This Is The Best Pair Of Leggings In The Whole World (And I’ve Tried Nearly Every Style)

They say that you don't know what you've got until it's gone and, in my case, this is certainly true of a pair of leggings. I know what you're thinking: why would you, you busy person, spend a couple of valuable minutes of your life reading about a pair of leggings? Well, I have to say – and I really can't overstate this – they might just change your life for the better.

Am I hysterical? Perhaps. But that's only because a few days ago, as I reluctantly went to prepare myself for a boxing class, I reached into my not-entirely-organised wardrobe to find my Lululemon leggings. It's difficult to even form these words but, as I fumbled around the chaotic shelf full of lonely socks, oversized T-shirts and a lone sports bra, my fingertips found a gigantic, unavoidable hole in the top of my trusty workout trousers (as literally nobody is calling them).

Yes, the super-soft, wildly comfortable leggings that I had bought several years ago when I decided I would dedicate myself (ha, ha, ha) to exercise (i.e I would occasionally do it) had given up the ghost. They were no longer for this world, they had performed their duty and had inexplicably formed a huge hole as a result of absolutely nothing. They would clothe me no more.

Bravely, I tried to soldier on. As it's January and we're staring right down the barrel of a cost of living crisis, I decided I would purchase a pair of leggings from a well-known sports brand that were a mere £10 in the sale. I went to another boxing class. I realised I had made a huge mistake.

As I found myself stretching it out in downward dog, I became acutely aware of the waistband, or rather the pain it was inflicting on me. This was just the warm up. For the entire workout, I was preoccupied by how uncomfortable my leggings were, which did not bode well for my burpees.

Back in the idyllic days of theLululemon leggings, I didn't think about them once. So comfy were they that they became a second skin and I even took to wearing them around the house when I worked from home. Oh, sweet bliss. And so, I learned the hard way that the Align Pants, as they're known, are the best I'll ever have.

I have since realised that I was enjoying the High Rise Align Pants With Pockets (!) which are intended to be worn for low-impact activity like yoga. I can, however, confirm, that if you wear them for more intense exercise like running or indeed boxing, they are still a dream. At £98, they are clearly far more of an investment than my £10 horrors but, given that I enjoyed five glorious years with them, I would suggest it's worth spending a bit more rather than buying a cheaper pair that won't last as long (and which will make you cry). There are also other styles of the Align available from £44.

I think it's a combination of the high waist band, soft fabric and excellent length that makes them so special. They also come in five different colours, in sizes 0-20 (UK 4-24) and in different lengths, all while truly living up to the promise of being light as a cloud. It's no wonder they're one of thebrand's best-selling items.

I've already taken too much of your time. But if you're in the market for a pair of leggings, either to wear while doing your own best downward dog, legging it around the park or just for being the most comfortable you've ever been while you watch Netflix, I think it's clear that I would recommend this Lululemon pair. Just make sure you look after them – you'll be fairly devastated otherwise.