Must-haves from a Former lululemon Educator
The Best Leggings, Tank Tops, and Other Must-Haves from lululemon
Have you ever thought of buying lululemon but you’re not sure where to start? Perhaps you’ve been an avid lululemon fan for years but you’re looking for the staples to complete your athleisure collection. My name is Jess and I have been both a longtime lululemon customer, a former employee (lululemon educator in 2015/2016 & 2019/2020) and now a fitness professional and influencer.
While I started shopping at lululemon because of my time as a competitive dancer, I later fell in love with lululemon to wear for yoga, barre, and group fitness. During my time as an employee of lululemon, I learned about the fabrics and function of each item and as someone who still lives in these clothes every day, I can attest to the high quality of the product. My top picks here might cater to a certain activity, but I promise there will be something for everyone.
TOP PICKS FOR TOPS
PROS:
This item is perfect for any low-impact activity such as yoga, barre, or Pilates. The buttery-soft Nulu fabric is weightless and gives the sensation of wearing nothing at all. This tank is extremely comfortable during activity but also has the ability to be dressed up with jeans or a skirt. The Align Tank has a built-in shelf bra, so you don’t have to worry about getting another bra to wear underneath.
CONS & SUGGESTIONS:
While the fit is very comfortable, it is only light support and made for A/B cup (C/D cup in sizes 14-20). If you are looking for an alternative that has more coverage, the Align Tank High-Neck is a close option with almost identical features. The biggest difference is the neckline which is higher but not uncomfortable. While it’s listed as light support, with more coverage you might find it the perfect alternative to the original Align Tank design. Keep in mind that the fabric is still Nulu, which is very delicate and made for low-impact activity.
PROS:
This item is so similar to the Align Tank with its cropped and slim fit and it has the feature of a shelf-bra as well. The reason this item is made for both yoga and training is that it is made with Everlux fabric, lululemon’s fastest-drying fabric. If you’re familiar with the Wunder Train, you’ll know this fabric well. It is soft to the touch however it’s abrasion-resistant and not as prone to pilling (the little balls that sometimes form on fabric from friction or tossing your items in the wash with towels). For these reasons, I recommend the Invigorate Training Tank Top to anyone who doesn’t like Nulu fabric but still enjoys a cropped tank.
CONS & SUGGESTIONS:
If you do not like a slim-fit or crop tank, my next best suggestion for a staple would be the Sculpt Tank, however, it doesn’t have the built-in shelf-bra. It is made with a sweat-wicking fabric that is slick to the touch and designed for running and training. This tank is the perfect alternative to the Invigorate Training Tank Top if you want a classic fit (won’t be hugging up close to the body) that just floats away from your body without being oversized. For those wanting hip-length, the Sculpt Tank fits below the waist. If you like the sounds of the Sculpt Tank for classic fit but want it to be cropped - there is a Cropped version, cut above the waist. For runners, the Sculpt Tank has reflective details and there is a subtle mesh opening at the back for breathability.
An honourable mention goes to the Swiftly Tech series (Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve, Short Sleeve, Relaxed-Fit, Racerback, etc) as a great top option for runners. The Silverescent technology in the fabric gives it anti-stink properties and the fabric is extremely comfortable for anything high-sweat.
Bonus Recommendation: For these shirts without the built-in shelf-bra, I would recommend the Energy Bra. It is medium support for B-D cups, comes in a long-line or high-neck version, and has contrasting strap colour options.
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TOP PICKS FOR LEGGINGS
PROS:
This legging is the ultimate legging for both everyday wear and intense workouts. The Everlux fabric is lululemon’s fastest-drying fabric and is both soft and durable, just like in the Invigorate Training Tank Top. One of the incredible features that improves upon the OG Wunder Under is the continuous drawcord. Love it, or hate it, it will help your leggings from falling down. With minimal seams on the outside of the thighs, it’s great for anything high-intensity and can also be dressed up to go out. The legging will have a hugged sensation and high-rise fit to pair with anything cropped or full-length top.
CONS & SUGGESTIONS:
For those loving the Wunder Train but disappointed it doesn’t have pockets, there is the perfect option - Invigorate HR Tight. The Invigorate HR Tight is made with Everlux fabric and almost identical to the Wunder Train except for a few more seams and slide-in pockets on the sides of the legs. If you do not enjoy the hugged sensation or feeling of a drawcord, you can always go with the Align High-Rise Pant, but be warned that this is a pant made for low-impact activity and not everyday wear. While the Align HR Pant makes most lists for the ultimate staple from lululemon, the Nulu fabric is delicate and needs a little extra care when being worn and washed.
PROS:
This legging is made for runners specifically with a slick, almost slippery, and cool-to-the-touch fabric. The Nulux fabric is a combination of the weightless sensation of Nulu and the slick feeling of Luxtreme (you might be familiar with Luxtreme from the Wunder Under *Luxtreme). The Base Pace HR Tight has no inseam (no seam on the inner thighs) which makes it even more freeing for runners. While it does not have side pockets or a secure, zippered pocket, it does have one in the back of the waistband that is large enough to hold an iPhone 13 Pro Max. You don’t have to fear them falling down, either, because of the continuous drawcord.
CONS & SUGGESTIONS:
If you enjoy the Base Pace HR Tight, but really miss having pockets on the sides of the leg, you can try the Fast and Free HR Tight, another running staple from lululemon. The reason I suggest the Base Pace HR Tight first is because of the feature of the seamless inner thigh (no inseam) and it comes at a lower price ($98) which makes it a great introductory running legging.
TOP PICKS FOR CASUAL:
PROS:
There are so many variations of the Scuba Hoodie, I’m confident that you will find what you are looking for if your desire is a soft and cozy sweater. The fabric is a naturally breathable, cotton-blend fleece, and depending on the style, you can have the classic fit with hip-length or over-sized fit with waist-length. The Funnel Neck is a newer option as well if you do not like to have a heavy hood. Unlike in previous years, the Scuba Hoodie has stretch to it as well, so whether it’s oversized or not, it won’t feel stiff.
CONS & SUGGESTIONS:
If you are looking for a lighter, non-fleece option and enjoy a crewneck style, the Perfectly Oversized Crew is a nice lightweight alternative for an oversized sweater from lululemon. I enjoy wearing the Perfectly Oversized Crew in Spring and Fall when the weather is changing and it still has a very oversized fit.
PROS:
The Define Jacket is a slim-fitting, zip-up sweater that comes in different fabrics and styles. If you are looking for the style that has been around the longest, you’ll be looking for the Define Jacket in Luon. The Luon fabric is more cotton-feeling and thicker, in my opinion. If you’re looking for the softest fabric, you can choose between the Hooded Define Jacket in Nulu or the newer Nulu Cropped Define Jacket. There have also been versions in Luxtreme and Nulux but the most common styles right now are the Luon, Hooded Define, and Cropped Define. Most of these items have the same features such as the zipper garage (to stop the zipper from pinching your skin at the top), secure zippered pockets, and emergency hair tie. Keep in mind that the Luon and Hooded Define Jacket are hip-length and the Cropped Define is waist-length.
CONS & SUGGESTIONS:
I have a hard time suggesting something instead of the Define Jacket because I feel that it truly is a staple item from lululemon and there are different styles and fabrics to choose from, so it basically has it all! If you do not like the slim fit, I might also recommend the newest zipped hoodie from lululemon, the Loungeful Zip Hoodie. It may be more similar to the Scuba but just wanted to throw this in as a recommendation that I am loving recently.
PROS:
If you were familiar with the On the Fly jogger/pant from previous years, you may love this updated version that is now high-rise and incredibly stretchy, called the Stretch High-Rise Jogger. Made with sweat-wicking, Luxtreme fabric, they are designed for on the move and durable enough for everyday wear. The inner waistband also has a lining of Nulu fabric which is buttery-soft against the skin. The drawcord has the ability to be worn on the outside or inside to suit your preference. This pant has side pockets with an inner secured pocket on one side. They are versatile and can be worn for movement or dressed up for work.
CONS & SUGGESTIONS:
If you don’t like the tapered leg, there is always the Stretch HR Pant, which is also an option for dressing up or wearing for a professional look.
TOP PICKS FOR ACCESSORIES:
PROS:
The Everywhere Belt Bag is a staple item from lululemon because it is simple, fits so much for a small bag, and is versatile. Recently, lululemon released an Extended Strap version but note this one has a few small differences as well including a different printed label on the inside and outside of the bag. Whether you try the original EBB or the Extended Strap, they can be worn both around the hips/waist or across the shoulder (with the bag on the front or back). There are so many different colours available that it’s an easy pick to match any #ootd.
CONS & SUGGESTIONS:
My only suggestion beyond the Everywhere Belt Bag would be to explore more of the larger bags from lululemon. Currently, I am loving the Crossbody with Nano Pouch however this one will act more like a full purse.
While there are so many more items to explore from lululemon, I believe that these are staple items that would make a great addition to your closet. This list may change over time but for now, these are my top picks in my own collection.
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I will send you bi-weekly updates about New Releases and We Made Too Much from Lululemon. You can also text me to ask for direct texts when a specific item is restocked.