If you‘re a fan of high-quality athletic wear, you‘ve probably heard of Lululemon. This popular brand is known for their buttery-soft leggings, supportive sports bras, and stylish athleisure pieces that can take you from the gym to brunch. But if you‘re new to the brand, you might be wondering: does Lululemon run true to size?
The answer is a little complicated. In general, Lululemon sizes tend to run small or true to size, but it really depends on the specific product and fabric. Some items, like the brand‘s signature Align leggings, are designed to feel like a "second skin" and provide a tight, compressive fit. Other pieces, like the Wunder Under collection, offer a bit more breathing room.
To make things even more confusing, sizing can vary significantly between different product categories. According to numerous customer reviews and feedback from Lululemon Educators, the brand‘s bras, swimsuits, shorts, dresses and jackets tend to run quite small. Many shoppers find they need to size up one or even two sizes in these pieces to get a comfortable fit.
So how can you figure out what size to buy? Your best bet is to use the Lululemon size chart as a starting point. The brand provides detailed measurements for each size, so you can compare your own numbers to find the closest match. Keep in mind that the size chart measurements refer to your body size, not the garment dimensions.
If you have the opportunity to visit a Lululemon store in person, definitely take advantage of it! Try on a few different sizes and fits to see what works best for your unique body shape and preferences. Don‘t be afraid to ask for help or advice from the store‘s knowledgeable Educators. They are trained to provide personalized fit and styling recommendations to help you look and feel your best.
When you‘re shopping online, pay close attention to the product description and materials. Lululemon uses a wide range of proprietary fabrics, each with their own unique properties that can affect the fit. Here‘s a quick breakdown of some of the most common options:
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Luon: This signature Lululemon fabric offers great coverage and support with a cottony-soft feel. It is used in many popular styles like the Wunder Under collection. Luon tends to fit true to size.
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Nulu: An ultra-lightweight and buttery-soft fabric with a "naked sensation" that‘s used in the Align collection. Nulu is technically a size smaller than Lululemon‘s other fabrics, but most find they can still wear their typical size for a sung, compressive fit.
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Luxtreme: A smooth, sleek fabric that provides great support and coverage for high-impact activities. Luxtreme is used in pieces like the Speed Up and Fast & Free leggings and runs true to size.
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Nulux: Lululemon‘s quickest-drying fabric has a lightweight, barely-there feel that‘s ideal for running and training. Nulux is used in the Invigorate and Base Pace leggings and also runs true to size for a compressive fit.
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Everlux: A fast-drying, highly breathable fabric that‘s cool to the touch. Used in the In Movement collection, Everlux tends to run true to size but some may prefer to size up for a more relaxed fit.
Of course, decoding Lululemon‘s different fabrics is only half the battle. You also need to consider the intended use and fit of each product. The brand categorizes their gear into "hugged, naked, relaxed, tight and held-in sensation" fits, depending on the amount of compression and support provided.
According to Lululemon Educator Jenna Smith, "The main thing to keep in mind is that our leggings are designed to fit snug and hug your body, especially in our Hugged and Tight Sensation categories. It‘s completely normal for them to feel tighter than your average jeans or sweatpants. In fact, 99% of the time, that snug feel is exactly what you want to keep everything tucked in and supported as you move."
That said, Smith advises against sizing down in Lululemon leggings, even if they feel slightly loose at first. "Our pants relax a bit with wear, and if you go down a size just to get that super tight feel, chances are the leggings will be too small, uncomfortable, and will pill and wear out faster," she explains. When in doubt, stick with your usual size for the most comfortable, long-lasting fit.
So what about Lululemon‘s bras and tops? These tend to be the trickiest items to get right, especially for bustier women. Many of the brand‘s bras are light support and designed for an A/B cup, so those with a C cup or larger may need to size up to avoid spillage. The size chart can be helpful here – look for your rib cage measurement, then go up a size or two for your cup size to find a more accommodating fit.
Lululemon‘s sports bras and swimsuits also tend to run quite snug, so don‘t be alarmed if you need to go up a size or two from your usual. The brand designs their swim tops with a compressive fit to keep you secure and supported in the water. If you prefer more coverage, opt for a style with a higher neckline and thicker straps.
Finally, a word on Lululemon‘s shorts and dresses. These styles are often designed to be form-fitting through the hips and thighs, so many customers find they need to size up for a flattering, comfortable fit. When in doubt, refer to the size chart and look for your hip measurements rather than your waist to find the right size. The liner on Lululemon run shorts also tends to run tight, so if you‘re between sizes, it‘s best to choose the larger of the two.
At the end of the day, finding your perfect Lululemon size may take some trial and error – and that‘s okay! Don‘t get discouraged if the size you normally wear doesn‘t fit quite right. With so many different fabrics, fits and styles to choose from, there‘s truly something for everyone at Lululemon. The most important thing is to prioritize your comfort and choose pieces that make you feel confident and empowered, whether you‘re hitting the gym or just lounging at home.
And if you ever have any questions or concerns about sizing, don‘t hesitate to reach out to Lululemon‘s friendly customer service team for advice. With their help and these tips in mind, you‘ll be rocking your new Lululemon gear in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do Lululemon leggings compare to other brands in terms of sizing?
A: Lululemon leggings tend to run a bit smaller and more compressive than other athletic brands like Nike, Under Armour and Adidas. If you normally wear a small in other brands, you may need to size up to a medium in Lululemon for a similar fit.
Q: What is Lululemon‘s return policy if something doesn‘t fit right?
A: Lululemon offers free returns and exchanges on all items, as long as they are unworn, unwashed and in resalable condition with the tags still attached. You have 30 days from the purchase date to return or exchange an item, either by mail or at your local Lululemon store.
Q: How does Lululemon‘s men‘s sizing compare to women‘s?
A: Lululemon‘s men‘s sizing is pretty straightforward and runs true to size for the most part. The main difference is that men‘s pants are sized numerically (28, 30, 32, etc.) rather than in letters like women‘s (2, 4, 6, etc.). You can use the men‘s size chart on Lululemon‘s website to find your best fit based on your waist and hip measurements.
Q: Do Lululemon leggings stretch out over time?
A: Most Lululemon leggings are made from high-quality, durable fabrics that are designed to retain their shape and compression over time. However, they may relax slightly with wear, especially if you put them in the dryer or wear them frequently. To minimize stretching, hang dry your leggings and avoid sizing down too much – a snug fit is good, but you don‘t want them to be uncomfortably tight.
Q: What if I‘m in between sizes at Lululemon?
A: If you‘re between sizes, your best bet is to choose the larger size for a more comfortable, flattering fit. Lululemon‘s fabrics are designed to hug and support your body, so a little extra room is always better than a too-tight squeeze. You can also refer to the specific product reviews on Lululemon‘s website to see how other customers with your same measurements found the fit.
