I got these leggings because I wanted to know if I should keep dropping huge amounts of money on more expensive brands (Alpha), or if these would be a sufficient dupe for now on. Now let me say I was so pleasantly shocked by how soft and smooth these leggings were when they came out of the package. My jaw had dropped! The feel of them is buttery soft and I can't stop feeling them when they're on. Already, this is enough for me to like these leggings (feel is everything for me). I think the brand did a great job of matching the photo of the product with the color I got, it was pretty spot on. I got Shaded Spruce, it's a beautiful color. I have heard that other colors look slightly different from the pictures, though.Things you should know before purchasing (I would want to know): For reference, I am 5'3", 140 pounds with an athletic build, and I bought a medium. I definitely could fit into a small, but I don't mind sacrificing a bit of compression to make sure my leggings are not sheer. These are not sheer at all on me and they sinch my waist just enough to where they are not falling down, and my tummy isn't spilling out the sides. I can wear these at the gym and lounge in them around the house. Other brands I feel like I can't eat or be bloated in them without hurting my stomach. Not a problem with these!Next thing to cover is the booty scrunch. It is nearly identical to the best brands with a scrunch. HOWEVER, the material of the Aurola Dream collection is so slippery and smooth that it will move to where the scrunch doesn't stay in your crack if that makes sense. You would have to keep adjusting it to get it all the way in there. I personally don't mind the fact that it doesn't stay, I think it looks slightly more modest and not in your face, so I don't bother adjusting it. It still really accentuates your glutes. Just something to be aware of.Finally, the durability of clothing is a major factor in my purchasing decisions. When I first opened these leggings, I was ready to swear off Alphalete forever. But I told myself not to get ahead of myself and see how long they would hold up. If you buy one pair of Amplifies and they last you a year (as mine have so far), but these leggings only last you 4 months, the winner is clear, despite the price tag. It's important to me to invest in products that last when I can afford to (I know that not everyone can, unfortunately). I have worn and washed (without machine dry) these leggings to the gym twice now and I can already see the fabric breaking down (lots and lots of fuzzies on top of the leggings where friction has occurred, increased sheerness). I will definitely wear these leggings into the ground because I undoubtedly still love them, but I think all of these factors are important to consider. Definitely give them a try! I can see myself getting another pair or two because I love how they feel and when money is tight, these are a great option, now I just know what I'm paying for.Also, confused as to why the Aurola leggings and shorts are nearly the same price. I feel like I'm getting a good deal for the leggings, but the shorts I just can't justify spending that same amount.
