Lululemon Crz Leggings vs. Lululemon: Which one should you buy?
The main difference between CRZ YOGA leggings and leggings from Lululemon comes down to price, fabric technology, and brand experience. CRZ YOGA leggings offer a strikingly similar "buttery-soft" feel to Lululemon's famous Align pant for a fraction of the cost, making them an excellent budget-friendly alternative. Lululemon, on the other hand, provides the original, proprietary fabrics, a premium in-store and online experience, and an extensive range of colors and styles backed by years of innovation.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide whether to save with the popular alternative or invest in the original.
Lululemon Align™ Leggings
The Lululemon Align™ Pant is an icon in the activewear world, celebrated for its uniquely soft, weightless feel. Made with the brand’s proprietary Nulu™ fabric, these leggings are designed primarily for low-impact activities like yoga and lounging, providing a second-skin sensation that offers gentle support and complete freedom of movement.
- What it is: Premium, high-rise leggings designed for yoga and low-impact activities with a focus on "buttery-soft" comfort.
- Key features: Patented Nulu™ fabric for a weightless feel, four-way stretch, sweat-wicking technology, a high-rise waistband that doesn't dig in, and a massive range of colors and inseam lengths.
- Price: $98 - $128
- Materials/Construction: A blend of 81% Nylon and 19% Lycra® elastane that comprises the signature Nulu™ fabric. Known for its extreme softness and stretch.
- Sizing/Fit: Designed for a "naked sensation," they fit true to size for most, hugging the body gently without feeling compressive.
- Pros: Unmatched softness and comfort. Extremely lightweight and breathable. Very flattering fit on a wide range of body types. Excellent brand reputation and color selection.
- Cons: High price point. The delicate Nulu™ fabric is prone to pilling if used for high-friction activities or washed improperly. Not designed for intense, high-impact workouts.
This legging is perfect for those who prioritize the ultimate in comfort and softness for activities like yoga, Pilates, or simply everyday lounging and are willing to invest in a premium, best-in-class product.
Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/women-pants/Align-Pant-2
CRZ YOGA "Naked Feeling" Leggings
CRZ YOGA has become a powerhouse Amazon brand largely thanks to its "Naked Feeling" leggings, which are celebrated for being a remarkably close alternative to the Lululemon Align. They mimic the distinctive soft, smooth texture and second-skin fit at a much more accessible price point, making high-end style available to a broader audience.
- What it is: Affordable, high-waisted leggings from an Amazon-based brand, designed to replicate the "naked feeling" and soft texture of more expensive leggings.
- Key features: Buttery-soft stretch fabric, a seamless high waistband for a smooth silhouette, sweat-wicking properties, and squat-proof opacity.
- Price: $28 - $32
- Materials/Construction: A blend of 71% Polyamide and 29% Spandex, engineered to feel soft, sleek, and cool to the touch.
- Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size with a snug, body-hugging feel that is very similar to the Lululemon Align. Offers a gentle compressive feel.
- Pros: A fraction of the price of Lululemon. The fabric feel is remarkably similar to Nulu™. Surprisingly durable and often reported to be more resistant to pilling than Aligns. Great value for the money.
- Cons: Lacks the prestige and brand experience of Lululemon. Fabric is slightly less breathable and doesn't feel quite as weightless. Color selection is more limited and can be inconsistent.
This is the ideal choice for budget-conscious shoppers who love the Lululemon aesthetic and feel but can't justify the price, or for anyone needing a durable, comfortable "beater" pair of leggings for everyday activities.
Shop this product: amazon.com/CRZ-YOGA-Feeling-Length-Leggings
CRZ YOGA vs. Lululemon Leggings: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Price & Value
There is no contest here in terms of raw numbers. At $28-$32, a pair of CRZ YOGA leggings costs about 25-30% of what a single pair of Lululemon Aligns costs ($98-$128). You could buy three to four pairs of CRZ YOGA leggings for the price of one Lululemon pair.
Value, however, can be subjective. Lululemon provides a premium product made with proprietary, well-researched fabric, exceptional customer service, and the prestige of a leading brand. For many, that justifies the investment. For those focused purely on getting a specific feel and function for the lowest possible price, CRZ YOGA offers undeniable value.
Feel & Fabric
This is where the comparison becomes interesting. Both leggings aim for a "buttery-soft" and "naked" feel, and CRZ YOGA gets incredibly close to replicating Lululemon's Nulu™ fabric. Both are smooth, sleek, and offer great four-way stretch.
The primary difference is subtle. Lululemon's Nulu™ is lighter and feels more breathable - truly a second skin. CRZ YOGA's Polyamide/Spandex blend has a similar hand-feel but is slightly heavier and can feel a bit less airy during intense activity. Die-hard Align fans will notice the difference, but for most casual wearers, a blind touch test would be difficult to pass.
Performance & Durability
Both leggings are primarily designed for low-impact exercise like yoga and general wear. However, many users report that CRZ YOGA's slightly thicker fabric blend holds up better to friction and frequent washing. The Lululemon Align's Nulu™ fabric is famously delicate and can pill between the thighs or on contact with rough surfaces.
Paradoxically, the less expensive CRZ YOGA leggings might be the more durable option for those who want to wear them for a wider range of activities beyond the yoga mat, like running errands or light gym work.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both leggings are excellent options, but they are built for different customers with different priorities.
Choose CRZ YOGA leggings if:
- You are on a strict budget but want the Lululemon Align look and feel.
- You need a versatile pair of leggings for everyday errands and light workouts without worrying about pilling.
- You want to buy multiple colors without spending a fortune.
- You're prone to pilling leggings and need a more durable option for daily wear.
Choose Lululemon Align™ leggings if:
- You want the original, best-in-class "buttery-soft" fabric, and budget is not a primary concern.
- You prioritize the most lightweight and breathable feel for yoga, Pilates, or comfortable lounging.
- You value the premium brand experience, including in-store service and a wider, more consistent color palette.
- You're an aficionado who can appreciate the subtle-but-real differences in fabric technology and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are CRZ YOGA leggings a good dupe for Lululemon?
Yes, the CRZ YOGA "Naked Feeling" legging is widely considered one of the best Lululemon Align dupes available. It successfully replicates the signature soft feel and high-waisted fit for a significantly lower price.
What is the main difference between CRZ YOGA and Lululemon fabrics?
Lululemon uses its proprietary Nulu™ fabric (Nylon/Lycra blend), which is exceptionally lightweight, soft, and breathable. CRZ YOGA uses a Polyamide/Spandex blend that feels very similar but is slightly denser and not quite as airy.
Do CRZ YOGA leggings pill like Lululemon Aligns?
Many users report that CRZ YOGA leggings are surprisingly more resistant to pilling than Lululemon Aligns. The delicate nature of Nulu™ fabric makes Aligns prone to pilling from friction, whereas the CRZ YOGA fabric seems to be more resilient.
Which leggings are better for working out?
Both are intended for low-impact workouts like yoga. Neither is ideal for intense, high-friction exercises like running or CrossFit. However, due to its better durability and lower price, many people feel more comfortable using CRZ YOGA for a wider variety of gym activities.
How does the sizing for CRZ YOGA compare to Lululemon?
Sizing is very comparable. If you know your size in Lululemon Align leggings, you can typically order the same size in CRZ YOGA's "Naked Feeling" leggings for a similar fit.
Are Lululemon leggings worth the money?
This is subjective. For those who value the absolute peak of comfort, a premium brand experience, specific colors, and the original patented fabric, the answer is often yes. For budget-conscious shoppers who want a product that is 90% as good for 25% of the price, the high cost can be hard to justify.
Which one is softer?
Both are extremely soft, but most agree that the Lululemon Align™ pant maintains a slight edge in buttery softness and its 'barely there,' weightless feeling. The difference is subtle but noticeable to devout fans.
Where can I buy CRZ YOGA leggings?
CRZ YOGA is primarily sold on Amazon, making it easily accessible with fast shipping for Prime members.
