Lululemon Sizing (Beginner’s Guide)

Lululemon’s clothing has revolutionized the concept of athleisure and workout gear. It has become an indispensable choice for millions of Americans leading an active and fitness-oriented lifestyle.

The brand prioritizes quality and attention to detail while making its products. Naturally, Lululemon’s clothing items have a long lifespan, making them very cost-effective in the long run.

But that is only the case if you crack the confusing Lululemon sizing code.

If you don’t wear clothes that fit you perfectly, their charm and lifespan will diminish significantly. For example, leggings that are too tight around your crotch or waist area are more likely to start pilling after just months of regular use.

To help you overcome this challenge, we have come up with a fool-proof Lululemon size guide to help you pick out the best workout and yoga gear for yourself.

How Does Lululemon Sizing Work?

Lululemon’s sizing is based on the traditional numeric-styled spectrum (size 2 to 12). Since most modern brands use the alpha sizing system (XS to XL), the brand’s size charts can appear to be confusing for many people.

Some Lululemon bottoms also come in size 0 and size 14-20 for more inclusivity. Leggings, therefore, come in 0-20 sizes. Tops, on the other hand, use both numeric and alpha sizing. So, some products might be sized as 0-20 while others may be sized as XS-XL.

While the inconsistencies might be confusing, there’s a good reason behind this. At Lululemon, each product is treated differently because of its unique fabrics and silhouettes.

So, it’s natural to see separate size charts for different categories like tops, bottoms, shorts, bras, and even socks.

What are Lululemon Sizes Equivalent To?

Lululemon’s clothing sizes cannot be compared to other brands as they don’t really follow the conventional sizing charts.

But to give you a better idea, we can draw up a comparison between their numeric and alpha sizes to help you understand how they correspond to conventional size charts.

• XXS: The XXS size corresponds to the US size 2. It’s suitable for people who wear the smallest size in most competing brands. Some specific products are sized XXXS, which is equivalent to a size 0.
• XS: The XS size is comparable to US size 4. It is suitable for people who wear smaller (or the smallest) sizes in mainstream bands.
• S: The S size is equivalent to US sizes 6 to 8. It is suitable for people who wear small sizes on other labels.
• M: The M size is more or less equivalent to the US size 8.
• L: Lululemon’s L size corresponds to US size 10, more or less. It is suitable for individuals who wear large or extra-large items in conventional clothing.
• XL: The XL size in Lululemon is comparable to the US sizes 12-14. It is suitable only for individuals who wear XL or bigger sizes from other brands.

How to Find Your Perfect Lululemon Size?

Listed below is the ultimate size guide for each product category offered by Lululemon. Tune in to get the perfect fit on your first purchase!

Pants & Leggings Sizing

Lululemon leggings sizing generally runs true to size or big for most customers. The difference is mainly because of the distinct fabric types and styles used in different pants and leggings.

The same is true for Lululemon pant sizing as well. The sizes typically range from 2-12. But some specialty items also include sizes 0 as well as sizes 14-20. There are some small differences between the individual pants and leggings size charts.

You can find your perfect Lululemon size for pants and leggings using this guide:

• If you feel any clinching at the waist, you need a bigger size.
• Camel toes are a result of your pants being too tight. Size up to prevent such issues.
• If your waistband is too loose, your leggings will tend to slip more. In such a case, you need to size down.
• If you see any fabric bunching, it’s a tell-tale sign of your pants and leggings being too loose. Size down in such a case.
• The perfect fit will feel snug and comfortable.
• There will be no fabric wrinkling or tugging sensation in the waist if you get the perfect fit.

Lululemon Leggings Size Chart – Women

Lululemon Pants Size Chart – Women

Lululemon Pants Size Chart – Men

Shorts Sizing

Lululemon shorts sizing typically runs small. They have sizes between 0-20. But some select products can go up to 22X, which offers the largest size with a 45-inch waist and 53-inch hip.

You can ensure that your Lulu shorts fit you perfectly by checking the following:

• Make sure that the waistband is not too loose or too tight. Your shorts should not slip down your waist. And your waistband should not leave marks because of excessive tightness.
• Lululemon shorts generally cover the upper thighs of the wearer, but that also depends on your personal preference.
• Make sure that the shorts feel snug and comfortable around your butt, even if you opt for tighter fits.

Lululemon Short Size Chart – Women

Lululemon Shorts Size Chart – Men

Tops Sizing

In most cases, Lululemon tops generally run true-to-size without a bra. Tops with built-in-bras, on the other hand, tend to run smaller for females.

There are some exceptions to this. For example, Swiftly tops typically run small even without built-in bras. As such, you should try and size up from your conventional size to get the perfect fit.

You can ensure that your tops have the perfect fit by checking the following:

• Make sure the excess fabric does not bunch up too much. If so, you need to size down.
• Your top should feel snug and comfortable even if you have built-in bras or other sorts of innerwear underneath.
• Make sure that there is no bulging around the waist or hips.
• Ensure that the neckline is straight and smooth. Unruly or misaligned necklines are a result of loose fits.

Lululemon Tops Size Chart – Women

Lululemon Tops Size Chart – Men

Sports Bra Sizing

In most cases, Lululemon sports bra sizing tend to run small. As such, educators at the store recommend sizing up to find the perfect and most comfortable fit.

However, if you want some compression in your chest area, it’s better to go for your exact size. Lululemon offers three types of sports bras – low, medium, and high support. They are not sized according to the cup size, which is the more traditional method.

Instead, Lululemon uses the same numeric and alpha markers that they use to size other items.

• Perfectly-fitted Lululemon bras will feel light and comfortable around the chest.
• Ensure that your bra offers the level of compression that you want. Otherwise, size up or down accordingly.
• Adjustable straps and hook-and-eye closures should feel snug and not too tight.

Lululemon Sports Bra Size Chart

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Swimwear Sizing

Lululemon’s swimwear products generally run smaller than the conventional sizes. The one-piece clothing items are especially tight if you order according to your normal requirements.

In most cases, it is recommended that you size up or even two sizes when you order your swimwear. This is because Lululemon uses their exclusive Esca fabric, which can be very compressive.

• If there are any camel toes or clinching around the waist/hip region, you need to size up your Lulu swimwear.
• The fabric should feel compressive, but it shouldn’t be so tight that it’s uncomfortable.
• The swimsuit should hug your skin gently and stay in place perfectly.

Lululemon Swimwear Size Chart

Lululemon Swim Bottoms Size Chart

How Does Lululemon Fit?

Most of Lululemon’s primary athleisure product lines tend to run true-to-size. However, there are some exceptions. While you can order Lulu tops and bottoms according to your conventional size requirements, you might need to size up in the case of shorts, bras, or swimwear.

Individual product categories have different fits based on the fabrics and the styles used in making the items.

Here’s a run-down of how different Lululemon product lines should fit:

• Lululemon pants generally run true-to-size.
• Lululemon tights generally run true-to-size.
• Lululemon leggings generally run true-to-size.
• Lululemon tops generally run true-to-size.
• Lululemon sweaters generally run true-to-size.
• Lululemon underwear (panties) generally run true-to-size.
• Lululemon bras generally run small.
• Lululemon shorts and swiftlys generally run small.
• Lululemon skirts generally run small.
• Lululemon hoodies and sweatshirts generally run small.
• Lululemon jackets generally run small.
• Lululemon dresses generally run small.
• Lululemon swimwear runs small.

Does Lululemon Offer Plus Sizing?

Yes, Lululemon has been offering plus-sized clothing items since September 2020. However, only specific items are available in this category.

Apart from their usual 2-12 sizes, Lululemon has made its clothing lines even more inclusive by adding sizes up to 20 and larger in some select products.

The majority of plus-sized clothing items can be found on Lululemon’s official website.

How to Tell if Your Lululemon is the Right Size?

You can check if your Lululemon clothing is the right size for you using the following pointers:

• Make sure the clothes feel snug – neither too tight nor too loose.
• Straps, waistbands, and seams of your Lulu clothing items should not pinch or dig into your skin.
• You should not feel any restriction in movement or discomfort while wearing Lulu clothes.
• The fabric should lie smoothly against your body without creating wrinkles or gaps.
• Sports bras should provide adequate support without feeling too compressive or causing discomfort.
• Leggings and pants should have an appropriate length that fits well without bunching up.
• Bottoms should stay in place firmly without constantly riding up or slipping down.
• The seams and design lines of your clothes should align properly with your body shape.
• Sports bras should enclose your breasts comfortably without spillage or gaping.

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Parting Words

Lululemon can be considered a premium brand because of its high prices. However, when used properly, their products can last for decades, making your purchase very cost-effective and affordable.

The first step to ensuring that your Lulu products enjoy a long lifetime is to get the right fit. Without understanding the complex Lululemon size charts, making a mistake on your first purchase can be pretty easy.