You’ve seen them everywhere. All over TikTok, Instagram, you name it! Aerie leggings have received a lot of attention lately after blowing up on social media. They’re the newest legging to have that makes your waist look *chef’s kiss*.
When I saw these everywhere, I was thinking “are they even all that?!” so I headed to Aerie’s website, picked out two pairs, and patiently waited. I received them a few days ago and am writing this Aerie leggings review in real-time. Keep scrolling to see if they’re actually worth the hype.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my site and read more about my disclosure policieshere.
My Initial Thoughts
I purchased two pairs of Aerie leggings. The first one on the left is the Aerie OFFLINE Real Me High Waisted Crossover Legging (that’s a mouthful), and the second one on the right is the OFFLINE Real Me High Waisted Crossover Flare Legging (again, I’m out of breath). I’m writing this review in real-time as I’m unpackaging them and trying them on.
My first impression is that these leggings are very soft. They’re not as thick as I imagined, but I think a lot of people, including myself, have a false impression that thick fabric means high quality (we all know that’s not accurate). They’re definitely thinner than I expected, but the material itself is a nice quality so no complaints.
For reference, I’m a big fan of Fabletic’s and Old Navy’s athleticwear leggings. When compared to them, Aerie’s leggings are a touch thinner. However, it’s important to note these leggings are advertised as lightweight aka “ultra-light”. Plus, they’re all made out of different materials. Aerie’s leggings (at least the ones I purchased) are made from nylon and elastane, while the Fabletics and Old Navy leggings I own are polyester and elastane. So I’m thinking that’s the reason for the difference in fabric.
I paired them with two of my favorite crop tops and my favorite Adidas sneakers for a cute, casual look. You can shop the looks below!
Shop The Looks
How Do Aerie’s Leggings Fit?
Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty details.
My first impression when trying on both of these Aerie leggings was these aren’t half bad! I have my fair share of leggings in my closet, but I don’t have a pair that makes my waist look so SNATCHED. It’s obviously due to the crossover style, so amen for that. Other than how the waist fits, my hips and legs fit comfortably and look great too.
Both pairs fit comparably, obviously, the only difference is the bottom of the leggings where one fits skinny and one fits flared. Both of them are great and I have no complaints.
Are Aerie Leggings Comfortable?
Aerie’s leggings are incredibly soft and comfortable. I feel like leggings are comfortable for the most part and these are no exception.
The material is super soft and they sit on my waist and hips just right. I wasn’t sure about my sizing at first because I’m in between sizes. And this actually brings me to my next question which is…
Do Aerie Leggings Run Small?
No! Aerie leggings run true to size. I ordered a small in both of these styles and they fit wonderfully. Please note that I did order a small short for the skinny pair because sometimes leggings can be a little long on me (I’m 5′ 3″ for reference). They hit right above my ankle which is exactly what I was looking for.
When it comes to sizing, I sometimes have a hard time because I go between an x-small and small depending on the brand. So I ordered mine in a small with the anticipation that I may need to exchange for a smaller size but the small fit perfectly! If I ordered down they definitely would have been a little too tight for my liking.
Are Aerie Leggings Squat Proof?
Yes, they are! Aerie’s leggings are incredibly opaque which, if I’m being honest, I didn’t expect because they are thinner than I thought. But yes, they are squat proof and they don’t ride down.
They are also fast drying and are designed to be moved in. So for all of my fellow workout peeps, these will definitely work for you.
Are Aerie Leggings As Good As Lululemon?
I owned a pair of Lululemon Align leggings before I lost weight and loved them! I definitely shed a tear when they didn’t fit me anymore and I had to let them go.
In my opinion, Aerie leggings are just as good as Lululemon leggings. I love Lululemon, but they can be super-pricey depending on your budget.
They’re both buttery soft and super flattering. But tbh, I’d probably go with Aerie leggings simply because they’re a fraction of the price of Lululemon leggings.
Regardless, you’re winning no matter if you choose Aerie or Lululemon. They’re both awesome leggings! It really just comes down to your budget.
Can You Put Aerie Leggings In The Dryer?
Believe it or not, this was a very common question I received when I was talking to my friends about these leggings! I totally get it. Putting certain stuff in the dryer can be a gamble. So make sure to always check the care instructions and if you’re in doubt, always air dry.
I’ve washed and dried these leggings many times and they have always held their shape. I don’t recommend drying them (or anything for that matter) on high heat but medium/low heat or tumble dry will be fine. Or play it safe and air-dry them.
How Much Do Aerie Leggings Cost?
The cost of Aerie leggings really depends on the style you’re interested in. As I’m writing this article, the Crossover Leggings are $45 and the Crossover Flare Leggings are $50. Not the cheapest but not the most expensive leggings ever. I do think they are 100% worth the price.
But if you don’t want to spend that much, definitely hang tight because Aerie always has sales. Or just splurge and treat yourself because you deserve it!
Any Cons?
There’s only one thing I dislike about these leggings. After wearing them for a few days, I see that they love to collect lint. As a pet owner, I’m used to having a layer of pet hair and lint on me at all times. So although this isn’t the biggest deal to me, I know it can be for some.
Keep that in mind and if you have some pets that may shed onto your leggings, simply invest in a reusable lint roller.
Let’s Wrap It Up
I hope you all enjoyed this Aerie leggings review! I definitely think these leggings are worth the hype and you should 10/10 add them to your wardrobe. They also have a bunch of different colors which you can check out here if you’re looking for something a little more fun!
If you liked this article, don’t forget to check out my Levi’s wedgie jean review here if you’re looking for some new denim in your life.
With love or whatever,
Hailey
