14 Lululemon pieces we think are truly worth the money — and how they actually fit (2024)

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Written by Hannah Freedman

2021-01-21T22:56:54Z

14 Lululemon pieces we think are truly worth the money — and how they actually fit (1)

Lululemon

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  • I've been wearing Lululemon for over 10 years and have found it's well worth the price.
  • But don't just take my word for it several members of the Insider Reviews team also agree.
  • Below, find 14 of our favorite styles along with details on how they fit and perform.

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I've been wearing Lululemon gear for workouts, hikes, and lounging around the house for over a decade. And yes, I was even that person that occasionally paired their leggings with Uggs and wore them to college lectures when that was a style. I am well aware that Lululemon clothes don't come cheap (though you can always browse the "We Made Too Much" section to try to snag a deal). And yes, I agree that $100 or more is a slightly absurd amount to spend on leggings. But hear me out. Lululemon is well worth the steep price tag.

Over the years I've tried numerous other brands from Athleta to Fabletics in the hopes of finding workout clothes I love just as much. I have other leggings, tops, and bras I like, but none that have lasted me over 10 years and look and feel the same as the day I bought them.

I've worn them on 12-hour treks through Patagonia and on runs through humid Brooklyn streets, and still, nearly everything I own has held up. Because I know I'll own everything I buy for years to come, I'm more than willing to pay the extra price. Several of my coworkers also own and have tested out Lululemon pieces. We've put sports bras, leggings, shorts, and tanks to the test in yoga classes, at our home gyms, and more. You can find all the details on fit, style, and performance for our favorites below.

Generally, sizes run from 0 to 20 to fit a wide range of body types. Prices vary and run around $14 for small accessories like socks and headbands, $58 for sports bras, and $128 for some of their most popular workout leggings.

14 of our favorite Lululemon pieces and what they're like to wear:

Wunder Under High-Rise Tight

Ashley Phillips /Insider

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I never wanted to love Lululemon because I knew it would be an expensive habit, but these leggings made me a convert. They're soft and lightweight enough to sleep in but still substantial enough to work out in. And unlike so many other pairs I've owned, the high-rise waist never rolls down. I haven't taken them off since the start of the pandemic, and once I wear them out, I'll be running to the store to buy more. As far as sizing, I typically wear a size 0 in most clothing, but I went with a 4 in these leggings and they fit perfectly. — Ashley Phillips, style and beauty editor

Wunder Under High-Rise Tight

Hannah Freedman/Insider

The classic Wunder Under leggings in black were my first-ever Lululemon purchase more than a decade ago now, and I continue to wear them. They're soft, stretchy, suck you in at all the right places, but are still comfortable enough to wear with a cozy oversized sweatshirt all day. Even if you don't hit the gym too often, you'll likely end up wearing these around the house daily. They also still get the job done during workouts, though I've found they aren't quite as good for sweat-wicking or quick-drying as options like the Fast and Free Tight. Additionally, while they do have a small waistband pocket for keys or your credit card, I do now prefer the convenience of leggings with side pockets for hitting the gym or going on runs. — Hannah Freedman, associate travel editor

Enlite Bra

Sally Kaplan/Insider

Shop at Lululemon

This is probably my number one most favorite sports bra in the world, and I've tested over 20 of them for my job as a style editor. As a short person with a DD chest, I have a really hard time finding sports bras that work. The straps are always too long for my short torso and the padding is often too intense for my taste. But this bra is the ultimate middle ground. The straps aren't too long or too short, and the amount of padding is minimal.

The cross-back straps help create enough lift that I feel really supported, even for high-intensity workouts, and the material is really soft and seamless for a comfy fit. There's almost always going to be some uniboob action going on with sports bras for large chests, but I find that it's less so with this style versus some of my other high-intensity sports bras. — Sally Kaplan, senior editor

Intent Joggers Shorter 27''

14 Lululemon pieces we think are truly worth the money — and how they actually fit (5)

Frank Massaro/Insider

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Lululemon has become my number one destination for whenever I need new joggers or sweatpants. The material itself is incredibly comfortable, but the bigger value for me lies in the versatility of these joggers. The shorter taper at the bottom of the joggers prevents any wear and tear or fraying that I typically see in my sweatpants, which allows me to work from home comfortably, run errands and even workout. I have put a lot of mileage in these joggers and they have yet to fail me and still stand up to the most demanding days. — Frank Massaro, partnerships manager

Down For It All Jacket

Ashley Phillips /Insider

Shop at Lululemon

The best part about this jacket is all the pockets. There are front zip pockets for small items like keys and credit cards, and side pockets that are perfectly sized for a phone. I love the lightweight feel (although you'll probably want something heavier for temperatures below 50 degrees) and I reach for it every time I'm going out for a walk and don't want to bring a handbag. The fit is really slim since it was designed for running, so I sized up to a 6 (I'm typically a 2 or 4 in Lululemon) and there's just enough room to layer a long-sleeve top underneath. The hood and water-resistant material have come in handy several times on drizzly days. — Ashley Phillips, style and beauty editor

Read our full review of the Down For It All jacket here.

Fast and Free Tight II

Rachael Schultz/Insider

Shop at Lululemon

It's pretty rare for me to drop $130 on a pair of tights unless they're seriously special. But I love the Fast and Free Tights so much I actually own two pairs. I think they are The Best workout tights available. For starters, they are perfectly high waisted for both comfort and for wearing with a crop top. The drawstring means you can tighten the waist so they won't slip down during workouts. Overall, the fabric is silky to touch, sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and holds up well after dozens and dozens and dozens of washes.

These leggings feel like a second skin on runs, throughout CrossFit classes, and while running errands — and they don't become sheer during squats. Most of all, I love the perfect light compression on them which not only contributes to that second-skin feeling but also makes the leggings very flattering, all without being so tight that your organs are being squished (I regularly wear these all day or on long flights). — Rachael Schultz, health and fitness updates editor

Fast and Free Tight II

Hannah Freedman/Insider

I've had the Fast and Free II leggings for three years now and they are possibly my favorite pair ever. In fact, I actually have two pairs of this style. The high rise fit, lightweight and stretchy material, and sweat-wicking abilities make these ideal for everything from running outdoors to taking hot yoga classes. I've found the fit to be excellent, and I never need to adjust these pants mid-workout. However, by far my favorite feature is the side pockets, which easily fits my phone and key while holding them tight enough to me that they don't bounce around uncomfortably. After hundreds of wears, these still hold their shape, have plenty of stretch, and haven't become any thinner than the day I bought them. — Hannah Freedman, associate travel editor

Align Tank

Rachael Schultz/Insider

Shop at Lululemon

If you're large-chested, this top probably won't work for you. But as a 36A, if I could live in one shirt for the rest of my life, it would be this one. That's largely because I wear this both as a top with anything high-waisted, as well as a way more comfortable but equally supportive bra under baggy shirts and sweatshirts. The fabric here is uber-soft and comfortable and just lovely on your skin. The slight v-neck and scoop back are super flattering and it has a built-in bra (it comes with fabric cups too but these are easily removable).

The feature that really sets this apart from other crop tops or bra tops is that something about the cut and the compression delivers the near-impossible for us small-chested ladies: it gives you cleavage. This sounds silly considering it's a workout top, but my tiny chest basically never looks tantalizing in anything without a lot of underwire and padding — yet this tank delivers cleavage and comfort. (For what it's worth, I've heard womxn as big as a C cup be equally excited about its lifting potential, but I imagine it might squish bigger boobs uncomfortably.)

This top is designed for yoga and would definitely hold up through a flow, but I also wear mine a lot on hikes and it's very comfortable to work up a serious sweat in (though it wouldn't be enough support for a run). Because this top is tight, I'd recommend sizing up (I'm a 36A and usually a 6, but wear an 8 in this top). — Rachael Schultz, health and fitness updates editor

All Tied Up Tank

Rachael Schultz/Insider

Shop at Lululemon

This workout top is super versatile since you can wear it loose and flowy, or, thanks to the slits in the back, wear it tied up. I almost always wear it tied back and I like that I can adjust it to whatever height my leggings or shorts are. The fabric is super lightweight and breathable. It's cotton, but I've always found it quite sweat-wicking in the heat. I like the high-neck for more coverage, particularly when doing barbell cleans. The only bummer is the knot in the back is annoying for floor exercises or carrying a daypack hiking, but it's easy to undo and re-tie. — Rachael Schultz, health and fitness updates editor

On the Fly Woven ⅞ Pant Woven

14 Lululemon pieces we think are truly worth the money — and how they actually fit (11)

Rachael Schultz/Insider

Shop at Lululemon

These are amazing pants to travel in. They're a loose fit overall but have a drawstring waist, so they're comfy to sit for a long time in without being skin tight. The fabric is an unusual poly-blend but it's very comfortable and doesn't wrinkle. I like that they look a little more business casual than your typical legging. The pockets are perfectly placed and rather deep, which is great if you're going through an airport and need an easy-access stash for your phone or passport. I personally wish they were a little more high-waisted, but I think most people would be happy with the just-below-the-belly-button rise. — Rachael Schultz, health and fitness updates editor

Hannah Freedman

Former Associate Travel Editor, Reviews

Hannah is the former associate travel editor for Insider Reviews. She's been to over 50 countries on five continents and is always on the hunt for the best hotels, food spots, and off-the-beaten-path finds. Before joining the Insider team, Hannah oversaw all digital content and edited print features for Family Traveller magazine. Under her guidance, the Family Traveller website won multiple awards, including in the Best Online Travel Magazine category, from the North American Travel Journalists Association. She also previously worked at Oprah.com and has written for outlets including Vanity Fair, Travel + Leisure, Thrillist, Brides, Here Magazine, Greatist, and more. She holds a master's in Publishing and Digital Media from NYU. An avid traveler, you can follow along on Hannah's adventures on her Instagram @hfreed11. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.

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14 Lululemon pieces we think are truly worth the money — and how they actually fit (2024)

FAQs

How true to size are Lululemon? ›

Most Lulu customers report that Lululemon pants fit true-to-size. The Lululemon Reviews section of each product is usually the easiest way to tell, since reviewers are asked their “usual size” and “size ordered”.

Does Lululemon run small or big? ›

lululemon dresses typically run small. I definitely recommend sizing-up in their dresses and evening wear. If you are on the smaller end of the lululemon's size spectrum (sizes 4 and under), your lululemon dress size will fit much smaller than your true size. You may need to size up significantly.

What is the most bought item at Lululemon? ›

The best-selling item at lululemon is leggings—specifically, the Align Pant. These soft, stretchy leggings routinely sell out and have over 6,000 five-star reviews on lululemon's website. “There are not enough words to describe how amazing the Align pants are,” one wearer wrote.

Why is Lululemon so pricey? ›

Another is that Lululemon's manufacturing practices, which involve a large number of expensive machines that cost tens-of-thousands of dollars apiece. The company's VP of global product quality once claimed that, “In the testing of the product there's probably 13 to 15 tests that go on.

Is Lululemon size 6 a small or medium? ›

Women's Underwear Size Chart
SizeWaistHip
S/626 - 28"36 - 38"
M/828 - 30"38 - 40"
L/10 - 1230 - 33"40 - 43"
XL/14 - 1633 - 36"43 - 46"
3 more rows

What is a Lululemon size 4 equivalent to? ›

A lulu 4 is equivalent to an XS or 0/2. Sizes will get closer to your usual dress size in sizes 6-8 and above. In other words, don't trust the number on the label–it may or may not be what you're used to! Before you try something on, it can help to know how it's supposed to fit.

How do I know if my Lululemon is too small? ›

If you can see the white Lululemon tag through the pants, or anything else, your pants are too tight. Go up a size or two, even if the length isn't quite right.

Is Lululemon supposed to fit tight? ›

We engineer our Tight Sensation to give us the ultimate feeling of support. We use our tightest fit and firm training compression to achieve the experience of being locked and loaded—our powerhouse muscles feel ready and engaged to take on any workout that comes our way.

Why do people save Lululemon tags? ›

There's also a big resale market for used Lululemon clothing, and giving someone the original tag can help with the sale. And websites like Lulu Fanatics, a massive database of current, out of production and “vintage” clothing, can be used to cross-reference with tag information.

Why do people love Lululemon so much? ›

They offer technical athletic apparel for yoga, running, dancing, training, and other sweaty pursuits, as well as lounge and streetwear. Fans of Lululemon rave over the perfect design and quality of their clothing that truly performs on the mat and on the go.

Who is Lululemon's biggest competitor? ›

lululemon.com's top 5 competitors in May 2023 are: urbanoutfitters.com, shopbop.com, aloyoga.com, nike.com, and more.
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Is Lululemon considered luxury? ›

There is a reason that Lululemon is one of the best-known luxury sportswear brands in the world – the quality and fit of the products speak for themselves.

How much does the average person spend at Lululemon? ›

LuluLemon Tops the the Rankings

The store with the highest median for single transactions is LuluLemon at $100, which means that shoppers commonly spend $100 per visit to the store. This isn't terribly suprising as LuluLemon's core product—yoga pants—costs around $100 a pair.

Why is Lululemon declining? ›

In response to the lowered expectations, Lululemon plans to reduce expenses in areas including general, selling and administration to protect its operating margins. Wall Street responded to this slightly negative news by selling off Lululemon stock in large quantities, causing the share price to decline.

What is the most expensive thing on Lululemon? ›

There are a total of 9,036 lululemon items for sale on Tradesy today, with the most expensive being a camo “rise and shine” jacket going for $642.50. lululemon CEO, Laurent Potdevin, told Reuters earlier this week that he recognizes the side-effects of producing limited quantities of an item.

Does Lululemon fix holes for free? ›

Your gear should never get in the way and that's why we offer complimentary hemming on tops and pants at all of our stores— no tags or receipt required.

Does Lululemon size down? ›

In general, Lululemon sports bras tend to run a little small, and we recommend that you buy a larger size for a more comfortable fit, even if you have a small band size and bigger cup size. If you prefer a more compressive fit, you could stick with your true Lululemon size.

Am I Lululemon size 4 or 6? ›

A size 4 in Lululemon is equivalent to a size 6 in other brands. With that in mind, here are some general guidelines for finding your size in Lululemon: -If you are between sizes, or if you are unsure of which size to get, it is best to err on the side of caution and go up a size.

What age group is Lululemon for? ›

Lululemon customer demographics includes people in their mid-teens to mid thirties, both women and men. They are largely yoga and/or fitness enthusiasts who value work-life balance and a fit and active lifestyle.

What size is XL in Lululemon? ›

Lululemon Size Chart

The first thing to keep in mind is that Lululemon sizing tends to run small. Size 10 = XL And for men's clothing: Size S = 30-32 waist Size M= 33-35 waist Size L= 36-38 waist Size XL= 40-42 waist.

What size is a size 4 in leggings? ›

Leggings Size Chart
SizeWaist
XS0-226.125" - 26.875
S4-627.625" - 28.5"
M8-1029.5" - 30.5"
L12-1432.25" - 34"
6 more rows

Do Lululemon leggings stretch over time? ›

Elastic will always loosen over time and leggings contain a lot of it (lycra or spandex). When you put them on, they'll stretch to fit your body and, over time, they'll relax to hold that shape. The more you wear them, the quicker this will happen.

Can I return Lululemon without tag? ›

Product must be unworn and unwashed, with the hang tags attached, and accompanied by proof of purchase.

Should you size down in Lululemon fast and free? ›

Luluemon legging Sizing Tip: “The Fast and Free Tights fit true to size so I recommend going with the size chart. They also have a low compression fit and high lycra content so you'll be safe sizing down in these leggings. But be careful because the thin fabric sheers easily.”

How do you know if leggings are too small? ›

They should hug your curves and define the natural shape of your body. However, they should not be too tight. If your leggings leave red marks around the ankles or waistband, create an uncomfortable skin bulge near the seams or make it difficult to move or walk normally, your leggings are too tight.

What are the Lululemon controversies? ›

In 2013, founder Chip Wilson was forced to resign after saying the company's signature leggings were not made for women “without a thigh gap”. Last year, the Guardian revealed that Lululemon sourced some clothing from a factory where Bangladeshi female factory workers claim they were beaten and physically assaulted.

Why do people use Lululemon bags? ›

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L ($38) - For the Belt Bag Beginner. PROS: The belt bag design is compact and lightweight, and it has various pockets throughout as well as a hidden back pocket for storage, creating optimal space (holds up to 1L). The fabric is water-repellent, making it quick to dry.

Why do people buy Lululemon products? ›

Besides presenting itself as a higher-quality product than clothing brands out there, Lululemon benefits because it doesn't rely much on third-party retailers to push its merchandise. Last fiscal year, 91% of overall revenue was derived from the company-operated store channel and the direct-to-consumer (DTC) channel.

Is Lululemon actually better quality? ›

LuluLemon's clothing is made with exceptional materials that offer comfort and durability. Their fabrics, such as Nulu and Luxtreme, feel luxurious and retain their shape and color even after repeated wear and washing. LuluLemon's dedication to quality ensures their products are a worthwhile investment.

What was Lululemon originally called? ›

What started as a design studio by day and yoga studio by night soon became a standalone store in November of 2000 on West 4th Avenue in Vancouver's Kitsilano neighbourhood.

What is Lululemon most famous for? ›

Founded in Vancouver, Canada in 1998, lululemon athletica is a technical athletic apparel company for yoga, running, training and most other sweaty pursuits.

What are Lululemon customers called? ›

Lululemon calls its ideal customers 'Ocean' and 'Duke' — here's everything we know about them.

What is the sister brand of Lululemon? ›

Shop Athleta for Women's Yoga Clothing, Technical Athletic Clothing, and Athleisure.

Do the Kardashians wear Lululemon? ›

Princess Kate and Kim Kardashian aren't really known for their similar tastes in fashion - although they both share a love for Dyson supersonic hair dryers, a certain designer tote and yes, the Lululemon Define jacket.

Do celebrities wear Lululemon? ›

Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are also fans of the Lululemon brand, so you know it's good.

Do Lululemon clothes smell? ›

Lululemon clothes and most activewear are made using tightly knit synthetic fabrics. These fabrics are notorious for being difficult to clean, trapping odor-causing bacteria, losing their stretch, pilling, fraying, and degrading both wickablity and breathability over time.

Where does lululemon sell the most? ›

Number of Lululemon stores in the United States in 2023

The state with the most number of Lululemon locations in the US is California, with 68 stores, which is about 16% of all Lululemon stores in the US.

What does lululemon stand for? ›

By including an "L" in the name it was thought the Japanese consumer would find the name innately North American and authentic. In essence, the name “lululemon” has no roots and means nothing other than it has 3 "L's" in it. Nothing more and nothing less. You can see a version of this on Lululemon's Facebook page.

Why is it called lululemon? ›

History. Lululemon was founded in 1998 by Chip Wilson in Vancouver, with its first standalone store opening in November 2000. Wilson created the name to have many L's so that it would sound western to Japanese buyers, who often have difficulty pronouncing the letter.

Do people still buy Lululemon? ›

Demand for comfy, stretchy clothes is higher than before pandemic report shows (and that's good news for investors). The early saying went that, when the pandemic finally ended, people would ditch the stretchy pants and put on more fancy clothes.

Is Lululemon going out of business? ›

Lululemon's winning streak continues, with the company continuing to grow sales while other apparel retailers experience slowdowns. For the third quarter of 2022, revenue jumped 28% over the same period last year, to $1.9 billion.

Why not to support Lululemon? ›

No, Lululemon is not ethical. None of its factories are fair trade certified by labor standards and ethics, so there's no guarantee that workers' health and safety are taken care of. This also makes the application of fair living wages and other crucial labor rights doubtful.

Is Lululemon made in China? ›

Lululemon manufacturers are distributed in over 26 countries worldwide. Some countries that help the brand meet its production needs are Japan, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Haiti. South Asia makes up for a significant number of the manufacturers. Some of the production is also taken care of in China and North America.

How much does Lululemon pay for like new items? ›

What is eligible? Tank tops, shirts, shorts and skirts, which will garner you a $5 credit each; hoodies, sweatshirts, sweaters, pants, crops, leggings, dresses and bags, which will earn you $10 each; and outerwear, which produces the biggest return of $25 per item.

Is Lululemon more expensive than Nike? ›

In this sense, Lululemon as a Yoga-related brand has a more limited audience and as its products are relatively higher priced than e.g. Nike's, Puma's (OTCPK:PMMAF), or Under Armour's products, more price-conscious consumers may look elsewhere for cheaper alternatives.

How many inches is Lululemon 7 8? ›

These are Lululemon's best selling 7/8 length pant. They are absolutely great for running, biking, and other cardio work and even better for just wearing around the house. They are both comfortable and flattering. Measurements: 26" inseam, overall length 36" from waist to cuff.

Do Lululemon shoes run true to size? ›

lululemon shoes run true to size, but are a bit on the narrow side compared to other athletic shoes in our experience. If you have a wider foot, lululemon recommends sizing up a half size.

Why do my Lululemon leggings fall down? ›

Leggings roll down whenever the fabrics degrade or the waist is not properly fitted. Some yoga pants are designed to fold down, but most leggings fall as a result of improper fit, worn-out waistband, or a low-quality design.

Do Lulu leggings stretch out over time? ›

Elastic will always loosen over time and leggings contain a lot of it (lycra or spandex). When you put them on, they'll stretch to fit your body and, over time, they'll relax to hold that shape. The more you wear them, the quicker this will happen.

How do I know my Lululemon leggings size? ›

For mostly Luon or Nulu products, the size dot will be located in the key/card pocket at the hip on the waistband. This includes Wunder Under Pants/Crops and Align Pants. For more technical fabrics (i.e. Luxtreme, Nulux), the size dot is usually located in the back pocket, which may or may not have a zipper closure.

Should I size up at Lululemon? ›

As a general rule, consider sizing up in more compressive styles, stick to your true size in styles with medium compression, and consider sizing down in styles with little compression.

What is the standard Lululemon length? ›

Lululemon Align leggings come in a variety of lengths, ranging from 21 to 28 inches. I'm 5 foot 5 and the 25-inch length hits right above my ankles, which is the equivalent of the standard 7/8 length that other brands offer.

What size is size 6 in Lululemon leggings? ›

A size 6 in Lululemon corresponds to a waist measurement of 27 to 28 inches and a hip measurement of 39 to 40 inches. The inseam is also about 30 inches long.

How do sizes work at Lululemon? ›

Lululemon sizes work in a unique way compared to other brands. The size of the clothing is determined by the waist measurement and then the inseam is added on top of that. For example, a size 4 would have a waist measurement of 27 inches and an inseam of 33 inches.

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