Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant Review: Buttery-Soft Travel Comfort

The lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 25” have quickly become the best leggings I’ve ever owned. And everyone else who has them agrees: these are the gold standard of leggings, and they’re great for travel days.

As someone who is 5’2”, I chose them specifically because of the 25” length. I wasn’t ready to commit to full-length leggings that might bunch up at my ankles. The fit on the Align 25 is absolutely perfect, and I’m a dab obsessed with how comfortable they are for everything from travel to yoga.

The Score View detailed breakdown

4.53 / 5

The lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 25" are buttery-soft leggings with weightless Nulu fabric that feel incredible against the skin. The perfect 25" length eliminates ankle bunching for shorter frames, and with their hidden waistband pocket, sweat-wicking fabric and excellent packability, they're ideal for travel, yoga and everyday comfort.

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Why I chose the Align High-Rise Pant 25” leggings

After experiencing the success of other lululemon pieces (my Everywhere Belt Bag, my everyday LLL baseball cap, my LLL chug water bottle and a 16L lululemon duffel), I was curious about their leggings line. The Align High-Rise Pant 25” caught my attention because of their promise of buttery-soft comfort and the perfect length for shorter frames.

They’ve become my go-to for travel and yoga. The decision to try them came after a particularly frustrating experience with other leggings that were too long and bunched up at my ankles, making me look sloppy.

First impressions and design details

When the Align leggings arrived, I was immediately impressed by their softness and quality construction. The Nulu fabric felt incredibly soft against the skin, with a weightless feel that I hadn’t experienced with other leggings.

The 25” length was exactly what I needed. They hit right above my ankle without bunching, creating a clean, polished look. The high-rise waistband felt comfortable and secure, and the hidden waistband pocket was a thoughtful touch I didn’t expect to appreciate as much as I do.

Size and fit

I find with lululemon I have to size up, and just disregard the number on the item if it doesn’t resonate with other sizes in my closet. For the leggings, I had no idea where to begin, even after referencing lululemon’s size chart online, so I went to my local lululemon store at the mall, 8 minutes away, to do some trying on!

When I did get the perfect fit, it really was THE perfect fit. The stretch is superb, the slimming factor is excellent and the fabric overall is the icing on the cake.

Even for someone like me with a short torso, the waistband is snug and stretchy, and does not cut off circulation despite how perfectly sized the legs are.

And then there’s the length: perfect again. I don’t like leggings that are mid-calf, as I think they make me look shorter than I am, and I don’t like full length, either. These are kind of between mid-calf and ankle, and I enjoy the overall effect.

One more thing to know: I have friends who say that the Align leggings are so stretchy that they wore them during MATERNITY. Consider wearing these, as I mention having great maternity leggings in my list of how to travel while pregnant.]

What makes them special

• Buttery-soft Nulu fabric - The signature weightless material that feels incredible against your skin and moves with you.
• Perfect 25” length - Designed to sit above your ankle, ideal for shorter frames without bunching at the ankle.
• Hidden waistband pocket - Keeps cards and small essentials secure during workouts or travel. I’ve never had anything fall out of it.
• Super-stretchy construction - 81% nylon and 19% Lycra elastane blend that holds its shape through any movement. Stretchy and not too tight.

Built for comfort and performance

What I really appreciate is the gusset at the inseams, and the gusset runs halfway down each leg. This thoughtful construction prevents chafing and provides extra comfort during active wear. The sweat-wicking fabric pulls moisture away from your skin, keeping you feeling comfortable whether you’re exploring a new city or hitting a yoga class. And I’ve worn them for both, as well as flight days and hikes.

The high-rise waistband offers comfortable coverage that won’t dig in to your belly, and the super-stretchy fabric holds its shape as I bend and stretch, or do a downward dog. These leggings are made for yoga and low-intensity workouts, but I love the look so much that I wear them as lifestyle athleisure.

Detailed score breakdown

4.53 / 5

The lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 25" are buttery-soft leggings with weightless Nulu fabric that feel incredible against the skin. The perfect 25" length eliminates ankle bunching for shorter frames, and with their hidden waistband pocket, sweat-wicking fabric and excellent packability, they're ideal for travel, yoga and everyday comfort.

Comfort against skin

96%

The buttery-soft Nulu fabric feels incredible against the skin. The weightless feel is something I hadn't experienced with other leggings. The high-rise waistband offers comfortable coverage that won't dig into your belly, and even for someone like me with a short torso, the waistband is snug and stretchy and does not cut off circulation. The gusset at the inseams prevents chafing and provides extra comfort during active wear.

Fit, compression & sizing accuracy

94%

I find with lululemon I have to size up, but when I did get the perfect fit, it really was THE perfect fit. The stretch is superb, the slimming factor is excellent and the fabric overall is the icing on the cake. The 25" length was exactly what I needed - they hit right above my ankle without bunching, creating a clean, polished look. Perfect for shorter frames like mine at 5'2".

Materials, durability & easy care

90%

The 81% nylon and 19% Lycra elastane blend is machine washable. I wash on cold and personally hang them dry to preserve the material. The fabric maintains its shape and softness after multiple washes. The care is easy, which is perfect for travel leggings.

Breathability & moisture management

88%

The sweat-wicking fabric pulls moisture away from your skin, keeping you feeling comfortable whether you're exploring a new city or hitting a yoga class. I've worn them for both, as well as flight days and hikes. The breathability is excellent for all-day wear.

Temperature regulation

86%

They work well across different temperature scenarios. Whether I'm on a flight or walking around a warm destination, they keep me comfortable. The fabric adapts well to temperature changes, which is perfect for travel.

Stretch, mobility & shape retention

92%

The super-stretchy fabric holds its shape as I bend and stretch, or do a downward dog. The fabric maintains its shape remarkably well through any movement. I have friends who say that the Align leggings are so stretchy that they wore them during MATERNITY. The elastic recovery is excellent.

Opacity

90%

The fabric maintains opacity across all conditions. I've never had issues with see-through fabric, even when stretching or moving. The construction quality ensures the leggings stay opaque, which is crucial for travel leggings.

Durability & abrasion resistance

88%

After regular use, they've held up well. The fabric maintains its shape and softness. The gusset construction prevents chafing and adds durability. I haven't noticed any pilling or wear issues, though I haven't had them long enough to test extreme long-term durability.

Pocket function & travel security

84%

The hidden waistband pocket was a thoughtful touch I didn't expect to appreciate as much as I do. It keeps cards and small essentials secure during workouts or travel. I've never had anything fall out of it. It's not a huge pocket, but it's perfect for what I need.

Wrinkle resistance

90%

They're essentially wrinkle-free. I can stuff them into a packing cube and they come out looking perfect. The fabric handles compression well without creasing, which is great for travel.

Packability & weight

92%

The weightless Nulu fabric means they pack incredibly small. They compress well in packing cubes without taking up much space. The fabric is lightweight, which helps reduce overall luggage weight. Perfect for travel.

Styling versatility

94%

These leggings are made for yoga and low-intensity workouts, but I love the look so much that I wear them as lifestyle athleisure. They work for travel, yoga, or just everyday comfort. The versatility is excellent - they look appropriate in multiple contexts without looking out of place.

Overall value for price

92%

These are hands-down the best leggings I've ever owned. The quality and fit are exactly what you'd expect from lululemon, and while these leggings are virally hyped, I found that it is for a good reason. They're truly just perfect. The price is justified by the comfort, quality and versatility.

How we score gear

Quick takeaways: lululemon Align 25” leggings

• The buttery-soft Nulu fabric feels incredible and moves with your body.
• Perfect 25” length eliminates ankle bunching for shorter petite women.
• Hidden waistband pocket keeps essentials secure.
• High-rise waistband provides comfortable coverage without digging in. It is perfect.
• Sweat-wicking and breathable for all-day comfort.
• Machine washable and easy care: just wash on cold (and personally, I hang them dry to preserve the material).

These are hands-down the best leggings I’ve ever owned, and I can’t recommend them enough for travel, yoga, or just everyday comfort. They’re truly just… perfect. The quality and fit are exactly what you’d expect from lululemon, and while these leggings are virally hyped, I found that it is for a good reason.

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