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Let’s be real, $100 for a pair of leggings is a hard pill to swallow. Especially when you know they’re going to end up covered in dog hair, sweat, and the occasional coffee spill. That’s why whenever I hear about another pair of leggings claiming to be as good as Lulu’s Align, I get excited.
Let’s be clear, when I hear the word “dupe”, I’ve also been disappointed more than enough times to stay skeptical.
The CRZ YOGA Butterluxe High Waisted Lounge Leggings are the latest leggings out there, claiming to be the next best thing to Aligns. They promise the same buttery-soft feel and flattering fit as the Aligns for ⅓ of the price.
Is it too good to be true? I had to find out for myself. After working out, running errands, and spending hours and days roadtripping in them, I can honestly say that these are one of the best Align alternatives out there.
CRZ YOGA Butterluxe Legging
$32
Pros
- Buttery-soft material
- Squatproof for training
- Budget-friendly and versatile
Cons
- Front seam
- Not the most compressive
- Some colors show sweat
Best For
- General training
- Yoga and Pilates
- Low-impact workouts and hikes
- All-day wear
Specs
| Breathability | Moderate |
| Compression/Support | Lighter |
| Sweat-Wicking | Moderate |
| True to Size | Yes |
| Times Washed | 10+ (still going strong!) |
ALTERNATIVES
Who Should Buy These?
- If you prefer mat-based classes like Yoga and Pilates, you’re going to love these. They’re super soft and not overly compressive. They flow right along with you.
- If you love the Lululemon Align leggings but you’re tired of paying a premium, these are a wallet-friendly option that offers the same level of performance and comfort.
- If you’re looking for a pair of leggings for travel or lounging, these have just the right amount of compression and support for all-day wear.
Who Shouldn’t Buy These?
- If you want a pair of leggings with more compression for strength training or for that “locked-in” feel, these aren’t going to be for you. The compression is definitely on the lighter side.
- If you like running, HIIT classes, or generally need a pair of leggings that keep you cool and wick the sweat away, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
Sizing and Fit Suggestions
About Me: I’m 5’3” and 122 lbs. In Abercrombie jeans I’m usually a 24/26 regular, and for athletic wear I almost always go with a size small.
These ended up fitting me perfectly. I did go with my normal size small, but instead of opting for a longer 28” length like I typically do, I went with the shorter 25”. I’m glad I did. The length was great, hitting just above the ankle with no extra fabric or awkward bunching.
They’re definitely on the light-to-medium side in terms of compression. They’re secure enough to stay put and give you some structure and shaping, but they’re not so tight that I felt like I was squeezing myself into a wetsuit.
Despite the lighter compression, the high waistband stayed in place and had enough stretch that it didn’t dig into my sides.
I recommend staying true to size with these and don’t be afraid to size down in length like I did.
How I Style These
These are an easy legging to wear style and because their comfort rivals the Align, you can easily justify dressing them up and wearing them all day.
Performance Assessment
Lifting & HIIT: 8/10
These remind me a lot of my Aligns and the Colorfulkoala Dreamlux leggings I reviewed recently. They had enough compression to stay in place during general strength sessions, and I didn’t have to fuss with pulling them up mid-workout or deal with any massive gaps in the waist. They have just the right amount of stretch, enough to move freely while still being squat-proof.
My only complaint is the compression level. For heavier lifts, power movements, or HIIT circuits, I usually like something a little more supportive. These get the job done, but they won’t give you that “locked-in” feel.
Also worth noting, the olive green color I tested did show sweat marks. It’s not my favorite, especially if I’m heading out to run errands or meet friends after my workout.
Running: 6.0/10
These aren’t my favorite running leggings. The soft, slightly thicker fabric, which was great for lifting, felt a bit sticky once I started to sweat. I also prefer more compression for running.
That said, I do appreciate that they stayed in place. I never had to stop and tug them up. Personally, I’ll stick to more supportive, sweat-wicking leggings for running. But for walking and hiking, these are fantastic.
Yoga, Pilates & Low Impact: 9.5/10
This is where they shine and hold their own next to Lulu’s Align leggings. The Butterluxe fabric lives up to its name. It’s soft, stretchy, and doesn’t dig into the waist at all. They move with you in every direction, which makes them perfect for yoga flows, reformer classes, or a mellow stretch session.
My only gripe is the sweat issue. I wouldn’t take these to a Hotworx class or anything else where you’ll be sweating. If you’re running errands post-class and don’t want butt sweat announcing itself to the world, I’d recommend a darker shade.
Daily Wear & Comfort: 9.5/10
I’m pretty detail-oriented, and honestly, it’s hard to find many differences between these and the Align leggings. The fit and feel are nearly identical to Aligns.
The main differences are that these don’t have an inner waistband pocket and the stitching on the inner thigh is slightly different. Otherwise, if you blindfolded me, I probably couldn’t tell them apart.
I’ve washed mine over 10 times now and they’ve held up really well. There’s been no pilling or sagging. The 25” inseam is perfect for my height, even compared to my usual 28” leggings. I’ve worn these for travel days, hikes, and just hanging out at home. For $30, they’re basically a steal.
Construction Details
The Butterluxe fabric is CRZ Yoga’s signature “buttery-soft” blend, and it definitely delivers on comfort. The high-rise waistband has no extra pocket or lining, so it lays flat without bulk. The seams are smooth and don’t rub, though the front seam is noticeable (you know how I feel about the front seam, ugh).
The 25” inseam fits petite and average heights really well. They’re also available in longer lengths if that’s your preference. The material is stretchy yet squatproof, though it doesn’t have the same sweat-wicking feel you’ll get from more performance-specific fabrics.
Final Thoughts: Would I Buy Again?
The CRZ Yoga Butterluxe High Waisted Lounge Leggings are one of the best Align alternatives I’ve tested. They’re buttery-soft, flattering, and versatile enough for everything from yoga to daily errands. At $30, they’re a true game-changer for anyone who loves the feel of Aligns but doesn’t want to splurge.
Yoga, Pilates, walking, hiking, and everyday comfort? That’s where these really shine. While they don’t offer the same high-compression or sweat-wicking performance I prefer for runs or HIIT sessions, they’re a solid option for most everything else.
The front seam isn’t great, and the missing waistband pocket is noticeable. But overall, the comfort and value here are hard to beat.
If you’re looking for a soft, squatproof, and budget-friendly legging that can keep up with studio classes, casual hikes, or long travel days, these are an incredible option. At $30, you can grab a few colors for less than the cost of one pair of Aligns.
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