Lululemon: Worth The Hype?

by Jenny

...or the price tag? Personally, I've never subscribed to the idea of spending lots of money on workout clothing, because you're just going to sweat in it, am I right? Then, I discovered the "Active" line of workout clothing at Old Navy. I learned that you can look reasonably cute in workout clothes without having to sell your plasma in order to afford them. Lately though, I've been seeing more and more of the high-end, boutique-type workout wear around the internet and, more recently, it's begun to infiltrate even my humble, little neighborhood YMCA. In my weightlifting and cardio/strength interval classes, I can't help but notice lots of these little emblems showing up on the backs of the ladies' workout tops and bottoms: 

 

The almighty Lululemon logo

When I first started hearing talk about Lululemon clothing, I perused their website and was positively sticker-shocked at the prices. More recently, I even went into one particularly busy Lululemon store, only to find myself overwhelmed by all of the choices in activewear--not to mention overwhelmed (and, okay...maybe intimidated, too) by the teeny-weeny, tanned and toned women, carrying stacks of $68 running shorts and $50 tanks to the checkout, credit cards in hand. I felt entirely out of my league as I turned and walked out. So, this begged the question: What's the deal with this place and is it really worth the (seemingly) outrageous price tag for clothing that you're just going to get stinky in?  For you, my dear Style Lush readers, I decided to find out. I've been saving my money for a little while, worked up some nerve and headed back to Lululemon recently with my savings in hand--all in the name of "field research." Hard-hitting, world-changing journalism, this is. 

I walked into Lululemon, was immediately greeted, given a quick tour of the store and a run-down of how the sizing works (runs small, of course). Then, I was left alone--which is what I prefer when shopping. I went into Lululemon to look specifically for some new workout shorts. I have a few old pairs that are in my rotation: one busted-up pair from Old Navy that are a size too big, another pair from Old Navy that I feel pretty "meh" about and then some Nikes that I splurged on at Academy ($37!). As I was grabbing different styles and sizes of the running shorts and heading for the fitting rooms, I passed the display of the Lululemon workout pants. Now, I know virtually nothing about Lululemon merchandise, but even I have heard the hushed, women's locker room whispers about their workout pants. In case you didn't know, they're famous for making your backside look spectacular.

"Hmmm. I know that I came in for shorts, but what would it hurt to try on a pair of these famous pants...I mean, while I'm here and have a whole fitting room all to myself?" This, readers, was the beginning of the end for me (and my savings). 

Long story short, I (begrudgingly) coughed up some dough and walked out with the following pieces from Lululemon: 

Run: Speed Short ($54)

Wunder Under Crop ($72)

Run: Engage Bra ($48)

Swiftly Tech Racerback ($48)

(Mine is in Pow Pink Light)

I like seeing how clothes fit actual, real-world people when I'm reading a blog about fashion or shopping. With that said, I feel compelled to do the same for you. Without further adieu, friends...here I am, modeling my Lululemon haul. Vanity, be damned!

  

I'm wearing: Speed Shorts, Swiftly Tech Racerback & Engage Bra

 

While I was brave enough to post pictures of myself in workout wear for everyone and their dog to view, I am not however, posting pics of my bra on the internet. But, I did want you to see how wide and comfortable the straps are on this sports bra. My shoulders sighed in relief when I put this one on. 

  

And, here are the famous Wunder Under Crops (tank from Old Navy). Again, in the interest of modesty, no butt-shot in my Wunder Unders. You'll have to see it for yourself if I run into you at the gym. 

So, do I think that Lululemon is worth the price tag? Hard to say. I do feel confident when wearing the clothing, which is indeed worth something. I can't speak to this yet, but I have heard that the Lululemon pieces last for years and years--so there's that. I can't promise that I won't revert back to my Old Navy ways occasionally, but I might reward myself every so often with a new Lululemon tank or shorts. I've been thinking (perhaps rationalizing my indulgence) about it and I spend way more time in gym clothes than I do designer jeans, so maybe it isn't completely ludicrous to splurge on nice workout wear. I think that I would definitely recommend Lululemon for someone who is just getting into an exercise routine and maybe needs a little extra motivation and confidence. 

Have you ever shopped at Lululemon? Are you a fan of the brand? Do you think it's worth the price?

 (Photo credits: www.lululemon.com and my own photos)

Comments

[Kristy]

Thank you so much for this! I've been waiting for an article exactly like this. I still don't know if I can justify the cost...but you are right - I spend more time in my Champion by Target workout crop pants than most anything else so maybe it makes sense...especially if they last that long.
Decisions, decisions.

[Alice]

i have a sports bra & a bra-embedded top from them... and i must say, they are BY FAR my favorites, and always the first ones i choose. i wear them more than any of my other workout gear and they still look as good as i day i bought them (...nearly 2 years ago)!

[elz]

I'm a BIG fan. Lululemon items are so well made. They don't fade, pill, tear, or unravel. I bought a Lululemon running skirt years ago that has special powers b/c it makes my bu** look AMAZING. My friends all swear the same thing with their pants-they make you look amazing. In fact, all their tanks do that too. Totally worth it, in my opinion.

[Lilly]

How did the bra work out for you? Lately, I've noticed that my Target sport bras make me look totaly flat chested. I thought that was the price you paid for not being hit in the face with them while exercising, and.. I thought all those cute magazine pictures of women with cleavage while wearing a sports bra were thanks to inplants.

[Jenny]

The bra does a good (actually, great) job of holding the twins down during running, high-knees, box-jumps--all of that ridiculous stuff that I do in my classes at the gym. It also doesn't give me "uni-boob." I think this was the only bra that I tried on at LLL, but they do have some that look like they do more lifting and separating. I'm in the market for one more LLL bra to supplement my collection and I might go that route next time. I'll keep you posted! ;)