After seeing a few TikTok videos about Aerie’s Offline Leggings, I knew I had to try them for myself. People were saying that they are a perfect dupe for Lululemon’s Align Pants, which I recently reviewed. So, are these Aerie leggings *really* worth the hype? Here’s my super honest Aerie Leggings review:
Aerie Leggings Review:
First Impression:
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Aerie’s workout clothes. I’ve loved bathing suits and loungewear from them but was worried the quality would be meh for workout clothes.
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised when I first opened the package. The material was MUCH softer and nicer than I expected. Is it the same “buttery soft” as Lululemon’s Align pants? No. But it’s pretty close. Putting them on I had an “Oh, wow! This isn’t bad!” reaction. Which I wasn’t expecting!
Right away I wanted to make sure that they pass the “squat test.” Y’know the one… you squat in leggings to make sure they’re not see thru. In my experience, they’re squat test approved 👍🏻👍🏻
The Fit:
I ordered the pants in both an Extra Small/Short and Small/Short. Both fit but I preferred the overall fit of the size small. For reference, I’m 5’2″ and typically a size 4 at Lululemon.
I like that the short length hits me right at the ankle. Going forward I’d maybe go with the regular length if I want to be able to pull them over my heel, for some reason I like doing that for barre classes.
The Aerie offline leggings are high-waisted, but a tad less high than Lululemon Aligns. As far as comfy leggings go the fit is great and they don’t feel tight or constricting anywhere. They’re super stretchy which is what I prefer in a legging.
The Price:
Aerie Offline Legging: $44.95 (And I found mine on sale — $26.97)
Lululemon Align Legging: $98 (Instructors get a discount, though)
Trying it Out:
I’ve worn the leggings a few times now for a couple of barre classes, a yoga class, and a quick spin on the Peloton. Nothing super sweaty or high intensity yet. Each time I’ve been pleasantly surprised (seems to be a theme here 😂) with how comfortable they are and how well they perform.
They stay in place for the most part. I find I have to pull them up here and there, but nothing too obnoxious.
I’ll talk more about the seams below, but that and the fabric is where I notice the biggest difference between these leggings and the ones from Lululemon. The seams aren’t itchy or super annoying, but I’m definitely more aware of all the spots with seams on these leggings.
I’m not sure these would be great when it comes to wicking sweat as the material doesn’t seem super high-tech.
What I think these leggings are great for…
- low impact workouts like barre and yoga
- being out and about
- lounging
What I don’t think these leggings are great for…
- hot yoga
- anything where you’re jumping around A LOT.
- running
- very sweaty spin classes
- anything super sweaty
How it compares to the Lululemon Align leggings
Are the pants identical? No. But are they similar? Yes. When the Aerie leggings are folded up in my drawer in a sea of other black leggings, it’s hard to quickly figure out which is which at first glance. But up close there are a few key differences:
Apologies for all the lint! My rugs are shedding so much!
As I mentioned above, the seams are done in a different way. The Lululemon seam no doubt feels like it’s high quality and because of that, it lays flat on your body. The Aerie seam almost puckers and sticks out a bit. This is true pretty much everywhere on the leggings.
The cut is slightly different. The Aerie pants almost form a V, which I think makes them slightly less flattering than the Lululemon but that might be my personal preference and body.
Awkward to point this out, but here we go: The crotch is super different between the two. Lululemon does this interesting strip that connects to the calves. I’m not sure what the full reasoning for this is, but the Aerie ones just connect in a simple stitch. I think some of this is to make the Lululemon leggings more breathable in that area, and also to help with camel toe bunching issues…
When it comes to material, I’ve yet to find something that feels as soft yet functional as Lululemon’s Nulu fabric. It’s SO light weight, yet still provides full coverage. While the Aerie pants are soft, they definitely feel cheaper and lack that “buttery” quality.
Are these details minor, yes. But there is a clear difference in the quality of the Lululemon pants versus the ones from Aerie.
All in All:
The Offline Leggings from Aerie are a great pair of affordable yoga pants. While they aren’t exactly the same as Lululemon Aligns as TikTok would have you believe, they’re a surprisingly great pair of leggings. Would I pick them over Lululemon’s Align Pants? No. They’re similar but when I was going back and forth trying on the Aerie pants versus Lululemon ones, there’s just something about the quality and fit of Lululemon that can’t be beat.
BUT… if you’re looking for a pair of comfy lounge pants or something for barre and yoga that doesn’t break the bank? These pants are excellent. I’ve been really surprised how much I love them.
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Get the leggings – Click here
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Looking for more Lululemon dupes? See how this popular Amazon tank dupe compares to Lululemon. Click here.
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