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Lululemon has long been the standard other brands aspire to when it comes to athleisure, performance-focused gear. A lot of brands have tried to mimic Lulu and achieve the same high mark of performance.
When ALO exploded onto the scene a few years ago, it was hard not to see them as a pricier Lulu imitation. Are they really worth the higher-than-Lulu price tag?
Like many of you, I had to find out what all the hype was about.
I picked up a pair of the High-Waist Airlift Leggings and got to work. I wore them for HIIT classes, strength sessions, runs, yoga, and Pilates. I also lived and traveled in them for weeks. At nearly one and a half times the price of Lulu’s Wunder Trains, expectations were high.
They definitely live up to their reputation for both style and performance. It’s rare to find a pair of leggings that strike that perfect balance between sculpting and supportive, while still maintaining a sleek and flattering aesthetic.
ALO High-Waist Airlift Legging
$134
Pros
- Good compression and support
- Look good for casual wear
- Good list of color options
Cons
- Price is high
- Not the most breathable
- Extra hip material can be so-so
Best For
- Strength Sessions
- HIIT
- Interval Runs
- Cooler Gyms/Cimates
- High Compression Lovers
Specs
| Breathability | Moderate |
| Compression/Support | Moderate/High |
| Sweat-Wicking | Moderate |
| True to Size | Yes |
| Times Washed | 10+ (still going strong) |
Who Should Buy The Alo High-Waist Airlift Legging?
- You Love High Compression: If you’re looking for sculpting leggings with higher compression, these are definitely worth checking out.
- You Need Versatility: If you want a go-to, do-it-all legging, these can be your one-stop shop.
- You Like a Stylish Legging: If you’re going for more of a stylish or elevated athleisure look, these hit the mark beautifully.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The Alo High-Waist Airlift Legging?
- You Need High Breathability: If you run or live in warmer climates, these won’t be breathable enough to stay comfortable. The same goes if you primarily take heated classes like Hot Worx.
- You Want Something More Relaxed: If you prefer a lower compression legging, these are not going to be for you. For this ask, I’d suggest looking into the Lulu Align Pant.
- You Don’t Feel Like Spending $100+: If you’re shopping on a budget or just refuse paying this much for a legging, the $130+ price tag is going to be a dealbreaker. Look into the CRZ Yoga Legging, they’ve been stellar for under $40.
Sizing & Fit
About Me: I am 5’3” 122 lbs. For form fitting clothes/athletic wear I am typically a size small. In Abercrombie Jeans I wear a 24/26 Regular depending on the style.
These will fit true to size for most everyone, in my opinion. The ⅞ length is perfect for me at 24.5”. They hit about an inch or two above my ankles and pair very well with no-show and taller socks. They also offer a 28″ inseam option for the gals with longer legs
The only thing to be wary of is the extra fabric around the hip area. If you have especially narrow hips, you will notice more bunching than might be comfortable.
They are marketed as a high-compression legging, but they’re definitely more of a medium-high compression. They have a little less compression than the Lulu Wunder Train, but definitely more than the Lulu Aligns.
Performance Assessment
Lifting & HIIT: 9.4/10
These have been nearly perfect for lifting and HIIT classes. The double-lined, durable fabric and sculpting fit make them ideal for lifting sessions and classes. They’ve been great for those times when I need to be able to be mobile and move quickly, and still want to feel locked in and supported.
The extra material around the hips can be problematic, especially when you’re doing any type of hinge movement. The bunching just feels awkward. For me though, it’s an easy price to pay instead of having a pair of leggings that’s too tight or restrictive, especially on leg day.
Running: 8.5/10
These have my favorite level of compression for running, which makes them all that much more frustrating. The double-lined material and polyester/elastane blend make them too thick and not breathable enough to run in the Arizona heat. If I were back in New York or Colorado, these would be a great option for runs in the colder weather.
They also lose points for lacking pockets. I prefer to stay hands-free when I run. I gravitate towards leggings with a pocket to stash my phone or house key.
Yoga & Pilates: 8.7/10
Due to the high compression these were described as having, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy these for my mat-based workouts. They surprised me. They’re not nearly as restrictive as I’d expect from a high-compression legging. And even with the double-lined material, the waistband didn’t dig in, which makes a huge difference during seated or folding movements.
The extra fabric that was awkward for HIIT and lifting also works in their favor here. It gives these a bit more flexibility and comfort compared to some of the more restrictive options on the market.
Again though, the breathability is a problem. I prefer hot yoga and these are absolutely too warm for that. They can also feel a bit sticky on the mat when you start to sweat, which makes for a distracted and difficult flow session. If you’re not doing a hot yoga class though, these would be perfect, move well, and still feel supportive.
Daily Wear: 9/10
I mentioned this at the top. It’s incredibly rare to find a pair of leggings that balances the sleek aesthetic and flattering support without crossing over into the “too tight” territory. They’re a little too compressive for what I typically reach for on lounge or travel days. That said, they don’t sacrifice comfort in favor of an elevated athleisure look. They blend both together perfectly.
The subtle sheen in the fabric really sets them apart. It helps raise them from a basic black legging to something you can feel confident running around town or going out in, while still feeling right at home in the gym.
They also don’t attract dog or pet hair! That’s a huge bonus for me, especially with two dogs running around. I haven’t had any issues with pilling or fading with multiple washes.
Construction & Materials
The Alo Yoga ⅞ High-Waist Airlift Leggings are made from a polyester/elastane blend. Alo refers to it as their “high-compression signature Airlift performance fabric.” High compression is more of a medium-high feel, but the double-lined material helps give them a bit more support and structure.
The inseam varies in length based on size. XXS-S sizes have a 24.25 inch inseam, while M and L have a 24.75 inch inseam.
They feature a wide, double-layered waistband. They do not have any pockets on the legs or hidden in the waistband.
And before you ask, yes, they do have a front seam. They also have seams running down the inside of the legs.
Aesthetically, they are very clean with minimal branding. The only visible branding is a small “alo” screen-printed on the back of the left calf
Final Thoughts: Would I Buy Again?
The Alo Yoga ⅞ High-Waist Airlift Leggings definitely live up to their reputation for style and performance. I especially love the subtle sheen that gives them an elevated look compared to your more basic black leggings.
The medium-high compression makes them ideal for strength training, studio classes, and those days when you want to feel more put together. They’re a great option for anyone who wants leggings that look as good outside of the gym as they perform inside it.
They both look and perform like they deserve the $100+ price tag. I never felt like I necessarily got “ripped off” by investing in these, and trust me, that has happened many other times with other athleisure gear.
They’re definitely an investment piece, but if you’re willing to splurge, you’ll get a versatile, high-quality legging that bridges the gap between performance and polished athleisure.
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