In a sea of athleisure companies, one brand has managed to stand out and capture the hearts of, well, just about everyone—Lululemon. Known for its high-quality activewear that can be worn well beyond the gym, Lululemon has become synonymous with style, comfort, and performance.
Whether your goal is to find your new favorite leggings for running or a sweat-wicking sports bra, the best Lululemon products are an investment that will serve you for years to come. But, if you don’t know what to look for, you could end up with buyer’s remorse (or at least a big, legging-shaped hole in your wallet). Read on for a few items that, former Lululemon employees say are *actually* worth your coin.
The best Lululemon products, at a glance
- Best bra: Energy Bra, $52
- Best legging: Fast and Free High-Rise Tights, $128
- Best pant: Dance Studio Pant, $118
- Best top: Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt 2.0, $78
- Best outerwear: Down For It All Vest, $168
- Best accessory: Everywhere Belt Bag, $39
Methodology
The athleisure brand has a good reputation for making high-quality products, and rightfully so. But still, some Lululemon items are more worth those hefty price tags than others. Who best to separate the best from the rest? Former Lululemon employees, of course. We tracked down a few to hear about the most worth-it items—and the ones you can probably skip.
The best Lululemon products, according to former employees
Best bra:
Available sizes: 2-14, B-DDD; comes in medium (pictured) and high-support versions, as well as longline versions
Overall, the brand’s bras have mixed reviews from former employees. (The most common complaint is that they just don’t have enough support for larger chests.)
One thing most everyone agreed on? The Energy Bra is the one to get. “They are the only sports bras I wear,” says Alyson Dolan, who worked as an educator at a store in Michigan for two years. Made with Lululemon’s much beloved Luxtreme fabric, the Energy Bra is designed for yoga and training and features sweat-wicking, breathable material and a comfortable amount of stretch.
For Kimberly Ricks, who worked at Lululemon for eight years in three states, it’s her go-to option for teaching spin classes—and doing pretty much everything else in, too. “It’s hands-down my favorite bra, for any activity,” she says. “Whether the regular style, the longline style, the high neck style—I love all of them. They’re super comfy.”
Colors available: Varies by style
Pros:
- Inclusive size range
- Alternative styles available
- Soft, comfy Luxtreme fabric
- Supportive
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Versatile
Cons:
- Pricey
Best legging:
Available sizes: 0-20, in several lengths and styles
Leggings rule all at Lululemon, so leaving that category off this list would be unthinkable. But former employees say that finding the right fabric and style of legging is highly personal. One style that got only positive reviews is the Fast & Free Legging, a running tight made from the brand’s super lightweight Nulux fabric.
“I work out pretty hard, and they hold up really well for workouts but then also transition well to in-between, so you don’t have to worry about whether they’re going to pill or snag,” says former Lululemon merchandising leader, Amanda Giladi. With an internal drawstring to ensure they don’t ride down (even when they get sweaty), plus two large side pockets and several small waistband pockets, the Fast & Free are some of Lululemon’s most technical leggings, but they don’t sacrifice comfort.
Colors available: 6
Pros:
- Inclusive size range
- Stretchy, supportive Nulux fabric
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Drawstring waistband
- Internal and external pockets
Cons:
- Pricey