Lululemon Dupes for That Soft, Buttery Feel
For those who live and die by the word “athleisure,” Lululemon’s Align leggings are probably already on your radar (and perhaps in your closet). The barely there brushed leggings first launched in 2015, and since then they have attracted a massive following of women looking for the perfect pair of lightweight, buttery tights.
When I first tried Lululemon’s viral Align leggings back in 2020, the fabric felt like a game changer. I’d never worn leggings with such a soft, cozy feel. Since then, I’ve kept an eye out for other styles that replicate the low-impact design — one that fits right into my Saturday routine of popping into Sky Ting yoga, grabbing snacks at Trader Joe’s, stopping by the farmers’ market, and ending with a movie on my couch.
In finding true athleisure able to work for Pilates and a comfortable afternoon at home, there’s always a trade-off. I’ve found that styles with a thicker, more compressive fabric tend to be better suited for leaving the house, while lightweight ones are ideal for the couch — everything exists on a spectrum! In testing a handful of Lululemon dupes, I’ve managed to home in on a range of styles that capture the appeal of the OG, but each with a unique twist — whether it be a lower price point, a stretchier fit, or a barely there fabric.
Below, read about five popular styles I put to the test and how they stack up to the Align leggings.
My Overall Favorite Pick: Athleta Elation ⅞ Legging
Athleta Elation ⅞ Legging
Sizes: XXS-3XL
Materials: 73% nylon, 23% Lycra
Softness: 3.5/5
Stretch: ⅗
Wearability: 4.5/5
Athleta has become my go-to brand for affordable workout gear, and I’ve tested out a lot of its running pieces in the past, so I was excited to try these. From a material standpoint, I’d put these as the sweet spot between the slicker Adanola and the softer CRZ. They’re also noticeably sturdier and thicker than the CRZ Yoga design, with a decent amount of stretch and an overall snug fit. While from a coverage POV, I loved the high-waisted fit, but I did notice a slight gaping at the back of the waistband, perhaps because of the multi-layer thickness of the waistband. One standout detail was the built-in waist pocket, which other styles didn’t include in their designs. I’d definitely wear these out for a low-impact workout, and I find them comfy enough for an afternoon on the couch too.
The Viral Legging: Adanola Ultimate Leggings
Adanola Ultimate Leggings
Size: XXS-XXXL, also comes in regular and tall
Materials: 70% polyamide, 30% elastane
Softness: ⅕
Stretch: 5/5
Wearability: 4.5/5
My immediate reaction is that I am impressed with the snug fit and overall stretchiness of the fabric. The leggings sit tight to my body and don’t feel like they are at risk of slipping or loosening over time and wear.
Overall, the fabric is medium thick and wasn’t at all sheer when I bent over. The hand-feel was slicker than some of the other options in the lineup, but I liked the slightly cool feeling as I slid them over my legs. The wide waistband is a major plus, sitting snugly over my belly button as I walked around the house and tested them out. They’re perfect for running errands and can definitely stand up to a hot yoga class or any workout that requires a bit of movement.
The Amazon Best Seller: CRZ Yoga Butterlift Leggings
CRZ YOGA Butterlift High Waisted Leggings
Sizes: XXS-XL
Material: 81% polyamide, 19% lycra
Softness: ⅘
Stretch: ⅗
Wearability: 3/5
Amazon is the go-to website to pick up affordable dupes, and while the quality can be hit or miss, I was actually fairly impressed with the look and feel of these leggings. At five-nine, this pair was among the shorter lengths on my ankles, but I didn’t have to yank them up or tug at them through my time wearing them.
The fabric was soft and buttery to the touch, and while the material was on the thin side, it did pass the squat test. The waistband was wide and stayed put comfortably over the belly button, though it didn’t feel as sturdy or stretchy as other options I tested. I think they’d be comfortable spending the day around the house, but they might require adjusting if I were to wear them out for errands or to a workout.
The Lightweight Option: Vuori All the Feels Legging
Vuori AllTheFeels Legging
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Materials: 75% recycled polyamide, 25% elastane
Softness: 2/5
Stretch: 3/5
Wearability: 3/5
Perhaps the lightest fabric of all five, these leggings offer a barely there feeling, which for me was a bit of a double-edged sword. I loved the feel on my skin, but the thinness made it so I felt like my underwear lines were easier to see, and I didn’t feel quite as squeezed or supported as with other options.
The hand-feel of the fabric is between buttery and slick, almost silklike against the skin as you pull them on. The design also included a small pocket — big enough for keys but not a phone. I’d probably choose these leggings for Pilates — when I want breathability but may not require as much support.
The Cozy Legging: Aritzia Butter Cheeky Hi-Rise 28” Legging
Aritzia Golden BUTTER New Cheeky Hi-Rise 28” Legging
Sizes: 00-16
Materials: 80% nylon, 20% elastane
Softness: 5/5
Stretch: ⅖
Wearability: ⅖
From a softness standpoint, Aritzia’s Butter leggings felt the most similar to Lululemon’s fabric, supersoft and buttery to the touch. Once I put them on, I found them really comfy for wearing around the house. But a few fit details proved difficult for me — these leggings had the most camel-toe potential, with the soft fabric having a habit of riding up.
The cut was also designed to be lower at the belly button and higher over the hips, meant to offer a “cheekier” look from behind. Personally, I prefer a higher rise overall, and I didn’t feel like I noticed too much of a difference from behind — honestly, leggings tend not to flatter or lift my butt, no matter which style I’m trying on. I did like that there was extra material at the ankle, allowing me to wear them pulled down closer to my foot. I think these leggings would make the perfect lounge-at-home pants, but I’d be less comfortable wearing them out.