Lululemon vs Athleta Leggings Comparison Review: Align vs Elation vs Salutation Stash

As I write this post, I realize I’ve completed a fitness milestone that I am quite proud of! It has been 3 years of committing to 3 workouts a week. Movement is not something that comes easily to me, but what I’ve found most helpful is pinning down the right routine (read more on my journey HERE). Over these years, I completed 400+ barre classes, and cycled through my fair share or leggings. So this post is one that I’ve been meaning to write for a long time: a Lululemon vs Athleta leggings comparison review.

More specifically, I will be comparing the Lululemon Align vs the Athleta Elation and Salutation Stash leggings. Keep reading to see which pair I love the most!

Disclosure: This post makes use of affiliate links, which may result in a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Some Basic Differences Between Athleta & Lululemon

Outside of product differences (which I will go into more detail), I’ve found that Athleta and Lululemon really differ in these categories: sportiness, sizing, and price.

• Sportiness: Lululemon designs feel more technical and geared towards specific types of workouts, whereas Athleta has a more ‘athleisure’ focus. For example, I love their Pranayama Wrap cardigan, which I wear for many occasions beyond just workout days.

• Sizing: Lululemon uses numerical sizing vs Athleta uses XXS – 3X. Some people find LLL sizing to offer more precise fit. However, as someone who is frequently in-between sizes, I’ve never had an issue with Athleta’s size S. LLL runs small for me, and I am usually a size 4.

• Price: While I don’t consider Athleta ‘affordable,’ their prices are slightly lower than LLL and they run fantastic Friends & Family sales. The brand feels more promotional overall. And since they are part of the Banana Republic family, I accumulate over $100/year in store credit through my BR credit card! My referral link HERE).

Lululemon Align vs Athleta Elation & Salutation Stash Leggings

When it comes to the leggings themselves, there is a reason that these two brands are so popular. So if you are deciding which one is the better buy, I find the differences mainly come down to the following:

• Fabric
• Pockets
• Seams
• Waistband

Fabric Comparison of Lululemon Align vs Athleta Elation & Salutation Stash

Both the Athleta Elation and Salutation Stash are made with their signature Powervita fabric, which has a slightly higher spandex content than Lululemon’s Aligns. In terms of feel, I find these two styles from Athleta to be thicker, more compressive, and softer. Athleta’s Powervita fabric is slightly brushed, which helps with softness and warmth. I’ve also run both pairs in the wash, with minimal pilling.

On the other hand, LLL Aligns feel more like a ‘second’ skin. The fabric is thinner, sleeker, and better suited for warmer days. Some people have complained that the fabric can pill, especially where your thighs touch. I have not had this issue with the pair I got in 2024, so they may have made some improvements to their ‘Nulu’ fabric.

Pocket Placement of Leggings: A Comparison

All leggings have pockets, but their placement is in different locations. For the Lululemon pair, you will find an inner slot pocket located in the waistband. On the other hand, Athleta’s Elation leggings have a deep slot pocket in the back, and the Salutation Stash has pockets with fused seams on the sides of both legs.

I haven’t had issues with small items falling out in either, so the difference comes down to which pocket you find easier to reach for. For me, the Elation back pocket design feels like the most convenient placement.

Seams & Construction: Athleta vs Lululemon Leggings

In this Lululemon vs Athleta leggings comparison, it is worth noting that there are some subtle differences in the seam. The LLL Align prioritizes a more seamless, ‘second skin’ feel, with a center seam that runs from the crotch down to the legs. Meanwhile, the Athleta leggings use a more compressive fabric where I find the seams to be slightly more prominent. Similar to the Aligns, the Elation leggings also have a center seam that runs from the crotch down while the Salutation Stash has seams that run along both sides of the legs.

In short, my Athleta leggings have slightly thicker seams. But all of them are quite comfortable, and have never dug into my skin after extended periods of wear.

Lululemon vs Athleta Leggings Comparison: Waistband Differences

Consistent what I’ve reviewed so far, the Athleta leggings feel more compressive overall and the waistband also feels more supportive than my Aligns. The waistband is also slightly wider for both my Athleta pairs (all my images show the Ultra High Rise Elation leggings). Lastly, the Elation leggings have a 3 layer waistband, whereas the other two pairs only have two fold-over layers.

Lululemon or Athleta: Which Pair of Leggings to Buy?

If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you know I don’t love to say “buy this, not that.” And that’s because it’s okay to have different preferences depending on the occasion. In my case, I love the more supportive feel of my Athleta leggings. The brushed and thicker fabric used makes it easier to style for colder months.

That said, I love the weightless feeling of my Lululemon leggings as well, and they are the ones I reach for when I travel. There is definitely space in your wardrobe to own both. However, if you are looking for a long-lasting pair that is slightly more affordable, I’d say Athleta has a slight edge!