We've already answered the age-old question "are lululemon leggings worth it?" (Spoiler alert, yes, they are.) The activewear brand is famously known for the Align style ($98), but a very close second favorite is the Wunder Train tights ($98). They're both very different in material and purpose, so I put them to a hardcore workout test to see how they each perform with different activities.
lululemon Align vs. Wunder Train: Which Pair of Leggings Is Worth Your $98?
Which team are you on?
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Published Aug 22, 2024
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How I Tested the lululemon Align and Wunder Train Leggings
From outdoor jogs, indoor cycling, yoga, Pilates, barre, weight lifting, lounging, walking and more, I was sure give each a fair shot, delving beyond lululemon's suggestions for what kinds of workouts they're designed for. Full disclosure, I've been wearing both of these styles for several years, but when I paid close attention to the different design qualities during my testing process, I was surprised at some of the things I never even noticed. To thoroughly vet each one, I wore them during seven types of workouts, noting their overall fit, sweat-wicking capability, aesthetic, stretch, support and waistband thickness.
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First up...
The lululemon Align Leggings
lululemon
It's no surprise that the lululemon Align leggings are going to be the ideal choice for lower-intensity activities. The nulu material is my favorite of the lululemon fabrics because it's the OG buttery soft texture when it comes to activewear. They have a smidge of sculpting to them, but not too much. They skim to your shape and give a little bit of hold, but really just feel like a second skin. They have Lycra in the fabric to give you incredibly stretchy performance for workouts that require more flexible movements. You also get a small slit pocket inside the waistband to hold small items, like your keys. Finally, they're designed to wick sweat from your body, so you don't end up soaked after a hot yoga class.
Fast Facts
- Best For: Pilates, yoga, barre and lounging
- Material: nulu (nylon/Lycra blend)
- Size Range: 0 to 20
My Review of the lululemon Align Leggings
- Appearance: 18/20
- Comfort: 20/20
- Fit: 18/20
- Value: 17/20
- Quality: 18/20
Total: 91/100
Pros
I wore these leggings for a variety of classes including barre, spinning, running, weight lifting, Pilates and yoga, and they were the most ideal for yoga, Pilates and barre (and of course lounging around). I love how they stretch with my body and don't bunch or sag where I don't want them too. The high waist and wide band make it great for bending and yoga poses, too, because it doesn't cut into my skin or cause any discomfort.
These leggings have more of a matte finish, which is what I prefer for athleisure, so I tend to pair them with big sweatshirts or workout jackets. Plus, I cannot stress enough how comfortable they are to wear all day long.
It's super important to take good care of these leggings so they last. This means avoiding higher-intensity workouts and being sure to wash them according to the brand's guidelines which include washing them on cold with like items, and hanging them to dry. The couple of high intensity workouts I've tried in these leggings have caused them to pill more between my thighs.
I love my go-to black pair, but the brand is always releasing new colors and patterns for when you want to switch things up.
Cons
The pilling of the material is my biggest con. Because my thighs touch, the natural friction causes a buildup of pilling after quite a few wears. Don't get me wrong, these leggings have lasted me a long time, but the pilling decreases the elevated look they have when you first get them.
I've also noticed that even though they do wick sweat, it's easy for them to feel really wet when you're doing a sweaty workout. They obviously absorb what you're sweating out, but when you go to take them off or adjust the waistband, it can feel like you just took them out of the washer. Luckily, you can't see the moisture for the most part, though.
Next up...
The lululemon Wunder Train Tights
lululemon
The Wunder Trains are a must-have for anyone who enjoys weightlifting or high-intensity workouts. They have four-way stretch with Lycra, so they're nice and stretchy, but they offer a substantial bit of hold in how they fit your body. The material is still soft, but there's more of a nylon feel to it where it has a little slip to it. They help keep your body cool while you work out because of how breathable they are (they wick sweat and have a thinner density). As a bonus, there's a drawstring waist cord and a hidden pocket inside the waistband to hold your keys or a couple of cards.
Fast Facts
- Best For: weightlifting, interval training, running, spinning
- Material: everlux (nylon/Lycra blend)
- Size Range: 0 to 20
My Review of the lululemon Wunder Train Tights
- Appearance: 20/20
- Comfort: 18/20
- Fit: 19/20
- Value: 17/20
- Quality: 18/20
Total: 92/100
Pros
They're considered tights for a reason. These babies slip on inch by inch for a very snug fit. I feel very supported when I wear these leggings and love how comfortable I feel in them when I'm working out. They aren't tight with the intention of creating a lifted and sculpted aesthetic but feel like they're hugging your shape so you can get your full workout in without being distracted by what you're wearing. I'm never tugging or adjusting them while I'm exercising. I even wore them a lot for my outdoor runs when I was training for a half marathon, and they never slid down or bunched up at the ankles.
I usually don't like light-colored leggings because they aren't the most flattering, but I have the rhino grey shade and they look fantastic. If you have trouble branching out from your go-to black leggings, these are a great pair to test the waters with something out of your comfort zone, because they make your skin look very smoothed while emphasizing your shape.
Cons
They're comfortable and effective for workouts—not so much for relaxing. There's not much give in the waistband to allow your midsection to relax, so when you're sitting on the couch they tend to dig into your belly in a not-so-flattering (or comfy) way.
They can also snag, which I wasn't expecting. I had a jagged nail once and itched my leg, only to leave a small snag in the fabric, which is a bummer considering the $98 price tag. I expected them to be a bit more durable.
The Bottom Line
After a good amount of time spent in both of these leggings, I can honestly say I will repurchase both of them for very different reasons. I'm more of a weightlifting and jogging girl at this stage of my life, so the Wunder Trains will come in handy way more often for me. But, I can't deny the comfort and softness of the Aligns for the occasional Pilates or stretch session. Plus, they're a go-to for chill athleisurewear, so I'll always have at least one pair in my possession.
They both retail for $98, which I think is a little pricey in my opinion, so I understand the hesitation behind purchasing. But, if you're looking for a stellar pair of tights for intense workouts, you're going to love the Wunder Train tights. I love that the waistband has a tightening drawstring to really keep them in place (though I rarely need to use this), and the fit of the material on my body, combined with the breathability, makes them an unmatched option.
As for the Aligns, to me, they're just truly a comfortable staple. I'm not a hardcore yogi or Pilates nut, so they don't get as much use in those areas for me. But, will I continue buying them due to their sheer comfort? Absolutely.
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