Lululemon Fast and Free Tights Review: I wore these versatile leggings every day on a recent trip

It was an infatuation born of necessity. While traveling in Rome last spring, I woke up excitedly in the early hours to take part in an exclusive tour of the Vatican Museums with their master key keeper as he turned on the lights of the buildings. I slipped on a dress and reached into my away suitcase to get my tights, only to find I’d forgotten to pack them.

In a panic, I was faced with the choice of exposing my legs to the April cold or changing my outfit completely. Time passed, so I slipped back into the Lululemon leggings I’d just worn to bed and ran out the door. Although I was uncomfortable wearing running tights under a dress, I figured they would at least get me through the morning chill and I could take them off when I got there. Spoilers: I never did.

Though I’d always thought of them as my track pants, I quickly realized that these lightweight leggings made from Nulux fabric – the Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tights – were way more versatile than that.

I originally took them on trips because they were so thin I could easily roll them up and tuck them in a corner, making them efficient travel pajama bottoms. But once I realized how low and deep the two side pockets are, I started carrying them on flight days as well – they gave me a safe place to stash my passport and phone, and I always knew that my most important things were with me because I could feel them on my thighs.

I soon became attached to these extra pockets on sightseeing days as well, as they could hold tickets, brochures, maps, hair ties, KN95 masks, and other items I needed quick access to. They go with all kinds of outfits too: I paired them with a New Balance Half Zip for kayaking in Bend, Oregon, an H&M Conscious Choice button-down for sightseeing in Amsterdam, and a flannel and puff riding jacket while biking in Valencia.

Lululemon Fast and Free high waist tights

Technically designed for running, the high-rise pants feel like a silky second skin, with four-way stretch that moves with you but with Lycra fibers to hold their shape. That means they won’t ride up in the wrong places or loosen at the waistband – the pants simply serve as another layer of protection that moves in every direction you do. While I didn’t have to use it, there’s also an internal drawcord to ensure a snug fit, and I’ve recently discovered five drop-in pockets on the waistband to stash other essentials.

While I’ve no doubt sweated in them on more active adventures (such as walking from Terminal A to Z during a 1-hour layover in Frankfurt), they still feel fresh after days of wearing them. Finally, they are breathable, quick-drying and sweat-wicking. Even after accidentally spilling some beer on my lap, there was no sign of stains or odors after a few minutes.