Dupe leggings are making it easy to look stylish while working out

One glance around the Board30 PV studio, and you’ll see a variety of workout leggings, including mostly Lululemon. There is a reason they are one of the largest athleisure brands in the world. But with any good product, there will always be replicas and copycats to compete with business. The industry is expected to grow from $338B to $716B by 2032 so more dupes will be hitting the market for many years to come.

A few luxury athleisure brands no longer control the market. Not everyone can afford a pair of $100+ leggings or has the desire to pay that much to sweat in something so nice and pricey. That’s why dupes have become so popular – they cater to more people and for the most part – look like the fancy, more expensive brands, minus the well-known logo.

Looking cute while working out has become a necessity for some, more so than performance of the fabric. With so many options these days, finding the right attire to run, do yoga, lift weights or rebound like at Board30, is easier than ever.

We’ve compiled a short list of some of the more well-known dupes getting attention from fitness fanatics and those just looking to look stylish with or without the workout.

Colorfulkoala – referred to as one of the best Lulu dupes out there: soft, high-waisted and fun colors are available at a fraction of the price. Their website says they are commited to helping women and girls discover more comfortable and high-quality gear options. They claim to have sold 20 million + pairs of leggings and counting. Colorfulkoala is available on Amazon and come with 50,000 + reviews. I recently tried a basic black pair out. They are soft, look good and have the high waist I prefer. But I notice the waistband rolls down more than my go-to Lulu Align leggings in the same size. If you want a good pair of leggings on a budget – these are a safe bet.

The Gym People – another favorite on Amazon – thick, high waisted, pockets and tummy control “made from a sleek material that feels slimming.” The Gym People claim to deliver cutting-edge sports clothes with style and function. This brand has quite the following with tens of thousands of reviews on Amazon.

Gymshark – If you’re a millennial, you’ve probably heard of this UK-based fitness apparel and accessories brand that was founded in a garage by a group of male high school friends. This brand has grown in popularity by aligning its products with prominent fitness instructors, athletes, celebs and influencers and other organizations across social media.

CRZ YOGA – self-proclaimed affordable and activewear and athleisure for everyone – even expecting moms. CRZ YOGA has been compared to Lulu’s Free and Fast line but thicker. Their website says their clothing is designed to enhance curves and is soft like butter. They even have a collection called Butterluxe, which sounds smooth and soft, though I have not tried them personally.

Zella Live – these trending leggings claim to have a slip-free waistband, brushed Zeltek fabric to keep you cool and warm, and have seams that eliminate rubbing and irritation. One fashion editor referred to these leggings as the Goldilocks of leggings – warm enough for chilly mornings but never too hot for runs in the sun. Hello, Florida weather! These are sold exclusively at Nordstrom.

Sunzel – another top Amazon option, and often compared to Lulu’s Align leggings due to their soft, swear-wicking fabric. They have even been called “squat proof.” With no front seams, these leggings claim to lift your butt and have invisible but scrunch tummy control. I may have to try these out based on that proclamation.

Other notable mentions are Halara and Fabletics … not as obscure or new to the market but still solid brands.

What’s your favorite dupe legging brand?

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