An Ode to Lululemon, a Legging Love Letter

The Fast and Free 7/8 have been my preferred running tight for quite a while and here's why:

First and foremost, THE POCKET! THE POCKET! THE POCKET! Lulu has perfected the side pocket; I will not even consider a running pant without one. In fact, this past weekend I was in Under Armour buying new sneakers (the Gemini 2's, review coming soon) and thought I would pick up a pair of tights too. But low and behold, they only have a high zip pocket, which falls where a jeans pocket would, and when I put my phone in, it felt awkward pressing against my pelvis bone. I saw an online survey that said 60% of runners carry their phone, so step it up Kevin Plank (owner of Under Armour… and anyway, Plank, is that a stage name?)! Now granted other brands have caught on and also provide the side pocket, but in my experience, none do it better than Lulu. With other leggings, the side pocket fabric gets bulkier and feels thicker, whereas Lulu keeps its slick.

I also have a real love-thang for their trademarked NuLux fabric. Sans the sheer-tush fiasco a few years ago (google it if need be), it’s a modern motion miracle. They are so thin while also maintaining great stretch and opacity. This means they smoothly accompany me from running and spinning to squats and dead lifts. As any fitness lover can attest, if the pant does not have enough stretch, a squat can quickly turn into a split, and not in a yoga way.  

Now let's talk quality. About 10 years ago before we had a Lulu store here in Philly, my friend from San Francisco sent me a pair of leggings that she wore through two pregnancies, so that I could enjoy them in my rotund (i.e. also pregnant) state. It was like The Sisterhood of the Traveling Lulu Leggings. I still have those leggings, albeit a bit stretched out, but they make great PJ’s and are not even pilled.  My actual running pants also last for years without pilling or fading. Note: due to the lightness of the fabric they are not warm at all and therefore I would not suggest wearing them for an outdoor run in the cold… but they do have more insulated options.  

The waistband: When it’s too low it can give you have huggies (my pet name for muffin top). When it’s too high, there’s the camel toe probability along with an Urkel issue (see Family Matters, the 90’s sitcom). None of this is a pretty sight. The Fast and Free waistband sits perfectly, a bit on the higher side but not armpit grazing and also it isn’t too thick. 

My only complaint about Lulu leggings is the drawstring. Is it me or do you need an engineering degree to figure out how to tie the continuous drawstring? Yesterday mid-run I was feeling some slippage, which results in the dreaded thigh rub, saggy tush, and all over discomfort. I grabbed ahold of the drawstring, gave it a good cinch and carried on, only to find a few blocks later the slippage began again. So at a red light, I attempted to tie a knot, but because it is one continuous piece, it was hard to get it as tight as I needed. I did my best in this imperfect situation and ran on. Then when I returned home the knot was difficult to get out and the pants were a pain to get off. What am I missing? Someone, please explain!! In fact, a YouTube tutorial would be greatly appreciated.

Needless to say, my emotions still run deep. In life and love we must make compromises, so despite the drawstring debacle, these are still my favorites. 

Lululemon Fast and Free 7/8 Tights, $128.00

*There are reviews on Lulu's website of dissatisfied customers claiming the seams unraveled after only a few wears. Please note this review only pertains to my experience and my seams are in tact.