Are Alo or lululemon leggings better?

“Alo and lululemon leggings are the cream of the crop. Both are comparable with one another when it comes to quality, durability, and price,” says Adams. The best choice for you may depend on the activity you’re planning on doing the most of. Alo’s mission is to bring yoga to the world, and that emphasis definitely shows up in the styles available. While Alo offers more styles specifically geared toward yoga, lululemon tends to offer more sport-specific styles for exercises like running. So if you’re a frequent yogi, you might want to opt for Alo, while avid runners may prefer to choose from our list of the best lululemon leggings .

Should you size up or down for Alo leggings?

Alo leggings fit true to size, but the size you choose also depends on how you like your leggings to feel when on. “If you are looking for more compression, say for a yoga sculpt class, and are between sizes, I would recommend sizing down to get that form-fitting supportive fit. When looking to lounge around and use more for athleisure wear, sizing up may be the way to go for comfort,” says Adams.

How do Alo sizes compare to lululemon?

Alo and lululemon sizing is comparable. However, Alo uses sizes in XXS—XXL, whereas lululemon uses numerical sizes,ranging from 2–14 for most leggings.

Are Alo leggings high quality?

Alo leggings are known for their quality. The two experts we interviewed for this roundup both wear Alo leggings frequently and said they hold up well to wear and tear.

Do Alo leggings show sweat?

Most Alo leggings are double-knit, fully opaque, and designed not to show sweat. But if you know you’ll be working up a sweat, we recommend the Vapor, Airlift, or Airbrush styles for optimal breathability and moisture-wicking. The Vapor blend is also quick-drying, so it may be your best best for hiding sweat.

How much should you expect to spend on Alo leggings?

Alo leggings range from $88-$138 depending on the design, length, and material. If you are looking to save, you can check out the brands sale section where you can find some legging styles for up to 40% off.

The 11 Best Alo Leggings of 2023

The Best Alo Leggings — Verywell Fit / Alli Waataja

Originally known for their fashion-forward premium yoga gear, Alo has grown into a major activewear brand offering quality apparel that can take you from studio to street. The stylish leggings are a top pick among fitness enthusiasts for their style, fit, and ability to hold up to all types of exercises.

While Alo leggings are priced at a premium (similar to other top fitness apparel brands), the investment comes with leggings that you’ll wear for the long term. “As a full time fitness instructor I am tough on my workout gear and the Alo products hold up. They wear and wash beautifully,” says Nancy Ruggeri, Owner and Lead Instructor at CycleBar.

“I love the material, fit, colors, and style. Alo apparel lets me go from looking professional as the studio owner in the community room, to looking stylish and having fun in the studio and on the bike,” says Ruggeri.

Alo leggings come in a variety of styles, lengths, colors, fabrics, and fits, giving you options for anything from restorative yoga to high intensity interval training (and everything in between). The best pair for you will depend on your workout style and height, as well as your preferred fit, ankle-style, and rise. You may also want to consider care instructions, as some materials hold up best with gentle cycles or hand-washing only.

To choose the best Alo leggings, we interviewed two fitness instructors who regularly wear the brand. We then read dozens of reviews about each of their leggings and considered the price, fit, length, material, and washing requirements of each to find the best on the market today.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Alo Ribbed Airlift High Waist ⅞ Enchanted Legging at Aloyoga.com

Jump to Review

Best for Yoga:

Alo Alosoft High-waist ⅞ Highlight Legging at Aloyoga.com

Jump to Review

Best for Hot Yoga:

Alo Yoga High-Waist Legging at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Everyday Wear:

Alo Airlift High-Waist ⅞ Charmer Legging at Aloyoga.com

Jump to Review

Best for High Intensity Workouts:

Alo High Waist Camo Vapor at Aloyoga.com

Jump to Review

Best Compression:

Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Legging at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Capri:

Alo Legging at Amazon

Jump to Review

Most Versatile:

Alo High-Waist Moto Legging at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Recovery:

Alo High-Waist Alosoft Lounge Legging at Aloyoga.com

Jump to Review

Best Bootcut:

Alo Airbrush High-Waist Bootcut at Aloyoga.com

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.9

Alo

Pros

Has pockets
High, wide waistband
Moisture-wicking

Cons

Limited colors

Alo’s Ribbed Airlift High Waist ⅞ Enchanted Legging tops our list, thanks to it’s perfect combination of style, function, fit, and moisture-wicking materials. The Airlift style is a favorite among Alo fans because of the breathable and move-with-you fabric that has enough compression to smooth and support without being too tight.

A high, wide waistband helps the pair stay in place, whether you’re jumping, squatting, or perfecting your downward dog. They not only wick away sweat during more intense workouts, but the opaque material will keep you fully covered in any yoga pose.

Added side pockets give you the option to store a smartphone or other small items when traveling to the studio or while running errands. And we love the ribbed detailing that elevates the leggings’ style, making them ideal for studio-to-street wear.

The ⅞ -length is designed to hit at or slightly above the ankle, but can make a great full-length tight for shorter people. The leggings come in three colors—black, plum, and espresso. For the longest life, we recommend that you wash these on cold and tumble dry on low or hang to dry.

Price at time of publication: $128

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS–L | Inseam length: 25.25–25.75 inches | Rise: High | Fabric: Polyester, spandex | Pockets: Yes, side}

Alo

Pros

4-way stretch material
High, wide waistband
Moisture-wicking

Cons

Limited colors
No pockets

On days when you want an ultra-soft feel, whether for lounging around or a low-impact activity like yoga or Pilates, the Alosoft High-Waist ⅞ Leggings are a great choice. The four-way stretch materials move with you through poses, while the high, wide waistband keeps you fully covered as you bend and stretch. “These are my go-to leggings for an unheated slow-flow class, or a nice restorative session. They are a little thicker than most leggings, form fitting, and buttery soft,” says Jamie Adams, MS, RDN, RYT200, RPYT, women's health nutrition expert, registered prenatal yoga teacher, and owner of Mamaste Nutrition.

Another big selling point, the leggings can be washed and dried on a regular cycle. The ⅞-length is designed to hit anywhere from the lower calf to ankle, depending on your height, though shorter people may find a more full-length fit.

This pair is so comfortable that you’ll want to wear them for more than yoga, which is why we wish they came in more than three colors. And the only other downside is that they don’t have pockets, but it’s better not to have anything on you while you’re trying to move freely in a yoga class.

Price at time of publication: $98

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS–L | Inseam length: 24–24.5 inches | Rise: High | Fabric: Polyester, spandex | Pockets: No}

Alo

Pros

Moisture-wicking
4-way stretch material
High, wide waistband

Cons

Hand wash only
No pockets

Alo’s ⅞ High Waist Airlift Leggings are known for their ability to hold up to sweat and movement—making them a perfect choice for hot yoga lovers. Plus, made of flattering, smoothing fabric and a high waist design, it’s no wonder they’re a fan-favorite. The leggings are lightweight (but not see through!), and wick away sweat like it’s their job (it is)!

Our experts noted that they not only look amazing even when wearing workout underwear, but also stand up to tough workouts: “When working up a sweat and taking a heated vinyasa flow class or yoga sculpt, I prefer the 7/8 high waist Airlift leggings. They are lightweight, sweat-wicking, and have all the stretch and support you need when getting into those deep squats,” says Adams.

The leggings have to be hand-washed, but this helps the fabric last longer. We love that they come in a wider range of colors and sizes than some of the other Alo leggings. And if you’re tall or prefer a longer legging, they are also available in full-length.

Price at time of publication: $128

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS–XL | Inseam length: 24.25–24.75 inches | Rise: High | Fabric: Polyester, spandex | Pockets: No}

Alo

Pros

Belt elevates design
Moisture-wicking
Versatile

Cons

Belt may interfere with workout
Limited colors

Alo’s Airlift High Waist ⅞ Charmer Legging is a great pick for those looking to add some flare to their activewear collection. The ruched belt with chrome clasp gives these leggings an edge, and they can be paired with your favorite top for a casual, chic look. Made with Alo’s signature Airlift fabric (a combination of polyester and spandex), the leggings are moisture-wicking, smoothing, and lifting—so you can move from the studio to street with style and confidence

This pair is best suited for walking, hiking, running errands, or a brunch date with a friend. For more intense workouts, we recommend a more classic legging style (like the High Waist Camo Vapor Legging), because the belt may not be comfortable for running, jumping, or spinning. The ⅞-length falls around the ankle or slightly above, depending on your height. And for the longest wear, we recommend that you machine wash cold and tumble dry low or hang to dry. Available in a stylish black and cinnamon brown, we were left wishing for more color options.

Price at time of publication: $138

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XS–L | Inseam length: 24.75–25.25 inches | Rise: High | Fabric: Polyester, spandex | Pockets: No}

Alo

Pros

High, wide waistband
Moisture-wicking and odor resistant
Limited seams for comfort

Cons

No pockets
Limited colors

If you like to run, jump, or spin, Alo’s High Waist Camo Vapor Leggings will keep you sweating in style. The Vapor material (made from nylon and lycra) is lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-to-dry. And we appreciate that it’s also odor resistant. The high, wide waistband, along with the four-way stretch materials, keep these leggings in place, no matter how fast you’re moving.

The Vapor leggings are full-length, designed to hit taller women right at the ankle. And like many other Alo leggings, it’s recommended you wash them on a gentle cycle inside out and hang to dry. Although we love the three camo color options they come in—black, white, and hunter green—we do wish they came in even more patterns and colors. Another drawback is that these leggings don’t have pockets, so you’ll need a bag (or one of our top-rated best fanny packs) to carry personal items with you on-the-go.

Price at time of publication: $128

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS–L | Inseam length: 28.5–29 inches | Rise: High | Fabric: Nylon, lycra | Pockets: No}

4.8

Alo Yoga

Pros

Sculpting design
Moisture-wicking and odor resistant
Limited seams for comfort

Cons

No pockets

If you prefer a tighter, more supportive bottom, we recommend Alo’s ⅞ High Waist Airbrush Leggings. Alo’s signature airbrush material (made from nylon and spandex) is designed to sculpt, lift, and smooth—giving you the support you crave for lower-impact activities like hiking, walking, or everyday wear. And while on the thicker side, the pair is still breathable, moisture-wicking, and odor resistant, so it's also a great choice for high-intensity, sweaty sessions. Plus, because it stays put thanks to the added compression, it’s fully squat-proof and will easily stay put during weightlifting sessions.

Our expert also loves this compression pick: “The material is amazing! It has enough stretch that they stay in place without feeling constricting,” says Ruggeri. And with limited seams (and no outer leg seam), the leggings give your legs a smooth and polished look for running errands or grabbing coffee with friends.

The pair comes in a dozen colors and has a wider range of sizes compared to other styles. With an inseam of around 24 inches, they hit anywhere from the lower-calf to ankle, depending on your height. For the longest wear, it’s recommended you wash them on a gentle cycle inside out and tumble dry on low. Keep in mind that if you’re in the market for a pair with pockets, this isn’t the pick for you.

Price at time of publication: $98

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS–XL | Inseam length: 24–24.5 inches | Rise: High | Fabric: Nylon, spandex | Pockets: No}

Alo

Pros

Moisture-wicking and odor resistant
High, wide waistband
Sculpting design

Cons

Limited colors
No pockets

Alo’s High-Waist Airbrush Capri has everything we love about the ⅞ High Waist Airbrush Legging, but in a shorter length. Perfect for warmer-weather workouts, or for those who prefer a bit less coverage, they are classic capri leggings that smooth and lift for a flattering look. These are also a great option for shorter people who might find the ⅞- or full-length leggings too long.

The Airbrush material is durable, opaque, sweat-wicking, and odor resistant. While a little thicker than other leggings on our list, they’re still breathable and comfortable for sweatier workouts. They’re so versatile, it’s too bad they only come in black. Along with a better color range, we were left wishing for pockets to easily store essentials on-the-go. For the best wear and lifespan, machine wash on gentle cycle and tumble dry low or hang to dry.

Price at time of publication: $88

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS–L | Inseam length: 21–21.5 inches | Rise: High | Fabric: Nylon, spandex | Pockets: No}

Alo

Pros

Sculpting design
Moisture-wicking and odor resistant
High, wide waistband

Cons

Long inseam
Limited colors

Is it possible that one pair of leggings can do it all? Alo’s High Waist Moto Leggings sure come close, with a winning combination of functionality and style. Made from Alo’s signature Airbrush fabric (a blend of nylon and spandex), the leggings sculpt and smooth. And we love that they feature panels of shine and mesh materials for some added flare.

The versatile design takes you from studio to street, feeling supported and stylish, while the moisture-wicking materials keep odors at bay. They are available in four colors and sizes XXS-L. It’s also important to note that the 28-inch inseam may bunch at the ankle for some.

Price at time of publication: $118

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS—XL | Inseam length: 28—28.5inches | Rise: High | Fabric: Nylon, spandex | Pockets: No}

Alo

Pros

Soft, buttery material
Four-way stretch

Cons

Long inseam
Limited colors

When you need a day off from exercise, put on a pair of Alo’s High-Waist Alosoft Lounge Leggings for ultimate comfort and lounging. They’re made with breathable, super-soft materials, which are perfect for light post-workout recovery activities like stretching or gentle yoga. We also recommend them as comfortable work-from-home pants.

The ribbed waistband and double seam on the leg gives the pair a little more style than your typical lounge pant, so you can wear them from the couch to the coffee shop feeling comfortable and confident.

These leggings are full-length (with a 28-inch inseam) so they may be a little long for some. But if you’re wearing them for recovery, a little bunching at the ankles isn’t problematic. They’re so comfortable, we want a pair for every day. We only wish they came in more color options.

Price at time of publication: $108

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS—XL | Inseam length: 28–28.5 inches | Rise: High | Fabric: Polyester, spandex | Pockets: No}

Alo

Pros

High, wide waistband
Sculpting design
Versatile

Cons

Long inseam
Limited colors

If you're looking for a versatile bootcut pant that’s great for daily wear, Alo’s Airbrush High-Waist Bootcut pants are for you. They’re made from Alo’s signature Airbrush fabric (a blend of nylon and spandex), which provides a smooth silhouette, while also wicking away sweat and keeping odors at bay.

Thanks to their functional yet flattering design, these pants can be worn both to the gym and out on the town. The slim bootcut ankle offers a stylish flare without getting in the way of a workout. And you can even pair them with a cute top and cropped jacket for lunch with a friend.

They’re available in black, ivory, white, and espresso—a limited color range compared to other styles from the brand. And with a 32-inch (plus) inseam, they may be a bit long for some. But luckily, the same pair also comes in a ⅞ length—you can also wear this pair with a low heel or platform when not working out.

Price at time of publication: $108

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS–XL | Inseam Length: 32–32.5 inches | Rise: High | Fabric: Nylon, spandex | Pockets: No}

Alo

Pros

Sculpting design
Versatile

Cons

Long inseam
Limited colors

Alo’s Supershine Low-Rise Bootcut Legging is a versatile design for anyone who prefers their pants to hit below the belly button. They’re made with Alo’s sculpting Airbrush fabric (a blend of nylon and spandex) with a shiny overlay, giving them an almost faux-leather look. They’re functional yet stylish and can be worn to your favorite fitness class or to coffee with friends.

Only available in black and midnight green, we wish the style had more color options. But we do appreciate that you can throw the leggings in both the washer and dryer—a huge bonus if you plan to wear them regularly. The inseam runs from 31.75 to 32.75 inches, depending on size, so they’re made for taller people. If you’re planning to wear these outside of the gym, you can even pair them with a bit of a platform or heel.

Price at time of publication: $108

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS–L | Length: 31.75–32.75 inches | Rise: Low | Fabric: Nylon, spandex | Pockets: No}

How We Selected the Best Alo Leggings

With so many Alo leggings to choose from it can be difficult to find the right fit for you. To make things easier, we consulted with experts and considered fabric, rise, length, fit, and purpose. After researching each pair of leggings from the brand, we used guidance from our experts and our own research to select the best Alo leggings on the market today.

What to Look For in Alo Leggings

Fabric

Alo leggings come in one of five signature fabric blends—Alosoft, Airlift, Airbrush, Vapor, and Seamless. Each fabric offers different benefits, and the best choice for you will depend on your activity and personal preference.

Alosoft: A stretchy, knit fabric blend of polyester and spandex that’s soft and breathable. It’s great for any type of yoga, Pilates, lounging, or casual wear.

Airlift: A breathable, lightweight, move-with-you combination of polyester and spandex material that lifts and sculpts. It’s versatile and can be worn for any activity, from yoga to high-intensity interval training.

Airbrush: The most compressive option, this fabric blend of nylon and spandex sculpts and smoothes. It’s soft, breathable, and has a matte finish. It’s ideal for activities where you want a little more support, but can be worn in almost any setting.

Vapor: For the sweatiest of workouts, this fabric combination of nylon and lycra is sweat-wicking and odor resistant. It’s breathable and lightweight, but is also designed to compress and lift—making it perfect for high-intensity workouts like running, jumping, and indoor cycling.

Seamless: This is a soft, airy combination of cotton, nylon, and spandex designed for ultimate comfort. While it can be worn for any activity, it’s ideal for yoga, Pilates, hiking, or lounging.

Rise

Most leggings are offered in low- or high-rise, but choosing the right one for you is up to personal preference. High-rise leggings tend to work best for most activities since they offer more coverage, support, and security. And low-rise leggings can be a great option for walking, hiking, lounging, or daily wear.

Alo offers pants in both low and high rises in a variety of styles and fabrics. But low- and high-rise measurements may vary depending on brand or product, so it's always a good idea to measure, says Adams. “Knowing the rise of the distance between the crotch and the waistline can help you measure where it might sit on your body,” she says.

Length

The inseam length will help you know where the legging will land at the end of your leg. Alo offers a range of inseam lengths, including cropped, ⅞, and full-length. The cropped leggings are around 21 inches long, the ⅞ leggings are 24 to 25 inches long, and the full-length leggings are 28 to 30 inches long. Alo’s size guide will also help you figure out where each length hits based on your height.

Fit

Finding the right fit is essential for comfortable and distraction-free workouts, rest days, and busy lifestyles. “The overall fit of a legging should feel like a second skin on your body, not too tight in the waist that it leaves you with marks, but not too loose that they're constantly falling throughout the day,” says Adams. You also may want to consider the ankle style—Alo leggings come in fitted, bootcut, and flared legs.

These leggings should fit true-to-size, and the fit is similar to other popular athleisure brands. If you’re unsure what size to order, their size guide can be a helpful tool. They also offer free shipping and free returns on their website if you want to try more than one size.

Purpose

When deciding which pair of leggings to purchase, it’s important to consider what type of activity you plan to wear them for: Yoga? HIIT? Lounging? Alo leggings come in a wide range of styles, lengths, and materials. Some leggings (like the High Waist Camo Vapors) are better for sweaty, high intensity workouts, while others (like the Alosoft High-waist ⅞ Highlight Legging) are designed for lounging or gentle yoga. And if you want a pair that’ll take you from studio to street, we recommend Alo’s High Waist Moto Legging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Alo or lululemon leggings better?

“Alo and lululemon leggings are the cream of the crop. Both are comparable with one another when it comes to quality, durability, and price,” says Adams. The best choice for you may depend on the activity you’re planning on doing the most of. Alo’s mission is to bring yoga to the world, and that emphasis definitely shows up in the styles available.
While Alo offers more styles specifically geared toward yoga, lululemon tends to offer more sport-specific styles for exercises like running. So if you’re a frequent yogi, you might want to opt for Alo, while avid runners may prefer to choose from our list of the best lululemon leggings.
Should you size up or down for Alo leggings?

Alo leggings fit true to size, but the size you choose also depends on how you like your leggings to feel when on. “If you are looking for more compression, say for a yoga sculpt class, and are between sizes, I would recommend sizing down to get that form-fitting supportive fit. When looking to lounge around and use more for athleisure wear, sizing up may be the way to go for comfort,” says Adams.
How do Alo sizes compare to lululemon?

Alo and lululemon sizing is comparable. However, Alo uses sizes in XXS—XXL, whereas lululemon uses numerical sizes,ranging from 2–14 for most leggings.
Are Alo leggings high quality?

Alo leggings are known for their quality. The two experts we interviewed for this roundup both wear Alo leggings frequently and said they hold up well to wear and tear.
Do Alo leggings show sweat?

Most Alo leggings are double-knit, fully opaque, and designed not to show sweat. But if you know you’ll be working up a sweat, we recommend the Vapor, Airlift, or Airbrush styles for optimal breathability and moisture-wicking. The Vapor blend is also quick-drying, so it may be your best best for hiding sweat.
How much should you expect to spend on Alo leggings?

Alo leggings range from $88-$138 depending on the design, length, and material. If you are looking to save, you can check out the brands sale section where you can find some legging styles for up to 40% off.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RDN, LDN, is a registered dietitian, indoor cycling instructor, runner, and yoga enthusiast. She practically lives in yoga clothes and has an entire (overflowing) dresser drawer dedicated to them. Sarah understands how quality activewear can elevate any workout, and is careful and cautious when researching and recommending the best products.

After Testing Dozens of Pairs, These Are the 12 Best Leggings on Amazon