I tried Lululemon's long-anticipated Align No Line leggings. Were they worth the wait?

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a day ago

In May, Lululemon finally dropped a highly requested version of its bestselling Align leggings: the Lululemon Align No Line leggings. Loyal customers have been begging the brand for an iteration of the popular workout bottoms without a front seam in order to solve for a common, yet embarrassing issue: the dreaded camel toe. If you've never experienced this frontal wedgie while wearing tight workout clothes, consider yourself lucky. (I'll get more into it later on.)
To see if this hyped-up pair of leggings put the camel toe to rest once and for all, I tested them during a weight-lifting class, yoga flow and a cycling session. Keep reading for my thoughts and to find out how they compare to the original Lululemon Align leggings, which also happen to be the best leggings that we've tested.Lululemon Align No Line High-Rise Pants
The Lululemon Align No Line High-Rise Pants have a no front-rise seam, are made of the brand's fan-favorite Nulu fabric and feature the same weightless feel and unparalleled comfort as the original Align leggings. They come in eight colors, two lengths and sizes 0 through 12. They deliver a smooth, camel toe-free look
Because there was so much chatter about this launch, I was expecting it to hit a home run on its promises. I can happily confirm these leggings deliver exactly what's expected: a camel toe-free experience during sweaty downward dogs, squat sessions, daily walks and other low-intensity exercises.
While I didn't previously have a major issue with camel toe while wearing Lululemon's original Align leggings, I have experienced this clothing mishap with some other brands' workout wear and can attest to how it negatively impacts my confidence and performance while working out. Instead of maximizing reps during a strength-training class, I'll often have to focus on fixing my uncomfortable (and let's be honest, extremely awkward) bunching situation while trying to follow the instructor's guidance. Luckily, with this updated Align iteration, that's something I never have to worry about.
They have the same weightless feel and fit as the original Lululemon Align leggings
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Aside from the seamless front design, the No Line Aligns are no different from the original Align leggings, which is a good thing! It doesn't seem like customers had any other qualms about these beloved leggings that have become one of Lululemon's claims to fame.
The updated Align leggings feature all the cult-favorite design elements you love from the original Align leggings: the brand's luxuriously soft and sweat-wicking Nulu fabric, a small interior pocket for a key, a flattering high-rise fit that sits above the belly button, a weightless design that moves with you and a comfy waistband that stays up and doesn't dig in.
They also fit the same as the OG leggings, offering a comfy, sculpting fit that isn't too tight or too loose — aka they're the Goldilocks of leggings. I've tested a variety of Lululemon pieces and wear a size 6 in the brand (and in general). That's the size I got in the Align No Line leggings, and they fit just right.
They aren't available in shorts
I originally wanted to grab the Lululemon Align No Line style in a pair of shorts, but then quickly realized when I got to the store that the new design was only available in leggings. With 100-degree-Fahrenheit summer temps already here, I'll be retiring leggings for now unless a cold front rolls in.
Because it does seem like Lululemon takes customer feedback seriously, I hope they're listening. I'd purchase a pair of shorts (or two) right now if they were available in the no-front-seam version.
They're slightly more expensive than the original Align leggings and have fewer color options
Let's be honest: Lululemon is not cheap, but our editors agree that it's worth the splurge for high-quality clothing that's made to last. The Lululemon Align No Line leggings are $10 more than the original Align leggings, which isn't a huge increase, but it's definitely worth noting.
If you break things down to price per wear and factor in how confident you'll feel in these, they'll still probably end up being more cost-effective than buying a cheap pair of leggings you'll have to replace after a year.
The other minor downside to the Align No Lines is there aren't nearly as many fun color options as the original Lululemon Align leggings. I'm hoping it's because Lululemon is testing the appetite for the newest model before expanding the color selection (fingers crossed!). This is not the end of the world, but if you're like me and cute workout sets motivate you to get off the couch, it can make a difference.
If you already own a pair of Lululemon's Align leggings and don't have any issues with camel toe, I don't think you need to rush to add the latest style to your cart. But if camel-toe concerns are holding you back from workouts or if you're already looking to add a new pair into your rotation, the Align No Lines are a total game changer.
My only feedback for Lululemon? I need these in shorts for summer — stat. How should you wash the Lululemon Align No Line leggings?
How should you wash the Lululemon Align No Line leggings?
You can wash them in a washing machine on cold and tumble dry low. However, I always line-dry mine to be safe.
Do the Lululemon Align No Line leggings run small?
Do the Lululemon Align No Line leggings run small?
They run pretty true to size in my experience. I wear a size 6 (my typical size) in Lululemon in all styles, including both versions of the Align leggings and the Define jacket.
What materials are Lululemon Align No Line leggings made from?
What materials are Lululemon Align No Line leggings made from?
The body of the leggings is made from the brand's breathable, four-way stretch Nulu fabric, which is 81% nylon and 19% lycra elastane.
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item.
For this article, senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus tested the new Lululemon Align No Line leggings to see if they're worth upgrading from the original Lululemon Align pants. She has tested a variety of Lululemon products, including the Define jacket, and other popular workout gear.