Hello! I hope the day finds you well.
I have done dedicated posts to some of my favorite items in the past, like Scuba Hoodies, and I decided to do a post all about Aligns in 2018- I actually forgot I even did it, but I have updated my opinion! Should you buy them? Read on to hear what I think!
I own a few pairs of Aligns, and a couple of pairs of shorts in the fabric Aligns are made of: Nulu. Nulu is Lululemon’s softest fabric- even softer than Rulu, in my opinion- although, Rulu aka: Running Luon, is a close second. The goal of Lululemon when they created this fabric was to make something that feels like you’re wearing next to nothing when you’re in yoga class. This fabric is soft, flexible, and breathable all while promising full coverage. It is glorious.
The softness of Nulu is like no other and it is truly the most comfortable pair of pants Lululemon has to offer. If you follow my blog you’ll know, however, that I do not own a lot of pairs of Aligns. The reason I don’t buy very many, and prefer to stick with the original Wunder Unders and other pants, is because Nulu is prone to pilling after a normal amount of use. There are reviews out there that indicate heavy amounts of pilling after minimal use. And, while that has not been my experience, I can understand that there are certain circumstances under which this may occur.
The first reason excess pilling may occur is if the Aligns are not washed correctly. Lululemon does provide washing instructions for their gear both on the items themselves and on their website. Here is a photo of the instructions as they currently appear. And here’s a link!
The way I have always washed my Lululemon is pretty consistent with these guidelines. I’ll admit that I don’t always turn things inside out, but I do always wash like fabrics together- so, Nulu, Rulu and Luon can go together- but I never would put a towel in there and I won’t wash these things with a cotton t-shirt either. I also never use fabric softener with my gear. I wash on “delicate.” But, I do not lay flat to dry. Honestly, I don’t have the space. Instead, I do put things on low in the dryer. So, with that out of the way, I’ll talk about my experience with the pilling: It happens. Eventually, and I mean like 3-6 months after getting a pair of Nulu pants or shorts, there will be pilling in the gusset area. Some people report pilling in more areas, but that has not been my experience. For me, it is just in the “high-traffic” areas of the garment that the pilling occurs. It does bother me. And this is why, I do still prefer Luon over Nulu.
The second reason why a high amount of pilling may occur is due to “high traffic.” If your watch is grazing your leg for some reason over and over again. If you wear your Aligns to Spin class and maybe there are areas that will be more heavily trafficked due to?? I don’t know- I have never been to a spin class. I actually do really want to go one of these days! What I’m trying to say is that if the pants are used for anything more than yoga, lounge and/or walking- they’re going to pill faster due to things rubbing on the fabric or if, like me, your thighs touch, then, that too can cause additional pilling.
My best advice if you’re going to buy these is truly do just wear them around the house or to yoga. And do not, ever- wash them with a towel or any cotton at all for that matter. They’ll look newer longer if you just follow those guidelines.
So, should you get them even though they have this issue? I think so- I mean, obviously I do cave from time to time and buy some because they are so incredibly soft. At the end of the day, Lululemon does stand by their gear- if they pill up really badly, you can try to get a refund or exchange them for something in Luxtreme- that stuff next-to-never pills.
Here’s a quick tip: If they do pill, you can try a fabric shaver. However, since the fabric is already thin, I would be very careful about it since you may put a hole in your pants! Here’s what I use in case you decide to try.
Back in 2018, the average rating of the Aligns was 2.5. After nearly 10k reviews, the opinion has shifted somewhat in a more positive direction and they’re now rated 3.2. What do you think of Aligns? Let me know in the comments below! Also: Come find me on Twitter—> I would love to hear from you!