As a writer who sits in front of a computer most of the day, I’m always looking for ways to be active outside of work, whether it’s going on morning walks or riding my Peloton bike. And though I actually enjoy moving my body, I hate having to squeeze into super-tight workout clothes and feeling constricted while I exercise. I’m also extremely frugal (I’m a shopping deals writer, after all!), so shelling out $80-plus for a pair of Lululemon leggings is just not my bag. That’s why I was intrigued when I heard about a brand called Colorfulkoala on Amazon. These leggings are a fraction of the price of the name brands, but reviewers say they’re just as comfy as their beloved Lulus, if not more so. Since I’m trying to prioritize exercise in 2024, I got a pair of the Amazon leggings to test out — keep scrolling for my review.
Amazon
If life gives you Lululemons, take ’em — but you don’t have to splurge on them yourself, thanks to these affordable look- and feel-alikes.
- Lightweight feel
- Smooth fabric
- Waistband stays put
- Comes in multiple lengths and colors
- No cell phone pocket
- Lighter colors might not pass the squat test
Colorfulkoala leggings come in many different styles that have collectively racked up tens of thousands of perfect ratings on Amazon. I decided to try the newer 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 used for this type of apparel.”
Comfort is my top concern when it comes to workout clothes, and based on the one pair of Lululemon leggings I’ve tried, I can understand how such buttery material can justify Lulu’s high price tags for some shoppers. Would these $34 leggings compare?
First impressions
The first thing I noticed when my leggings arrived was how thin the fabric felt — not necessarily a bad thing, seeing as I’m not a fan of thicker leggings that 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 buttery-smooth feeling we’re all after! They also felt nice and secure without being too snug, and 5-foot-tall me was relieved to find that 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 you wear with them. 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.
Putting them to the test
As mentioned, my exercises of choice consist of walking and cardio, but I figured I should perform the squat test in the event that I wake up one day suddenly eager to strength train (yeah, right). The good news is, the gray-blue hue I chose was opaque enough to keep my underwear from showing through, though I can’t speak to the lighter colors. (There are 13 options to choose from.)
To start, I wore the leggings on a 3-mile walk to get a feel for them. 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, but it also didn’t dig 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 when it came to moving my legs. There was enough compression to ensure nothing spilled out, and the material also made good on its cooling promise — I didn’t overheat. That said, I can’t really speak to the moisture-wicking aspect since my legs don’t tend to get sweaty.
The verdict
All in all, if you’re looking for leggings that are comparable to Lululemon, the Colorfulkoala Dreamlux leggings are an affordable alternative (though they’re supremely comfortable in their own right). You can stock up on several colors at 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!)
What Amazon customers say
“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! … I will be back to purchase even more colors.”
“Not only do they feel great, but they have stood the test of falling on concrete,” shared another impressed 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 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!
Amazon
These leggings are so comfy that 2024 just might be the year when you actually look forward to working out!
Need a top to go with your new favorite leggings? One Yahoo Life editor swears by this one:
Amazon
“The moment I tried it on, I was intrigued,” wrote Yahoo Life deputy editor Izabella Zaydenberg. “The Lemedy Sports Bra not only holds you in and supports you like a hug, but it actually makes the girls look good too. It’s lightly padded, so even if you’re not packing too much, it’ll give you a bit of a lift (and you can remove the pads if you like). It’s soft and breathable. And about those straps? I was thrilled to discover they don’t dig into the shoulders or leave red marks. After working out in it, I immediately bought another color. One note: Consider going up a size, especially if you have a larger bust.”
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 $25 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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