On Leggings

Sale PSA: The classic Brixton Gucci’s in black are currently price matched for $730 (the Ace sneakers are also 10% off), a very cute fuzzy cardigan from Madewell, now $52 with code NICEONE, and a classic denim jacket from Everlane, now $62.

This week, a very important topic…yes, leggings.

I never realized until doing a much needed “pajama/legging drawers” clean out this weekend just how many leggings I have. I have a LOT, especially for someone who doesn’t uh….exercise (I walk!! Walking is great!). They’re one of those items I accumulate but don’t think much about – on sale? Okay, why not pick up another Zella? Historically when they’d arrive I dutifully snip off the tags and wash them and kind of just stuff them away and forget about them, like underwear. But since it’s getting colder and because of yes, the PANDEMIC, I have been spending more time in my leggings. And actually realize that there is a big difference. There are pairs I love and pairs I love not so much. I’ve tried to be conscientious about other areas of my wardrobe…now I’ve decided to only buy leggings that I really love and which are super all around. And as such, here are some of my experiences with the various leggings in my closet (including my favorite):

Gap Blackout Leggings: I bought these during one of those ubiquitous 40% off sales. They are nice! Soft and stretchy. They feel very “technical” but what do I know? Definitely very very casual and gym like. I also have Old Navy leggings and never wear them – they are stiff and just not pleasant. I don’t even see them on the site anymore.

Everlane Perform: I tried these in black a few months ago. I liked them but actually did not keep them because at this point, I realized that I had many pairs and thus did not need more, unless they were perfect.

These were overall fine…I’m trying to remember, I do recall that I found them a little too shiny. I have lots of “shinier” leggings and I only realized now that I prefer them more matte! So yes.

I took XS-Ankle in them and they fit great.

Lululemon Align II: These are actually my favorite. It was very sad for me to discover this because they are $98. But I like the variety in sizes and lengths. I have these in both 2 and 4…which I also just found out (I thought they were the same size before) because I like one pair more than the other, because it’s looser, and yeah, that’s the 4! They are matte and super soft. I have heard that these are not good for heavy duty exercise but I do not do heavy duty anything right now. SO buttery soft and perfect and I love that the waist is both high rise and doesn’t cut in at all with elastic or anything.

Zella Live In 7/8/: These are probably my second favorite after the Lululemon. Great material, comfortable. Slightly more “compression” than the Lululemons which I don’t really care about (I’d rather ah…non compressed). I only buy them on sale and if you’re thinking about a pair wait until the holiday sale period next month, they’ll probably go.

Yogalicious Capris: I bought these awhile ago after hearing somewhere (A blog? YouTube?) that they were a good version of the Lululemon leggings I like so much. They are okay! I guess I don’t feel they are a good comparison to the Lululemons…maybe something to do with comfort? The waistband is tighter (I take a XS in these) but the length is the same. They also seem a tad flimsier. But for 25% of the cost? A good option to try. For me though, since I’m focusing now on having less even if at the expense of some extra $$ paid, I’d probably stick to my Lululemons.

Also, if you want to try these, make sure to get the black NON lux – not the lux. The lux is shiny.

Nordstrom High Waist Crop Leggings: These are pretty sheer and I actually only use them for wearing underneath dresses, etc for a layering look in winter. I bought them because I was looking for a cotton pair with some stretch and these are exactly what they are. They cannot be used as “pants” unless you are particularly bold. Very comfortable and sometimes I just like the feel of cotton versus all these synthetic materials.

One brand I haven’t tried yet: Athleta’s 7/8 leggings. I’ve looked at the Elation several times but I guess the price is so close to Lululemon’s that I’d rather go with one I know I’d use. If anyone has any feedback, do let me know!

Alright, even though I suspect there are other leggings lurking in my closet I haven’t gotten to, I think this is enough for now. What are your favorite leggings?