Lululemon Product Reviews

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.

Wunder Under High-Rise Tight

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

Enlite Bra

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.

Intent Joggers Shorter 27”

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.

Down For It All Jacket

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.

Fast and Free Tight II

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).

Fast and Free Tight II

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.

Align Tank

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).

All Tied Up Tank

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.

On the Fly Woven ⅞ Pant Woven

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.

Invigorate High-Rise Tight

Thanks to the fact that these pants use Lululemon’s fastest drying fabric, feel nice and cool inside, and are sweat-wicking, I like to wear these leggings to hot yoga classes, on summer hikes, or even, as shown above, ATVing through Tahiti. Like all my favorite styles, these also have side pockets. However, I’ve found these leggings don’t quite suck me in like the Wunder Under or Fast and Free styles, which can be a pro or con depending on what you’re going for.

City Sweat Pullover & Metal Vent Tech Hoodies

During non-pandemic times, I travel frequently. As is well known, planes are freezing and I will not fly without a Lululemon hoodie or sweater, which gives me much-needed comfort, warmth, and good street-cred. The City Sweat Pullover Hoodie (left) is also great for hanging out around the house in the winter. I use it more as a pajama hoodie, and it goes well with jogger pants. Heavier than a lot of classic hoodies, the City Sweat is an ideal layer for added warmth.

I’m also a big fan of the Metal Vent Tech Hoodie. True to its name, this is the perfect hoodie to go to your hip, latte-infused, ping-pong bashing startup where you can comfortably code for eight or more hours. This hoodie is not too warm or heavy, but rather a light replacement of a regular button-down shirt.

Align Super High Rise Short

I bought and returned a lot of bike shorts over the last six months, and Lululemon makes the best ones for all types of workouts and activities. The Align Super High Rise Short is my favorite pair for everyday wear; it’s made of a super-soft nylon/lycra blend that is not too compressive like a lot of other bike shorts, it stays in place all day and doesn’t ride up, and it comes in four lengths and tons of colors. I also have and like the Fast and Free Short we recommend in our buying guide; this is the pair I suggest for running and working out.

Energy Bra

The Energy Bra is a versatile, medium-support sports bra for B to D cup sizes. I’m right in the middle with a C chest and wear it for both low- and high-intensity workouts with no issue. It’s comfortable, supportive, and the strappy back makes it a little cute too. Lululemon’s bra sizing is honestly very confusing to me, so if it’s your first time ordering from the brand, I suggest looking at the size chart and ordering two sizes if you’re on the fence. I’m a 34C and the 8 fits me best.

Hotty Hot Short II Long

I love these super lightweight shorts for running and hiking during hot, sticky New York summers. They’re sweat-wicking, include mesh panels on the bottom edge for extra ventilation, and the stretchy waistband can be tightened for your ideal fit. Since I’m 5’8″, I prefer the long version, but they also have a shorter, two-inch option. My only complaint with these pants is the lack of pockets. While there is one zippered pocket, it’s smaller than I initially thought and does not fit my phone, though it does fit my keys. That said, if you tend to run with an Apple Watch or similar, or hike with a backpack, then that may not be an issue.