If you have a pear shape and a UK 12 bottom, buying Lululemon Aligns online is a gamble — unless you know what other women with your measurements actually found.
The short answer
Most pear-shaped women in a UK 12 (typically 38–40" hips, smaller waist) find the Lululemon Align leggings run true to size in the waist but slightly snug across the hips and thighs. The majority of our community recommends sizing up to a UK 14 (Lululemon size 10) for comfort.
What pear-shaped reviewers say
Here's what consistently comes up in reviews from women with your body shape:
- Hip and thigh area: The Align fabric is buttery soft but has minimal stretch recovery. If your hips are 39"+ in a UK 12, most women say the 10 (UK 14) sits better and avoids that uncomfortable pulling at the hip seam.
- Waist: This is where pear shapes can find the Aligns baggy. Many women note the waistband gapes slightly at the back if they size up. Some use a belt or tuck a top in.
- Inseam lengths: The 28" is the most flattering on women under 5'5". The 25" (crop) is a safer bet if you're petite and want to avoid pooling at the ankle.
Common complaints from your body type
1. The waistband rolls if you size up for hip room — this is the most common complaint from pear shapes
2. Visible panty lines at the hips — Lululemon's sizing around the hip curve can cause the fabric to pull
3. Colour washes — Darker colours (black, navy, dark olive) are more forgiving on the hip area
The Forre verdict for UK 12 pear shapes
| Your hip measurement | Recommended size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 38" | UK 12 (Lululemon 8) | True to size |
| 38"–40" | UK 14 (Lululemon 10) | Better hip coverage |
| 40"+ | UK 16 (Lululemon 12) | Comfort fit |
Why trust this?
These recommendations come from real Forre community members who've submitted body measurements and honest fit ratings — not sponsored content, not brand marketing.
If you want a recommendation based on your exact measurements, take our fit quiz and we'll match you to women with your body shape who've already bought the Aligns.