We tried the leggings every supermodel on our Instagram feeds seems to be wearing - here's what we thought

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We tried the leggings every supermodel on our Instagram feeds seems to be wearing - here's what we thought

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

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Alo Yoga

  • Alo Yoga exercise gear has gained respect among yogis and celebrities since its 2007 founding.
  • The company makes flattering, trend-focused performance gear that can be worn from "studio to street."
  • To see how it stacks up in person, three reporters tested the popular Airlift leggings. Find our personal reviews below.
  • Still looking? Read about the best women's workout tights you can buy.

If you've ever tapped on an Instagram post of a supermodel working out, aimlessly wondering where those cute leggings are from, I'd be willing to bet that, more often than not, said model will be sporting Alo Yoga, a relatively young LA brand with an outsized following.

Since its founding in 2007, the company has become a mainstay in both diehard yogi camps and the earth's small but hyper-visible population of models and artists. Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Taylor Swift, Chrissy Teigen, Jenna Dewan, Olivia Culpo, Hailey Beiber... the list of high-profile patrons goes on.

So, what gives?

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To see for ourselves, we tested a few pairs of Alo Yoga Airlift leggings in our own (very normal) lives. The verdict: flattering, silky, and buttery soft. Despite the fact that they're trend- and fashion-focused, that shouldn't translate to impracticality; these leggings manage to look good and perform during exercise.

A few things to note if you're looking to buy: some reviews note sweat showing through lighter colors; the capris run slightly longer than average; and the site sells out quickly. So, if you find something you love, it may be better not to wait. The company also has a 30-day return policy for unworn gear in case the fit isn't perfect in person. And, lastly, if you'd like to get around the crowds and sellouts, check Nordstrom.

Here's what three reporters thought after testing the Airlift leggings:

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Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Picks team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.

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High-Waist Airlift Legging

High-Waist Airlift Legging
High-Waist Airlift Legging, $118, available at Alo, Backcountry, and Carbon38

Looking at these leggings, you'd think they're just like any other pair, but the difference is clear once you feel them. They're buttery smooth and feel great on your legs, and they stretch very well. You can and should take advantage of the variety of color options because they're a nice change from traditional black. Although I'm of average height (5-foot-6), my legs are on the shorter side, so I found with this legging length that some fabric did bunch up — I had to choose between my ankle or knee areas. If I could go back, I'd maybe do the Capri style instead. But the overall feel and performance of the leggings is awesome. I personally wear them for running and weight training. — Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporter

High-Waist Airlift Capri

High-Waist Airlift Capri
High-Waist Airlift Capri, $104, available at Alo, Goop, and Nordstrom

I was surprised by how much I loved these leggings. Typically, when I see performance gear being billed as "studio-to-street," I assume that's code for athleisure rather than gear that's actually compatible with hot, sweaty cardio sessions. But Alo's High-Waist Airlift Capri ($114) impressed me — the four-way stretch fabric fits like a flexible, breathable second-skin during exercise, and I've used them far more frequently for HIIT than I have for streetwear.

They're also, admittedly, pretty flattering. The creamy, silky material isn't stuffy and compressive, but it still manages to lengthen the silhouette into a lean, seamless shape. Or, as Alo puts it, they're "engineered to lift, sculpt, contour and smooth." They're not exactly Spanx, but when I put them on for the first time my first thought was, "Ah, I get why celebrities wear these so much now."

The one thing I'd note is that the capris run a little long, meaning they're still great for my 5'7 frame, but may end up being full-length for petites. And while I didn't notice sweat showing through on the dark cherry color I tested, other reviews mentioned seeing the sweat in lighter colors.

The price is steep at $118, and I've found cheaper options that are just as breathable, but, if you're thinking of getting them, I'd wager you'll love them. — Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

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7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging

7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging
7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging, $114, available at Alo and Carbon38 High-Waist Airlift Capri, $104, available at Alo

These leggings feel like a second skin, but one that's so stretchy you could bend into a pretzel and you wouldn't feel any pulling, digging, or resistance. Every time they come out of the wash, they're the first pair I put on for a workout or day of running errands. The material is silky and soft, the stretch is just enough to hold them in place without digging, and they're breathable without being sheer. They're definitely best for anything that involves bending or stretching a lot (they were designed for doing yoga, obviously), but I've worn them running plenty of times and they held up really well.

Sadly, my favorite pair (the 7/8th length) is currently sold out, but the capri version is available and I'd recommend those just as happily since they're made from the same material, and since Mara said they run a little long anyway. I just liked the ankle-length pair because I'm a little over five feet tall and they fit like full-length leggings on me without any bunching at the bottom. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor

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