Lululemon Align Pant II 25" in So Merlot Review

Overall Rating - 9.4 / 10

PROS / Lululemon Align Pant II 25" is made with the buttery soft Nulu fabric. It is lightweight, four-way stretch and moisture wicking. It gives the next-to-nothing sensation that you would never want to take the pant off. The high waist provides extraordinary support and coverage for the midsection.

CONS / The pastel color, So Merlot, shows noticeable sweat spots at hip creases during and after the workout. Wearing a seamless underwear is a must to avoid VPL. As to the fit, it is a little bit loose on my ankle.

BOTTOM LINE / Lululemon Align Pant II 25" in So Merlot provides most needs for yoga, including four-way stretch and breathability. The high waist keeps everything tucked in. It would have been a perfect yoga pant if it doesn't leave embarrassing and noticeable sweat spots.

I have reviewed quite a few Lululemon leggings, so I won't re-introduce the brand again. Let's dive right in to Lululemon Align Pant II 25" in So Merlot. 

​Detail of Lululemon Align Pant II 25" in So Merlot -

Top: Niyama Sol Sage Diamondback Sports Bra, XS/S (true to size).
​Bottom: Lululemon Align Pant II 25", So Merlot, size 4 (true to size).

Ever since I bought my first pair of Lululemon Align Crop 19", I am in love with the Nulu fabric. Pastel colors were very popular this summer that many athleisures successively released activewear in these soothing, soft and neutral colors. I bet many of you couldn't resist such beautiful colors like me, which was why I purchased Lululemon Align Pant II 25" in So Merlot. The color So Merlot was so popular that it was sold out online within few days. Luckily, my local store was able to locate one from a different store and placed a phone order for me. Let's take a look of this beauty.
​

1. Size – I wear my regular Lululemon size 4.

2. Style – 7/8 length legging.

3. Inseam – 25" long. It fits like an ankle length legging on me  (I am 5'2").

4. Front Rise – 10.5" high rise.
​
​5. Waistband – 5" no-dig flat waistband with a hidden pocket.

​​6. Fabric – 76% Nylon + 24% Lycra Elastane. It's lightweight and low compression.

7. Design for – Low impact and no sweat exercises, such as gentle and restorative yoga.

​8. Cost – Retail price is $98. Being a member of the Sweat Collective Program, I received 25% discount.

9. Stitch Seam – Flatlocking seams.

10. Crotch Seam​ – A panel extended down to the ankle. Note that the gusset is not lined.

The Align Pant is made in Cambodia. 

​Performance - 
Align Pant II is made with one of my favorite fabrics, Nulu. It is buttery soft, four-way stretch, breathable and moisture wicking. The next-to-nothing sensation is amazing. While all of the abovemetioned features are great, there is a drawback. The fabric is fast dry, but it gets wet during exercising and leaves sweat marks especially at the hip crease.  For that reason, I give "Fast Dry" a low score.

​As you can see in the bottom left picture, there are visible sweat spots along the panty line. The picture was take after a mild workout. The sweat marks would have been much worse after the Mysore Practice (the room is gently heated and I sweat a lot). That said, I've never encountered the same problem with the other Align Pant II and Align Crop I own, both of which are not plain/solid colors. The patterns help to "hide" sweat spots. I highly suggest to get a patterned Align Crop and Pant instead of a solid color one. 

Quality - 
It is well made, constructed with flatlocking seams. The gusset is similar to K-Deer Sedona Sneaker Legging with a piece of fabric (unlined) extending down to the knee. So far, the pant is holding up well. I haven't experienced pilling or color fading after several wears and washes.

Fit - 
​Overall, the legging is flattering. It may not lift the butt as nicely as high compression leggings, but it doesn't flatten the bum either. I like the high rise flat waist, which provides great coverage and support for the midsection. I notice that the waistband is slightly wider than the other Align Pant I own. As a result, it sits above the navel and rolls down with the movement (commonly seen when the waistband sits above the waistline). 

Comfort - 
Nulu fabric is light weight, soft and low compression. I love wearing Align Pant II everywhere from the studio, to running errands and lounging at home. The flat waistband is no-dig and pinch free. What a comfortable legging for daily wear.

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Lululemon Align Pant II 25" in So Merlot would have been a perfect yoga legging if it doesn't leave sweat spots. The buttery soft Nulu fabric is lightweight and breathable. It is four-way stretch and sweat wicking. The pant hugs the body nicely and gives a flattering look. If you are looking for the Align Pant, I suggest to get a patterned one to avoid visible sweat marks.

Where to Buy -

Lululemon Align Pant II 25" is available at Lululemon. You can also find it in store. As to the color So Merlot, it is no longer  available at Lululemon. You may be able to find it at eBay and Poshmark for a pre-loved one.

Related Reviews - 

Lululemon Align Pant II 25" 
in Rip Wave Purple Thunder Black

It is a perfect legging for yoga, including heated classes. Moreover, it shapes and lifts all the right places of the body. It not only performs well but also makes you look fabulous. Since I am only 5'2", it fits a little bit loose on my ankle.

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Lululemon Align Crop 19"
in Lacescape Dark Cast Black 

It couldn't have been more perfect for yoga. The fabric is incredibly soft, lightweight, stretchy, moisture wicking and fast dry. The no-dig wide waistband provides great support and coverage. The Naked Sensation makes the crop so comfortable that I want to wear it all day long.

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