I spent $2,000 at Lululemon - Was it worth it? My HONEST thoughts about this year's hottest brand
EVERYONE has been buzzing about Lululemon this year (and really every year lol). I’ve always loved their leggings, but over the last year I’ve really fallen in love with the brand. In 2022 I really started to dip my toes into getting spendy on my workout gear/athleisure & let me just go ahead and tell you it’s 100% worth it. I started off with just a few pieces, their running visor, iconic belt bag, and the wonder puff vest, and now i’m all in on Lululemon :)
Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Also yes.
I’ll be the first to admit, the price points can make you gulp—think $98 for leggings, $68 for a tank top, and $128 for joggers. Totally outside my usual range. But here’s the thing: if the fabrics truly last (and, in my experience, they absolutely do), and the brand stands behind their gear with free mending and accepting trade-ins, then over time, it actually starts to feel like a smart investment in lasting style and quality. In other words, these aren’t just impulse buys—they’re pieces you’ll keep reaching for, wash after wash, season after season.
What Even Is Athleisure?
Let’s chat about athleisure for just a sec—because if you’re breathing, scrolling Instagram, or just have eyes, you’ve seen it everywhere. Athleisure is basically the love child of gym clothes and legit street style. Think buttery leggings, super-soft crop tops, hoodies so comfy you’d marry them, and sneakers that somehow work both for yoga and brunch.
But here’s the kicker: athleisure isn’t just about working out. Sure, you could totally hit the barre class or the couch (no judgment) in these outfits. The whole vibe is looking put-together and sporty whether or not you’re actually breaking a sweat.
How Did Athleisure Take Over?
While it feels like athleisure is the look now, it actually started gaining momentum at the turn of the millennium—right around the time everyone started wanting more from their wardrobe. Think: comfort, style, and a “maybe I work out, maybe I don’t” energy.
Suddenly, brands like Lululemon turned cozy yoga pants into a total lifestyle. And now? Athleisure is pretty much a movement—blurring the line between workout wear and work-from-home forever uniforms.
I started off with just a few pieces, their running visor, iconic belt bag, and the wonder puff vest, and now i’m all in on Lululemon :)
After getting my husband’s blessing (big shoutout to @Jwoz9), I went on their website and spent all my Christmas money (and then some) to really get a good, well-rounded experience of the brand. If you’ve ever been in a Lululemon store, you may be wondering how I even found 14 different pieces to try, and that’s where my friend Julia comes in. Besides working at Lulu in Nashville, she tipped me off to the fact that a lot of Lululemon’s coolest pieces are ONLINE ONLY. It’s crazy - A lot of limited colors are also only available online.
One thing that Julia told me is that Lululemon will also do complimentary hemming in store. This is available for any of their leggings, pants (besides joggers), and even tops as long as there aren’t any zippers of things that would get in the way of the hemming process. This gave me so much peace of mind ordering as much as I did, considering the face that everything is always too long on me. So I took them up on it, and got my high-rise mini flared pant and my groove super-high-rise flared pant altered for free at my local store!
How Lululemon Stacks Up Against Fabletics, Athleta, and Alo
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably noticed how athleisure has become, well, a lifestyle. It’s not just about where you get your yoga on—it's about how your leggings look at brunch, those errands you pretend are your “workout," and whether your jacket can double as a makeshift travel pillow (a must, honestly).
So, where does Lululemon fit in the mix compared to brands like Fabletics, Athleta, and Alo? Here’s my take after some very dedicated research... And, okay, a little bit of personal shopping.
Lululemon:
What sets Lulu apart, hands down, is their fabrics (seriously, why does nothing else feel like this?!). But it’s not just about being buttery-soft—Lululemon also stands out with perks like free in-store hemming and repairs, even if you scored your pieces secondhand. Add in performance-driven returns (if it doesn’t hold up, they want to know), and it feels like a brand that really stands behind its gear.
Fabletics:
Known for being super accessible, Fabletics is all about offering styles for every shape and at a friendlier price point. If you love switching up your look every month and want a closetful of options without breaking the bank, this is a fun pick (two leggings for $24? Tempting every time).
Athleta:
Athleta brings a big dose of feel-good energy, focusing on sustainability and empowering women through movement. Their pieces tend to have a little more structure, and they’re often made with recycled fabrics, which is a bonus for any eco-minded shopper.
Alo:
Alo leans heavily into trend-driven looks—think Instagram model off-duty. Everything feels a little more fashion-forward, but you’re also getting ethical manufacturing and a sweatshop-free promise, so you look good and feel good.
At the end of the day, I still find myself reaching for my Lululemon leggings the most. The magic is all in the details (hello, hidden pockets and those seams that never dig in). But honestly, there’s something for everyone, no matter what your “athleisure personality” might be.
The Not-So-Good Stuff: Honest Drawbacks to Consider
Okay, so it wouldn’t be a real review if I didn’t spill a little tea on the downsides, right? Here’s what you might want to weigh before blowing the rent on Lulu.
$ticker shock is real: Let’s just call it like it is—Lululemon gear isn’t cheap. For most people, it’s 100% a splurge. You’re basically paying for designer-level athleisure, so this isn’t the place for budget basics.
Laundry drama: Most pieces need cold water washes (sometimes even a gentle cycle), which isn’t everyone’s idea of practical—especially if you sweat like crazy at Orangetheory or just live your best hot yoga life. Hot washes are a no-go or you risk wrecking your pricey haul.
Busty girls, beware: If you’re looking for sports bras that actually fit a larger chest, inventory in-store and even online can be unpredictable. A lot of my bustier friends have struggled to find just the right support or size, which is super frustrating for such a major brand.
If you can get past these quirks (and your bank account can survive), there’s still a lot to love. But I’m all about keeping it real—no sugarcoating here!
Check out the video below for more of my thoughts on quality, sizing, and to see the pieces styled up!
As usual, I will have each outfit listed out below with everything linked! Enjoy!
Align High-Rise Pant w/ Pockets 25"
The Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant With Pockets are the perfect comfy, cozy legging. Designed for low impact workouts like yoga & Pilates, this is the ultimate stretchy legging! It’s made with the Nulu fabric which is super lightweight, breathable, & buttery soft. It actually feels like you’re not wearing pants (in a good way lol). Perfect for those casual grocery store runs or travel days! The 25” inseam sits right above my ankles - I’m 5’2” & wearing size 4 for reference :)
Groove Super-High-Rise Flared Pant NULU
The Groove Super High Rise Flared Pant is ICONIC! They’re like the standard legging but even more comfy if you could ever believe that. Made from the Nulu material, this leggings is super soft and stretchy. They’re extremely high waisted and so flattering on. I got them in the Java color & love the way they look with the matching align bra or tank! They come in a 32” inseam which is way too long on me, but luckily Lululemon does complimentary hemming in store. I took them in to get hemmed and had them again within a week - now they’re the perfect length! Don’t let the length stop you from grabbing these. I’m wearing size 4.
Align High-Rise Mini Flared Pant 32"
Don’t want to commit to the full on flare legging? Then the Align High Rise Mini Flare Pant is the one for you!! These leggings are a more subtle flare - think almost like a straight leg pant! Again, made of the same super soft fabric & 32” inseam. I took these ones in to get hemmed as well and LOVE the way they turned out. Such a cute & comfy pant for walks and causal days. I’m wearing size 4.
Court Rival High-Rise Skirt
If you’re looking to add something new and fun to your activewear wardrobe, the Court Revival High Rise Skirt is you’re new favorite item! Trust me on this one - it is literally the cutest piece of activewear I have ever seen. It’s a functional tennis skirt (such a win), but it also is the perfect skirt for going on “hot girl walks” or even runs! This skirt is lined with biker shorts that have little grips on them to keep them from riding up. It’s also high waisted and looks so good with any sports bras or tanks! The skirt has 2 layers of material to give extra volume and fullness - which is what makes it so dang cute. It’s probably not a need for most people, but it’s worth it if you decide to give it a try! I’m wearing size 4.
Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short 4"
The Hotty Hot High Rise Lined Short is an amazing pair of shorts - period. These shorts come in multiple inseams depending on your preference. I like the 4” inseam for everyday use, but I could see the Hotty Hot 2.5” inseam being great for running! These shorts are super lightweight and breathable (again perfect for hot days & workouts). They also have a small zipper pocket for keys, and have an underwear lining on the inside. They also come in mid-rise and low-rise, but I would recommend the high rise! I’m wearing size 4.
Scuba High-Rise Cropped Jogger
Sweatpants but make them cute! The Scuba High Rise Cropped Jogger is possibly the most flattering pair of sweatpants I’ve ever worn. The Scuba material is a cotton blend fleece, making the joggers super warm and cozy! They’re what you think of when you imagine wearing a soft pair of sweats. The cropped version is great for 5’3” or shorter - if you’re taller than that the crop may be a bit short on you! They make these joggers in 7/8 length (great for 5’4” to 5’7”) & in full length (great for 5’8” & taller). Of course if you want them to be longer you can always go for the longer length - like if I wanted them to be longer on me I would get the 7/8 length instead of the “crop” length! I’m wearing size 2.
Ready to Rulu High-Rise Cropped Jogger
These Ready to Rulu High Rise Cropped Joggers are a more lightweight material than the scuba joggers! Making them perfect for warmer temps or workout warmups. They’re a sweat-wicking, quick-drying fabric which gives them a more sporty feel. These come in 7/8 length & also full length just like the Scuba Joggers! I’m wearing size 2.
Ebb to Street Long Sleeve Shirt
Okay, so this top is one of my favorite pieces from this haul! It’s sooooooo cute & flattering. The Ebb to Street Long Sleeve Shirt has a built in bra and removable padding for support, making it a great top for low impact workouts. It’s a ribbed material and cropped fit. I’ll definitely be getting more colors of this top - I love it that much! I’m wearing size 4.
Align Tank Top
This Align Tank Top is such a great piece for low impact workouts! I also love that it’s not too cropped, so you can also wear it out, post workout, without feeling like you’re just wearing a bra. It comes in 17 different colors and Lululemon is constantly adding new color ways of this piece - that’s how popular it is! It have built in padding for extra support and is made of the super soft Nulu fabric :)
I’m wearing size 4
Align Reversible Bra
If you’re looking for a comfy sports bra the Align Reversible Bra is the one for you! This is a light support bra, so ideally A & B cups. It doesn’t have extra built in padding which is what makes it so comfy. It’s soft and flexible and great for low impact workouts or just everyday wear! What makes it reversible?? Some of the color ways of this bra have 2 different colors, so you can flip it inside out depending on which color you want to wear that day ~fun~ I’m wearing size 4
Softstreme Perfectly Oversized Cropped Crew
I wish you could reach through your screen and feel this Softstreme fabric - its magical. Truly the softest material I’ve ever felt. The Softstreme Perfectly Oversized Cropped Crew has such a smooth feeling on the skin. I got this in my normal size 4 and love the slouchy fit! It’s perfectly cropped & not too thick, so it drapes over the shoulders nicely.
Define Jacket - Luon
One of the most popular pieces from Lululemon, the Define Jacket. This jacket is a fitted, flattering, and supportive! Making it a great jacket for being active & on the move. It’s a great weight to where you could wear it by itself while you’re working out, or you could layer it under your other jackets for an extra layer of warmth! I’m wearing size 4.
Scuba Oversized Half-Zip Hoodie
This might have been the most recommend piece from you all! When I asked you guys on my Instagram what to get in my Lululemon order, there was an overwhelming amount of y’all who said the Scuba Oversized Half Zip Hoodie was your favorite thing! It lives up to the hype. I have been wearing this piece since the day it arrived at my house & I love it. It’s the perfect cropped fit with the best kind of slouch. It also has a hood which is functional but also so cute paired with a puffer vest. It’s the Scuba cotton blend fleece material which makes it cozy and soft! I’m wearing size 4.
