With leggings costing over $100 and hoodies nearing $120, Lululemon isn’t cheap, but the brand has a cult-like following. I test fitness products for a living, so I decided to only work out this week in Lululemon to see if it is truly worth the hype. I also tested certain styles in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab to ensure they’ll hold up to wear and tear.
What should I buy from Lululemon?
I have tried dozens of items from Lululemon over the years (and over 50 different pairs of leggings from a variety of brands)— and not everything was worth it. I was surprised that some of Lululemon's most popular products weren't actually my favorites. Here are the buys that are 100% worth the money:
Before buying anything online, I recommend looking at the size chart closely for each item when shopping at Lululemon. The brand is known for running small compared to other brands, but I found that in most items I wore my usual size (either a size M or an 8).
What I’d skip from Lululemon:
- Workout shoes: I’ve have previously tested the Beyondfeel Running Shoes and Chargefeel Workout Shoes and neither of them performed as well as my favorite pairs from other brands. I would recommend the shoes as a trendy buy (like these super cute Mary Janes) vs. something more technical for fitness.
- Sports bras for high-intensity exercise: As someone with a D-cup size, Lululemon has limited options that fit me and offer enough support for high-intensity activities like running or HIIT workouts. I tested the Run Times Bra and had to try on a few sizes to find the right fit. Even then, it wasn’t as comfortable as other high-impact sports bras I own.
Long walk and Pilates class
Align Leggings
Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant
Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant
Pros
- Excellent fit on a variety of body types
- Soft and lightweight
- Comfy for both exercise and everyday wear
Cons
- Some pilling observed
WHO IT’S BEST FOR: Yogis and anyone who wears leggings everyday. This pair is perfect to wear in and out of the studio and is a great travel pant.
WHY I LOVE IT: These leggings are buttery soft with a flattering high-rise fit—I feel most confident in this pair out of all the leggings I own. They are made with the brand’s Nulu fabric that is super soft and lightweight for a barely-there feel. The leggings have a minimalist design without any unnecessary seams or panels. Testers loved wearing this pair as loungewear, travel gear, everyday clothing, or yoga pants.
I like that they are sold with three inseam lengths (as a tall girl, this is a game changer). Depending on your preferences, there is also a version with pockets and another style with no front seam. I prefer the original style with the front seam because I find they don’t shift as much, but our testers loved the no-front-seam option.
The lightweight feel is ideal for low-impact exercise, like yoga and Pilates, with a waistband that moves with you and doesn't roll over.
TAKE NOTE: The super soft fabric tends to pill with extensive use, so pros recommend washing them inside-out on the delicate cycle and air drying them to help prevent pills from forming.
★★★★★ 5/5: 100% worth it
Define Jacket
Pros
- Buttery soft material
- Flattering fit
- Built-in thumb holes
Cons
- Pilled after extensive use
WHO IT’S BEST FOR: Pilates princesses and avid walkers who want to look good while doing working out
WHY I LOVE IT: I’ve owned a Define jacket for years and regularly find new ways to style it. I usually just toss this jacket on over a sports bra and leggings before heading to a Pilates class in colder weather. The material is soft but substantial—I love how it highlights my waist for a pulled-together look. The built-in thumb holes are my favorite feature!
TAKE NOTE: The Nulu fabric (same as with the Align leggings) does pill a bit and I notice it more with the Define jacket than the Align leggings.
★★★★★ 5/5: 100% worth it
Weightlifting (lower body)
Wunder Train
Pros
- Sleek exterior and soft interior
- Durable fabric aced Lab evaluations
- Wicked away moisture easily
Cons
- Some testers preferred a less compressive fit
WHO IT’S BEST FOR: Gym rats who are lifting weights or going to high-intensity workout classes like spinning, CrossFit, and HIIT
WHY I LOVE IT: I aim to lift weights three times a week and this pair helps me get it done. The material doesn’t feel sweaty even after a rigorous workout: It aced our moisture management tests in the Textiles Lab. I like that there is a hidden drawcord to keep the leggings secure. This pair also washed well and resisted pilling better than Align leggings and it maintained its shape after being stretched in Lab analysis. These leggings had the highest overall score in our most recent leggings test.
The opaque material is completely “squat-proof”—I did a leg day and in deep squats, I felt totally secure. I loved the feel of the Everlux fabric, which is one of the most unique fabrications offered by Lululemon because the inside is sleek and smooth against your skin, but the outside has a soft, brushed feel.
You can choose between 25-, 28-, and 31-inch inseams and 10 different color options. Although this pick doesn't have pockets, there is a version with pockets that's more expensive.
TAKE NOTE: The material is more compressive than Align Leggings, which I liked, but some testers found too snug.
★★★★★ 5/5: 100% worth it
Like a Cloud Longline Bra
Pros
- Lightweight, super soft fabric
- Trendy strappy design
- More coverage than other Lululemon bras
Cons
- Bottom band rolled up
WHO IT’S BEST FOR: Shoppers looking for a sports bra that doubles as loungewear
WHAT I LIKED: This bra is incredibly comfortable while offering more coverage than other Lululemon sports bras I’ve tested. I like the strappy design with the racerback that’s supportive while looking on-trend. When lifting weights, this bra stayed put and kept me covered. After a whole gym session, I truly forgot I was wearing this bra—it’s that comfortable. Next time, I will try the D/DD version, which may offer a better fit for me.
TAKE NOTE: For a lower-body gym day, this bra worked well, but it wouldn’t be supportive enough for running or jumping. The material along the band rolled up a lot, which was frustrating and made the bra look crumpled.
★★★★ 4/5: Great, but would wait for a sale to rebuy it
Five kilometer run
Shake It Out Shorts
Lululemon Shake It Out High-Rise Running Shorts 2.5
Lululemon Shake It Out High-Rise Running Shorts 2.5
Pros
- Lightweight material
- Allows ease of movement with no restriction
- Wicked away moisture
Cons
- Wrinkly fabric
- Awkward fit
WHO IT’S BEST FOR: Runners who like a breezy fit
WHAT I LIKED: These shorts aren’t restrictive like other runners shorts I’ve worn. They have built-in underwear while the loose outer shorts allow for great ease of movement. When running, I barely noticed the shorts were there because the material moved with me, never restricting my legs. The shorts are also very lightweight and the material quickly wicked away moisture, so I never felt sweaty in this pair.
TAKE NOTE: Based on online reviews, I sized up to a Large in these, but I should have stuck with my usual size; the built-in underwear was a bit loose and they rode up. The fabric was extremely wrinkly and looked quite crumpled after laundering. On the site, the shorts look high-waisted, but even in the larger size, they were more mid-rise on me. I could see a runner loving the lightweight material and airy feel, but they didn’t quite fit my body right and the wrinkly fabric was a dealbreaker for me.
★★★ 3/5: Only OK
Run Time Bra
Pros
- Sewn-in molded cups
- Great range of sizes compared to other bras from Lululemon
- Encapsulation style prevents bounce
Cons
- Felt sweaty
- Challenging to find the right size for me
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Fans of rigorous exercise, especially runners, CrossFitters, and athletes
WHAT I LIKED: When running in this bra, I had no bounce—which is a feat with my larger chest. I liked that the encapsulation style with molded cups provided shape, so there were no accidental nip slips. The padded cups are also sewn-in unlike other sports bras with loose cups that tend to shift and pop out. It's one of the only bras sold in D–G cup sizes.
TAKE NOTE: There is a lot of padding in this bra, which helped provide coverage, but made me look bustier than I usually do. It also didn't offer great separation. I had to try a few different sizes to find the right fit and found that this one ran tight in the band. Although there's mesh in the band, I found this bra quite sweaty compared to my other high-impact bras.
★★ 2/5: I would skip
Weightlifting (upper body)
Wunder Train High-Rise Short
Pros
- Waistband stays put even during squats
- Three inseam options
- Moisture-wicking material
Cons
- Online reviewers recommend sizing up
WHO IT’S BEST FOR: Sweaty weightlifters looking for a lightweight, summer option
WHY I LOVED IT: I am a bike short hater, but these have made me reconsider. Bike shorts usually ride up on my thicker thighs while rolling down at the waist. This pair stays in place during squats and offers more coverage compared to other bike shorts I’ve tried, thanks to the 6-inch inseam. I love the Everlux fabric that’s compressive, moisture-wicking, and still soft to the touch.
TAKE NOTE: I found these to run true to size, but my pair is a few years old and many online reviewers now recommend going up a size. Wunder Train tends to be snug, so if you like a less compressive fit, I’d recommend going up a size.
★★★★ 4/5: Great, but would wait for a sale to rebuy it
Flow Y Nulu Bra
Pros
- Incredibly soft material
- Trendy color options
- Under $50
Cons
- Not enough coverage for larger busts
WHO IT’S BEST FOR: Women with smaller chests who enjoy low-impact exercise
WHAT I LIKED: This is the softest sports bra I’ve ever worn and it’s incredibly comfortable. I wore it to a weightlifting session, but it would’ve have been better suited to lower-impact exercise.
TAKE NOTE: I am either a C- or D-cup size, so I tried this bra out which is designed for A–C cup sizes. It did not offer enough coverage for me, especially when moving around. It also has very minimal support, feeling more like a lounge bra than a sports bra. I wouldn’t wear this bra in the gym again, but could see it being a good buy for someone with a smaller chest than me who prefers low-impact exercise.
★★★ 3/5: Only OK
Rest day
Scuba Sweatshirt
Pros
- Trendy quarter-zip design
- Cozy feel with polished fit
- Built-in thumb holes
Cons
- Material stains very easily
WHO IT’S BEST FOR: At-home loungers looking for cozy loungewear that’s still polished
WHY I LOVE IT: I wear a Scuba sweatshirt from Lululemon nearly everyday because they are that comfortable. I like the quarter-zip design that feels more elevated than a traditional pullover. The material is warm and cozy without feeling stuffy. The hoodie version is the most popular, but I prefer the no-hood style more for everyday wear because it’s lighter weight.
TAKE NOTE: The material does stain easily, so I try to be extra careful and then I wash the stains immediately. For the price tag, it’s frustrating for it to stain so easily. I love wearing it, but I wouldn’t pay full price (over $100!) for this sweatshirt.
★★★★ 4/5: Great, but would wait for a sale to rebuy it
Everywhere Belt Bag
Pros
- Compact size
- Lightweight fabric
- Ideal for traveling and running errands
Cons
- Spot clean only
WHO IT’S BEST FOR: Travelers and those on-the-go who want to get out the door quickly; it’s especially great for neighborhood walks and errand runs, plus makes a fantastic gift!
WHY I LOVE IT: When running out the door for errands, I love to grab this belt bag to hold just the necessities. It’s been my travel buddy on multiple trips, keeping my wallet and cash secure without adding extra weight, thanks to its lightweight fabric. I like that this bag is roomier than other fanny packs I’ve tried without being too bulky. It fits my phone, wallet, keys, hand sanitizer, and Kindle. It’s one of the most affordable buys at Lululemon too.
TAKE NOTE: My bag has gotten quite dirty with regular wear and it’s unfortunately spot clean only.
★★★★★ 5/5: 100% worth it
How to buy discounted Lululemon
Because Lululemon is a pricier brand, I recommend looking for deals and the brand offers a few ways to score steep discounts.
- We Made Too Much: This section of the site features all the discounted items available. Popular items are regularly discounted here in certain color ways.
- Lululemon Like New: Lululemon has its own resale market to sell gently used products. You can also send your used Lululemon products back to the brand for in-store shopping credit.
How we test activewear
We thoroughly evaluate workout pants—including those from Lululemon—in our Textiles Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. In the Lab, we inspect the construction for features like gussets and flat seams, assess the opacity using standardized lighting (to make sure the leggings are not see-through), and measure the sweat-management capabilities using a moisture-wicking test. We also use lab equipment to test durability aspects like pilling resistance, washability, and more. On top of that, we have had dozens of consumer testers wear Lululemon leggings during real workouts to give feedback on factors like fit, breathability, comfort, and appearance.
Is Lululemon Worth It?
Why I wear Lululemon nearly everyday
I wear athleisure everyday, whether its to a morning workout, lounging at home, or running errands. I’ve tested nearly every brand of activewear, but Lululemon remains my favorite.
- Buttery soft materials. The brand’s signature Nulu fabric used in Align leggings is the softest leggings material I’ve ever tried. The Align leggings are my favorite because of their second skin-like fit that’s incredibly flattering and comfortable—I wear a pair nearly everyday!
- On-trend designs. Lululemon does a great job of combining performance fabrics with on-trend silhouettes like the brand’s moisture-wicking trousers and flowy joggers.
- Materials that last. I’ve owned most of my Lululemon gear for years and with the right care, they stay in great shape. Lululemon also offers free hemming in certain stores and a trade-in program where you send back old gear to get free in-store shopping credit. Lululemon stands behind their quality.
- Great range of styles. Lululemon is a one-stop shop for all types of fitness products, including apparel, gym bags, yoga mats, and more. They also have an impressive men’s section.
Drawbacks of Lululemon
- The price. Lululemon activewear is not affordable and comes with a higher price. It’s comparable in price to Athleta and Alo, but pricier than more affordable options at Old Navy or Amazon.
- Limited size range (especially for larger busts). I am a 34D bra size and found that many Lululemon sports bras didn’t offer enough support and coverage for my liking. When our testers with bigger busts tried the Energy Bra (one of the only styles up to a G cup size), most struggled to find the right size and preferred their previous sports bra. Only a few styles (like the Align leggings) go up to a size 20 and most styles only go up to a size 14.
- Careful laundering. I recommend air-drying your Lululemon activewear to ensure it stays in great condition long term. High heat in the dryer can break down the stretchy fibers—this is true for all activewear though.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab where she has been testing fitness products for over seven years. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Fiber Science from Cornell University where she worked in the Body Scanner Lab conducting research in how to optimize activewear for athletic performance. She personally tested every product in this guide in both the Textiles Lab and while working out.
