Lululemon 25 Inch vs. 28 Inch Inseam: Size guide [2026 updated]

Choosing between Lululemon's 25-inch leggings and their 28-inch counterpart comes down to a three-inch difference that fundamentally changes the fit and look. The 25" inseam offers a 7/8 length that hits above the ankle on most women of average height, making it an ideal full-length fit for petite frames. The 28" inseam provides a classic full-length cut that covers the ankle, best suited for those who are average height or taller and prefer more coverage.

Here’s everything you need to know to find the right Lululemon inseam for your height and style.

Lululemon 25" Inseam Leggings

The 25" inseam is one of Lululemon's most popular lengths, offering a versatile 7/8 fit. Designed to intentionally stop before the shoe, this length is loved for its flattering cut that shows off a bit of ankle and provides a modern look. For many, it's the perfect balance between a full-length legging and a crop, and it's particularly sought after by petite women seeking a perfect "full-length" fit without needing alterations.

• What it is: A popular legging length with a 25-inch inseam, considered a "7/8 Garter" by Lululemon.
• Key features: Hits just above the ankle bone on a person of average height (around 5'5"), creating a slight gap between the hem and your shoes.
• Price: Typically $98 - $128, depending on the model and fabric.
• Materials/Construction: Available in iconic Lululemon fabrics like buttery-soft Nulu™ (Align pants) and fast-drying Everlux™ (Wunder Train).
• Sizing/Fit: Fits like a 7/8 length for average heights (5'5"-5'8"). For petite women (5'4" and under), it’s often a perfect full-length. For taller women (5'9" and up), it will fit more like a longer crop.
• Pros: Excellent no-hem option for petite individuals. Creates a modern, ankle-baring look that highlights footwear. Prevents fabric from bunching at the ankles. Great for workouts and everyday wear.
• Cons: May feel too short or look unintentionally cropped on taller individuals. Offers less coverage, which can be a downside in cold weather.

This inseam is the go-to choice for petite women wanting a hassle-free full-length fit or for those of average height who love the stylish, slightly cropped 7/8 look.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/womens-leggings/Align-Pant-2-25

Lululemon 28" Inseam Leggings

The 28" inseam is Lululemon’s standard full-length offering for most of its core legging styles. It's designed to travel all the way down to the ankle or slightly below it for people of average height, delivering a classic silhouette with complete leg coverage. This length is a reliable choice for taller women or anyone who prefers a traditional legging feel without any ankle exposure.

• What it is: A standard full-length legging with a 28-inch inseam.
• Key features: Designed to hit at or just below the ankle bone for a person of average height, providing total coverage down to the shoe.
• Price: Typically $98 - $128, the same as its 25" counterpart in the same style family.
• Materials/Construction: Available in all major Lululemon legging fabrics, offering the same high-quality feel and performance.
• Sizing/Fit: Provides a true full-length fit for average to tall heights (5'5" to 5'9"). Shorter individuals may experience fabric bunching at the ankles.
• Pros: Offers full coverage for a classic, streamlined look. Provides extra warmth in colder climates. Works well for taller individuals who find the 25" inseam too short.
• Cons: Often too long for petite individuals (under 5'4"), causing significant fabric bunching at the ankles which may require hemming. The popular Nulu™ fabric can sometimes stretch slightly over time, making them feel even longer.

This inseam is the best option for taller women or anyone of average height who strongly prefers the function and look of a classic full-length athletic legging.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/womens-leggings/Align-HR-Pant-28

Lululemon 25" vs. 28" Inseam Comparison

Coverage & Length

The most obvious difference is the 3 inches of fabric. On a woman who is 5'5", the 25" inseam legging will sit neatly above the ankle bone, creating a chic 7/8 look. It’s intentional and stylish. For someone under 5’4”, that same 25” inseam often becomes the perfect full length, hitting right at the ankle with no excess fabric.

Conversely, the 28" inseam legging on that same 5'5" woman will cover the ankle completely, likely ending where her foot begins. For a petite person, this almost always results in fabric pooling and bunching at the bottom, which can be fixed with Lululemon's complimentary hemming service. For someone 5'9" or taller, the 28" inseam might provide the same 7/8 look that an average-height person gets from the 25" inseam.

Fit & Look

The overall aesthetic changes significantly with the inseam length. The 25" legging creates a slight break between the legging and the shoe, which visually elongates the leg and draws attention to your footwear. This ankle-baring style is widely seen as a more modern, fashion-forward choice in the athleisure world.

The 28" length provides a continuous, uninterrupted line from hip to ankle, which is a more classic and traditional athletic look. It offers maximum coverage, which some people prefer for activities like yoga (where you want coverage during different poses) or simply for personal comfort. The choice often comes down to whether you want a contemporary athleisure vibe or a traditional workout silhouette.

Versatility & Styling

While both lengths are versatile, their styling strengths differ. The 25" inseam is exceptionally easy to style with fashionable chunky sneakers, low-profile trainers, and slides, as it prevents any fabric clash or bulkiness around the ankle. It pairs well with casual, everyday outfits beyond the gym.

The 28" inseam is highly practical for pure performance and cold-weather activities. The extra length ensures no skin is exposed between your leggings and socks, making it a better option for outdoor runs on chilly days. It can also be tucked neatly into boots for a seamless look in the fall and winter.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both inseams deliver the same excellent Lululemon quality, so the ideal choice truly depends on your height and personal style preference.

Choose the 25" inseam if:

• You are 5'4" or under and want a perfect full-length fit right out of the box.
• You are of average height (5'5" - 5'8") and prefer a trendy 7/8 length without bunching.
• You enjoy showcasing cool shoes, from running sneakers to casual footwear.
• You primarily wear leggings for studio workouts like yoga or pilates and appreciate a less restrictive feel around the ankle.

Choose the 28" inseam if:

• You are 5'6" or taller and want a standard, classic full-length fit.
• You prefer complete ankle coverage for warmth or a more traditional athletic appearance.
• You don't mind a little scrunch of fabric at the bottom or plan to get them hemmed.
• You are very tall and find that the 28" provides you with an ideal 7/8 fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Lululemon's 25" and 28" leggings?

The main difference is the 3-inch inseam length. This affects where the legging ends on your leg: the 25" inseam is a 7/8 length that hits above the ankle on most people, while the 28" inseam is a full-length legging that covers the ankle.

If I'm 5'3", which inseam should I get?

You should almost certainly choose the 25" inseam. It will likely fit you as a perfect, full-length legging that ends right at your ankle without any bunching or need for hemming.

I'm 5'7". Which inseam is better for me?

This is purely personal preference. If you like the modern look where a bit of your ankle shows, the 25" will be a great 7/8 length. If you prefer a traditional full-length legging that goes down to your shoe, choose the 28".

Can I get Lululemon leggings hemmed?

Yes, one of the best Lululemon perks is their complimentary hemming service on leggings, pants, and tops. You can take any pair - new or old - into a store to have them altered to your perfect length.

Is the 25" inseam meant to be a capri?

No, the 25" inseam is officially called a 7/8 length. A capri length is much shorter, typically ending at the mid-calf muscle (Lululemon also sells these, usually with a 21" or 23" inseam).

Is there a price difference between the 25" and 28" inseams?

No. For any given style of legging (e.g., the Lululemon Align™ Pant), the price is the same regardless of whether you choose the 25" or 28" inseam.

Do some fabrics feel longer than others?

Yes, sometimes they can. The buttery Nulu™ fabric (used in Align leggings) is very soft and stretchy and may relax or "grow" slightly with wash and wear, potentially feeling a bit longer over time compared to the more compressive Everlux™ or Luxtreme™ fabrics.

Does Lululemon offer other inseam lengths?

Yes, Lululemon offers a wide range of inseam lengths on various styles, including shorter crops (21", 23"), and sometimes longer inseams like 31" for taller customers.