What’s in this Article
- What you need to know up front
- What’s actually different from classic Align
- The full review
- Alternatives to consider
- FAQ
- Bottom line: our take in one minute
- Quick answers to common questions
- One-minute wrap-up you can act on
If you love the weightless feel of Aligns but hate juggling your phone and keys, this is for you. We’re talking about the Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant with Pockets and whether the storage actually works without ruining that soft, second-skin vibe.
The core problem is simple. Pockets add fabric and seams. That can change how leggings drape, move, and breathe. We want space for a big phone. We do not want bounce, bulk, or sheerness when we bend.
We wore these for yoga, Pilates, strength training, hot classes, long walks, travel days, and school pick-ups. We loaded the pockets with a large phone, key fob, and a card. We checked for phone stability, waistband hold, seam comfort, squat-proof opacity, sweat handling, and pilling after repeated cold washes and air drying.
Trade-offs show up fast. Pockets are useful, but they add structure along the thigh. Heavier phones can tug on runs. Lighter colors are less forgiving for opacity and sweat marks. If you’re between sizes, the wrong size can make the pockets print through.
If you try them in store, here’s a fast test. Slip your phone in the side pocket. Do 10 squats, 10 lunges, and a quick jog-in-place. Then hold a deep forward fold under bright light to check opacity. If the waistband peels away when you inhale, change sizes or try a different rise.
What you need to know up front
The quick take
The Align High-Rise Pant with Pockets keeps most of that signature buttery feel while giving you real storage. It shines for yoga, Pilates, strength circuits without heavy barbells, long walks, errands, travel, and coaching days. If your routine includes sprint intervals or anything that rubs hard against fabric, expect some bounce or friction where the pockets sit. Think of this as a low to medium impact legging with functional storage, not a run-tight replacement.
How we judged them
We focused on specifics that actually matter day to day:
- Pocket depth and grip with a large phone and small items
- Waistband hold in motion and whether it rolls during flows
- Opacity in deep bends and under bright light
- Fabric feel and stretch recovery after repeated wears
- Sweat handling and dry time in warm classes and sunny walks
- Pilling over time, especially at inner thighs and where pockets add seams
Try this first
Before you commit, load the pockets and move. Do 10 squats, a few side lunges, and a quick stair climb. Check if the phone stays put without slapping your thigh. Step outside or into bright light for a squat test, especially in lighter shades. If you are between sizes, try the smaller one first, then size up only if the waistband feels restrictive when you breathe deeply.
What’s actually different from classic Align
Pocket design and seams
You get drop-in side pockets on the thighs that fit a large phone. That means added panels and stitching along the outer leg. The look is sleeker than cargo-style pockets, but the panels do change how the fabric sits against your thigh, especially when the pockets are full.
How the feel changes
Classic Aligns feel almost floaty. With pockets, there is slightly more structure along the outer thigh and hip where the panels are. The core softness is still there. Range of motion stays easy for yoga and strength work. During runs or quick plyo, you’ll notice more movement in the pocket area if you carry a heavy phone.
When this version makes more sense
You want Align softness and you need your essentials on you. Dog walks, errands after class, travel days, hikes, and coaching on the floor are where this version stands out. If you never carry a phone or you mostly do high-impact training, the classic Align or a true run tight may suit you better.
The full review
Soft, ultra-stretchy leggings with gentle hug feel. High-rise, no-dig waistband flatters, 7/8 length, plus side pockets for keys/cards. Cozy for yoga or training. See more.
$32.00 on Amazon
Price and availability are accurate as of 02/26/2026 05:23 pm GMT and are subject to change.
Setup and first impressions
We slid into the Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant with Pockets and instantly recognized that classic Align cloud feel. The fabric is velvety and drapey on skin. The high rise comes up to a comfy sweet spot that smooths the midsection without squeezing. Compared with classic Align, you can see extra paneling along the hips where the pockets live, but it still reads sleek and minimal.
First try-on checks:
- Squat test in daylight for opacity. Dark colors passed for us. Light shades were riskier.
- Phone test. A full size phone slipped in and sat flat against the thigh. No gaping at the opening.
- Waistband check. No roll on our shorter torsos, and enough rise for our taller testers too.
They feel like yoga leggings with a perk. The pocket panels are soft, but you do feel a tiny bit more structure on the sides. Nothing stiff. Just enough to keep your stuff from flopping.
Performance in real use
We wore them across a week that looked like real life. Morning yoga, a strength circuit, dog walks, a grocery run, and a cross-country flight.
Yoga and Pilates
- 10 out of 10 comfort. The fabric stretches in every direction and never fights a deep fold.
- The waistband stays put in forward folds and twists. We were not tugging between poses.
- No seams rubbing in child’s pose or during bridges.
Strength and circuits
- Fine for dumbbells, machines, and bodyweight moves. We did not love them for heavy barbell work. The knurl on a bar can brush and speed up pilling. Save them for softer sessions.
- Light sweat is fine. They breathe enough for a circuit, but you may see sweat outlines, especially on lighter colors.
Walking, errands, and travel
- This is their lane. The pockets are perfect for keys, cards, and a phone. The phone sits snug and does not slap against your leg.
- On a long flight they felt weightless. No digging at the waist, no stiff seams, and they did not lose shape after hours of sitting.
- Post-wash they snap back. We air dried and the fit stayed consistent over multiple wears.
Opacity and coverage
- Dark shades handled squats without a show. We always do a mirror or daylight test before leg day, especially if we plan to use lighter tones.
- If you are between sizes, sizing up can help with sheerness, but you lose a hair of hold. True to size worked best for us.
Usability and ergonomics
Pockets
- Depth is the hero. A phone drops below the widest part of the hip, so it does not stick out under a sweatshirt.
- Openings angle slightly toward the front of the thigh. That makes it easy to slide your phone out mid errand without twisting.
- Two pockets means you can split weight. Phone on one side, card holder on the other, and you still move naturally.
Waist and seams
- The high rise is friendly on bloated days and postpartum cores. It smooths, not cinches.
- Seams are low profile. You feel them a bit more than classic Align, though not in a scratchy way.
Movement
- Zero restriction for mobility work. Lunges, step-ups, and lateral moves feel free.
- They pass the sit test. No cutting at the waistband when you sit in a car or at a desk.
Noise and look
- No swish sound. They are quiet fabric leggings that read athleisure, not sporty compression.
What I’d change
- Durability boost at high friction zones. We baby ours because the fabric is delicate. A small reinforcement on the outer thigh or seat would extend their life.
- A tiny hidden zip pocket for a card or a key would be nice when you want valuables locked down.
- More opacity in lighter colors. We love the pastels, but they can be sheer for deep squats.
- Slightly firmer hold at the waistband for run days. We get that Aligns are not run leggings, though an option with a hair more grip could widen use.
Who should buy it
- Yoga, Pilates, and barre lovers who want pockets without losing the Align feel
- Walkers, travelers, and daily errand runners who carry a phone and want hands free comfort
- Anyone who lives in soft leggings for work from home and weekend wear
- New moms and anyone who prefers a gentle, high-rise hug that does not dig
Who should skip it
- Runners and HIIT fans who need compression, sweat masking, and bounce control
- Barbell lifters who train with rough knurling or sit on abrasive benches
- Pet owners who cannot handle lint and hair sticking to soft fabric
- Anyone who wants guaranteed squat-proof in very light colors
Verdict
The Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant with Pockets keeps almost everything we love about classic Align and adds real-world storage. You still get the barely-there softness and easy stretch, plus pockets that actually work. The trade-off is the same one Aligns have always had. They are not built for punishment. If you treat them like a comfy performance lounge legging and keep them in their lane, they feel amazing and make daily life simpler.
We reach for these on yoga mornings, on long travel days, and every time we want to move through the world hands free. If you want buttery comfort with useful pockets, this is the Align that earns a spot at the top of the drawer. If you need rugged compression for sweaty sprints and barbell days, pick a more durable performance tight and save these for everything else.
Alternatives to consider
Buttery-soft four-way stretch leggings with seam-free tummy control, side pockets, and a flattering V-back. 7/8 length—great for workouts or everyday. Learn more.
$19.99 on Amazon
Price and availability are accurate as of 02/26/2026 05:24 pm GMT and are subject to change.
Pick this if your workouts get hot and sweaty and you want a cooler, more compressive feel that dries fast. It suits runs, intervals, and anything high impact where you want pockets to hold tight and zero slip. We reach for this when performance beats buttery softness.
Butter-soft, ultra-stretchy leggings that gently hug, with a no-dig high rise and side pockets. Ankle-length comfort for yoga or training—worth a look.
$32.00 on Amazon
Price and availability are accurate as of 02/26/2026 05:25 pm GMT and are subject to change.
Choose this if you love the classic Align vibe and want the lightest, smoothest feel with a totally clean silhouette. No pockets means fewer seams and that barely there sensation for yoga, Pilates, and lounging. We grab this when storage is not a must.
Buttery-soft, sweat-wicking 7/8 leggings that feel like a second skin and resist pet hair. High-rise with drawstring, side pockets, and great hold. Curious?
$28.00 on Amazon
Price and availability are accurate as of 02/26/2026 05:26 pm GMT and are subject to change.
Go here if you prefer a more substantial, smoothing fabric that feels built for daily wear and strength days. The pockets feel practical for a phone and keys when you are on the go. We like this when durability and structure matter more than cloud-soft comfort.
FAQ
Durability
- Do the pockets make Aligns pill faster or stress the seams?
Pockets don’t cause pilling by themselves, but Nulu will pill in high-friction zones. Keep phones in a smooth case, avoid rough benches and barbells, wash inside out in a laundry bag, skip fabric softener, and line dry. Seams hold up if you stay true to size. If you’re between sizes and seeing seam strain, go up one.
Learning curve and fit
- Do I need to size up for the pockets, and how do I load them so they don’t sag?
Most of us stay true to size. Between sizes, size up for comfort but only if the waistband still feels secure. Slide your phone flat along the outer thigh with the screen facing your leg. Don’t stash keys loose with your phone. Use the second pocket for small items or a flat key case so weight is balanced.
Compatibility and dealbreakers
- Will they hold a big phone and are they OK for running?
Yes, they fit most large phones. Great for walking, errands, yoga, Pilates, and strength work. For running, expect some bounce and waistband creep. If you run often, use a run belt or pick a performance tight with a zip pocket and firmer fabric.
- What are the dealbreakers to know before buying?
Not ideal for abrasive workouts, heavy barbell work, or long rides against rough saddles. Lighter colors can be less opaque in deep squats. Pet hair clings. Nulu isn’t the fastest to dry, so high-sweat days may feel damp. They also need gentle care and line drying, so low-maintenance folks may want a hardier fabric.
If you love the soft, floaty feel of Align and you want real storage, the Align High-Rise Pant with Pockets is a win. The pockets are actually usable, the silhouette stays sleek, and the weightless vibe is still there.
Buy these if you walk, lift light to moderate, do Pilates or yoga, or live in leggings for errands and travel. Skip them if you need firm compression, plan on barbell or turf work, or you carry heavy, bouncy loads in your pockets every run.
Two easy next steps today: measure your waist and hips, then order your usual Align size plus one size up to compare opacity and pocket lay. If you can get to a store, do a five minute try-on test with deep squats, a short stair run, and your phone in-pocket.
Bottom line: our take in one minute
Decision recap
- Choose Align With Pockets if you want that barely-there Nulu feel and hands-free storage for a phone and a card.
- Choose the non-pocket Align if you want the absolute smoothest side profile and you never carry a phone in-leg.
- Choose a more performance-focused legging if you want firm hold, better sweat masking, or heavy-duty abrasion resistance.
Action plan for today
- Measure waist and fullest hip to confirm your Align size.
- Pick your inseam based on where you want ankle coverage. Taller folks may prefer a longer inseam to keep the phone pocket from hitting too low.
- Order two sizes or try in-store. Do a squat and lunge test in bright light to check opacity.
- Load your phone and a key in the pocket. Walk a flight of stairs and jog in place. Check for bounce and pocket flare.
- Sit on a rough bench and a car seat. If you notice rubbing, save these for softer surfaces to reduce pilling.
- Wash inside out on cold, skip fabric softener, and lay flat to dry. Recheck softness after the first wash.
Edge cases to consider
- If your phone is very large or you carry both phone and a bulky wallet, the pocket may print or tug on ultralight fabric. Consider splitting items between pockets or using a small belt for runs.
- If you are between sizes or curvier through the hips, sizing up can help the pockets lay flat and keep coverage in deep bends.
Quick answers to common questions
Do the pockets sag or bounce with a phone?
Not in daily wear or walks when you are in the right size. The phone sits flat along the outer thigh. During sprints or jumpy circuits, you may feel movement. If running hard, tuck the phone deeper, split weight between pockets, or use a belt.
Are they opaque in squats?
Darker shades in the right size are reliably opaque for yoga and gym work. Light colors are more sensitive to stretch and can show seams or prints in deep hip flexion. If you love lighter colors, test in bright natural light and consider nude-tone underwear.
How do I prevent pilling?
Avoid rough benches, Velcro, and brick walls. Wash inside out on cold, skip softeners, and do not overcrowd the washer. Air dry. If pilling starts, use a gentle fabric shaver on cool fabric and rotate them with other leggings.
What actually fits in the pockets?
A modern phone, key fob, a card or slim case, and a lip balm fit fine. Hard, boxy items like a chunky key ring can print. Keep edges smooth to protect the fabric.
Will the pockets change the Align feel?
They add structure on the sides, but the leg still feels light and soft. If you crave the simplest, second-skin line with zero extras, the non-pocket version feels a touch sleeker.
Do they work for travel days?
Yes. The high rise stays put through sitting and standing, and the pockets keep your phone and boarding pass handy. Bring a light layer to protect the fabric from rough seats and armrests on older trains or planes.
One-minute wrap-up you can act on
Who should buy
- You want the classic Align softness with real storage.
- Your workouts are low to moderate impact and you value comfort.
Who should skip
- You want high compression and maximum sweat masking.
- Your routine includes barbells, turf sleds, or rough surfaces.
Smart next steps
- Try two sizes or test in-store with your actual phone and a squat check.
- Start with a darker color for easier opacity and maintenance.
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