Is Lululemon Worth the Hype?

When most people think of workout clothes lululemon, they think of yoga pants and leggings. It’s no wonder, since the company has been credited with giving birth to athleisure—a style of clothing that mixes the comfort of casual wear with athletics. The concept has been around for decades, but it gained mainstream acceptance in the late ’90s and early 2000s. That’s when Lululemon helped it reach critical mass, according to the company.

Athleisure has also changed the apparel industry. A search of SEC filings for the term yields more than 650 results going back to 2001, not just from athletics retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Foot Locker, but from companies with a wider range of apparel including PVH, Stitch Fix, and Designer Brands. And while the rise of athleisure arguably began with Lululemon, it has since spread to other apparel brands, such as Nike and Under Armour.

In the world of workout clothes, lululemon is synonymous with high-quality, sweat-wicking fabrics and comfortable, flattering styles. But they’re also pricey. This explains why many BFT readers have questions about whether lululemon clothing is worth the hype and the prices.

One of the most popular items at Lululemon is their Align High Neck Tank Top ($48) and Align Pant ($118). These go-tos are great for a sweaty yoga session or a strength training class in the studio. The tank has a built-in shelf bra and provides light support for up to a C cup. The pants are buttery soft and stretchy, but don’t cinch in the waist so you can move freely.

Another cult-favorite is the Nulu Flow Y Bra ($48) and Dance Studio Mid-Rise Pant ($118). This set is perfect for outdoor yoga or a sweaty yoga class in a hot studio. The bra is lightweight and comfortable with a super skinny strap that lay flat under any tank or sports bra. The pants are a slim fit, but stretchy and have pockets so you can carry your phone, water, and keys.

Other workout staples include the Wunder Train mesh-panel tights ($118) and Speed Up High-Rise Lined Short ($68). These are great for a sweaty indoor run or a hot yoga session in a gym. The mesh paneling helps keep you cool and the tights are breathable, but they’re still thick enough to provide coverage during intense movement.

The Invigorate HR Tight ($158) is another must-have for those who love a tough, outdoorsy workout. These leggings are a little thicker than the Wunder Train, but they’re durable enough to stand up to a hike or a run outside. They’re also breathable and come in a variety of colors so you can find the perfect pair for your next workout.