If you‘re an activewear enthusiast, you‘ve likely heard of Lululemon. This Canadian brand has gained a cult following for their high-quality, performance-driven designs that take you from the gym to the street in style. But for many shoppers, especially those new to the brand, Lululemon‘s sizing system can be confusing. One of the most common questions is, "Does Lululemon run small?"
The short answer is, it depends. Lululemon uses a unique sizing system that doesn‘t always translate to other brands, and the fit can vary depending on the style and fabric. As a retail and consumer expert with a picky eye for detail, I‘m here to break down everything you need to know about Lululemon sizing. We‘ll cover how their sizes compare to other brands, which styles run small, large, or true to size, and tips for finding your perfect fit.
Understanding Lululemon‘s Sizing System
First, let‘s start with the basics. While most American brands use standard sizing like small, medium, large, etc., Lululemon uses a numeric system ranging from 0-20. A size 4 is roughly equivalent to a small, 6-8 is a medium, 10-12 is a large, and so on. Here‘s a general size chart:
| Lululemon Size | Numeric Size | Waist | Hip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | XXXS | 21-23" | 31-33" |
| 2 | XXS | 24-25" | 33-35" |
| 4 | XS | 25-27" | 35-37" |
| 6 | S | 27-29" | 36-38" |
| 8 | M | 29-31" | 38-40" |
| 10 | L | 31-33" | 40-42" |
| 12 | XL | 33-35" | 42-44" |
| 14 | XXL | 35-37" | 44-46" |
However, it‘s important to note that this is a general guide and sizing can vary between styles. Lululemon provides the detailed measurements for each individual product, which can be very helpful in comparing the actual garment dimensions to your own body measurements or something you already own and love.
According to a Lululemon spokesperson, their unique sizing is meant to "take the guesswork out of finding the right fit." They explained, "We don‘t believe in standard sizes because we know every body is different. Instead, we use our own numeric sizes and provide detailed garment measurements so you can find the best fit for you."
How Lululemon Compares to Other Activewear Brands
So how do Lululemon‘s sizes compare to other popular activewear brands? Let‘s take a look at a few examples.
Lululemon vs Nike Sizing
In general, Lululemon runs slightly smaller than Nike. A size 6 in Lululemon is equivalent to a small in Nike, while a Lululemon 8 is comparable to a Nike medium. However, Nike also uses a numeric sizing system for some of their garments, in which case the sizes are more similar. A Nike size 4 is close to a Lululemon 6.
Lululemon vs Athleta Sizing
Athleta is another popular activewear brand known for inclusive sizing. Their sizes are pretty similar to Lululemon, with a small equating to a 4-6, medium to an 8-10, and so on. However, some people find Athleta to run slightly larger than Lululemon, especially in their tops. If you‘re between sizes, you may want to size down in Athleta.
Lululemon vs Gymshark Sizing
Gymshark is a newer activewear brand that has gained popularity for their trendy, figure-hugging designs. In general, Gymshark runs quite small and tight compared to Lululemon. Their leggings are designed for a "second skin" fit. If you want a similar fit from Lululemon, you‘ll likely need to size down, but if you prefer a bit more room, stick with your usual Lululemon size.
Lululemon vs Alo Yoga Sizing
Alo Yoga is another luxury activewear brand with a dedicated following. Their sizing is very similar to Lululemon, with a full size chart that goes from XXS-2XL. The main difference is that some Alo leggings are designed with a more fashion-forward, sculpting fit, similar to shapewear. If you want that effect, you may want to size down, otherwise stick with your usual size.
Here‘s a quick comparison chart of how Lululemon sizes translate to other brands:
| Lululemon | Nike (alpha) | Nike (numeric) | Athleta (alpha) | Athleta (numeric) | Gymshark | Alo Yoga |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | XS | 0-2 | XXS | 00-0 | XS | XXS |
| 4 | XS-S | 2-4 | XS | 0-2 | XS/S | XS |
| 6 | S | 4-6 | S | 4-6 | S | S |
| 8 | M | 6-8 | M | 8-10 | M | M |
| 10 | L | 8-10 | L | 12-14 | L | L |
| 12 | XL | 10-12 | XL | 16 | XL | XL |
| 14 | XXL | 12-14 | XXL | 18 | XXL | XXL |
Of course, these are general comparisons and the fit can still vary depending on the specific product and fabric. It‘s always best to refer to the individual size chart and garment measurements when shopping.
Lululemon Leggings: True to Size or Size Up?
Now let‘s dive into Lululemon‘s most popular product: their leggings. With so many different styles and fabrics to choose from, it can be tricky to know which size to buy. In general, most Lululemon leggings run true to size and are meant to feel snug and supportive. However, there are a few exceptions.
The main factor that affects the fit of Lululemon leggings is the fabric. Most of their leggings are made with either Luxtreme or Nulu fabric. Luxtreme is a thicker, more compressive fabric that feels snug and holds you in. It has built-in stretch but doesn‘t feel as soft and buttery as Nulu. If you prefer a tighter fit, you‘ll probably be happy sticking with your usual size in Luxtreme leggings like the Wunder Under or Invigorate styles.
Nulu, on the other hand, is an ultra-soft and lightweight fabric that feels like a second skin. It‘s very stretchy and adapts to your body without feeling restrictive. Because of this, some people find that leggings made with Nulu, like the Align pants, run slightly larger. If you want a more compressive fit, you may want to size down. But if you prefer a barely-there feel, stick with your true size.
Here‘s a quick breakdown of how Lululemon‘s most popular legging styles fit:
| Style | Fabric | Fit | Sizing Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wunder Under | Luxtreme | Tight, compressive | True to size |
| Align | Nulu | Soft, barely-there | Size down for more compression |
| Invigorate | Everlux | Supportive, sweat-wicking | True to size |
| Fast and Free | Nulux | Smooth, quick-drying | True to size |
| Instill | SmoothCover | Smoothing, supportive | True to size |
Another factor to consider is the rise of the leggings. High-rise styles will feel more snug through the waist and hips compared to mid- or low-rise. If you carry more weight in your midsection, you may find high-rise leggings more comfortable in a size up.
What Real Customers Say About Lululemon Sizing
But don‘t just take my word for it. I scoured reviews from real Lululemon customers to see what they had to say about the brand‘s sizing. Here are some common themes:
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"I‘m usually between a 4 and 6 in leggings, but I always get a 4 in Lululemon. They‘re meant to fit snug and they hold up well over time." – Sarah L.
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"I love the Align leggings but I find they run a bit big. I normally wear a size 8 but I buy a 6 in Aligns for a more fitted look." – Emily T.
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"Lululemon sizing is so inconsistent! I have leggings in sizes 4-8 and they all fit differently. You really have to try them on." – Jenna M.
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"As someone with muscular thighs, I always size up in Lululemon leggings. The size 10 fits me perfectly and doesn‘t feel too tight." – Lauren B.
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"Lululemon is the only brand where I wear my true size in bottoms. Their 6 fits like a glove on me." – Olivia R.
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"I wish Lululemon offered more sizes. I‘m a 14/16 and their size 14 is sometimes too snug on me. I‘d love to see them expand their range." – Hannah G.
Based on these reviews, it‘s clear that experiences with Lululemon sizing can vary from person to person. Some people find the sizes run small, others find them true to size or even large. The best way to find your ideal fit is to try on a few different styles and sizes to see what works best for your body.
Tips for Finding Your Perfect Lululemon Fit
With all that in mind, here are my top tips for finding your perfect fit in Lululemon clothes:
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Measure yourself. Before you start shopping, take your measurements and compare them to the size chart. Pay attention to the waist, hip, and inseam measurements in particular.
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Check the garment measurements. Lululemon provides detailed measurements for each individual product. Compare these to a garment you already own to get a sense of how it will fit.
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Read reviews. Look for reviews from people with a similar body type to you and see what they say about the sizing. You can also filter reviews by size to see how it fits on different body shapes.
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Understand the fabric. Leggings made with Nulu will fit differently than those made with Luxtreme or Everlux. Check the fabric description to get a sense of how much stretch and compression to expect.
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Consider the intended fit. Some Lululemon styles are designed for a tighter, more compressive fit while others are meant to feel relaxed and comfortable. Think about what kind of fit you‘re looking for and size accordingly.
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Try it on. If you have a Lululemon store nearby, go in and try on a few different styles and sizes. The educators are knowledgeable about the products and can help you find your best fit.
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Don‘t focus on the number. It‘s easy to get hung up on sizing but remember, the number on the tag doesn‘t matter. What matters is how you feel in the clothes. Wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable, regardless of the size.
The Bottom Line
Lululemon‘s sizing can seem overwhelming at first but with a little know-how, you can easily find your perfect fit. While the brand‘s leggings generally run true to size, it‘s important to consider the fabric, intended fit, and your personal preferences when choosing a size.
At the end of the day, Lululemon is all about feeling good in what you wear. Their clothes are designed to make you feel confident and comfortable, whether you‘re sweating it out in the gym or running errands around town. With their inclusive size range, technical fabrics, and attention to detail, there really is something for every body at Lululemon. So grab your measurements, read some reviews, and find the size that makes you feel like your best self.
