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21 Best Lululemon Legging Alternatives That Are Just as Soft as the Real Thing

Your butt will thank you.

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lululemon legging alternatives
Design by Yoora Kim

Seventeen picks products that we think you'll love the most. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

You've already experienced the life-changing (read: butt-changing) magic of a good pair of Lululemon leggings, but trust us, they're not the only brand that can serve up a solid pair of workout pants. There are tons of options out there that will feel just as cloud-like and un-stretch-out-able, look just as cute, and make your legs look equally as good — for a sliver of the price.

You might think it's impossible to figure out whether leggings fit the standard without actually sweating in them. Not to fear — we've been testing out leggings, reading reviews to help you pick out the right size, and even polling our fitness-savvy friends for their favorites to compile all the game-changers right here on this list. Below you'll find pros and cons to help you pick out your next pair of leggings, along with helpful, informative reviews from real shoppers just like you.

Some of these are TikTok-approved dupes that you can snag along with a pair of killer sneakers, a great swimsuit, and whatever other random items you have in your Amazon cart. Others are from underrated workout brands or some of our fav fashion brands that have recently dipped into the athleisure space. For leggings just like the Lululemon Aligns that are squat-proof and workout-approved (compression for dayssss, if that’s your thing) you’ll want to keep reading. Considering how much we do love our trusty Lulus, we take finding Lululemon alternatives very seriously. These brands and styles are similar to Lululemon, but cheaper.

Keep scrolling to skim this list for the best Lululemon alternatives that feel just like the real thing — and tbh, some feel even better.

Our Top Picks

      Best Lululemon Dupe

      Core 10 All Day Comfort 24" High-Waist 7/8 Crop Legging

      All Day Comfort 24" High-Waist 7/8 Crop Legging
      $28 at Amazon
      Pros
      • Butter soft
      • High, smooth waistband
      Cons
      • Ankle area may be loose if you have small ankles

      Everyone from pilates teachers to self-proclaimed Lulu's addicts love these popular Amazon leggings for how soft and comfortable they are, with fabric that reminds them of their favorite leggings brand. If you're looking for a good dupe for less, this is it.

      Customer Review: "These are the closest to lulu’s that I’ve ever owned! Excuse me while I go buy several more pairs. Seriously... I do all sorts of working out.. spin class, hot yoga, strength training, treadmill, etc. these are very close to lulu’s. I promise!"

      Best Amazon Pick

      Colorfulkoala High Waisted Yoga Pants 7/8 Length Leggings

      On Sale
      High Waisted Yoga Pants 7/8 Length Leggings
      Now 17% Off
      Pros
      • Pockets!
      • Waistband stays in place
      Cons

        Real buyers have described these leggings as their holy grail. For a balance between compression and stretch, look no further — the hardest part will be choosing from the 33 available colors.

        Customer Review: "I’m honestly thinking about buying a second pair of these in black because they’re that good. These are my holy grail leggings: soft, seamless waist, squat proof, flattering, not too long on my legs, and it has pockets!!!"

        TikTok Approved

        CROSS1946 Texture Leggings Booty Yoga Pants

        Texture Leggings Booty Yoga Pants
        Pros
        • Squat-Proof
        • Booty enhancing
        Cons
        • Some reviews report fraying.

        We're pretty sure you've heard about these leggings — if you're looking for the butt-sculpting action of Lululemon leggings, this is it. Jordyn Woods broke TikTok (okay, she broke the entire internet) when she tried on these viral Amazon leggings, because they make the booty look next-level good. This is a purchase you absolutely will not regret.

        Customer Review: "$100 quality for really cheap. Squat proof with the waist band being very comfortable and hugs just right. I’m a medium so that’s what I got and it’s perfect."

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        Best Compression Leggings

        SUUKSESS Ribbed Seamless Leggings

        Ribbed Seamless Leggings
        Pros
        • Supportive on the waist and tummy
        Cons
        • Some recommend sizing up.

        These high-waisted leggings offer great compression and support, on a budget. We recommend sticking to the darker colors to ensure that your leggings are squat-proof, and potentially size up depending on how much compression you prefer. When it comes to durability, this customer review speaks for itself.

        Customer Review: "I wore these leggings while helping with an open house at a wedding venue. I ended up falling and destroying my leg on this massive, unnecessary rock-and to my surprise- THE LEGGINGS DID NOT RIP!! I mean, I tore the crap out of my leg-thought I broke it!! And these leggings stood the test of time."

        Best for High-Intensity Workouts

        All Access High Waisted Center Stage Pocket Legging

        On Sale
        High Waisted Center Stage Pocket Legging
        Now 64% Off
        Pros
        • Stays in place
        • Mid Rise and High Waist options
        Cons

          Bandier has legions of loyal followers who swear by their workout gear. The silky-smooth leggings offer enough compression for a multi-mile run, but somehow still make your butt look bomb. If you're not sold on the idea of canary yellow, you can shop these bestsellers in 9 different colors.

          Customer Review: "Great fit and quality fabric that hugs your body. I wore it to my HIIT class and it was very comfy and the waistband didn’t fall."

          Editor's Pick

          Spanx Booty Boost Active 7/8 Leggings

          On Sale
          Booty Boost Active 7/8 Leggings
          Now 50% Off
          Pros
          • Hidden waistband pocket
          • Performance fabric
          Cons

            These are hands-down the best workout leggings in my personal lineup. They do to your entire lower half what Lululemon leggings do to your butt. They keep you feeling fully snatched, with zero knee-pit chafing, and the butt seams frame your booty–I cannot stress this enough–perfectly.

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            The Real Deal

            Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 25

            Align High-Rise Pant 25

            If you haven't had the pleasure of trying on a pair of Lululemon leggings before, feel free to cop the real deal and see for yourself. Or, you know, snag some if you're looking to do a side-by-side comparison between these and all the dupes you'll find below!

            Best Lightweight Legging

            Nike Zenvy Gentle-Support High-Waisted Full-Length Leggings

            Zenvy Gentle-Support High-Waisted Full-Length Leggings
            Pros
            • Sustainable materials
            • High- and mid-rise options
            Cons
            • Sweat might be visible with the lightest color fabric.

            The Zenvy style is a great workout legging thanks to the squat-proof fabric. They're breathable, offer great compression, and give you Lululemon levels of butt framing for half of the price.

            Customer Review: "They're so comfortable and as second-skin as you can get. These are perfect for everyday activities because they're not compressive but stay put with the higher rise on the waist."

            Customer Favorite

            Alo High-Waist Airlift Legging

            High-Waist Airlift Legging
            Pros
            • 4-way stretch
            • Moisture-wicking
            Cons

              In need of a good workout legging for barre, pilates, or aerial classes? These cult-favorite leggings from Alo are super touchable and stay up even through a heavy-duty workout. Plus, Alo always has the best colors.

              Customer Review: "Comfort and compression are unmatched, these pants are like butter with support."

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              Most Squat-Proof Leggings

              WodoWei High Waisted Printed Leggings Full-Length

              High Waisted Printed Leggings Full-Length

              Stretchy, squat-friendly, and suuuuuper soft. These leggings have flatlock stitching and a true high-waisted fit for maximum smoothness, so you'll be comfortable whether you're doing burpees or lounging on the couch. You might even forget that you aren't wearing Lululemon. 🤷‍♀️

              Customer Review: "They are super soft and feel buttery smooth. I usually only buy lululemon because of the material, these are a lot like lululemon leggings. Definitely a great purchase."

              Best Leggings for Lounging

              Old Navy High-Waisted Elevate Powersoft Side-Pocket Crop Leggings

              High-Waisted Elevate Powersoft Side-Pocket Crop Leggings
              Now 19% Off

              The internet is obsessed with these leggings. They have almost 4000 five-star reviews, and right now, you can shop them in plus and straight sizes for $30 or less.

              Customer Reviews: "I got the neon pink pair and they're so fun and comfy… with POCKETS! It feels like I'm wearing nothing, but they're not see through at all."

              Best Cold-Weather Leggings

              Outdoor Voices FrostKnit 7/8 Leggings

              FrostKnit 7/8 Leggings
              Pros
              • Sculpting and durable
              • High quality
              Cons

                These leggings have a fan-following among influencers and fashion editors (including myself)–and not just because they look hella cute in pics. They've got 4+ stars, thanks to their durability and warm fabric for cold-weather runs. They're perfect for outdoor sports.

                Customer Review: "I am so in love. I love to ski and immediately thought these would be a great layer. I've always wanted thicker leggings but never wanted to wear 2 leggings under my ski pants like some people do to keep warmer. These absolutely DID THE TRICK! So cozy and a must needed under layer plus they're great for hiking when it's colder outside. Run do not walk to get these."

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                Best Fast-Drying Leggings

                Under Armour Meridian Ankle Leggings

                Meridian Ankle Leggings
                Pros
                • Built-in side pockets
                • Sweat-wicking
                Cons

                  Your butt has truly never felt better. These lightweight leggings are sweat-wicking, and comfortable enough for several hours of veg-out time after your workout.

                  Customer Review: "I do a lot of HIIT training and weight training and I’m VERY particular with my leggings bc I hate see-through leggings when I squat and these are absolutely heavenly. They hold up perfectly when you wash them and I legit bought like 5 pairs bc they were that good."

                  Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation 7/8 Tight

                  Ultra High Rise Elation 7/8 Tight
                  Pros
                  • Comfortable, light, and airy
                  Cons

                    These vibrant tights boast 1674 five-star reviews (and counting). Wearers say they're buttery soft, super smoothing, and can even take on a half-marathon. Plus, the Elation Tight comes in both straight and plus sizes. One review even calls them "better than my Lululemons."

                    Customer Review: "The Elation tights are buttery soft, and the 7/8 length is perfect for my 5'4" frame. hits just above the ankle. I'm 120lb with an athletic build and the XS is perfect. I still have my very first pair of Elation tights from 5 plus years ago and I STILL wear them! Quality tights!!"

                    Best Streetwear Pick

                    Adidas 3-Stripes Leggings Black/White

                    On Sale
                    3-Stripes Leggings Black/White
                    Pros
                    • Soft and comfortable
                    Cons
                    • Some say they run slightly big

                    These leggings are a streetwear favorite, and you can't go wrong with the classic black-and-white triple stripe that is so iconically adidas. Out of 750 reviews, these bad boys boast a 4.5-star rating. Satisfied customers say they do double duty — perfect for the gym or daywear.

                    Customer Review: "I love these leggings because they are flattering and so comfy! Another plus is that the material isn't static-y and repels dog hair for the most part!"

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                    Best Customer Reviews

                    Beyond Spacedye At Your Leisure High Waisted Midi Legging

                    Spacedye At Your Leisure High Waisted Midi Legging
                    Pros
                    • Stretchy yet won't slip down
                    • Buttery soft
                    Cons

                      The Spacedye style (which comes in fifteen different colors, FYI) is one of Beyond Yoga's best sellers. They've got almost exclusively 5-star ratings, and word on the street is that these leggings are even more durable than your favorite oh-so-popular Aligns from that oh-so-popular brand — sign us up.

                      Customer Review: "I have purchased at least 10 pairs in the last 6 months. I’ve thrown out every other legging I’ve ever owned. They feel like butter, they never slip down or roll over the top, the colors are so fun they are the greatest."

                      On Sale

                      Torrid Premium Legging with Pockets

                      Premium Legging with Pockets
                      Now 40% Off
                      Pros
                      • Pockets
                      • Wide waistband
                      Cons

                        Multiple reviewers report that these are "the most comfortable leggings I’ve ever worn"–that's how good they are. If you need more proof, just scroll through the comments from happy shoppers. These leggings boast a high-waist cut and a wide stretch waistband for maximum hold and comfort.

                        Customer Review: "I bought one to try out, then bought two more because I loved them so much. We should always have pockets in leggings! Now I can carry my phone at work for when I need pictures of stock."

                        Best Size Range

                        Madewell MWL Flex High-Rise 25" Leggings

                        MWL Flex High-Rise 25" Leggings
                        Now 47% Off
                        Pros
                        • Flat seams to avoid chafing
                        • Extensive sizing and length options
                        Cons
                        • A little slippery

                        The compression on these leggings isn't restrictive, so they’re perfect for throwing on if you’re just lounging around at home. Size down if you’re looking for a tight, workout-ready fit and we promise your booty will be looking 🔥🔥 thanks to the back seams. The best part? The Flex High-Rise leggings come in 23, 25, and 28 inch inseams from XXS to 4X so you’re sure to find a pair that fits your body type.

                        Customer Review: "I love the cut of these - my butt looks great in them! Very little compression, slight compression would have been nice to hold my belly in a little more. I am a full 2X and think I could have sized down for a more “workout” fit. [...] Super soft fabric and not see through at all."

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                        Lotus Ankle Biter Leggings

                        On Sale
                        Ankle Biter Leggings
                        Pros
                        • Hidden key pocket
                        Cons
                        • Might be too short if you're taller

                        Lorna Jane's tights normally come with a triple-digit price tag, but these babies are on sale — plus, even if they were full-price they can be worn to the gym, class, and beyond. They're comfortable enough for 8-hour stretches on your couch or a hardcore fitness routine. The high-rise waistband really smooths and cinches.

                        Customer Review: "Love them! Too comfortable, I want to live in them so I'll probably end up having to buy extras."

                        Best Range of Inseam Options

                        OFFLINE By Aerie Real Me High Waisted Legging

                        Real Me High Waisted Legging
                        Pros
                        • Silky soft
                        • Short and Long sizes available
                        Cons

                          This budget-friendly find clearly gets the popular vote, with 2900+ almost-5-star reviews. They offer the perfect combination of being durable, stretchy, supportive, and affordable. We promise you'll feel comfortable in them despite totally holding up while you're working out.

                          Customer Review: "I seriously love these pants! After all of my aerial studio was wearing these pants, I had to see what the hype was about. I love how high waisted they are and I’m happy I can order different lengths online for my long legs. I now own almost every color..."

                          Headshot of Kelsey Stiegman
                          Kelsey Stiegman
                          Senior Style Editor

                          Kelsey is Seventeen.com's fashion expert and resident Harry Potter nerd. At the office, she spends her day writing about style, beauty, and literally every move Kylie Jenner makes. On the weekends, you can find her sifting through vintage shops and hunting for the perfect burger. Follow her on Instagram at @klstieg.

                          Headshot of Hannah Oh
                          Hannah Oh
                          Assistant Shopping Editor

                          Hannah is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from cute apartment decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and unhinged updates on the books she’s reading on the train. 

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