Four Amazing Dupes for Lululemon Leggings

If 2020 (and 2021) taught us anything, it is that you can never have enough pairs of leggings.  While many have returned to business as usual, many of us are finding that remote work is the new normal (and likely here to stay). And what is better than working from home and being comfy every day?

Whether you rock them for yoga, or wear them on the go with fashionable sneakers and a gucci purse, one thing is for sure: leggings are as versatile as they are comfortable.

We all know and love the Lululemon Align legging, but its not always within budget to stock up on $100 leggings.  So I’ve rounded up four amazing dupes for Lululemon leggings – most being $30 and under, so that you can have all the comfort at a fraction of the cost!

What are Dupes for Lululemon Leggings?

When setting out to find the best dupes for Lululemon leggings, there was specific criteria I was looking for.  The beloved Align pant is known for that buttery-soft fabric with a weightless feel.  Of course, high waisted is a must as well. I’ve personally ordered all of the following leggings (and some not so great options) and also own at least a dozen pair of Align leggings.

To be considered a good alternative, I compared mostly the fabric (is it buttery soft like the Align), the cut (some were SO high waisted they came up to my bra), and the compression (some are slightly more, while some were so flimsy they had none).

I’ve carefully selected my favorite options (that I personally own!) as the best dupes for Lululemon leggings – keep reading to find out my top 4 finds!

The Best Dupes for Lululemon Leggings

1. Sunzel Workout Leggings – $27.99

For under $30, these leggings are some of my new favorites!  Of all of the dupes, these came closest to having that buttery-soft fabric that we love about the Align.  The length was a little longer on me than my 7/8 length Align, but for the price, I’m very happy with them!  The cut and design are almost identical to the real thing, at a fraction of the cost!

Available in six colors, these range in size from x-small to x-large.  My favorite are the “beige.”

2. Colorfulkoala Leggings – $22.99

These full length leggings (with a 28″ inseam) are also a great alternative option to the Lulu Align legging.  While they are very similar, the biggest differences I have noticed are the amount of compression and fabric.  These have slightly more compression than the Align pant, and while the fabric is definitely soft, its not as “buttery” as the Align.

However, they have the same cut and even seams as the align, including the hidden inner pocket along the waistband.  They come in 8 colors, including solid colors and prints – and if you are looking for a different length, they also come in cropped version, faux leather, and a 7/8 length.

I just ordered the faux leather version, which unfortunately aren’t available to ship yet – but I’m excited to see if these are a good alternative to Spanx faux leather leggings.  This time of year, I practically live in leather leggings, and could definitely use a cheaper alternative to add to the rotation. I will definitely keep you updated on how they turn out!

3. HeyNuts Essential 7/8 Legging – $27.99

Another great alternative to the Align legging, these come in sizes ranging from XX-Small to X-Large, with 6 different color options.  These are also the 7/8 length (25″ inseam) with almost identical pattern to the Align.  The material is 70% nylon and 30% spandex, and have slightly more compression than the Align, but are a nice affordable option at less than a third of the cost.

I personally have the carbon dust color and love the deep tan when I’m feeling a neutral day, but want something other than the standard black leggings.

4. Offline by Aerie Real Me Crossover Legging – $44.95

The priciest of the bunch, but still under $50, is the Aerie Real Me legging.  While a major difference is the crossover, v-seam waistband, the lightweight and buttery soft fabric makes these a true contender with the Align.  Even though the waistband design is v-cut, it is still considered high-waisted!

These buttery soft leggings come in 14 colors, and even have coordinating sports bra tops – so your whole body can experience that next-to-nothing comfort!

Added bonus: they come in regular (25″), short (23″), or long (27″) – so you can be sure to find the perfect length for you!

How to Extend the Life of Lululemon Legging Dupes

One benefit to the Align pant is the true quality – I swear I’ve owned some pairs for close to a decade! But if you’re looking to preserve the life of your Lululemon legging dupes, follow these simple tips!

1. Wash them inside out.  This will help reduce friction from other materials in your wash that may cause added and unwanted wear.
2. Avoid washing with clothing that contain zippers. It may be tempting to just throw everything in one load – but if you follow one tip, don’t wash with items like jeans that have a zipper!  These can snag your leggings, lessening the lifespan.
3. Don’t use fabric softener. I’ve read in several Facebook groups that washing Lululemon leggings and other athletic clothes with fabric softener is a big no-no.  It can trap odors, making your leggings stink, which will lead to more washing.
4. Hang dry. And if you can’t do this, at least dry on delicates.
5. Invest in a fabric shaver for when things get pilly.  Even if you take every precaution above, sometimes it is inevitable that clothing will wear.  If you do have pilling, you can safely remove it with a fabric shaver – this one has a 4.5 star rating with over 81,000 ratings!

Conclusion

While the Lululemon Align legging is surely coveted, you don’t have to spend that much if you are on a budget or looking to invest in multiple pair of comfortable high waisted leggings, especially if you love investing in designer purses like me.  There are many great affordable dupes for Lululemon leggings, including multiple on Amazon that offer same day, one-day or two-day shipping!

Have you tried any of these dupes for Lululemon leggings? Let me know your favorite!

xo,