I'm a shopping writer, and these $29 workout leggings are as good as Lululemon
Like many people with computer-based jobs, most of my days are spent sitting. To counteract my sedentary workweek, I'm constantly looking for ways to be active while I'm off the clock. That could mean going on brisk morning walks or logging some miles on my Peloton bike. I genuinely enjoy moving my body, but what I'm not a fan of? Squeezing into super-constricting workout clothes. I'm also extremely frugal (I'm a deals writer, after all), so shelling out close to $100 for Lululemon leggings just isn't my bag.
That's why I was intrigued when I heard about a brand called Colorfulkoala, available at Amazon. Its leggings are a fraction of the price of the name brands, but a slew of reviewers have claimed they're just as comfy as their beloved Lulus, if not more so. Well, that was enough to pique my interest: I got a pair of them, pronto — keep scrolling for my review. (And if you want to give them a try for yourself, now's the time! They're currently marked down to just $29, from a still-affordable $34.)
Colorfulkoala leggings come in tons of styles that have collectively racked up tens of thousands of perfect ratings from Amazon shoppers. I decided to try their Dreamlux Leggings, which, according to the brand, feature a material that "has a special molecular structure [that makes] it comfortable to the skin and more durable and temperature-resistant than other fabrics."
Comfort is my top concern when it comes to workout clothes, and based on the pair of Lululemon leggings I've tried, I understand why some shoppers pay Lulu's prices — the fabric is so soft. Would these $29 leggings compare?
The first thing I noticed when my leggings arrived was how thin the fabric felt — not necessarily a bad thing, seeing as thicker leggings often make me heat up. But I did wonder how they'd stack up in the compression department. I tried them on and was pleased with how effortlessly they glided over my legs. There's that silky-smooth feeling we're all after! They also felt secure without being too snug, and 5-foot-tall me was relieved to find they didn't bunch up at the bottom like most leggings do (I opted for the 25-inch inseam, but they also come in a 28-inch length).
In terms of looks, they did a good job of smoothing everything out and have a classic, clean style that'll pair well with any sports bra or workout top. I don't like the look or feel of leggings with a ton of seams, and I appreciate that the ones on these are minimal.
I mostly stick to walking and cardio, but I figured I should perform the notorious squat test in the event that I wake up one day suddenly eager to strength train (yeah, right). The gray-blue hue I chose was opaque enough to keep my underwear from showing through, but I can't speak to the lighter colors. (There are over 20 options.)
To start, I wore the leggings on a three-mile walk. Since they're very lightweight, my legs felt nice and free while I strolled around — it was almost as if the leggings were a second skin. I never felt the waistband rolling down or digging in; it just stayed put the entire time.
After a successful walk, it was time to see how they fared during a Peloton ride, which involves pedaling while both seated and standing. I was impressed by how well they stayed in place, even during more intense sprints, and the thinner fabric didn't feel constricting. There was enough compression to ensure nothing spilled out, and the material also made good on its cooling promise. That said, jury's still out regarding the moisture-wicking aspect since my legs don't tend to get sweaty.
All in all, if you're looking for leggings that are comparable to Lululemon, Colorfulkoala Dreamlux Leggings are an affordable alternative (though they're supremely comfortable in their own right). You can stock up on several colors for less than half the price of many high-end brands, which I'd very much advise doing.
These workout pants checked off all the right boxes when it came to comfort, support, aesthetics and — for me, at least — fit. I will note that while there's a teeny pocket in the inner waistband for keys, these leggings do not have a cell phone pocket in case that's important to you. (But this version does! Plus, we have a whole roundup of the best leggings with pockets for you to check out.)
I'm in good company — over 1,000 other buyers gave these leggings a perfect five-star rating.
"Better than Lululemon!" exclaimed one excited reviewer. "I can't say enough great things about these leggings! They don't roll down; they feel amazing on. I have all kinds of brands: Lululemon, Vuori, Athleta, etc., and these are my favorites and the ones I feel the best and most confident in!"
"Not only do they feel great, but they have stood the test of falling on concrete," shared another shopper. "I fell in the pouring rain on my knees and the side of my leg. I instantly thought these were ruined because I could feel my knees were busted. Once I was able to check my wounds, I was shocked that these leggings had not one tear, rip or snag! My knees were bloody, but the leggings survived another day."
"I've been loyal to Athleta leggings for years, so I wasn't expecting a lot from these leggings given the price point — but wow, I'm super impressed," said a convert. "These are almost exactly like my Athleta leggings at less than half the price. They're soft, proportioned correctly and the perfect length ... I'm 100% going to be buying more, and honestly, these might replace Athleta for me!"
"These leggings feel amazing!" gushed a generally pleased wearer. "They have a perfect amount of stretch and look great on the body! ... Only downfall about these leggings [is] the lack of pockets." (Again, this version has pockets, and they cost a bit less.)
"I love the color, they feel great and they are the perfect length for me," wrote a final fan. "However, if you are looking for squat-proof leggings, I would recommend getting a darker color because they are more squat-proof than the lighter colors." The more you know!
Need a top to go with your new favorite leggings? One Yahoo Life editor swears by this one.
If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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Buzz Feed
6 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
35 Alternatives To Pricey Fashion Items In Your Cart
Buttery soft high-waisted leggings, which are deceivingly identical to Lululemon's Align leggings — and reviewers are calling it out! The only difference? These give you all the buttery soft material and comfiness for a mere fraction of the name-brand price. 👀 Slingback heels because they blend comfort and elegance in the most gorgeous way. Their timeless style might just make these one of your most-used pairs — they'll take you from your daily office routine to casual lunch dates to evening drinks. Many reviewers agree that these also give *major* Chanel vibes. Or some breathable pointed-toe flats ready to keep your feet cushioned and decked out in style. They look and feel as high-quality as Rothy's or Vivaia, without having to spend the extra $70–$100. The stretchy knit upper is comfy and trendy-looking (office days just got a whole lot better!) and you can toss 'em in the wash before they even have the *chance* to get stinky. An oh-so-elegant ribbed button-up tank, which is giving the side eye to the similar Abercrombie & Fitch style that's double the price. 👀 You know what that means? You don't have to limit yourself to just one color. And a cherry bag charm so you can stay on-trend without having to shell out $95 for the Coach charm. This'll add a cute lil' pop of color to any plain bag. Plus, you can get one for every single bag you own without breaking the bank. A flirty corset lace-up sundress with a cute slit and a bustier design that's sure to fit you like a glove. It gives major Bridgerton vibes, but the price tag makes it easier than ever to show up looking like the diamond of the season. And it looks extremely similar to the House of CB version (which goes for over $200 👀). A ribbed workout jumpsuit that reviewers claim looks and feels like Skims-level quality, but asks for way less money out of your wallet than Ms. Kim K. 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A Lululemon-inspired tennis skirt with built-in shorts and a secret inner pocket for your phone so you can hold your iced coffee in one hand and gesticulate with your other as you tell your bestie the latest tea in your love life while on your hot girl walk. Also, no need to worry about a strong breeze. A pair of pilot shield sunglasses that'll make you do a double-take because they're verrrry similar to the $699 Bottega Veneta pair you've been stalking online. Seriously, the attention to detail on these will leave you *spooked*. Or a pair of retro-style oval sunglasses — even the snobbiest of sunglasses connoisseurs would *swear* these are the $400+ Miu Miu ones. And who are you to correct anyone that comes to that conclusion? Or!! A pair of oversize square sunnies to throw on for an instant style boost, no matter what you're wearing. The polarized lenses offer UV 400 protection, so not only will you look amazing, but your eyes will also be shielded from those harsh rays. 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This stylish piece offers spacious compartments for all your essentials (laptop, makeup bag, books, and more) and keeps them organized and within reach. Reviewers even compare this to (and favor it over) the Béis Work Tote that sells for $148! A spandex-blend slip maxi dress that'll have you looking absolutely chic *and* staying comfy at the same time. Reviewers *love* how the material is just as soft as the trendy Skims version... and some even say it's better! A fanny pack people say is veryyy similar to Lululemon's belt bag, which is over double the price! Use it to keep your phone, wallet, headphones, (and maybe even a protein bar to snack on) close to you and easily accessible. Perfect for travel or everyday use! The strap is long enough to wear crossbody or around your waist, which keeps your arms and hands completely free. Plus, it'll surprise you with just how roomy it is. A pair of sandals that many reviewers say are a wonderful alternative to Birkenstocks (there are 1,000+ reviews comparing them). Their cork footbed quickly adjusts to the contour of your foot *and* they're designed with soft lining and adjustable straps. The comfort of a tennis shoe combined with the effortlessness of a sandal? Yes, please. A pair of lightweight legging-style joggers because they have a tapered design and a stretchy waistband that'll probably make them one of the most reached-for pieces in your closet. And let's not forget the side pockets! Plus, reviewers have not failed to notice how remarkably similar they are to Lulu's Align joggers. 👀 And a soft, stretchy longline sports bra drawing comparisons to a tank from the same collection, so you could achieve the whole Lulu Align ~look~ for a whole lot less. It's designed with a classic V-neckline, sweat-wicking fabric, and goes with, well, anything! You can also pair it with your fave biker shorts or leggings so you can go straight from your errand-packed morning to your afternoon yoga class. Platform slippers in case you've added the similar Ugg Tazz pair to your cart about a million times but haven't been able to checkout just yet. Once you slip your feet into the faux-fur shoes, you'll find you'll be wearing them so often, they'll basically be an extension of you (yup, even in the heat of summer). A pair of stylish teardrop earrings, which simply ooze Bottega Veneta vibes. Accessorize any 'fit with these beauties for an instant ~chic factor.~ Plus! Reviewers say they're so lightweight and comfortable, some even forgot they had them on. And a highly rated pair of hoop earrings reviewers compare to Jennifer Fisher hoops that go for up to hundreds of dollars and say they don't hurt your ears! 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Travel + Leisure
9 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
I'm a Former Lululemon Employee, and These Are the 11 Best-selling Items Shoppers Never Return—From $18
Before I found my calling as a travel writer, I had another career I loved so much that I used to show up to work early and leave late— on purpose . My job title was store educator, and my office was the Lululemon store in East Hampton, N.Y. I had the privilege of teaching shoppers about Lululemon's groundbreaking—and that word isn't a stretch (pun intended)—fabric technology, fueling the athleisure movement. We're talking game-changing fits and features that warranted an unheard-of price point. Back in the early aughts, paying $98 for a pair of leggings, even in the Hamptons, seemed ludicrous. Still, I don't recall many people leaving the store without buying something. And even fewer people came in to make returns. I've never worked in retail again, and I don't think I could because, in a way, Lululemon ruined me. That said, it still makes up at least 60 percent of my travel wardrobe, and that's without the generous employee discount I used to enjoy. So, which items are worth investing in? Here are 11 best-selling Lululemon items, or updated versions, that were never returned, including leggings, jackets, shorts, and even dresses, starting at just $18. I remember so many Wunder Under tights flying off the shelves that we joked they had wings. Even Taylor Swift has been photographed wearing them! Since debuting around 2008, Wunder Under tights have come in various iterations, but I love this current style because it has deep drop-in pockets on the sides that are big enough to fit my phone and passport. Although they're technically designed for training, I wear them as travel pants. Shoppers who work out in them say they love how they don't show sweat. Perhaps that's because it dries super fast thanks to the Everlux fabric's moisture-wicking properties. When I travel to warmer climates, I reach for the Wunder Train High-rise Short. Like their pant counterparts, they're extremely breathable. In Lululemon's own words, they 'perform in high heat.' These shorts don't have deep side pockets, but I appreciate the stash pocket in the waistband, which is big enough to fit a credit card or hotel room key. Choose from four-inch and six-inch inseams, and regardless of length, expect them to feel like a second skin. One shopper, who trained for a marathon in them, wrote that they 'loved the hugged-in feeling,' and despite running in them for years, the fabric integrity has held up nicely. Back in my day, Lululemon's reversible, strapless 'Beat the Heat' dress was all the rage. Until they resurrect it, I recommend the Align Dress, which I currently own in black. Between the built-in shelf bra and shorts with pockets, it's a seriously elevated dress you can wear while working out or wine tasting. Plus, it's made of Nulu, so it's softer and looks sleeker. 'It flatters every curve and moves effortlessly, whether heading out for a casual day or dressing it up for a night out,' reads one five-star review titled 'Perfect for traveling.' Lululemon's best-selling Define Jacket is made of its first signature fabric, Luon. When it launched in the early 2000s, this game-changing blend of nylon and Lycra was embraced by yogis tired of thin fabrics that were too sheer and ripped after a few months of wear and tear. Today's Define Jacket looks similar to the O.G., although it no longer comes in Herringbone (RIP). It has over 7,600 five-star ratings, and shoppers love how easy it is to dress up or down. One shopper, who says they've bought it 'on repeat' in many colors for decades, says it's perfect for spring, summer, and fall when all you need is a light jacket. I won't say what year I was born, but I'm old enough to remember the reversible Groove Flared Pant with a black waistband on one side and a colored waistband on the other. They were a huge hit with shoppers, particularly those who loved getting two looks for the price of one. Today's Groove Flared Pant may not be reversible, but I don't mind. That's because it's made with the newer and improved Nulu fabric. Lululemon describes Nulu as 'buttery soft,' but I love that one satisfied shopper refers to it as 'barely-there soft.' Plus, it boasts a wider foldover waist that I find to be more flattering, especially if I'm wearing a crop top or shorter tank like my new Glow Up Tank Top. The Groove shorts were also hard to keep in stock. While it's no longer made, the Align High-rise Short is the ideal substitute. It's basically the Groove, but it's made with Nulu fabric and is available in more inseam options, from two to eight inches. I have them in six-inch and they're so comfortable, I sometimes wear them under dresses even if I can get away with wearing underwear instead. I appreciate that the wide waistband, despite having a secret stash pocket, doesn't dig into my stomach when I sit down. The Align High-rise Short has more than 1,700 five-star ratings, with one shopper, who has purchased many pairs over the years, calling them their 'go-to' for every activity from gardening to rollerblading. When I worked at Lululemon, my uniform was a pair of leggings or a skirt paired with the Power Y Tank, which shoppers loved because it was such a versatile layer. Today, its closest cousin is the Ebb to Street Tank Top, another best-seller that dropped a few years later. Like the Power Y, this tank features a slim fit, narrow racerback, and built-in B/C cup bra with removable pads. Unlike the Power Y, it has a slightly ribbed texture, a longer length, and a touch more Lycra—three enhancements shoppers seem to appreciate. The Ebb to Street Tank Top has more than 2,000 five-star ratings, where many fans beg the brand not to change a thing. I used to have a love-hate relationship with the Scuba Full-zip Hoodie. I loved telling shoppers about its fun features, including a zipper pull that can be used as a hair tie, thumbholes, Cuffins to keep sleeves in place, and an oversized structured hood. But I hated folding them. Fortunately, because most shoppers who tried one on wore it out of the store, we didn't do a lot of refolding. Today's hip-length Scuba Full-zip Hoodie is longer than the O.G., but judging by its 4,700 five-star ratings, it's just as beloved. One shopper, who has the latest model, wrote that they love the new fit, although they admit they still wear their old Scuba, which has to be 10 to 15 years old and 'still looks amazing.' The Speed short was the predecessor to today's Speed Up Short. I finally retired my first pair of faded Speeds (they were 15 years old) last year. I remember them being such a hot item that when we'd get new inventory in, my coworkers and I would set aside a pair or two in our size because we worried they'd sell out by the time our shift was over. The latest Speed Up High-rise Lined Short, a trending item online, has an upgraded zipper on its back pocket, an updated high-rise fit, and slightly more flattering seams. One shopper, who reckons they've owned every version of this short since 2008, sums them up as a 'staple for summer.' I used to have cotton sports bras until 2009, when I used my Lululemon employee discount on the Flow Y Bra. Yes, it had a prime position on our bra rack, but that's only because it was so popular. It's been a Lululemon mainstay since the early 2000s, and I remember celebrating like it was Christmas when the Flow Y Bra IV with the partially mesh back came out. It was so breathable! Today's Flow Y Bra is more like the original in cut, but it's made with a newer (and softer) fabric: Nulu. If I have to wear a bra, I don't want to be reminded. Pro tip: Size up. I'm a size 4, but when it comes to Lululemon bras, a size 6 fits much better. When I worked at Lululemon, headbands used to sell like hotcakes, and not just because they occupied prime real estate on the floor. In fact, most shoppers knew they'd love their new headbands so much, they didn't even want the receipt—it went straight in the trash, and the headband went straight on their head. While this License to Train Wide Headband is more performance-oriented than the Slipless Headbands we carried, I love it because it comes in more neutral colors that appeal to men, too. Still relatively new, it only has about 131 five-star ratings total. But from those, it already has an impressive 4.7-star average rating. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.