Well…I’m kind of eating my words today.
If you’ve been following my review posts for a while, you might remember that I hated the align pants when they were first released last fall. It was hard to find anything I like about them at the time.
But, since they’ve become some of the most-loved pants in the lululemon world, I decided to give them a second chance. A few months ago, lululemon updated the align pants plus released a cropped version. I figured both of those updates would be pretty good reasons to try again. While I still wasn’t a big fan of the revised align pants, I ended up really liking the align crops. The align pants are loose around my ankles and look a little awkward on me. The crops, on the other hand, have an elongating, flattering fit that I like. And, I’ve finally come around to the comfortable fit and feel of the nulu fabric.
At the time, there weren’t any colors that were a must-have for me, so I waited around for something I loved. Finally, my wish came true when these new alberta lake align crops popped up. Alberta lake is a gorgeous dark teal shade, though not as dark as nocturnal teal, lulu’s other deep teal for the fall. It fits right in with my color palette. Just this week, a brand new black cherry align crop came out that I’m tempted to get, too.
The align crops are a basic pair of crops that work best for casual wear or low-impact workouts. They have no compression, so I wouldn’t wear them for things like running or CrossFit. Compared to wunder unders, aligns have less compression and a more revealing fit. While wunder unders are usually luon or luxtreme, aligns are made of nulu. Nulu is a fabric that has a smooth face that doesn’t quite feel cottony, but doesn’t feel slick and “athletic” either. It’s thin, lightweight, and very breathable. One more difference is that the aligns have a gusset that extends down the leg, instead of just a small diamond like wunder unders.
Another key difference is that aligns will show just about everything, which is what I meant by a “revealing” fit. That means you’ll need seamless underthings if you’re not brave enough to go without, because anything else will definitely result in VPL. Wunder unders are generally better for holding you in and smoothing everything over. Speaking of what’s underneath, these were very slightly see-through in a squat or bend on me. If you’ll be getting bendy in these, make sure you check the rear view first. I’ll be sticking with dark or skin-colored underthings.
In terms of sizing, I purchased my normal lululemon size (2) and I’m happy with the fit. The rise is quite high, landing right at my belly button. Although the align crops are listed as a 19″ inseam, they stretch a lot vertically when you put them on. While I’m wearing them, the inseam actually stretches to measure 21″, which hits just past the meaty part of my calf.
Overall, I’m happy with my new aligns so far. As of this writing, the alberta lake aligns are still available in all sizes.
Also wearing:
Alala run crew in winter white (15% off: AA15)
lululemon cool racerback in regal plum
Nike metcon 2 shoes
S’well water bottle
I love this color so much! These look great on you. I feel so self-conscious when I wear pants that are so revealing so these are an easy pass for me :) I did just pick up the new Scuba Hoodie and I can’t wait to try it out!
hey gretchen, I’m a fan of the scuba III and curious about the IV. i would love to hear your thoughts!
I just ordered online today so I haven’t tried it on yet! I’ll be posting a review on my blog as soon as I get it though :)
great! what’s your blog? thanks!
gretchruns.com! (if you click on my name for my comment it should take you right to my blog)
oh duh! thanks!
I just posted a comparison of the two Scubas on my blog. I’m curious about what everyone else thinks about the new changes too.
Yes, it’s gorgeous in real life too! I’m glad my post could help save you the trouble of trying. :) I’ll keep an eye out for your scuba review!
I love the aligns but I don’t see them as workout pants. I have a a pair of the pants in inkwell and they are my go to for days I don’t want to wear jeans to work. But yes, all tops I wear with them cover my bum. I love my pair! But not sure I would buy another pair. The Alberta lake is a beautiful though?
Yes, I definitely wouldn’t wear them for workouts where I’d be REALLY jumping around and sweating. But for sitting at my computer blogging, they work just fine, heh. :)
nothing shows strength of character like openly eating your words when you’re WRONG :) IMO, aligns are one of the few redeeming lulu moments of the past couple years. nothing from any other brand compares.
i might eat my words too and give the align II a chance. i am so head over heels for the double V waist on the align I (and the double inseam that goes all the way to the ankle), but these look really fabulous on you. and yes – alberta lake and nocturnal teal are both lovely.
i just spent a week with my sis in MN and enjoyed her R&D discount combined with no sales tax…. hmmm…. regrets.
p.s. nice top! i kept mine too. i feel like a winter superhero bunny when i wear it. yeehaw!
Yes, kudos to lulu for bringing back a little innovation with the aligns! I wish they were a little more opaque on me, but that’s pretty much my only complaint. Hopefully they don’t pill like crazy like some of the reviews say…
I love the winter white top! It’s so different from the rest of my tops and a nice change of pace. :)
I haven’t had any pilling… I think it’s one of those “luluisms” where I’m like “huh, what is everyone talking about??” since I wear mine daily and wash them a lot and have no pilling, but clearly the masses don’t lie so it’s very confusing.
I don’t know if it has to do with the batch of fabric, the person’s specific use, or heck, even their washing machine. But I’ve seen the photos and they aren’t pretty. I guess we’ll see!
yes I’ve seen the pilling too – it’s crazy! i hope i don’t accidentally ever find out what the trigger is :-/
I love my black align II crop and wear mostly for casual and yoga. No pills yet! I also had trouble with the fit of align I pant. Align II pant fits better but I get more use out of crops. I am tempted by the alberta lake crop after seeing your post but I ordered the nocturnal teal pace rival crop so I can’t justify the alberta lake crop. Black Cherry, maybe?
Glad they haven’t pilled for you! I’ve seen so many horror stories that I’m kind of scared. Definitely makes me hesitant to buy a second pair since I’m not sure the first will hold up for me.
I love the align crops. I actually bought these too and really want the black cherry ones, but I also just got the darkest magenta crops, so I don’t know if I really need another new pair. Sigh. Where is my money tree?! But I’m glad you finally got a pair!
Yeah, the magenta and cherry might be too similar, although the cherry is very dark by comparison! But if there’s nothing else you want, then maybe it wouldn’t be a bad use of your money if you would get lots of wear out of them. :) But like you said, a money tree would be so much more helpful…
hi there,
The dark magenta align crops…will they be exactly like the black cherry as far as design? Are they the Align II or the original version? Also, are they a bit more purple I’m assuming than like a merlot? Thanks, I was thinking of buying the Dark magenta but not if they have a wonky fit…?
I had one of the most amazing experiences today. There was an ALALA package waiting for me at the door when I got home. I just ordered the burgundy liquid tight from NM so I thought it was shipped directly from Alala. NO, Alala sent me an infinity scarf in poseidon blue as a happy holiday/thank you gift! How amazing is this? I just want to share this experience with you all. This is how you build your loyal customer base – THANK YOU, ALALA!
Aww thanks for sharing! That’s the best. :)
that’s so nice!! i loooooove alala. i feel like I’m friends with them (kinda like how I’m friends with AA and all of you).
Oh I got a notification for an Alala package coming too! I didn’t order anything so I was a bit puzzled. It’s supposed to arrive today. I hope it’s the same!! Love those guys.
Oh that would be fun! Let us know if that’s what it is. :)
It was the infinity scarf as well! With a really nice handwritten note from the. I’ve been wearing it all weekend. It’s so cozy. Love them even more now.
Ahhhh yay! How fun. :)
(Edit: haha just realized I said “fun” two comments in a row. I’m predictable I guess, lol!)
Ok…you’ve convinced me! I need to try these! I didn’t love them initially either, but they look fantastic on you in the crop version and in that color. Love the entire look! Hope you’re doing great :)
Thanks Andrea! :) The cropped length makes a HUGE difference for me for sure.
P.S. My moto leggings came! Your sizing advice was spot on, so thank you for your help with that. :)
Yay…Can’t wait to see how you style them! Time for me to order another pair ;)
I love your white shirt in this post :) I’m hoping Alala has a great Black Friday sale! I have my eye on several things :) What size are you in the white top?
Also, I have 2 pairs of aligns crops (indigo and greyvy). I’ve worn them a LOT and I haven’t noticed much, if any pilling. I mostly wear mine for lounging and errands, not for working out. I think you’ll be ok :) I bet you’re not too rough on your clothes! I’m thinking about getting black cherry.
I’m glad that it’s possible for the aligns to hold up well! I don’t think I’ll be too rough with these, so hopefully you’re right that they’ll still look nice after a while.
As for the top, I’m wearing an XS. As you can see in the pics, it’s not quite skin tight, though definitely form-fitting. That said, I’m often more of an XXS for tops, so if you order your true size, it might be a little tighter on you than it is on me. I hope that helps! I plan to write a bit more about the tee in its own review, but I have a backlog of like 8 things I need to review right now–yikes.
I might have to try these! They didnt “wow” me at first but I think these might be a nice feel for pilates/barre class. Also…definitely putting that white longsleeves on my wishlist, I love that top!
The wow factor definitely only kicks on in the right colors for me. :) As for the top, Alala always has a Black Friday sale if you want to keep an eye out for it then. :)
Good call, I will thank you!!! I scored an Alala jacket on discount over the summer and am quickly falling in love with the brand.
Hehe, welcome to the dark side…! :)
I was wondering AA and AA peeps,
have you ever done a review on the Brands Onzie or Teeki? I always love their prints but don’t want to spend if they aren’t any good. I mostly wear Werkshop (my fav FIT so far), Lulu and K. Deer.
Any opinions out there on opacity, fit, or anything else on those other 2?
Thanks :)
i find both sheer. i don’t care for onzie cause it’s more typical workout slippery material that i wouldn’t wear casually so the sheerness is a bigger problem for me. teeki i actually really like for casual use and yoga despite the sheerness (i wear nude undies) because they are a really unique soft fabric and the waistband is ridiculously comfy because there is no elastic drawstring or seam at the top. they would be great maternity pants. lol.
i know many people like onzie too – maybe i just got a particularly unimpressive and sheer pair when i tried them. neither are even remotely close to werkshop in terms of compression/performance/quality in my opinion, and k-deer beats both in terms of opacity and compression too (imo).
i take a 6 (sometimes 4) in lulu, medium in werkshop and k-deer, but a small in teeki. the teeki sizing is very forgiving because there is no waistband to speak of and the fabric is very stretchy and the small is just less wrinkly looking on me. the small and medium were identical in terms of sheerness, so i think it’s just a less than perfect opacity issue, not a size up/down issue.
hope that helps!
p.s. i believe nordstrom carries both brands. they price match and they also accept returns on used merchandise, which provides more flexibility in terms of trying new brands.
Carrie! Thank you sooooo much. Thats everything I needed to know and thank you for saving me some bucks! So very appreciate your time! You rock :)
I haven’t tried Onzie or Teeki myself. I’ve yet to find something from them I definitely NEED, so I’ve been a little hesitant. I’m glad Carrie could chime in though! :)
After reading your positive review of the Align Crops, I finally broke down and bought a pair in the cherry. I’m glad =-) that I did. My first day in them, I just wore them lounging around the house and for a quick trip to Starbucks. But before going to SB, I did a quick mirror check to look for VPL – just a hint. I must admit, I almost felt a bit creepy/exhibitionist as I waited in the line for my latte. It just felt like I was showing e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g to the guy behind me, even though I knew they were not see through. What an experience! Yesterday, however, I put them to “the test” ~ a moderate stretch and strength routine. It didn’t involve a lot of bouncing around and for the most part the Aligns did perform OK as actual workout wear. My biggest drawback was having to frequently pull them up after getting back to an upright position. This never happens with most of my other workout crops – even the Lulu Wunder Unders, which, as many of us have said, provide more structure and gentle compression (but, certainly now in an Under Armor sort of way). My verdict, well, at least for the colour that I purchased, is that they are a very attractive …albeit, unnerving pair (for my experience that I shared above regarding Starbucks) of tights for around town and for light duty exercise. Do I have the courage to buy them in slate…..?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! They aren’t kidding when they say “naked sensation”, huh? :P Some people size down on the aligns (vs their wunder under size), so maybe if you get another pair, that might help with the sliding issue?
Hmm. that may be a good idea, as it is usually the waistband that I find most distressing if the pants are too tight, and, as we all know the Align’s waistband is very forgiving. Just wondering how much more revealing they would be in other places!
Ahhh that’s very true! Well, at least returns are free. :)
I like that color a lot and, especially, the wide flat waistband. They work fine (for me) as a transition pant between studio and casual/street fashion; *however*, if you’re not (and I am NOT!) one for “going commando”: the only safe bet undies with them, really, are thongs (and, with the way the waistband behind extends low enough at the small of the back: there’s no chance for even an unflattering “whale tail” outline to show).