081. I Shopped The Leggings On Your Wishlist

An Data-Driven Analysis of 2,325 Activewear Reviews

Before this year, I had last shopped for workout clothes in 2017. At the start of the summer, I picked up a new routine that quickly became my favourite part of each day, prompting me to want to overhaul my activewear drawer. To gather opinions, I turned to comment sections, Substack chats, and Reddit threads, crowdsourcing reviews from gym-goers about their favourite brands. I was specifically looking for alternatives to Lululemon. While I reluctantly admit to being a fan of the brand to this day, I wanted to explore my options. Lululemon's supply chain practices are dubious, their prices don't suit everyone's budget, and I'm frustrated with their punishing drop model - I feel like I'm on a constant wild goose chase for the right product in the right colour and size.

The internet is unanimous - the brand continues to make performance-led activewear that people love to wear. However, seven other brands emerged that are favoured by customers and rival Lululemon in terms of value for money and, in some cases, performance, quality, comfort, or longevity. Today's newsletter is a deep dive into the internet's review of these brands, and I really nerded out for this one. I collected and analyzed 2,325 data points across these brands, making something actually fun and valuable of my decade of data-slicing experience.

This letter also includes the opinions of the most discerning customers of all - the readers of this newsletter. In an activewear-focused survey I shared with over 10,000 of you a few months ago, you shared your thoughts about the brands that delighted you and those that disappointed you. I share insights from that survey below.

This newsletter is long and will likely be truncated in your email app. Make sure you click on "View entire message" to read it until the end and not miss a thing.

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1. Lululemon

Size Range: From 0 to 20

Price Range: $$$ ($98 to $118 for leggings)

Ethical and Sustainable Rating (from Good On You): Not Good Enough

Feedback: 87% Positive, 13% Negative.

The Good

• The brand is widely praised for its quality, durability, and fit - so much so that many reviewers report gradually replacing their entire activewear wardrobe with Lululemon products.

• It is viewed as an investment, with pieces lasting for years and maintaining their shape and performance through countless wears and washes.

• The versatility of their pieces is frequently highlighted, with users praising their ability to transition seamlessly from high-intensity workouts to casual everyday wear.

• [US-based customers only] Their free alterations and repair services are highly appreciated, adding perceived value to the products.

The Bad

• The high price point is a significant barrier for some customers, leading many to seek out their sales (customers rave about the We Made Too Much section of their website) or the secondhand market to access the brand.

• Long-time customers are growing concerned about a perceived decline in quality in recent years, particularly in comparison to the brand's earlier offerings.

• Some users report developing an addictive shopping habit with Lululemon, leading to overspending and accumulating more activewear than necessary. [I can definitely relate. I have clocked that they release newness every Tuesday around 8 PM, and I will always log on to check it out. I’m hooked].

The Internet’s Favourite Items

• The Align range and its iconic leggings are praised worldwide for their butter-soft feel and comfortable fit. They are favourites for yoga and everyday wear. The Align fabric has been endlessly imitated and rarely equalled. In my research into alternatives for Lululemon, I bore witness to passionate virtual debates about what brands have gotten closest to replicating the feel of that fabric (you’ll get a sense of the consensus later in this letter).

• The Scuba hoodies have developed a cult following and are appreciated for their cosy feel in and out of the gym.

• Wunder Train leggings are fan favourites for higher-intensity indoor workouts. They are lauded for offering the perfect balance of compression and comfort with sweat-wicking fabric and flattering seams.

• The Define jackets are extremely popular for their flattering fit.

EVERY BODY GETS DRESSED Readers Weigh In

• ‘I love Lululemon Wunder Train shorts and leggings. I run six days a week and lift twice weekly, and I almost always wear Wunder Train shorts in the 6-inch length. They last forever and hold up so well. They don't pile or chafe when I have long runs. I have them in at least ten colours and have gifted them to friends who also fell in love!’

• ‘I go for Lululemon Aligns for comfort during yoga. I love the new ribbed version, I even lift weights in them. All my tops are also full coverage ones from the brand.’

• ‘For workout clothes to actually work out in, nothing beats Lululemon, especially the Wunder Under leggings. Their Like New site has great deals.’

• ‘Lululemon quality seems to be decreasing these days. It also seems like they are less focused on making clothes for working out and more on targeting my college-age daughter who wears it daily to class.’

My Review and Favourite Pieces

For leggings, I prefer the older Wunder Under leggings to the newer Wunder Train. The Wunder Train waistband includes a drawstring and internal pockets I have no use for. I find the curved seams on the Wunder Under more flattering. I buy the SmoothCover (A soft and snug fabric with a similar feel to Align. It does show sweat stains during my most intense workouts) and the Everlux (A more compressive and sweat-wicking fabric that feels cool on the inside and soft on the outside). I do cardio and lift weights, so I resist buying Align pants, which aren’t designed to sustain high-intensity workouts. I have never had to replace a single item I purchased from the brand.

The tops and bras I own and love for weight-lifting days are:

• Sweetheart Align Bra. Not supportive whatsoever, but extremely cute.

• Sweetheart Wunder Train Tank Top. Light to medium support.

• Wundermost Ultra-Soft Nulu Cami Tank Top. I love layering this over the Sweetheart Align bra in the gym, but I also wear it over a strapless bra outside of the gym.

I’m a 32E bra size, and these look extremely booby on me. My whole life, I have hidden my chest and worn high necklines in and out of the gym for fear of ‘giving off the wrong impressions’. Recently, I decided I no longer give a fuck. For one hour each morning, I wear my slutty little tops, I look like boobs on legs, and I LOVE that for me.

On cardio days that involve more high-impact movement, I wear:

• Run Times Bra. This is supposed to give you high support, but if you have a large chest, it won’t. The only way I ever felt supported enough to run or jump was by wearing two running bras on top of each other.

• Energy Bra. Ditto

• Swiftly Tech Cropped Short-Sleeve Shirt.

TLDR

I'll likely be a customer for life. Try everything in the collection to find your perfect match. Don’t buy multiples until you’ve tried each new item in the gym for a few weeks - you may like something in the changing room but feel very different about it at the end of a sweaty session. Don’t let yourself get swallowed up by the dopamine-engineered drop system. There are only so many gym sets a girl needs.

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2. Alo Yoga

Size Range: From XXS to XL

Price Range: $$$ ($108 - $128 for leggings)

Ethical and Sustainable Rating (from Good On You): Not Good Enough

Feedback: 17% Positive, 83% Negative.

The Good

• The brand is appreciated for its fashion-forward designs and appeals to those who prioritize a stylish aesthetic in their activewear.

• Customers particularly praise Alo’s tops and jackets, which they find more exciting and versatile than offerings from other athletic brands.

The Bad

• There are significant concerns about the quality of Alo products, especially relative to their premium price point, with many feeling the brand doesn't offer adequate value for money. Compared with other premium activewear brands, Alo often falls short in perceived quality, which leads to disappointment.

• Durability and longevity issues are also frequently reported, with customers experiencing problems such as pilling, seam unravelling, and items deteriorating quickly, even with careful use and maintenance.

• Long-time customers wish Alo would go back to pre-2020 quality.

The Internet’s Favourite Items

• The Airlift leggings receive mixed reviews but are mentioned positively by Alo fans for their compressive fit and sleek appearance.

• A subset of users highlights the Muse sweatpants as a comfortable and fashionable loungewear option, though they aren't as universally praised as other brands’ offerings.

EBGD Readers Weigh In

• ‘Alo Yoga is not worth the money.’

• ‘I purchased Alo Yoga Airlift leggings in many colourways, but they don't wear well over time. They also give terrible camel toe.’

• ‘With Alo Yoga, the quality just isn't there. Plus, in NYC, it's - I am just going to say it - basic.’

My Review

I had high expectations about Alo. There’s a shop close to where I live, so I tried on every piece in their range and purchased a few to test them. The final verdict is that I really don’t like it. The quality doesn’t feel great, yet it’s pricier than Lululemon. I was not fond of their fabrics; their popular Airlift leggings have a shiny finish I didn’t like. I agree with the subscriber who mentioned the camel toe; I experienced the same issue. More compellingly, many women in my gym wear them, and the leggings get visibly drenched in sweat stains. They have a version with a flocked velvet detail (you may have seen it advertised by the Jenners). I hate to speculate, but I can’t imagine this would age well or sustain regular washes. I also tried and disliked the Airbrush fabric, which felt thick, stiff, and uncomfortable. I purchased the Wild Things bra in this fabric, and against my other leggings, it looks old and washed out. Online reviews concur that the fabric allegedly does not age well, loses its compression over time, and is not squat-proof. Really not squat-proof at all.

TLDR

I might be missing something - Alo is popular among Gen Z, and I am not Gen Z - but, stay away?

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3. Athleta

Size Range: From 00 to 24/26 and available in Tall and Petite.

Price Range: $$$ ($89 - $119 for leggings)

Ethical and Sustainable Rating (from Good On You): It’s A Start

Feedback: 91% Positive, 9% Negative.

The Good

• Athleta's clothing's overall quality and durability are often cited as a key selling point. The brand is often perceived as offering better value for money than Lululemon, especially since they run frequent sales.

• Many reviewers appreciate Athleta's commitment to inclusive sizing, offering petite, tall, and plus-size in many styles.

• The brand’s return policy and customer service receive frequent praise. One user says, ‘I need to see how something moves with me during a workout to know if it's for me’.

The Bad

• Inconsistent sizing across different styles and even within the same style is a recurrent complaint. One customer states ‘Their sizing quality control seems to be non-existent!’.

• Many customers feel Athleta has gone too far with ‘vanity sizing’, which makes it difficult to shop online and find items that fit correctly.

• Some long-time customers report that the quality has declined in recent years, particularly in leggings. This has led some to give up on the brand completely.

• A minority of customers love Athleta's muted colour palette compared to other athletic brands and claim it makes mixing and matching easier. However, the majority criticise it and point out that colour variety is a weakness of Athleta compared to Lululemon.

The Internet’s Favourite Items

• The Elation and Salutation leggings are considered favourites for their comfort, durability and fit. One connoisseur says, ‘I own over fifty pairs of Elation and Salutation leggings combined. They're the best leggings on the market.’ Note: These seem to be designed for yoga. Customers who do higher intensity workouts should check out their other lines.

• The Rainier leggings and Rainier joggers have been specifically designed for training in cold weather climates, and users frequently cite them as excellent and unique on the market.

• Athleta's sports bras, especially the Ultimate bra, are widely appreciated for their support and inclusive sizing.

• Many reviewers praise Athleta's versatile athleisure pieces, which can transition from workouts to casual wear. These include the Pranayama wrap - a beloved layering piece listed as part of several work uniforms, the Venice joggers, and the Brooklyn joggers, which are deemed perfect for travel and the ideal mix of casual and comfortable yet cute and elevated.

EBGD Readers Weigh In

• ‘I'm mid-size, but not exactly curvy, a bit straighter in the midsection, and Athleta’s non-legging pants fit my proportions well. The fit of athletic clothes is paramount to me.’

• ‘I have some Athleta leggings that have been favourites for years and are still going strong.’

• ‘Athleta is my go-to now that Sweaty Betty discontinued their best leggings. The Elation line is excellent. Generally, their stuff is of great quality for the price, and they have a wide range of sizes. That being said, their bras for D-cups don't really work.’

• ‘I like Athleta’s Salutation Stash 7/8 Length leggings. The pockets are great, they stay up, and their sizing is consistent.’

TLDR

I’m counting down the days until my trip to the US in December when I will be able to try it. Based on the reviews and the type of workouts I do (high-intensity), it’s the one brand listed here I’m most excited to cheat on Lululemon with.

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4. Vuori

Size Range: From XXS to XXL

Price Range: $$$ ($89 - $98 for leggings)

Ethical and Sustainable Rating (from Good On You): It’s A Start

Feedback: 82% Positive, 18% Negative.

The Good

• The brand is among the most frequently recommended alternatives to Lululemon. Some users suggest that its quality might surpass that of Lululemon and that its value is better, given the slightly lower price point. It’s also often mentioned alongside established athletic brands like Nike and Patagonia.

• Vuori products are highly praised for their comfort and versatility. Users appreciate the brand's ability to create clothing suitable for workouts and everyday wear.

• Many customers appreciate the brand’s flattering fits, which suit various body types and activities.

• Numerous women report that their Vuori items have proven durable, maintaining their shape and quality after frequent use and washing.

• Vuori's environmental awareness and sustainability efforts resonate strongly with environmentally conscious consumers.

The Bad

• Some customers have experienced inconsistent sizing across different styles and colours, making online ordering challenging.

• There are complaints about the limited colour options, with many women wanting more vibrant or diverse colour choices.

• Taller customers have encountered issues when shopping the brand. They noted a lack of options for longer inseams in shorts and leggings and the prevalence of cropped tops and very short shorts.

• Many customers have reported poor experiences with customer service when trying to resolve issues with their orders.

The Internet’s Favourite Items

• People are obsessed with Vuori’s joggers for their comfort - particularly the Performance Joggers - with some customers saying they’re the most comfortable pants they own. They are beloved for travelling.

• The Daily Leggings are another favourite. They are appreciated for their comfortable fit and durability. Vuori converts often compare them favourably to Lululemon leggings.

• Almost every Vuori fan also references the Halo range, with the Long-Sleeve Crew and Performance Crop Top being highlights. The range is divided between the Essential line for every day and the Performance line for working out.

• The Yosemite Bra is frequently mentioned as a comfortable and great-looking option for low to medium-impact activities.

EBGD Readers Weigh In

• ‘Vuori shorts fit me really well. I wear the Villa shorts.”

• ‘I love Vuori. But not for actual workouts.’

• ‘My favourite leggings are Vuori’s Daily Leggings. The quality is great and on par with Lululemon.’

My Review

I checked out their store in Covent Garden and tried on a few pieces. The quality felt great, the colours were lovely, and the sales assistant was an angel. I did not try the beloved Daily Leggings because I could never get on board with the look of the drawstring, so I did not want to like it. The bras and tops I tried on did not work out for me in terms of fit (I have a large chest and a small back), and they did not have padding, so the outlines of my nipples were quite visible underneath them, which was a little too much for comfort. I loved the All The Feels leggings, but in the relatively light (yet gorgeous) Vintage Pistachio colour, my cellulite was, again, a little too visible for comfort. The store had a minuscule selection of what I wanted to try, but I liked what I saw, so I will place an online order to try on more.

TLDR

Quality-focused customers seem to love it. My brief interaction with the brand was good. I’d say give it a whirl.

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5. CRZ Yoga

Size Range: From XXS to 4XL

Price Range: $ ($28 - $34 for leggings)

Ethical and Sustainable Rating (from Good On You): Not Available

Feedback: 56% Positive, 44% Negative.

The Good

• The price point is consistently highlighted as a significant advantage. Many customers find CRZ Yoga to be an excellent, affordable alternative to Lululemon. One review reads, ‘I love my CRZ stuff. The only Lulu I still buy are Scuba sweaters and Define jackets, and possibly a top or leggings if it's a must-have colour. Otherwise, all my sports bras and leggings are CRZ!’

• Many appreciate the wide range of colours CRZ Yoga offers, which is broader than Lululemon's selection.

The Bad

• More selective customers are fanning the flames under the quality debate. One says, ‘Yes, the fit is almost identical, but the fabric is not. They are not as soft as Aligns; this fabric feels like regular cheap spandex to the touch.’ Several have reported issues with the leggings sliding down during wear, ‘They would not stay up, despite me buying my correct size.’

• ‘Their stuff is so hit or miss’ - Some reviewers found inconsistencies in sizing and fit between different CRZ Yoga items.

• Taller customers reported issues with inseam lengths. A 5'8 reviewer commented, ‘I felt like the ankle kept riding up to look like a 7/8 length when I only bought a full length.’

• A few users pointed out they hate the branding and logo, with a few of them saying the latter ‘looks like a butt’.

The Internet’s Favourite Items

• The Butterluxe fabric is frequently praised for its softness and similarity to Lululemon's Align fabric. Dozens of customers have commented, ‘To me, Butterluxe and Aligns are indistinguishable by touch alone. You could never tell these aren’t Lulu’. Several reviewers also noted that they’ve noticed zero pilling from this line.

• Customers love CRZ Yoga sports bras. They also point out that they have a nursing bra, which Lululemon does not. [Note - they also have a wide range of maternity leggings and tops].

• Affordable alternatives to Lululemon’s zipped Define jackets (the OG/the imitation) and Hotty Hot shorts (the OG/the imitation) are also very popular.

TLDR

You guessed it. We are deep into dupe territory with this one. There isn’t much information available about this brand’s ethical practices. The only ratings I found show them to be mediocre at best. Often, a lack of transparency equals murky supply chains. Putting that aside, a similar fabric doesn’t always mean the same fabric weight or sewing quality. There’s a lot at stake with activewear - I do NOT want to put my trust into a flimsy butt seam when I’m squatting two meters in front of the same people every day. This could be my bias talking, but high-end established brands have a reputation to protect, and it would cost them a lot to let things like this (a flimsy butt seam) slide. I think there’s a good case to be made for shopping this brand for the maternity line, where longevity matters less, or if you’re a conscious customer on a budget.

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6. Old Navy

Size Range: From 00 to 30

Price Range: $ ($34 - $45 for leggings)

Ethical and Sustainable Rating (from Good On You): It’s A Start

Feedback: 88% Positive, 14% Negative.

The Good

• Users find Old Navy a reliable option for basic athleisure pieces. They frequently praise the brand’s affordability, especially since it often runs sales. The value for money of their activewear, particularly the Powersoft line, is often compared favourably to more expensive brands.

• The brand is appreciated for its inclusivity in sizing, with options available for a wide range of body types.

The Bad

• More quality-focused users feel that while Old Navy is good for the price, it doesn't match the quality of premium brands.

• The more active gymgoers argue that it is unsuitable for regular high-intensity workouts.

• A few users reported inconsistencies in sizing across different styles or colours, making it challenging to order online without trying items on first.

• Some customers find the styles basic or lacking in aesthetically pleasing designs compared to more expensive brands.

The Internet’s Favourite Items

• The Powersoft line is consistently mentioned as a standout, with users praising its comfort and quality. ‘They meet all the requirements and are affordable!’. Old Navy leggings in general receive positive feedback for their comfort and affordability, with many users considering them a good value for the price.

• Users also mention the brand's sports bras as good budget-friendly options, particularly for low- to medium-impact activities, and tanks and tees for their basic designs, which are popular for everyday wear and workouts.

EBGD Readers Weigh In

• ‘Generally, I think you get what you pay for with activewear - Old Navy is always appealing because of the price, but it simply doesn't last as long.’

TLDR

Satisfactory, basic, and affordable. It won’t have you jumping out of bed, but it will do the job. A less exciting but perhaps more reliable option (due to having the Gap group behind it) for customers on a budget or those who want to save on basics and get other substantial stand-out pieces from more premium brands.

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7. Beyond Yoga

Size Range: From XXS to 4XL

Price Range: $$$ ($97 - $110 for leggings)

Ethical and Sustainable Rating (from Good On You): It’s A Start

Feedback: 97% Positive, 3% Negative.

The Good

• Beyond Yoga is highly praised for the comfort and softness of its fabrics. The brand is often recommended for yoga and low-impact activities and by those who prefer softer, less compressive leggings.

• Several instructors have mentioned they prefer Beyond Yoga leggings for teaching Barre and Yoga classes, which is a very green flag.

• The fit of Beyond Yoga items is often mentioned positively, with users finding them flattering and true to size.

• Many users appreciate the products' durability, saying they remain comfortable, keep their shape, and stay up after many years.

• The brand frequently offers sales, which many customers take advantage of to stock up on their favourite items.

The Bad

• Some users have noticed a decline in quality since the brand was acquired by Levi's in 2021. Newer leggings are reported to snag quicker than older versions and even develop holes. Several mention the newer leggings tend to sag or stretch out more quickly, requiring frequent adjustments during workouts.

• Users recommend ignoring their size chart and sticking with your usual size.

• There are reports of inconsistent quality between different colours of the same style, with some colours being thinner or more see-through than others.

The Internet’s Favourite Items

• The internet is crazy for the Spacedye fabric. Many users consider Beyond Yoga Spacedye leggings their absolute favourite, with one pragmatic customer saying, ‘Personally, I want to be buried in Beyond Yoga Spacedye leggings’. They are reported not to show sweat, even in lighter colours. Note - some users find the fabric too warm for high-intensity workouts or hot environments. The brand's tank tops in the Spacedye fabric are also mentioned often and very positively.

EBGD Readers Weigh In

• ‘I bought two pairs of Beyond Yoga Spacedye leggings in 2020. They’re still looking good, minus some minor pilling in the crotch area. They are so comfortable for lounging.’

• ‘I love Beyond Yoga leggings’.

• ‘I wear Beyond Yoga tops. For some reason, their bottoms don't work on me. I love the Spacedye fabric, though.’

TLDR

Especially if you partake in low-impact workouts, that Spacedye fabric sounds like it deserves a try-on.

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8. Girlfriend Collective

Size Range: From XXS to 6XL

Price Range: $$$ ($88 - $98 for leggings)

Ethical and Sustainable Rating (from Good On You): Good

Feedback: 60% Positive, 40% Negative.

The Good

• Reviewers appreciate the brand's commitment to sustainability and transparency. One noted, ‘They have so much information that explains how they source and produce their material, as well as the working conditions of those who produce it. It's incredibly transparent for the fashion world.’

• The company's size inclusivity is frequently mentioned positively.

• Many customers love Girlfriend Collective's rewards and referrals program, although it has recently become more stringent. For example, it used to include lifetime spend instead of yearly resets.

• Some users praise the durability and longevity of Girlfriend Collective items.

The Bad

• Some users found the quality inconsistent or declining over time. ‘My Girlfriend Collective leggings are a pilly mess and snagged, and I don't even wear them often; I put them through a cold, gentle machine wash, and always air dried.’

• Numerous customers reported issues with long shipping times, with some saying they have waited weeks or even months to receive their orders. Other customers experienced issues with customer service, particularly around returns once again relaying weeks or months of delay.

• Many customers were left disappointed by the value and felt like the products were overpriced for the quality.

The Internet’s Favourite Items

• The Compressive leggings are frequently mentioned as a favourite. ‘I've had their Compressive leggings for over a year now, and the waistband has not stretched out compared to cheaply made leggings.’

• Girlfriend Collective's sports bras, particularly the Paloma and Dylan styles, are highly regarded by many customers. Their popularity seems to stem from a combination of functional design for workouts and their comfort for everyday use.

• The brand's unitards have garnered a loyal following among some customers, who praise them for their convenience, uniqueness, and stylish design. There are no risks of waistbands rolling down here!

EBGD Readers Weigh In

Readers were highly divided on this brand. It was one of the most mentioned brands, with as many negative mentions as positive ones.

• The brand disappointed many readers; ‘I ordered online and hated everything’, ‘It was the same quality as Old Navy and felt cheap’, ‘Cute-looking size inclusive sets, but those leggings do not stay up even when just lounging around!’.

• There were also a few really enthusiastic ones. ‘The Girlfriend Collective leggings last and last and last. I've had the same pair for going on six years; I've put in hundreds of spin miles on these, and if it's possible, they've only gotten better. I like that they use recycled plastic. I prefer their Compressive fabric. The lighter and stretchier fabric is also nice but not as supportive. While I only have their core colours, they routinely do limited drops of fun colours, and those colours are gorgeous."

TLDR

This brand is by far the most divisive. People who like it are obsessed with it. People who don’t like it hate it. Their commitment to inclusivity has to be acknowledged and applauded. Their dedication to sustainability is also very legit. This alone warrants environmentally conscious customers giving it a go to see what side of the fence they stand on.