Photo credit: www.travelandleisure.com
My journey into travel writing began after spending years as a store educator at Lululemon in East Hampton, N.Y., a role I cherished so much that I would often arrive early and leave late—on purpose. My responsibilities included enlightening customers about Lululemon’s innovative fabric technology, which justified premium prices. In the early 2000s, investing $98 in leggings seemed extravagant, even in a high-end location like the Hamptons.
Surprisingly, most customers left without making a return, which speaks volumes about the quality and appeal of the products. Although I have since moved on from retail jobs, Lululemon remains a significant part of my travel wardrobe—about 60%—even without the employee discounts I enjoyed. If you’re considering which items are worth your investment, here are 11 top-selling Lululemon pieces that have proven to be customer favorites and rarely returned, including leggings, jackets, shorts, and more, with prices starting as low as $18.
Wunder Train High-rise Tight With Pockets
lululemon
I vividly remember the Wunder Under tights selling like wildfire, leading to jokes that they must have wings. Even celebrities like Taylor Swift have been spotted wearing them! Since their introduction around 2008, these tights have undergone many updates, and I particularly favor the latest version, which includes spacious pockets perfect for storing my phone and passport.
Though originally crafted for workouts, I find them to be excellent travel pants, with many users praising their moisture-wicking Everlux fabric that efficiently dries sweat, keeping you looking fresh.
Wunder Train High-rise Short
lululemon
For warmer destinations, the Wunder Train High-rise Short becomes my go-to choice. These shorts are designed to maintain performance even in high temperatures, according to Lululemon. While they may lack the deep pockets found in the tights, there’s a nice stash pocket in the waistband for credit cards or hotel keys.
Available in 4-inch and 6-inch inseams, they provide a second-skin feel that many find incredibly comfortable. One customer, who trained for a marathon in them, noted their exceptional fit and durability, highlighting how the fabric has withstood years of rigorous use.
Align Dress
lululemon
In the past, Lululemon’s reversible “Beat the Heat” dress was immensely popular. While waiting for its return, I recommend the Align Dress that I own in black. This versatile option features a built-in shelf bra and shorts with pockets, making it perfect for both workouts and casual outings. Crafted from Nulu fabric, it offers a soft, sleek appearance and many reviews praise its flattering fit for different body types, making it a travel favorite.
Define Jacket Luon
lululemon
The iconic Define Jacket is made from Lululemon’s original fabric, Luon. Since its debut in the early 2000s, it has become a favored choice for yogis looking for durability.
Despite only a few modifications over the years, it continues to receive rave reviews for its stylish adaptability. One long-time customer stated they’ve been purchasing it repeatedly in various colors for decades, finding it ideal for the transitional seasons when you need a lightweight layer.
Groove Nulu Foldover-waist Flared Pant
lululemon
I recall the early popularity of the reversible Groove Flared Pant, which was a hit for offering two looks in one.
The current Groove Flared Pant is made from an enhanced Nulu fabric, celebrated for its soft, barely-there feel. The wider foldover waist provides a flattering fit, especially when matched with crop tops or shorter tanks like the Glow Up Tank Top.
Align High-rise Short
lululemon
The previously popular Groove shorts are no longer available, but the Align High-rise Short is an excellent replacement. It retains the comfort of the Groove shorts while being crafted from Nulu fabric and available in versatile inseam options ranging from two to eight inches.
The waistband is wide, featuring a secret stash pocket that doesn’t dig into the waist while sitting. With over 1,600 five-star ratings, many users have declared them their top choice for a variety of activities, from fitness to leisurely outings.
Ebb to Street Tank Top
lululemon
My uniform during my time at Lululemon typically included leggings or skirts with the versatile Power Y Tank, a much-loved piece among shoppers. Today, a close alternative is the Ebb to Street Tank Top, which came out a few years later.
Similar to its predecessor, this tank features a slim fit, a narrow racerback design, and a built-in B/C cup bra with removable pads. The tank differentiates itself with a slightly ribbed texture and longer length, which customers appreciate. It currently boasts nearly 2,000 five-star ratings, with many fans requesting no alterations to its design.
Scuba Full-zip Hoodie
lululemon
My relationship with the Scuba Full-zip Hoodie was marked by both admiration and frustration. I appreciated its fun features, such as a zipper pull that doubles as a hair tie, thumbholes, Cuffins to secure sleeves, and a roomy structured hood; however, folding the hoodies proved challenging.
Nevertheless, most patrons would try it on and leave with it, minimizing the need for refolding. The updated Scuba Full-zip Hoodie remains popular, reflected in its 4,600 five-star ratings. One delighted user mentioned enjoying the new fit while still sporting their older version, which has lasted over a decade.
Speed Up High-rise Lined Short
lululemon
The Speed Up Short has evolved from the beloved Speed short, which I retired after 15 years. In its heyday, the Speed short was a must-have item, often snatched up before my shift ended.
The latest iteration, the Speed Up High-rise Lined Short, features a modern zipper on the back pocket, a flattering high-rise cut, and refined seams, making it a summer essential according to one dedicated fan of many versions since 2008.
Flow Y Bra Nulu
lululemon
My transition from cotton sports bras happened in 2009 when I invested in the Flow Y Bra. This staple has cherished status since its launch in the early 2000s, further enhanced by the breathable mesh back in the Flow Y Bra IV.
The current Flow Y Bra retains the flattering original cut while utilizing the softer Nulu fabric. For comfort, I recommend sizing up; I typically wear a size 6 in Lululemon bras, even though I normally wear a size 4.
License to Train Wide Headband
lululemon
During my retail days, headbands consistently attracted eager shoppers, many of whom were so excited about their purchases they tossed the receipt without hesitation. This License to Train Wide Headband stands out for its performance design, and its neutral colors also appeal to a broader demographic. Though still relatively new, it has garnered around 150 ratings, showcasing a promising average rating of 4.7 stars.
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Source
www.travelandleisure.com