How to Wash lululemon Align Leggings Without Pilling

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Read the specific Align care label

Confirm the fabric and construction on the inside label or product page. Standard Align Nulu, ribbed versions, and products with pockets or special trims may not share every instruction. Follow the strictest material rule. Check for loose seams, cuts, or stretched areas before washing so agitation does not enlarge damage.

Step 2: Air damp leggings instead of leaving them bundled

After exercise, hang the garment until sweat has evaporated if it cannot be washed immediately. A damp ball in a gym bag encourages odor and transfers dye and soil. Do not leave leggings on a radiator, in a hot car, or in harsh sunlight. Airing is temporary care, not a substitute for washing body oil from the fabric.

Step 3: Pretreat a stain with diluted detergent

Blot fresh liquid and lift solids. Test diluted mild detergent on an inside seam, then dab it onto the stain with a white cloth. Work gently from the outside inward and rinse by blotting with cool water. Avoid chlorine bleach, abrasive stain sticks, stiff brushes, and extended soaking, all of which can alter color or the soft surface.

Step 4: Turn the leggings inside out

Close any zippers, empty pockets, and turn the garment inside out to protect the visible face. Place it in a roomy mesh bag if the washer contains other smooth technical items. Do not wash with cotton towels, denim, fleece that sheds, bras with exposed hooks, or garments with open hook-and-loop tabs.

Step 5: Build a compatible load

Follow lululemon's direction to wash with similar fabrics and colors. A small load of smooth synthetic activewear is better than a mixed household load. Separate pale colors from new dark items. Do not overload the drum, because compressed fabric rubs more and may retain detergent.

Step 6: Wash cold with a modest detergent dose

Select cold water and the delicate or gentle cycle. Add only the detergent amount needed for the load and water hardness. Too much detergent can coat performance fibers and hold odor. Do not add fabric softener, which lululemon says can interfere with technical fabric performance, and do not add bleach.

Step 7: Hand-wash when the label or damage calls for it

Fill a clean basin with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent. Move the inside-out leggings gently through the water without scrubbing the thighs or seat together. Rinse until water is clear and non-slippery. Press water out against the basin and roll in a clean towel; do not wring the waistband or legs.

Step 8: Hang or lay smooth to dry

lululemon recommends hanging its products to dry. Support the waistband so wet fabric is not stretched by one narrow clip, or lay the leggings over a smooth rack with the legs balanced. Keep them away from high heat and rough wood. Do not machine-dry unless the exact label permits it, and then use the lowest heat.

Step 9: Address existing pills conservatively

Cleaning does not reverse pilling. Once dry, use only a method compatible with the exact fabric, applying minimal pressure and avoiding seams. Never use a bare razor, which can cut Nulu fibers and create a hole. Prevention—smooth loads, less friction, and no towels—is more reliable than repeated depilling.

Step 10: Store clean and avoid friction between washes

Confirm the waistband and double-layered areas are fully dry, then fold without trapping damp workout gear. Avoid abrasive bags, rough benches, and repeated rubbing from textured jackets or backpacks. If the fabric remains slick with residue or holds odor after drying, rewash with less detergent and an extra water-only rinse rather than adding softener or fragrance.