lululemon 101: everything you need to know to shop like a pro
the iconic lululemon shopper tote sports the lululemon manifesto: a collection of lines that are thought-provoking, inspirational, and reflect their values.
I first wandered into a lululemon in 2008. One of my clients had the cutest athletic crops on at her session, and I asked her where she got them. What’s a lululemon? I wondered.
I found the lululemon at the Biltmore (Arizona’s first full store) and walked in. I was in awe of the beautiful clothes, the multiple styles, and the friendliness of the employees (FYI: at lululemon they are called Educators). I was so excited, I had found an athleisure wonderland!
The Great Wall of Pants at Scottsdale Quarter (not the real name, just my name for it)
As I stared at the wall of pants, I had no idea how to find the crops I wanted. There were so many styles, colors, and types of fabric. I had hoped that it would be as easy as asking for black crops!
Fortunately, one of the educators helped me find the exact crops I wanted. There were two sizes left, and fortunately one of them fit me!
I love the little touches, like my name on the fitting room door at the Quarter
The pants were a SIGNIFICANT investment, especially for a hard-working college student, but I told myself that I would work two extra hours (the cost of the tights) to pay for them. Being a hustler, I did! I was impressed by lululemon’s product guarantee (5 years quality assurance) and the technical aspects of the crops. They also made my booty look really good… 🤪
Fun fact: these crops got me through one (sometimes twice) wear a week for several years! i gave them to a friend once they didn’t fit, and she still enjoys them today. It’s been twelve plus years of use and they are still in great shape!
I quickly became a lululemon addict. I joined Facebook communities, met new incredible women who I aspired to be like, and have made some friends for life through lululemon. I started practicing yoga (I had yoga pants, so why not?), I ran my first half marathon (the legendary SeaWheeze in Vancouver BC), and met Brian through lululemon. When we got married, of course we decided lululemon needed to be a part of our big day. Then in 2018, our store asked us to be lululemon ambassadors! It’s still surreal.
I received the “Most Likely to Out-Educate Every Educator” award at the 2019 Lemmy’s. This planted a seed to start lemonLOVES!
I love sharing lululemon with others, because the company stands for so much more than just stretchy pants. Through the years, I’ve learned a lot about the clothes. I’ve learned a lot about the culture. I’ve learned that a lot of people don’t even know where to start in learning the lingo that’s unique to lululemon.
I can help with that! So, here we go!
The top few things you need to know to make your lululemon experience fantastic
Ask for help! Store employees are called “Educators” and they are there to help you get the perfect fit, function, and even track down items they may not have in store. They are some of the best people I know, and truly want to help. You can ask them about anything lululemon-related, and even for recommendations within the community!
Pro Tip: There is a community calendar in each store. Check it out to see what’s happening in the community so you can meet new friends!
lululemon is for men, too. I have a lot to learn about men’s wear, but fortunately I have an in-house expert. From their Anti-Ball-Crushing line (yep, that’s the real name) to their gear for sweat, dress up, or play, they have quality product for any dude you know.
Wide range of sizes, lengths, and free hemming! lululemon carries women’s sizes 0-14, and men’s S-XXL.
Most tags for pants will have a number; that’s the inseam. Most of the pants featured on the women’s wall are 21-or 23” (crops), 25” (7/8 pant, or the perfect full-length pant for me at 5’5”), and 28” inseam. Some come in a 31” inseam, too!
Even better, each lululemon offers free hemming so make your attire the perfect fit. I know a lot of people who will have their tops hemmed. I have gotten pants and dresses hemmed.
Gear is designed for specific activities, and have great hidden details. This is the most common mistake I see people make: using the product for a different function than intended. For example, I wouldn’t personally wear align pants (a soft, soft tight) to CrossFit. They are perfect for yoga, lounging, or wearing with a long shirt or dress. I would wear the all the right places pant for CrossFit, because they are compressive, dry quickly, are durable, and support the body in “all the right places” through hard core movement.
Who are the people in the photos on the wall? I’m so glad people ask this. The people up on the wall are lululemon ambassadors: in short, they are community partners with a local lululemon store. Brian and I are ambassadors at Scottsdale Quarter, along with Jesse Holland, Nathan Kohlerman, Randi Hartmann, and Megan Rigby. Together we help grow community at our store. Sometimes we will lead classes, workshops, and other fun community events (that you can find on the community calendar).
Screenprinting. My favorite thing to do on vacation is get a memento of my travels. Rather than buy a tee shirt or hat that will promptly get lost in my closet, I love to find the special screenprint editions that lululemon offers from time to time! Scottsdale Quarter currently has one that I love. I’ve also gotten great prints in Monterey, San Diego, Hawaii, and Vancouver.
Sweat events. Did you know that ALL of lululemon’s community events are free? Check out Facebook for details, or ask at your local store! If you are local, check out RIOT AZ (a run club led by our ambassador Randi Hartmann).
Sweat collective and military. If you currently are certified/teach/are active in the health and fitness industry, you may qualify for the Sweat Collective program. In this program you can get sneak peeks, an exclusive discount, and partner with your local store. Military and law enforcement also qualify for a special discount.
SeaWheeze is a special weekend that happens annually in Vancouver, BC (home of the lululemon mothership). The theme is Run Yoga Party, and is packed with sweat, connection, and growth. It is by far my favorite weekend each year. Brian and I have gone 6 times, and are set to go this August! You can still register HERE (check it out now because its a very short time period to enter the lottery).
Here To Be is one of lululemon’s give-back partners. They have local and global partners who they support in bringing yoga and mindfulness tools to special populations. I found The Love Your Brain Foundation through lululemon, and am so grateful for that connection.
I hope you enjoyed this article. I plan to spotlight product each week: what I wear for what activity, special features of the products, and even some exercises to do in them! Let me know what you want to learn. Thank you for letting me share what I am passionate about!