When Lululemon Athletica Inc. dropped its 2025 activewear lineup, it didn’t just release new leggings—it ignited a quiet revolution in how women choose their workout gear. The verdict? Not all compression is created equal. In early 2025, Women's Health Magazine published its most exhaustive review yet: 'The Best Lululemon Leggings 2025, Tested By Editors.' Contributors Jennifer Nied and Lindsay Geller, alongside associate editor Addison Aloian, put every pair through real-world gauntlets—early morning runs, HIIT sessions, and even grocery store runs in yoga pants. What they found wasn’t just about aesthetics. It was about function, fabric, and whether your leggings could survive five pockets full of snacks and your phone without slipping, rolling, or revealing too much.
Why the Nulu Fabric Is Still the Gold Standard
The standout hero of the 2025 collection? Lululemon Athletica Inc.’s Nulu fabric. Made from a blend of nylon and Lycra elastane, it’s the same material that made the Align leggings a cult favorite—and it’s back, better than ever. Nied calls it “literally like butter,” and she’s not exaggerating. Unlike stiffer, sweat-slicked alternatives, Nulu hugs without suffocating. “It holds you in,” she says, “but not like a corset. More like a second skin that remembers your shape.” The compression is targeted: tummy control without pinching, thigh support without chafing. And here’s the kicker—it’s still the stretchiest pair tested, with the highest elastane percentage in Lululemon’s entire lineup. That means it moves with you, not against you.But the magic doesn’t stop there. The fabric is quick-drying, sweat-wicking, and surprisingly squat-proof—if you pick the right color. Tom’s Guide testers confirmed that darker hues like Midnight Navy and Blackout hold up under intense movement. Lighter shades? Not so much. “In white or heather gray,” one tester wrote, “you can see every drop of sweat by mile three.”
Fit Is Everything—And One Size Doesn’t Fit All
The 2025 line comes in three leg lengths: 25 inches, 28 inches, and 31 inches. Sounds simple, right? Not when you’re five foot two. A Tom’s Guide tester who’s 5’2” found the 28-inch leg “way too long,” forcing her to fold the ankle where the reflective detailing was. That’s not just inconvenient—it’s dangerous on dimly lit roads. “I had to wear socks over the fold to hide the seam,” she said. “That defeated the whole purpose of the reflective strip.”Meanwhile, the Wunder Under SmoothCover High-Rise model earned praise for its drawcord waistband—adjustable, secure, and designed to sit just above the belly button. “I’ve worn other high-rise leggings that roll like a tired dog,” says Aloian. “These? They stay put. Even after three rounds of Pilates.” The waistband’s construction is key: no elastic band that digs in, no silicone grip that slips. Just clean, seamless tension.
But not all designs are flawless. The thicker seams around pockets and waistbands? They add bulk. “It’s like wearing a small backpack on your hips,” Nied noted. “Fine for a gym bag, not so much under a light jacket.”
The Secret Weapon: Lululemon’s ‘We Made Too Much’ Sale
Here’s the real story no one’s talking about: Lululemon Athletica Inc.’s ‘We Made Too Much’ section is where the real deals live. On April 29, 2025, Prevention magazine published a list of 12 top picks from the overstock section—and the Align High-Rise Pant 25" was #1. Priced at under $70 (down from $98), these buttery-soft leggings are still the most sought-after in the lineup. The same goes for the Align High-Rise Pant 28", the Base Pace High-Rise Leggings 28", and the Softstreme High-Rise Straight-Leg Cropped Pants—all marked down to $59.“These pieces sell out faster than concert tickets,” says Prevention’s editor. “I’ve watched the Align 28" disappear in under 12 hours.” The list includes not just leggings, but matching tops, belts, and even the Lululemon Like A Cloud Longline Bra—all part of a curated, limited-time bundle that feels like a secret club.
Who Should Buy What—and When
- For yoga, stretching, or lounging: Go for the Align 25" or 28" in Nulu fabric. Softest on skin, most forgiving on curves.
- For running or high-intensity training: Choose the Wunder Under SmoothCover with the drawcord. Reflective detailing? Yes. But avoid light colors.
- For everyday wear: The Softstreme Cropped Pants are the new ‘jeans’—slim, structured, and surprisingly professional.
- For petite frames: Stick with the 25" leg. The 28" is too long for most under 5’4".
And here’s the hard truth: if you wait, you’ll miss out. The April 2025 ‘We Made Too Much’ inventory is already dwindling. Lululemon doesn’t restock these items. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
What’s Next for Activewear?
The 2025 testing cycle reveals a clear trend: consumers no longer want “just” leggings. They want performance, discretion, and value—all in one pair. Lululemon’s edge isn’t just in fabric tech—it’s in understanding that women need gear that works for the gym, the commute, and the school drop-off. But as competitors like Athleta and Sweaty Betty close the gap on compression and sustainability, Lululemon’s next move will be critical. Will they address the seam bulk? Will they offer more petite-specific lengths? Will they make the Nulux fabric truly squat-proof in all colors?For now, the answer is simple: if you want the best, act fast. The Align leggings aren’t just popular—they’re becoming a necessity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Lululemon Align leggings worth the price in 2025?
Yes—if you buy them during the ‘We Made Too Much’ sale. Regular price is $98, but they’re often discounted to $59–$69 in the overstock section. The Nulu fabric remains unmatched for softness and compression, and they retain their shape after dozens of washes. For yoga, walking, or casual wear, they’re the most cost-effective high-end option on the market.
Which Lululemon leggings are best for running?
The Wunder Under SmoothCover High-Rise is the top pick for runners. Its drawcord waistband prevents slippage, the five pockets securely hold phones and gels, and the reflective detailing improves safety during low-light conditions. Avoid light colors—they show sweat. Stick to black, navy, or charcoal for best performance.
Do Lululemon leggings run true to size?
Generally, yes—but sizing varies by fabric. Nulu fabric (Align) has more stretch and fits snugly; Nulux (Wunder Under) is slightly less forgiving. If you’re between sizes, size down in Align, size up in Wunder Under. Petite users should opt for the 25" inseam unless they’re over 5’5".
Why do some Lululemon leggings show sweat marks?
It’s the Nulux fabric. Lighter colors like ivory, blush, or gray use a thinner weave to maintain breathability, which makes moisture more visible. Darker colors and the Nulu fabric (used in Align leggings) are more opaque and sweat-resistant. If you sweat heavily, stick to black, navy, or deep green.
Is the ‘We Made Too Much’ section still active in May 2025?
Lululemon’s ‘We Made Too Much’ section is a rotating inventory, not a permanent sale. The April 2025 batch is already 60% sold out as of mid-May. New stock appears unpredictably, often after major holidays or seasonal shifts. Set up alerts on Lululemon’s website and check daily—popular items like the Align 28" disappear within hours.
What’s the difference between Nulu and Nulux fabric?
Nulu is softer, stretchier, and made for low-impact activities like yoga. It contains more elastane and feels like a second skin. Nulux is slightly thicker, more supportive, and designed for high-intensity workouts. It dries faster but can be less squat-proof in light colors and has more visible seams. Think of Nulu as loungewear with performance, and Nulux as performance with structure.