I live in Lululemon and Athleta leggings — this is the pair to splurge on

For many, the start of fall is a welcome opportunity to say goodbye to denim shorts and slide into soft, stretchy leggings instead. When the weather outside is frightful, is there anything better than cozying up on the couch with a good movie or book in your comfy pants? I think not.

Lululemon is likely the first brand that comes to mind any time we talk leggings. And with good reason: Their bestselling Align leggings are great. I own several pairs, and they’re soft and smooth, with plenty of stretch.

But Lululemon isn’t the only game in town, you know? I recently purchased Athleta’s Elation leggings and my first thought when I put them on was, “Are these better than my Lululemons?” Second thought: “What is the difference between Athleta and Lululemon?” I couldn’t help but wonder which pair I’d recommend if someone asked which $100 pair of leggings was better. I decided it was time for a “scientific” head-to-head comparison.

The contenders: Lululemon’s Align High-Rise Pant versus Athleta’s Elation Leggings. They are not identical by any means, but the material is pretty similar. I don’t wear leggings to work out, so my findings are strictly athleisure-based: I tested both pairs as everyday pants while I did regular things like work from home, walk the dog and run errands.

The matchup

Lululemon

Lulu’s Align leggings are available in over 15 colors in sizes 0-20 and four lengths. There are more than 9,000 five-star reviews.

Pros

• Inclusive size range
• Available in four inseams
• Machine washable
• Side waistband pocket
• Very soft and lightweight

Cons

• Expensive
• Made for yoga, not more intense workouts
• Thinner fabric may not offer enough support for some wearers
• Run a bit 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 about 15 colors in sizes XXS-3X in petite, regular and tall lengths. 

If you’re looking for a different silhouette, the split flare version of the leggings is a popular pick that shoppers give 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Pros

• Inclusive sizing
• Available in three inseams
• Back waistband pocket
• Machine washable
• Thicker, more supportive fabric

Cons

• Expensive
• Made for yoga, not more intense workouts
• Thicker fabric may be a bit too heavy for some wearers

$89 at Athleta

Lululemon vs. Athleta: Which pair is softer?

Both pairs are very soft. According to Athleta, its leggings are made from the brand’s Powervita fabric that is “buttery soft with support that feels like a gentle hug.” Similarly, Lululemon’s Align leggings are made from “super soft Nulu fabric” that offers “lightweight, breathable coverage.” To my touch, the fabrics feel almost identical, but if I had to call it, the Lululemons are just a tad softer.

Lululemon vs. Athleta: Which pair is thicker?

There is a noticeable difference in thickness between the Athleta and Lululemon leggings. Lulu’s Align leggings are lighter than the Athleta leggings and feel thinner overall. To be clear, the Lululemon leggings don’t feel cheap — just not as substantial as the Athleta pair. If you’re someone who likes a barely there feel, then the Align leggings will be your favorite, but if you’re looking for some heft so that you feel more covered, the Athleta leggings are the better pick.

Lululemon vs. Athleta: Which pair is more supportive?

Even though the Lululemon Align leggings feel thinner and more lightweight, they’re surprisingly supportive. They’re not tight, but I still feel “held in” around my stomach, booty and hips when wearing them. That said, the Athleta Elation Pants offer more support. The Lulus are like a gentle touch, while the Athleta pair is more like a firm squeeze. I like a snugger fit, so when I’m feeling like I need to be “snatched,” I reach for the Athleta pair.

Lululemon vs. Athleta: Which pair runs true to size?

I usually wear a size 26 or 27 in jeans, which corresponds to a size 2 or 4 in pants. I can fit into some extra-small bottoms, but usually go with a small to accommodate my rear end. My Athleta leggings are a size small and fit me perfectly, while I need a size 6 in the Lululemon leggings. So I’d say the Athleta leggings are pretty true to size, while Align pants run a bit small. One shopper at Lululemon agreed, writing in their review, “Definitely size up if you’re curvy!”

Lululemon vs. Athleta: Which pair holds up better in the washing machine?

I wash both pairs of leggings in the washing machine in cold water and then air dry them; I’ve never put them in the dryer and never will because I’m convinced they’ll be ruined. After four washes, both have held up very well. Neither have started to pill or go see-through in any areas, so this one is a tie.

Lululemon vs. Athleta: Which pair passes the squat test?

Like most people, if I pay nearly $100 for a pair of leggings, I expect them to offer complete coverage, with nothing underneath showing. Neither the Lululemon Align leggings nor the Athleta Elation leggings are sheer when you bend down or bend over. Mentally, however, it sometimes feels like the Lulus are. I had my daughter and partner confirm they couldn’t actually see anything through the Align leggings as I squatted and contorted. But there’s something about the thinner, lighter fabric that still makes me a tiny bit skeptical. I felt more secure that I was 100% covered and not showing off the goods in the Athleta pair.

My verdict

This is a tough decision because I really like both pairs of leggings. Lululemon’s Align leggings live up to the hype even though the $100 price tag is hard to swallow. But if I’m spending my own money, I’d probably go with the Athleta Elation leggings because they feel thicker, more substantial and more supportive, and I think they’ll hold up better over time. If you’re a person who sweats a lot or runs hot, you might go with the Aligns. I’m always cold and really like the heavier fabric of the Elation leggings, but I can see how they would be too bulky for some people.

Athleta

Many Athleta customers rave about how soft the leggings are and say they don’t slip down during workouts. One shopper who shares my opinion wrote, “I swear these are better than my beloved ___lemons! [They] stay in place and [they are] smoother!”

$89 at Athleta

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.