Alright, I’m about to ruin my chances of ever being sponsored by Lululemon when I tell you — STOP BUYING LULULEMON and get your ass to Amazon to save probably hundreds of dollars over the next year.
I spent the same amount I would have dropped on one outfit at Lulu to try out four different sets off of Amazon, and give you my honest opinion on each piece. Read on for the *shocking* results:
Leggings
YUNOGA Women’s Ultra Soft High Waisted Seamless Leggings – $25.99
Amazon Rating: 4.7 stars with 6,693 ratings
My Rating: 4.9 stars
Lululemon Aligns who? These leggings are nearly identical to the cult-favorite Lulu pair, for literally a quarter of the price. They fit like a damn dream (I ordered a size small), with the perfect high-waist, and hem a few inches above the ankle. The pair is made of 75% polyester and 25% spandex, making them feel more like leotard material (almost swimsuit-esque) than true Aligns.
They’re moisture-wicking, and have amazing comfortable compression that creates a bit of an illusion of more curves for me. The only reason I’m not giving them 5 stars is that I’m not obsessed with the color options. (I got steel blue and black.)
ECHOINE Womens Yoga Legging – $25.99
Amazon Rating: 4.5 stars with 1,461 ratings
My Rating: 4.3 stars
These babies are SOFT. Like, that same feeling after you get a wax, but in clothing form. They’re made of 80% polyester and 20% spandex, making them feel slightly more cotton-like than the UNOGAs. I’d say material-wise, these feel the most like real Lululemon Aligns.
They’re also a little longer than the UNOGAs, and hit right at my ankle (I’m 5″4). My only complaint is that they run a tad large. I ordered a small, and could have gone with an XS, but I’m making it work because they’re so cute (I’m wild about the leopard print.)
They’re moisture-wicking, squat-proof, and didn’t show sweat marks even in my hot yoga class, so this pair passes the test.
Sports Bras and Crop Tops
QUEENIEKE Womens Yoga Sport Bra Light Support Strappy Free to Be Bra – $19.99
Amazon Rating: 4.3 stars with 2,397 ratings
My Rating: 3.5 stars
While I am clearly a huge fan of the legging dupes on Amazon, for the most part I was not a fan of the tops. Maybe I’m just picky, but this replica of the Lululemon Free to Be Wild Sports Bra didn’t do it for me. Though it was a cute color and identical style (I got a size small in Fuschia), I found that it sat super high on my chest with the band riding up under my boobs and cutting into my armpits. It does come with removable pads, the material is nice and moisture-wicking, and there are a lot of color and pattern options, but the fit just wasn’t it. I’m giving it 3.5 stars to be generous since a medium may have fit better.
Lavento Women’s Longline Sports Bra Yoga Cami Tank Top – $21.99
Amazon Rating: 4.6 stars with 3,726 ratings
My Rating: 4.2 stars
I think this is a dupe for the Lulu Align Tank, though to be honest, I have never actually tried that tank so I can’t speak to the differences. I can, however tell you that this is a quality top for the price. It hits the perfect spot for a crop top on me, leaving about an inch and a half between my high-waisted leggings and the bottom hem.
You can choose the version with adjustable straps (wish they were a tad longer though), and it comes with a built-in shelf bra. I took a few points off this top’s rating because I found that the built-in bra isn’t super comfortable for all-day wear — it starts to dig in a little bit. So I recommend this one just for your workouts, whereas the real Align Tank seems like it could be worn all day.
Lavento Women’s Strappy Sports Bra Medium Support Workout Training Top – $22.89
Amazon Rating: 4.4 stars with 1,522 ratings
My Rating: 4.5 stars
This was my favorite of the tops I tested. It’s a dupe for the Lululemon Energy Bra Longline. The colors are super pretty, and I love how the length feels sort of in-between a sports bra and a crop top. The fit is great, giving enough support for high intensity workouts. If I had to knock off any points on this one it would be for the fact that it does show sweat marks a little bit, but if you pick the black one you shouldn’t have a problem with that.
Listen, I do love my Lulu’s. But your girl is trying to save up for some big purchases this year, so I’m more than happy to be duped and spare my wallet. Let me know if there are other lookalikes you think I should try!
