I actually like CRZ Yoga’s Butterluxe Leggings more than Lululemon Aligns!
I said what I said.
I actually like CRZ Yoga’s Butterluxe Leggings more than Lululemon Aligns!
If you’ve been looking for an affordable alternative to Aligns, I’m here to say I have found the BEST one. This article will tell you everything you want to know about the Butterluxe leggings and why they’re my favorite.
Intro
If you are not familiar, CRZ Yoga is a popular activewear brand that is known for its budget-friendly yet stylish workout clothes. One of the standout product lines is the Butterluxe collection. And in my opinion, the standout product in the lineup is the Butterluxe leggings. Note that some of the Amazon listings for these leggings show the name as two words: Butter Luxe. They are indeed the same leggings.
I have been testing these leggings for more than 6 months, and I’m shocked at how much I enjoy them. They have become my favorite legging of all time, which is high praise for an activewear blogger!
Note that I have no affiliation with CRZ Yoga and am not sponsored by the brand. I purchased all of the items I reviewed with my own money.
Let’s dig into details on the Butterluxe leggings and what makes them so great.
Fabric and care
Let’s start with the fabric. These leggings are made from a super soft fabric that feels very comfortable against the skin, hence the name “Butterluxe.”
The fabric of the Butterluxe leggings is 81% Polyamide and 19% Lycra, which is a popular blend for activewear. As I’ve mentioned in other reviews, Lycra is the same as spandex (the different names are used depending on the country that manufactures it or the brand’s preference in labeling). Lycra/spandex is known for its elasticity, which adds incredible stretch. Polyamide is another synthetic material, and it’s known for its breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities, as well as its durability. Moisture-wicking is key for staying dry(ish) and comfortable during an intense workout, as the fabric is designed to draw sweat away from your skin.
So these two fabrics together create incredible stretch and breathable performance. Yes, please!
I’m personally a big fan of the fabric blend of the Butterluxe leggings, as they are stretchy enough to be comfortable yet still secure and supportive enough to move with the body (aka not slide down or move when you’re being active).
The only negative is that this type of fabric has a tendency to pill, like we’ve seen with Luluemon Aligns and similar leggings. The pilling doesn’t bother me, but it’s something to be aware of. Note that you can purchase an inexpensive de-piller to keep your leggings looking fresh.
In terms of care, I wash these leggings in the machine with cold temp and then air dry (can hang or lay flat on a drying rack).
Fit, sizing, and color selection
The Butterluxe leggings have a high waistband that measures about 5.5″ inches from top of waistband to seam. There is no band or elastic at the top of the waistband, which keeps them from digging in. There is a front seam, but it is not obtrusive. I find the fit to be very flattering. Note that these are not very compressive leggings.
The Butterluxe leggings are available in a growing range of colors. I own several pairs in classic black, as well as taupe, dark green, and olive grey. Note that some shades look different in real life when compared to the stock image online. An example of this would be the “taupe” shade, which is actually more of a muted red tone.
The leggings are available in sizes XXS to X-Large. I am hopeful that CRZ will expand their size options in the future to be more inclusive.
I typically purchase the 25” length, but they are also available in 28” length. There is also an option with pockets.
Size chart
| Size | Waist (inches) | Hip (inches) | Closest US size |
| XXS | 23″ | 33.5″ | 0 |
| XS | 24.4″ | 35″ | 0/2 |
| S | 26.6″ | 37″ | 4/6 |
| M | 28.5″ | 39″ | 8/10 |
| L | 30.5″ | 40.9″ | 12 |
| XL | 32.5″ | 42.9″ | 14 |
Color options
Best activities
When it comes to the best uses for the Butterluxe leggings, I find they are suitable for a wide range of workouts and activities. They are particularly well-suited for yoga and pilates, as the fabric is stretchy, flexible, and non-compressive, which allows for freedom of movement. However, I have also worn them for both running and lifting weights. I’ve worn them on daily walks and low-impact hikes. They are also my go-to for casual wear, and especially for being comfortable while working from home. I appreciate the versatility of these leggings!
I also purchased a pair of the Butterluxe bike shorts, which I wear for (you guessed it) biking. Zero complaints.
Comparison to Lululemon Aligns
I know this is the question on everyone’s mind: How do CRZ Yoga Butterluxe leggings compare to Lululemon Aligns?
I won’t keep you in suspense. In my opinion, and after testing dozens of leggings in the last few years, I believe these are THE BEST affordable alternative to Lululemon Aligns.
The similarities between these two legging are endless.
Fabric? Check. Same buttery soft feel, same stretchy comfort, same lightly brushed texture. However the materials are very very similar… but not identical. Lululemon Aligns are 80% nylon(a type of polyamide) and 20% lycra. CRZ Yoga Butterluxe are 81% polyamide and 19% lycra (also known as spandex). So basically, different words for the same fabric. But note the percentages are very slightly different. It’s still the best take on Align’s Nulu fabric that I have come across in my testing, especially when compared to the post 2020 Nulu fabric change. And just like Nulu, Butterluxe is unfortunately also prone to pilling.
Fit and design? Check. Very similar high rise. The Lululemon waistband is slightly higher rise, by about a half inch when comparing size Medium in Butterluxe leggings to Aligns in size 6.
They have the same band-less waistband. Same logo on the back of the waistband. Same seam design. Same low compression that somehow stays put and doesn’t slide down. Same 25” and 28” length options, although Lululemon has a longer length option in addition.
Use cases? Check. Both leggings are ideal for yoga, pilates, or casual wear. As noted above, I also use the CRZ leggings for other types of training. Many people avoid training activities for Aligns as they don’t want to damage the fabric or cause more pilling. I personally don’t mind a little wear and tear, so I wear my Butterluxe leggings for everything.
The only major difference is the cost.
The price point for the Butterluxe leggings fluctuates, but they are much more affordable. At time of this article, the Lululemon Aligns retail for $98-118. By contrast, the Butterluxe leggings generally cost 1/3 or less.
Where to buy CRZ Yoga Butterluxe leggings
You can purchase CRZ Yoga items on the CRZ website or on Amazon. The prices seem pretty consistent on both sites, so I typically order from Amazon for the ease and convenience since I’m already a Prime member. I have noticed that new styles typically show up on the CRZ site before they are available on Amazon. So if you want to see what’s coming out soon, be sure to keep an eye on the CRZ website!
Other products in the Butterluxe line
I must not be the only person who loves the Butterluxe fabric because CRZ Yoga has expanded the line to include a variety of pieces. I own several of these, and honestly I love them all.
Butterluxe Bra Y-Back (similar to Lululemon Flow Y bra)
Butterluxe Longline Bra (similar to Lululemon Align tank)
Butterluxe Full Zip Hoodie (similar to Lululemon Hooded Define jacket)
Butterluxe Waist-Length Bra Tank (one of my favorites – love the racerback style)
Butterluxe V-Cross Waist Leggings
Butterluxe Half-Zip Long Sleeve
Disclaimer – Not sponsored
Note that I have no affiliate to CRZ Yoga and am not sponsored by the brand. I purchased all of the items I reviewed with my own money. However I do use affiliate links to help pay for the hosting and maintenance of this site. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
More Lululemon alternatives
Want to see more activewear? Check out my ultimate list of affordable activewear pieces that are similar to Lululemon.
