21-05-2025
Lululemon's Iconic Align Leggings Are Celebrating A Decade – Here's How The ELLE Team Styles Them
Let's do a mental exercise: picture every item of clothing in your wardrobe, chest of drawers, washing basket and (no judgement) on your bedroom floor. Now, mentally rearrange them from least-worn to most-loved. Chances are, that sequin gown you bought on sale and every panic-purchased holiday bikini are collecting dust at the bottom of the pile. At the top? We're willing to bet cold hard cash that your favourite pair of leggings would be crowned triumphant.
Because, yes, while you may have originally purchased them for working out, leggings are one of the most versatile, comfortable and easy-to-style pieces in any wardrobe. The crème de la crème of skin-tight legwear? Look no further than lululemon's Align range. Celebrating its 10th birthday this year, what started off as a yoga studio staple has graduated to bona fide style icon, worn by everyone from vinyasa devotees to celebs on errand runs.
The Align leggings' legendary status is, in part, thanks to its ridiculously soft texture. Even if you haven't tried a pair yourself, you've probably heard the proselytising – terms like 'buttery soft', 'weightless' and 'second skin' come up a lot. This, of course, is no accident. Made using lululemon's trademark Nulu Fabric, there's real science behind each garment, designed around the needs of yogis who 'want to feel like they're wearing nothing at all'. Using super-fine yarns that are brushed for extra softness, the raw materials that go into each pair of leggings have been meticulously researched, tested and innovated to their highest potential. The result is a texture that lands somewhere between silk pyjamas and a plush hotel robe – all while miraculously maintaining a weightless feel.
Fast forward 10 years and that innovation can be found across lululemon's entire Align range. Think: sculpting sports bras, shorts, dresses, vest tops and flared pants, all in a range of trend-led colours and patterns that hold up beyond the studio. And now, the brand is taking things one step further. The crack team at lululemon's design studio heard our calls for a seam-free front rise option and answered our prayers with the Align No Line Tight – even more flattering, with a smooth, streamlined silhouette that instantly elevates looks. Happy birthday to… us?
Now, we have no doubt that the Align No Line Tight is about to become a workout hero. But we also believe that the magic of lululemon's Align collection really comes to life when styled on the street – whether it's post- or pre-class, on a weekend Matcha run or grabbing drinks with friends. It's as much about how you wear them as it is the garments themselves, each piece providing a polished foundation to build on with your personal style. Dress them down or dress them up; lean into the sporty vibe or go retro with vintage pairings.
In need of inspiration? We asked the ELLE team to share their favourite Align looks, proving these pieces work just as hard on the street as the gym. The verdict: we're never taking them off.
'I'm wearing the buttery soft Align High-Rise Crop legging in black – versatile and sleek to wear in and out of the gym. I've layered both the Align Cami and Align Tank Top over each other. For a '90s athleisure touch, I've thrown on the Court Rival Track Jacket and Flight Jacket, as well as some vintage frames, chunky gold hardware and loafers.'
'I chose the Align high-waisted leggings with pockets, which I'm always here for. I paired it with a matching Align black bra, because who doesn't love a bit of cohesion? Rather than styling it down, I went for boots and an oversized shirt for comfort. Plus, lots of gold, which is a staple of mine, shoulder bag and my favourite sunnies.'
'I love wearing neutrals for yoga or Pilates – it's probably a placebo effect, but it helps me feel more grounded and in tune with my body. The Align High-Rise leggings in Lava Cake and the Wundermost Cami in Sheer Oak are the perfect combo, with flattering seams and an ultra-soft texture that make holding a plank (almost) bearable. But the moment I step out of the studio, I'm craving colour, which is why I pack bright staples in my Daily Multi-Pocket Tote Bag for a quick dopamine hit. In this case, a Paloma Wool shirt and red ballet flats helped snap me out of yoga mode. The finishing touch? The Taffeta Removable-Hood Long Jacket from lululemon's SLNSH Collection, paired with my favourite necklace – a holiday find from Italy.'
'When I'm racing between shoot prep and set, comfort and mobility are everything, so I live in activewear. My go-to is the lululemon Align cami (so supportive you can skip the bra), paired with Align leggings. I layer the Scuba Full-Zip Hoodie under the Define Relaxed-Fit Jacket, slip on the CrossCity trainers with Daily Essential socks, pop on my BERO Brewing Cap, Missoma earrings and my Cartier ring, grab the On My Level tote, and I'm ready to roll.'
