I remember browsing in the very first store. Browsing, because as a personal trainer I didn’t think anyone would pay over $100 for clothing they were going to just get sweaty and dirty. I asked myself if lululemon worth the price?
Fast forward 20 years and that sure changed. For reasons other than just the gym, I can easily answer that question. Like many of you, I can’t imagine wearing anything else to the gym. We all know the amazing features, functions, fabric and fit for our sweaty pursuits. From yoga to crossfit. There is something for every type of fitness level.
Yes – lululemon is worth the price. It is more than just great training gear. If you are someone who also travels a lot, lululemon delivers double duty.
Spending a lot of money on any piece of clothing I need it to have double duty. As a very active person and someone who travels.
#1 – STRETCHY, MOISTURE WICKING FABRIC – Pants, tops, shorts and bras – oh my! Everything you need to put together a complete outfit. No matter where you go or what season you are enjoying. Most of the fabrics at lululemon are perfect for travel. From the airplane, to the hotel or exploring the city. Four way stretch means 100% comfort no matter what you are doing.
Currently Luxtreme, Luon, Everlux and Nulux are fabrics that fit this category. When you shop in any lululemon store, make sure you always read the big white hang tag. This useful information tells you all about the specific garment. Letting you know the fit, function and special features that go into its creation. All of this information is also on the website.
I love the brushed fabric that they bring out in the winter. It is still four way stretch and moisture wicking. On top of that, however, it is very warm. Brushed lululemon pants were my staple when I spent Christmas in NYC. From taking the subway to going ice skating, They also work great as long john’s to wear under something else. I layer this under the water resistance Studio Pants when I spent time up in Whistler.
Baller cap, Right as Rain, Studio Pants
Only the ice skates are not from lululemon.
Every traveler must have a pair of Studio Pants. Breathable, water resistant and have been a core item since day one. Layer them, as I mentioned above. Or, in the winter they come with its own layer. The bottom and waist has a continuous band so you doln’t have to worry about it getting lost in the wash. The bottom of each leg has a drawstring so you can wear them as pants, or pull them over your knee and wear as a crop! This is my go to pant for an airplane ride to warm climates. Pants on the plane… then tighten them up for crops to take the shuttle to the beach.
#2 – ANTI- STINK SILVERESCENT TECHNOLOGY – This ‘technology’ is the fucking bomb for travelers!! Silverescent® technology, powered by X-STATIC®, inhibits the growth of odour-causing bacteria on clothing. Threads of silver stitched into the fabric.
“While sweat is virtually odorless, naturally occurring bacteria on your body consume the sweat. This process is what causes the odor. The moisture in the sweat combined with air causes the silver to oxidize. This process releases a positively charged ion from the fiber. The positively charged silver ions are attracted to the negatively charged bacteria. The positively charged ions enter the cell membrane attacking the bacteria’s DNA. Ultimately the silver ions drastically inhibit the bacteria on the garment preventing mutation and reproduction.”
At the gym this means you won’t stink. The same is true if you travel to hot climates. If you are like me and pursue various sweaty pursuits in the heat, you can not go wrong with silverescent. Even if you plan to just relax and enjoy a day in the sun, the result is the same. When you are done sweating for the day, this technology keeps the smell at a minimum. Silverescent is usually found in fabric that is also moisture wicking and four way stretch. It is also found in tank tops, short sleeves, long sleeves and in both women and mens fashions. At the time of writing this, they didn’t offer silverescent in any bottoms.
My personal favourite with this technology is the the Swiftly line for women. Tank tops, short sleeves, long sleeves, loose fitting or relaxed. These items in my wardrobe work double duty. My go to choice for sweaty pursuits and my number one choice for tossing in my suitcase.
#3 – STYLISH DESIGNS FOR EVERY DAY – Lululemon made yoga pants cool. They started a trend and continue to be a head of the game when it comes to new looks for active people. The category they call ‘ to and from’ offers the clothing we wear to yoga, or from the gym. This means you look good even after a 13 hour flight!
I have a dress made out of the Rulu fabric. It is so amazing I have two of the same dress. Ok, not exactly the same, but pretty close. One has short sleeves and one long sleeve. Mid thigh, body hugging with a crew neck. The shape is accented with piping placed perfectly on my hips and smallest part of my waist. With just enough room for a key and some cash, the small pocket is useful. A tiny amount of reflectivity provides a bit of safety if you are after dark. This is an odd lululemon item. All of these features are similar to ones you would see on some of the running tights… but who would go running in a dress? Not sure what this is called and I only saw it in the store for one season.
My latest purchase is the Jet Pant (even though lululemon classes the pant length as 7/8) The intent of this length is to be just above the ankle bone. The majority of women do not fit lululemon’s fit model height of 5’9 (one of my few complaints with this brand) . This means that for most of us, they sit just below the ankle. Rolling up the hem if you want them to look stylish. They are made out of luxtreme fabric – the same fabric used in running tights. Yet they have the appearance of casual slacks. I wear them with a casual top and sneakers, or with heels and a dressy shirt. No matter where you travel, these pants fill several needs. Comfy, stretchy breathable to wear on the airplane. Classy, comfortable and stylish for a nice dinner out. Four way stretch, moisture wicking and perfect if you want to go hiking, get a workout in or just explore the local culture.
Last – but not least – these three points are valid for both men and women.
Yes. I know the price point on lululemon is a lot more than most people want to spend on clothing for travel. It is more that just the incredible fabrics and stylish designs. Being able use them both at home and on your adventures does make lululemon worth the price.
