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It feels like an impossible task finding one pair of leggings that can do it all. It doesn’t help that when you walk into Lulu or go to their website, you’re hit with a wall of overwhelming options. I’ve tried the Aligns and the Wunder Trains, and while they’re both solid options, I’m still on the hunt.
So, when I came across the Fast and Free High Rise Tights, I got my hopes up. Sure, they’re billed as being more running-specific, and I’d use them more for cardio “classes” versus just running, but I had hopes they could work for multiple asks.
Could the Fast and Free be everything that the Aligns and Wunder Trains were and still be a great running option? I grabbed a pair and got to testing. After training, lounging, running, and traveling in them for weeks, they’re definitely more of a single-purpose legging.
Lululemon Fast and Free Tight
$128
Pros
- Great compression for running
- Good pocket system
- Stay in place well and breathable
Cons
- Waistband tightness may be hit or miss
Best For
- Running
- Sprinting
- Running Classes
- High Compression Lovers
Specs
| Breathability | Good |
| Compression/Support | High |
| Sweat-Wicking | Good |
| True to Size | Yes |
| Times Washed | 10+ (Still good!) |
Who Should Buy the Fast and Free Leggings?
- You Need a Cardio-Focused Legging: If your training is primarily focused on running and cardio, these will be perfect for how you like to train.
- You Like A Lot of Compression: If you prefer leggings with higher compression, these are definitely going to be worth adding to your wardrobe.
- You Need Storage Options: If you are looking for leggings with pockets, something sadly missing in a lot of women’s tights, these have more pockets than you’ll know what to do with.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Fast and Free Leggings?
- You Want More Relaxed Compression: If you don’t like the constricting feel of high compression leggings, these will be a pass for you. Basically, if you only run sometimes and primarily do strength/HIIT, you can find something more dialed for your needs.
- You Want a Travel Legging: If you’re in the market for a pair of daily-wear leggings, perfect for lounging or traveling, these are built for performance, not relaxing.
- You’re Shopping On a Budget: If you’re shopping on a budget, there are better options that won’t hit your wallet as hard. Check out the CRZ Yoga Butterlux or COLORFULKOALA Dreamlux Legging for a more budget-friendly pair of leggings.
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.
I got these in a size 4. I do wonder if sizing up would have made the waistband less of an issue. As far as compression goes, if you’re on the fence between sizes, go up a size for a bit more comfort or down a size for more compression.
Length-wise, they’ve been perfect. The 28-inch length has them falling right at my ankle with a tiny amount of extra fabric. There’s no bunching under socks if you like to wear taller socks. They also don’t look ridiculous with a bunch of extra fabric if you wear no-show socks.
Performance Assessment
As you read this performance section, please note that I also tested these for yoga, pilates, and daily wear. I know they’re not necessarily made for those activities, but in our current economy and how many of us like to use a single pair of leggings for multiple things, I wanted to give them an honest shot to see how they performed for those asks.
Lifting & HIIT: 8/10
It feels weird to say but the compression is almost too intense for what I like out of a pair of leggings for lifting. They’re very breathable. That’s not the problem. They’re also squat-proof, which is always a nice win. But the compression is too high to be comfortable, especially for lower-body days. The waistband is too tight to the point where it digs in and rolls during any movement involving a hinge or when I’m seated.
I found myself saving these for cardio-only days or for my upper-body days in the gym. They do perform great if you’re looking for structure and support; they’re just not the best for deep squats or seated lifts and machines.
Running: 9/10
These leggings were made for running and it shows. The compression is perfect for running, keeping me locked in and supported without being overly restrictive. They’re very breathable and comfortable in both warm and cooler weather. The pockets are a huge bonus too! I prefer to run hands-free, so having pockets to stash a phone, keys, or card is very much appreciated. They also don’t add any unnecessary weight or bulk.
The restrictive waistband that was a problem for lifting isn’t a problem for running. It swings back to supportive and secure when I stay upright and moving forward. It doesn’t matter if I’m going for a run, hitting the stair-climber, or going for a walk or hike; these are almost perfect for all of it.
Yoga & Pilates: 6.5/10
After experiencing the restrictive and uncomfortable waistband during squats and my lower-body training days, I wasn’t looking forward to wearing these to my mat-based classes. My fears were justified.
These were not comfortable in those slower-paced classes. The constant sitting, folding, and bending that is required in those workouts is not what these leggings are made for. The compression turns into a negative when comfort and flexibility are what’s needed.
Daily Wear: 6.3/10
These aren’t uncomfortable for lounge or travel days, but they’re definitely not my first choice. I get it. They’re not designed for that. They’re very purpose-built for high-impact training and running. The tight waistband and high compression just don’t mesh well with the easy days.
They’re flattering and sculpting enough through the legs and glutes, but again, the waistband is too tight for me to enjoy wearing for long periods of time. Travel days, long work sessions, lounging, they all require a lot of sitting, which is not what the waistband is suited for. They’re great when you’re moving, and not when you’re not.
Construction & Materials
These are made from a nylon and elastane blend. The body of the leggings is an 84% nylon and 16% Lycra elastane blend. The waistband is an 89% nylon and 11% elastane blend.
The difference in ratios definitely contributes to the high compression and restriction of the waistband. There’s just less stretch in the material. Lulu calls this blend their Nulux fabric. It’s very lightweight and breathable. It also does a great job of wicking away sweat, which means there’s no annoying sweat marks that show up.
There are five pockets built into the tights. One on both the left and right hip. There’re two more pockets, one on each side of the waistband. There’s also a pocket hidden in the back of the waistband.
Final Thoughts: Would I Get Again?
The Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight 28” 5-Pocket is a high-performance legging designed with runners and high-impact athletes in mind. The material is very breathable, and the high compression is perfect for running, walking, and hiking. The pockets are thoughtfully placed and are perfect for running hands-free.
The very features that make them great for performance also limit their versatility. These are not the leggings that I grab for yoga, Pilates, or long travel days.
It’s hard to justify the price point for their limited use cases.
If you prioritize support, compression, and functionality, specifically for running and intense workouts, they’re worth the investment. They deliver on that promise of high-performance functionality.
If you put more emphasis on comfort and flexibility and don’t want to break the bank, these aren’t the leggings for you.
They’re a specialized piece of athletic wear, not athleisure. They’re excellent for their intended use, but not an all-around, do-everything legging.
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