I've got the £31 Lululemon lookalike gym leggings everyone is talking about – and, yes, they really are that good
CRZ Yoga Butterluxe leggings are my new go-to gym wear
I'm a huge fan of Lululemon - I've had Align leggings forever and they have long topped my list of favourite gym leggings. But a while ago a friend of mine, who is also a big fan of Lulu, recommended CRZ Yoga Butterluxe leggings, saying, and I quote, "you can barely tell the difference in the material, and they're less than half the price!".
I'd never heard of them before, but she made a compelling case and I'm always looking for pairs of the best workout leggings. Admittedly, when I found the brand on Amazon at £31, I was sceptical about the quality. But at such an affordable price, I took the plunge and opted for the CRZ YOGA Women's Butterluxe leggings in 25-inch black faux leather. With a little extra shine, if they didn't pass the squat test, the faux leather look would be nice for every day with a pair of white trainers.
I was convinced the CRZ Yoga Butterluxe leggings wouldn't come close to the comfort and support of my beloved Lulus - but I was wrong and I cannot underestimate how incredible these leggings are.
As the name suggests, the material is buttery soft and feels luxurious against my skin. The fit (which is true to size) is perfect, with enough stretch to move comfortably while providing support to make me feel held in. They also create a lovely silhouette on my legs and so I feel confident when I wear them. They are, hands down, the best Lululemon alternatives you can buy. Oh, and they pass the squat test too!
Shop CRZ Yoga Butterluxe leggings
In faux leather
This is the pair I have and I practically live in them. They are not as shiny as the image makes out, which I found to be a good thing. They are subtle and not obviously faux leather, which I love. The style elevates the look of any outfit I pair them with, and the quality makes them perfect for gym and everyday wear.
In bright colours
The CRZ Yoga Butterluxe leggings come in a range of colours - and I just love this shade of pink. Perfect for spring and summer, this beautiful hue will put a spring in your step before you even get to the gym.
In neutral shades
The CRZ Yoga Butterluxe leggings are great for gym but also for every day - and I love this colour for the latter. A beautiful neutral shade, perfect for spring, you could team this with a gorgeous crisp white t-shirt, cropped trench, and sunglasses to make a gorgeous casual day outfit.
Shop more CRZ Yoga Butterluxe
The CRZ Yoga Butterluxe leggings feel so great, I want my torso to enjoy the same level of comfort, so I've recently bought this CRZ Yoga Butterluxe Y-back sports bra. It's designed for low-impact sports, it could be one of the best sports bras for yoga and Pilates, as well as lounging around the house.
I love the length of the CRZ Yoga Butterluxe vest tops and the colours on offer. Made from the same material as the leggings, this workout top has a built-in bra, with removable pads, taking away the need for an added layer and adding comfort in return.
As we head into the warmer months, I'm investing in a pair of these buttery-soft CRZ Yoga shorts to complement my leggings. I love how there are four different length options - 2.5, 4, 6 and 8 inches - so there's an option for everyone's comfort and coverage preference. While they might not be a pair of the best running shorts, they're perfect for yoga, Pilates, lounging, and holiday wear. The image pictured is the 6-inch version, for reference.
Do CRZ Yoga Butterluxe leggings pass the squat test?
Yes, the CRZ Yoga Butterluxe leggings pass the squat test, making them an excellent choice for fellow fans of strength training. I've had my pair for well over a year and wear them at least twice a week during my CrossFit workouts, and they show no signs of wear. They also haven't deteriorated over time or with washing - although I'd always suggest learning how to wash gym clothes to be on the safe side.
In the photo below, I am stretching the fabric to show the faux leather shine, but also how under pressure, the material remains opaque.
I'm also always asking my friends who spot me (lucky them) in the gym if my leggings are cracking (pun very much intended) under the pressure, and so far, it's always been a firm no.
Does CRZ Yoga run big?
Based on my experience, and thousands of reviews on Amazon, CRZ Yoga fit is true to size, so your usual dress size should fit nicely. As these leggings are designed to be activewear, they are quite stretchy, but I would stick to regular sizing for the best experience.
Where is CRZ Yoga from?
CRZ Yoga is an activewear brand owned by Guangzhou Jumi Network Technology Co Ltd, a leading company in China, that focuses on affordable technical athleisure wear. It is available to buy almost exclusively in the UK from Amazon, with Prime Delivery available on subscription.
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Kerrie is the editor of woman&home (digital). For seven years previously she was editor of Future’s world-leading design title Creative Bloq, and has written for titles including T3, Coach and Fit&Well on a wide range of lifestyle topics.
After a decade of working in retail, Kerrie went back to education at the ripe old age of 27, graduating with a first-class honours degree in creative writing three years later. Her career in journalism began soon after, when she secured a job as a staff writer at Future Plc. In the 14 years since, she has worked her way up to editor level, gaining a wealth of digital experience along the way.
As a woman&home reader and a senior digital editor, Kerrie’s main purpose is to ensure the brand delivers high-quality, relevant content to help enrich and improve women’s lives – a responsibility she feels hugely passionate about.
Outside of work, if she manages to find a spare minute around her three young children, geriatric dog and activity-obsessed fiance, you’ll find her either throwing a barbell about at Crossfit, with her head in a good thriller novel or building one of the latest Lego ideas sets.
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