We Tested the lululemon Align and LSKD Fusion Leggings—Here’s Why You Need Both Pairs

Tights are a dime a dozen, but that doesn’t mean you should just grab any pair for running, or all the other workouts you do to support your habit. You need a few pieces that can flow with you on easy runs, and others that fit like a glove without limiting your movement during harder sessions. That’s where the lululemon Align High Rise Pant and LSKD Fusion Ultra High-Rise Legging fit in.Both of these tights are good for runners, but for very different reasons. I tested each style for a month to see exactly how these popular pieces could fit into a runner’s everyday life. I switched between the two pairs while training for the Copenhagen Half Marathon. I used them on easy, hard, and long runs, storing my phone, gels, keys, and sometimes even a 16-ounce water bottle in their pockets. I also wore them on non-training days to see how they feel when I’m not exercising.Three other Runner’s World testers gave them a try also. We rated them based on fit, comfort, breathability, sizing, and overall wear. What we found isn’t that one pair is necessarily better than the other, but that each tight works for a specific purpose like easy runs, yoga, strength training, and just hanging out.ProsVery soft and comfortable fabricGreat for all-day wearComfortable waist bandPlenty of storage spaceProsSoft fabricFlattering and supportive fitDeep pocketsConsFabric is soft, but tight so you could size up for a looser fitFit, Fabric, and Feel When it comes to fit, fabric, and feel, the lululemon Align High-Rise Pant and the LSKD Fusion Ultra High Rise Legging have a few things in common. Both tights are very comfortable. All of our testers compared them to feeling soft as butter, even though they’re made out of completely different fabrics.The lululemon Align pants are made of mostly nylon blended with Lycra elastane. I was skeptical of this combination because I think of stiff and rubbery swimwear when I hear the word nylon. These lululemon pants are far from stiff. They’re plush and lightweight with four-way stretch, so you can move in them freely.Amanda Furrer, running reviews editor, loves how the fabric doesn’t feel like a bathing suit, too. She said, “[The lululemon pants are] smooth and soft, and I feel like I could wear them all day because of their comfort.” The only issue is they’re more generously sized than other tights made by lululemon. I have the Fast and Free Tight and the Wunder Train Tight, both in a size 8. They fit me well. I have the Align in the same size, but the Aligns tend to slip down if I put anything in the pockets, and they’re loose around the ankles.Winston ZhouThe compressive waistband helps the tight stay in place while you run.Winston ZhouThe super soft fabric is comfortable to wear all day.The LSKD Fusion Legging is similarly soft and comfortable, but these leggings are tighter and hug your body a bit more. They’re super flattering, and our testers thought it had a lifting effect on their butts, which was much appreciated. The blend of recycled polyester and spandex feels good on my skin, and they didn’t irritate our testers much either. They fit snugly, especially around the ankle, and that makes them harder to pull up. But that’s by design. They’re compressive—not restrictive—so you can still stretch and run in them. I also noticed they get softer and the fabric has more give after washing them.Running and Beyond Having a good pair of leggings that won’t slip down while running or fold over when sitting is a non-negotiable for me. I want to stay focused on running, not distracted because I’m constantly adjusting gear. I also want pieces I can wear for multiple activities, not just running since I spend a good chunk of time stretching and strength training. That’s why I like both the LSKD legging and the lululemon Align tight.The LSKD leggings are multifunctional, designed for running, walking, Pilates, functional training, and HIIT. The compressive tight is stretchy and non-restrictive, and that’s what I like most about them. I have an older pair of these that I refuse to get rid of because they fit me so well. I wear them for outdoor runs in the fall and winter. The fabric is thick and warm. Ashley Tysiac, content hype editor, likes these no-fuss pants for runs and strength training sessions, too. “Not once did I have to pull up the leggings back to my waist midrun, nor did I notice slipping or movement of material while running and strength training,” she said.Winston ZhouThe liberal-stretch fabric makes it easy to pick up speed.Winston ZhouThe align has two side pocket and a back pocket so there’s plenty of storage space.You can wear the lululemon Align tights for yoga, and they feel good on easy runs when you’re not carrying much. The four-way stretch fabric feels weightless, so you can get a good stretch in them before a run. I wear these on easy runs and recovery days when my muscles feel tight and I can’t imagine wearing jeans. The plush fabric makes me feel cozy. Furrer likes them because the waistband doesn’t dig into your stomach, or make you feel like you’re wearing a corset. Both tights dry fairly quickly after a workout; however, I like that I can easily slip out of the Align tights with no problem, whereas the LSKD legging requires significantly more wiggling to remove.Different Tights, Different Delights For runners, both of these pieces will earn their keep in any closet. If you’re shopping for tights, it’s better to stock up on pairs that you can make work for specific workouts. You can grab the LSKD legging for long runs in the cold and lululemon for your yoga session or recovery run the next day. The LSKD leggings are also good for high-intensity workouts, so your hard runs and that random HIIT class you signed up for are kitted out, while the Align is good for those easy miles and slower days. But we do recommend you grab one of each.Shop lululemon Align at shop.lululemon.comShop LSKD Fusion at us.lskd.coMonique LeBrun is a health and fitness editor who is based in Easton, Pennsylvania. She covers a wide range of health and wellness topics, with a primary focus on running performance and nutrition. Monique is passionate about creating content that empowers runners to become the best versions of themselves. As an avid runner and parent, she loves spending time outdoors with her daughter, who often accompanies her on weekend runs as her personal mini run coach.