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For many, Lululemon is the gold standard for workout leggings, but spending $98 on a single pair isn’t an easy pill to swallow. So what’s the next best move? Alternatives. Luckily, I just stumbled upon a crazy affordable lookalike that’s even cheaper, thanks to a limited-time sale.
Old Navy has, quite frankly, been popping off lately. I’ve heard friends sing the brand’s praises, and as a shopping editor, I see its deals and can’t help but feel tempted to place a huge order online. What’s worth your time at the moment? Its new High-Waisted StudioSmooth 7/8 Leggings are a whopping 50% off, bringing their price down from $40 to $20. The original cost is already an agreeable number for leggings. But the discounted price tag? Sign me up!
Old Navy.
Old Navy High-Waisted StudioSmooth 7/8 Leggings
On Sale 50% off
Sizes: XS-4X in Regular, Petite, and Tall
Colorways: 6
Materials: 82% nylon, 18% Spandex
To cover the basics, the High-Waisted StudioSmooth 7/8 Leggings come in XS through 4X, with Petite, Tall, and Regular size ranges. They also come in six colorways—from toned-down neutrals to bright pops of color. Bonus: There’s a version with pockets in case that’s a dealbreaker for your workout apparel.
What makes these Old Navy leggings comparable to Lululemon Aligns is their new fabric. The brand describes it as buttery soft, breathable, and barely-there. Made from 82% nylon and 18% Spandex, these high-waisted leggings are perfect for yoga, studio workouts, and lounging around. As for the fit of the leggings, they’re meant to sit at the belly button, hug your body throughout the hips and legs, and crop right above your ankle. Plus, the waistband is elasticized and there’s a secret back pocket.
A lot of leggings are made from four-way stretch fabric like this pair, but these are special in that they’re supposed to feel like a second skin. They’re not meant to get in the way of movement while exercising or running errands—they’re designed to support your every move and feel like they’re barely there.
| Old Navy High-Waisted StudioSmooth 7/8 Leggings | Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28″ | |
| Sizes | XS-4X | 0-20 |
| Size Ranges | Regular, Petite, Tall | N/A |
| Inseams/Lengths | 7/8 length | 23″, 25″, 28″, 31″ inseams |
| Colorways | 6 | 22 |
| Materials | 82% nylon, 18% Spandex | 81% Nylon, 19% Lycra® elastane |
| Price | $20 (originally $40) | $98 |
It’s clear Old Navy’s leggings have a leg up in sizing options and size ranges, while Lululemon Aligns take the crown for colorways and inseams. The two differ slightly in materials, but at the end of the day, Old Navy’s new StudioSmooth leggings cost only $20, compared to Lululemon’s $98 price tag for Aligns. $78 is no small number, so there’s no question you should order the former in multiple colors.
Senior commerce director, Gina Vaynshteyn, was able to test a pair: “These really do look and feel just like the Aligns, which I also have.” She adds, “They work similarly, too, sucking everything in and providing support and comfort, whether I’m taking the dogs on a walk, doing a quick yoga routine in the morning, or lounging on the couch. I’m six months postpartum, so any kind of pants that give me more support while making me feel comfortable are key. And I think I look pretty fly in them? They have this sculpting effect for my now-bigger body, and the design makes me feel so much more confident.”
Just take it from an Old Navy shopper who wants to buy additional pairs: “They’re so soft!!! I was not expecting these leggings to rival Lululemon but now I want 10 more pairs. Color as pictured. I bought this length because I need petite sizes so I just wanted full length – they work really well.”
Another one wrote, “These are awesome, very soft, breathable fabric. Super stretchy with medium compression. High-waisted, very comparable to Lulu aligns. Only con is no pockets!” Correction: Old Navy now carries a version with pockets!
Old Navy.
Old Navy Extra High-Waisted StudioSmooth 7/8 Pocket Leggings
On Sale 51% off
Sizes: XS-4X in Regular, Petite, and Tall
Colorways: 3
Materials: 82% nylon, 18% Spandex
“Definitely competitive to Align Lululemon but half the price,” commented another reviewer.
Three’s a trend, which can only mean shoppers are seriously onto something with these Old Navy Lululemon dupes. Run your online shopping cart to checkout so you can experience Lulu-level quality for only $20.
