I Tried Lululemon’s Groove Nulu Flared Pants—My Honest Review

I had never really been an athleisure kind of girl until trying out my first pair of Lululemon leggings last year. It was only after encasing myself in the weightless, buttery-soft fabric that I finally understood why fitness enthusiasts and loungewear lovers are so dedicated to the legging life. So, when I got the opportunity to try another best-selling pair from Lululemon—the Groove Nulu High-Rise Flared Pant—I was immediately on board.

Unlike the classic fit style of the cult-favorite Lululemon Aligns that I’d previously tried, these leggings come in a flared yoga pant style with a wider leg opening starting from the knee. This specific style makes these yoga pants particularly versatile—but the question is, are they just as comfortable and flattering as my other tried-and-true leggings?

After a month of use, I totally understand the hype. Keep reading for my honest thoughts on the Groove Nulu High-Rise Flared Pant from Lululemon—and why they’re worth adding to your closet.

Cons

• Has a front seam, which may cause discomfort
• Pricey

Material	81% Nylon, 19% Lycra elastane
Sizes	0-14
Lengths	30″, 33″, 35″
Colors	10 options

I tested the Lululemon Groove Nulu High-Rise Flared Pant over the course of about a month. I mostly wore the flared pants during casual settings—including on my daily walks through New York City streets and parks, while running errands, and while working and lounging around at home. I also made sure to wear them during exercise, specifically during vinyasa yoga sessions at my local yoga studio. They also went through the washing machine multiple times to test durability.

The Lululemon Groove Nulu Flared Pants laid flat

Me wearing the Lululemon Groove Nulu Flared Pants

The Lululemon Groove Nulu Flared Pants are available in sizes 0-14 and three length options of 30”, 33”, and 35”. I opted for my usual size for Lululemon leggings—size 6—which were a great fit. The pants hugged my body from my upper waist to my knee snugly (but comfortably) before flaring out to the hem.

At 5’3”, I tend to have trouble finding pants that aren’t too long (my fellow short girls know the struggle!), but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the 30” inseam was a good length for me, falling below my ankles but not being so long that it was dragging on the floor. Lululemon says that the 30” length is “intended to skim the floor for heights of 5’4” and under”—and I don’t think they reached that length, but I personally didn’t mind this. Especially since I think the 33” length would’ve been slightly too long for me (the brand recommends the 33” length for those between 5’5” and 5’8”, and the 35” length for those 5’9” and over).

Like the Align leggings I already love, these flares are made from Lululemon’s signature Nulu fabric—so I was unsurprised that I instantly loved the super-soft feel of these pants, too. Consisting of 81% nylon and 19% Lycra elastane, this Nulu material is designed to be “so buttery soft, it feels weightless” while also being breathable, sweat-wicking, and stretchy, according to the brand.

Before I tried the Aligns, I thought those claims were overhyped, but they are really, really not. And the same holds true for this flared pair. The touch is so soft, silky, and smooth that it really does feel like a second skin. This pair also feels super breathable, light, and airy; I never felt too hot or damp while wearing them, and didn’t experience any uncomfortable chafing or rubbing—even while I was outside walking in the summer heat or while I was sweating it out during my yoga sessions.

Another great feature about these yoga pants is that they’re super stretchy, thanks to the added Lycra fiber that offers four-way stretch and shape retention. I found that they always stayed super comfortable throughout my yoga sessions, moving with me through every stretch, bend, and pose without feeling too restrictive or tight—or alternatively, sagging or feeling too loose. Not to mention: The high-rise waistband always stayed in place without shifting, rolling down, or digging into my stomach throughout these sessions.

The back drop-in waistband pocket

These Lululemon leggings come in a high-rise, full-length design with a flared pant style—meaning they hug your body from waist to knee, then flare out with a wider leg opening from the knee to the hem. Personally, I like this flared look more than the skinny-fit style of typical leggings: I think they look more flattering on me as a shorter person, with the flared style creating an illusion of elongated legs. Plus, I feel that it gives a more polished look and a more comfortable fit, as it eliminates any risk of annoying, unflattering bunching at the ankle.

However, there was one thing I didn’t love about the design of these flared pants: the front seam. Last year, by popular demand, Lululemon released their best-selling Align leggings in a version with no front seam—called the Align No Line High-Rise Pant—and after comparing the two myself, I definitively preferred the version with no front seam and the same goes for these yoga pants.

Another thing I didn’t love about these leggings was the lack of pockets. Though it does have a drop-in pocket in the back of the waistband, I found that this pocket was much too small to fit anything besides my lip balm (it could fit a credit card or key, but not my entire wallet or entire set of keys).

Yes, the Lululemon Groove Nulu High-Rise Flared Pants are pricey, but I found them to be worth it. They are truly so comfortable and claims that the buttery-soft, lightweight fabric feels like a second skin are not overhyped. I especially loved that the fabric always stayed airy and breathable, even during sweaty yoga sessions and outings in the summer heat, with no shifting, rolling down, or uncomfortable chafing or rubbing. Not to mention, these leggings are also super stylish and flattering with the flared pant leg design. They feel super versatile, transitioning easily from my yoga sessions to casual outings to lounging around the house.

It’s safe to say these stylish and comfy yoga pants have earned a permanent spot in my wardrobe and likely deserve a place in yours, too.

SHOP THE NULU FLARED PANTS NOW