Lululemon Align: How to Care for Your Leggings to Keep Them Looking Like New

Lululemon Align leggings are known for their exceptional comfort, style, and durability, making them a favorite for yoga, workouts, and daily wear. However, like any high-quality activewear, proper care is essential to preserve their softness, elasticity, and overall appearance. With the right cleaning and maintenance techniques, you can keep your Lululemon Align leggings looking fresh and feeling amazing for years to come. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to care for your Align leggings to ensure they stay in top condition.


1. Follow the Care Instructions on the Label

Before diving into specific care tips, it’s always important to check the care label on your leggings. Lululemon provides specific guidelines for each fabric they use, including the Nulu fabric that’s most commonly found in the Align collection. The label will include valuable information on washing temperature, drying method, and any special instructions unique to the garment.

Following these instructions ensures that you maintain the integrity of the leggings, as well as their softness and elasticity.


2. Wash Your Lululemon Align Leggings in Cold Water

To keep your Lululemon Align leggings looking new, always wash them in cold water. Hot water can damage the fabric, break down the elastane fibers, and cause your leggings to lose their shape and softness over time. Cold water helps preserve the Nulu fabric’s luxurious feel while also preventing colors from fading.

Using cold water is also more environmentally friendly, as it reduces your energy consumption compared to washing with hot water.


3. Use a Gentle Detergent

When it comes to washing your Lululemon Align leggings, it’s best to choose a gentle, mild detergent. Harsh detergents can damage the fibers in your leggings, causing them to lose their softness and elasticity. A mild detergent ensures that the fabric retains its high-performance qualities, so your leggings stay feeling as good as new.

Additionally, avoid using fabric softeners, as they can leave a residue on the fabric that can interfere with the moisture-wicking properties of the leggings.


4. Turn Your Leggings Inside Out

Turning your leggings inside out before washing them is one of the easiest ways to extend their lifespan. This simple step helps prevent friction on the outer fabric, which can cause pilling and fading. It also protects any logos or design elements from wear and tear during the wash cycle.

By washing your leggings inside out, you can preserve the fabric’s texture, keeping them looking sleek and fresh for longer.


5. Avoid the Dryer: Air Dry Only

Lululemon Align leggings should never be placed in the dryer, as high heat can damage the fabric and cause the leggings to lose their shape. Instead, after washing, air dry your leggings by laying them flat on a clean, dry surface or hanging them up to dry. This method prevents any shrinking, stretching, or distortion that may occur in the dryer.

If you’re in a rush, you can use a dryer on low heat for a short period, but the best practice is to avoid it entirely to preserve the fabric.


6. Store Your Leggings Properly

Proper storage is key to keeping your Lululemon Align leggings in excellent condition. After washing and drying, be sure to fold or hang your leggings in a cool, dry place. Avoid cramming them into drawers, as this can lead to creases or stretching of the fabric. Instead, fold them neatly or hang them up to maintain their shape.

For added protection, consider storing your leggings in a breathable garment bag to keep them away from dust, lint, or other fabrics that could cause damage.


7. Wash Leggings After Every Few Wears

While Lululemon Align leggings are made of durable and breathable fabric, it’s important to wash them after every few wears, especially if you’ve been sweating during a workout. This ensures that dirt, sweat, and bacteria don’t build up on the fabric, which can lead to unpleasant odors or fabric degradation over time.

However, avoid washing your leggings after every single use if they’re still clean. Over-washing can wear down the fabric prematurely, so be mindful and wash them only when necessary.


8. Be Careful with Fabric Snags and Pilling

Pilling is a common issue with many leggings, especially if they’re subjected to friction from rough surfaces. To prevent pilling on your Lululemon Align leggings, avoid wearing them while doing activities that may cause friction, like hiking through thick brush or sitting on abrasive surfaces.

If you do notice any small pills forming on the fabric, gently remove them using a fabric shaver or a pumice stone. Be careful not to pull at any snags, as this can cause the fabric to tear.


9. Minimize Exposure to Sunscreen and Lotions

Sunscreen, lotions, and oils can cause damage to the fabric of your Lululemon Align leggings, especially if they’re left to sit on the fabric for too long. Always make sure your skin is fully absorbed by the lotion or sunscreen before putting on your leggings. If you do get any lotions or oils on your leggings, spot clean them with cold water as soon as possible to prevent any permanent stains.


10. Rotate Your Leggings

If you own multiple pairs of Lululemon Align leggings, consider rotating them to avoid wearing the same pair every day. This gives the fabric time to rest and recover, preventing excessive wear and tear. Having a few pairs of leggings in rotation also means you won’t have to wash them as frequently, which will help preserve their quality over time.


Conclusion: Keep Your Lululemon Align Leggings Looking Like New

Lululemon Align leggings are a premium activewear investment that can last for years with proper care. By following a few simple steps—washing in cold water, air-drying, and storing properly—you can ensure that your leggings maintain their buttery-soft feel, vibrant color, and perfect fit. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy your Lululemon Align leggings for many workouts and casual outings to come, looking and feeling your best every time you wear them.