewers say they’re just as comfortable, if not more, than their beloved Lulu’s. That was enough to pique my interest, and I immediately purchased a pair. Keep scrolling for my review. If you want to try them for yourself, now’s your chance!
Amazon
If you have Lululemon in your life, get it, but if you don’t want to splurge on yourself, these affordable alternatives look and feel just like the real thing.
Pros: Lightweight Smooth fabric Stays in place Waistband comes in many lengths and colors Cons: No phone pocket Light colors aren’t completely opaque $29 on Amazon
Colorful Koala leggings come in a ton of styles, with tens of thousands of perfect reviews from Amazon shoppers. I decided to try out their new Dream Luxe leggings, which feature a material that the brand says has a “special molecular structure.” [that makes] It feels good against the skin and is more durable and heat resistant than other fabrics.”
When it comes to workout clothes, comfort is my number one concern. Looking at the Lululemon leggings I’ve tried, the fabric is so soft I can see why some shoppers are willing to pay Lululemon prices. How do these $29 leggings compare? (Note: Prices vary by color.)
First impressions
The first thing I noticed when the leggings arrived was how thin the fabric was. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, since thicker leggings can often get hot, but I was curious about how they would fare in terms of compression. I tried them on and was pleased with how they glided effortlessly over my legs; they have that buttery smooth feel we all crave. They were also stable without being too snug, and at 5 feet tall, I was relieved that they didn’t bunch up at the bottom like most leggings (I opted for a 25″ inseam, but they’re also available in a 28″ length).
Look-wise, everything is well put together, with a classic, clean style that will pair well with any sports bra or workout top. I’m not a big fan of the look and feel of leggings with lots of seams, so I appreciate that these have minimal seams.
They come in lots of cute colors, and you can get three pairs for less than the cost of one comparable pair of Lulus. Would I be willing to use the money I save to buy shoes? (Amazon)
Test them
I mostly stick to walking and cardio, but I figured I should do the infamous squat test just in case one day I suddenly feel like strength training (yes, I know). The grey-blue shade I chose was opaque enough to not show through my underwear, but I’m not sure about the brighter colors. (There are 16 options.)
First, I walked 3 miles in these leggings. They are so light that my legs felt comfortable and free while walking around. They felt like a second skin. The waistband never slipped down or dug in. They stayed in place the whole time.
After a successful walk, I decided to see how they would perform on a Peloton ride (pedaling both seated and standing). I was impressed with how well they stayed in place during intense sprints, and the thin fabric meant they didn’t feel restrictive. There was plenty of compression to keep moisture out, and the material provided the cooling benefits you’d expect. That said, I don’t sweat a lot on my legs, so I can’t speak much about the moisture-wicking capabilities.
Verdict
Overall, if you’re looking for leggings that rival Lululemon, the Colorfulkoala Dreamlux leggings are an affordable alternative (while being extremely comfortable in their own right), and we highly recommend doing so, as you can stock up on a variety of colors for less than half the price of many premium brands.
These workout pants tick all the boxes when it comes to comfort, support, look, and (for me at least) fit. They do have a small pocket on the inside waistband for your keys, but the lack of a pocket for your phone might be important to you (though this version does have one. Plus, we’ve compiled a list of the best leggings with pockets for you to check out).
Finally, I found leggings that fit my short legs perfectly! (Britt Ross/Yahoo Life)
Amazon customer testimonials
“Better than Lululemon!” exclaimed one excited reviewer. “I can’t say enough about how amazing these leggings are! They stay in and are so comfortable. I own a lot of different brands – Lululemon, Vuori, Athleta – and these are my favorite, the most comfortable and the most confident I’ve ever worn!”
“Not only are they incredibly comfortable, but they also survived a drop test on concrete,” said this shopper. “I fell on my knee and the side of my leg in the pouring rain. I felt my knee give way so I assumed they were gone straight away. Upon checking the damage, I was amazed to find that these leggings had absolutely no rips, tears or snags. My knee was covered in blood but the leggings still held up the next day.”
“I love the color, they’re super comfortable, and the length is perfect for me,” one last fan wrote. “But if you’re looking for leggings that stay in place when you squat, I’d recommend buying the darker colors instead of the lighter ones, as they stay in place better when you squat.” The more you know, the better!
Amazon
These leggings are so comfortable, this might just be the year you look forward to working out.
$29 on Amazon
Need a top to go with your new favorite leggings? One of Yahoo Life’s editors raves about this top, and it’s on sale.
Amazon
“I was intrigued the moment I tried it on,” writes Isabella Seidenberg, deputy editor at Yahoo Life. “The Remedy Sports Bra not only hugs and supports you, but it actually makes you look more feminine. It’s lightly padded, so it gives you a little lift even when you’re not carrying much (the padding is removable). It’s soft and breathable. And what about the straps? I was so happy to find that they didn’t dig into my shoulders or leave any red marks. After working out in this bra, I immediately purchased another color. Word of warning: if you have a larger bust, consider going up a size.”
For more information, check out our full review of the Lemedy Padded Sports Bra It’s also on sale for Prime Day!
$22 on Amazon
If you have an Amazon Prime membership, shipping is free, of course. If you’re not yet a member, don’t worry. You can sign up for a free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, even if you don’t have Prime, shipping is free on orders over $25.)
The above review reflects the most current version at the time of publication.
