I am obsessed with Pilates. Ever since I changed my mind about living in Bali long-term (best decision I made) and had to (well, wanted to) use up a 20-pack of Pilates classes that I’d bought before I left — and was therefore forced to go multiple times a day — I’ve been hooked on it.
And, throughout my obsession, one thing I’ve learnt is the clothes I’m wearing for class can make or break the experience. If I’m wearing activewear that’s made from good quality material and has a flattering fit, I feel more confident and want to push myself harder, not to mention, the clothes don’t get in the way during the workout. It means I don’t have to constantly pull up my tights or adjust my bra through class.
In fact, I’ve found the best activewear is the kind you don’t even notice you’re wearing (unless you happen to catch yourself in the mirror and immediately think ‘damn’, that is).
So, with that in mind, one activewear piece that ticks all the above boxes, as I’ve told to anyone who’ll listen, is the Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant ($119). I got a pair in dark olive a couple of years ago and am still to this day taken aback by how comfy they feel every time I slip them on. In fact, during lockdowns, they were pretty much all I wore, even to bed (don’t judge).
The leggings are made from 80% nylon and 20% lycra, giving them a buttery-soft feel against your skin and making them less prone to a sagging waist. And, by that, I mean they don’t sag at the waist at all — I can’t ever remember having to pull them, other than when I put them on. They’re also high-waisted that tucks in my tummy and have a hidden waistband pocket to hold my credit card or ID.
Because of their super-soft material, though, the leggings are only meant for yoga or low-impact workouts. For anything more strenuous than yoga or Pilates, I wear a pair of Lululemon’s Fast and Free High-Rise Tight ($139), which I’m equally a fan of. They’re also super flattering, and don’t have a sewn hem at the ankle — just a cut that shows how thin and good quality the material really is.
If you too are Pilates-obsessed or, if you’re looking to do more of it, post-lockdowns, I’d really recommend investing in a pair of Align Tights. Considering how often you’d likely wear them, even just for doing chores around the house, they have a super low cost-per-wear. However, while you’re at it, I’d suggest getting a pair of the Fast and Free tights, too. So, no matter what workout you’re considering, you’ll be prepared.
