Move over, Lulu. You’ve got some competition.
Any fitness-loving lady is likely to expound upon the virtues of the ever-popular Lululemon Align leggings. Their buttery-soft fabric feels like an angel kissed your skin, catapulting you into orbital bliss (or a sweat fest at the yoga studio. Your call.)
But you know what is less than ethereal? That price tag. At nearly $100 a pop, the Align leggings take a chunk out of your bank account, especially if you need a couple pairs. Wouldn’t it be glorious if you could nab equally-awesome leggings for a fraction of the price?
Turns out, you can. I recently discovered sportswear brand ColorfulKoala on Amazon. Based on the recommendation of a friend and fitness instructor, I ordered a pair of the High Waisted 7/8-Length Leggings with Pockets. At $25 per pair, they literally cost one-quarter of the price of Aligns, so I was willing to gamble on the quality.
Hot damn, I love these leggings.
At first touch, I was smitten with the fabric. Align leggings are known for their soft hand and I’d argue that ColorfulKoala rivals that feeling. Constructed from 75% polyester and 25% Spandex, the 7/8-Length tights hug your legs like a second skin but move equally well. As with the Align leggings, the high waist reaches over your belly button for added support and comfort. Two pockets—one on each thigh—hold a cell phone or car keys while on the go.
Feel is one thing, but I was more interested in how they perform. As a former CrossFit coach, I spend a lot of time squatting and throwing around barbells. If a pair of leggings doesn’t pass the squat test, I can’t be bothered to keep it around.
I hired my husband as the not-so-discerning opacity judge. Much to the chagrin of our 15-year-old dog, I danced around our bathroom performing a variety of squats, lunges, and high kicks while my husband observed. End result: The ColorfulKoala tights passed with flying colors. A few Amazon reviews indicate the lighter colored tights may struggle in this regard, but I tested both the Deep Violet and Rose Red shades without any issue.
Finally, I took the ColorfulKoala tights out for a series of field tests to gauge durability. I love trail running and hit up a few hour-long runs. It’s practically winter here in the Colorado Rockies, so mud, ice, and slush were all on the agenda (and my leggings). After each run, I washed the tights in cold water and line dried them as I would with any other workout attire. Survey says: Zero pilling, thinning, or signs of wear.
I can’t yet speak to durability over an extended period of time, but I can tell you this: I’ve purchased two pairs already and a third is on the way. The price is right, the color options are plentiful, and Amazon Prime makes the shipping a cinch.