Have you ever walked into a Lululemon, stared at the leggings wall, and gulped in wonder, thinking, "What are the best Lululemon leggings?" Us, too - and it's a good problem to have, we know. There are so many different styles, fabrics, and colors that we barely know where to begin. But that's also what makes Lululemon so amazing; whether you're a yogi or a marathoner, it has options for you, as well as great sports bras, breathable athletic jackets, and comfy running shorts. In an effort to curb your confusion, we've rounded up some of Lululemon's most popular leggings and explained what sets each pair apart.
For the sake of this experiment, we've compared black workout leggings and tights. That way, you can really understand the subtle but important differences, like fabric, fit, and feel. Because when it comes to leggings, those are the things that matter most.
What's the Difference Between Lululemon's Proprietary Fabrics?
There are five different proprietary fabrics Lululemon uses to make leggings. First, there's Nulu. Nulu is the buttery-soft fabric that the beloved Align collection is made out of. It's not the most high-performance, but it is supremely comfortable. Then, there's Nulux. One little letter makes all the difference. This fabric has a similar buttery-soft feel but is more sweat-wicking than Nulu. If you want to feel like you're wearing nothing, go with a legging made of Nulux; it has a sort of naked sensation that's ideal when you're sweating it out. Next, there's Everlux, which is the brand's fastest-drying fabric. This is thicker than Nulux but still sleek and breathable and likely the most versatile of all. Fourth is Luxtreme, a thicker fabric designed for less friction, as well as, more shape retention through each wear. Last but not least is SmoothCover, a combination of Nulu and Luxtreme. It's got the buttery-soft feel of Nulu with the shape retention and hugged-in sensation of Luxtreme.
Are Lululemon Leggings Worth the Money?
In short: yes. They're all comfortable and durable; you can't go wrong with owning any one of these pairs. Take care of your leggings, and they'll take care of you. On a personal note, we have tried what feels like every legging in the world and always come back to Lululemon. We've had pairs for years that still look, and feel, brand new - no pilling, sweat scents, fading, or riding down. The quality is unparalleled, and if you're going to splurge on leggings, you want them to last.
- Additional reporting by India Yaffe