I'm a Former Lululemon Employee, and These 15 'We Made Too ...
I’m a big believer in “dress for the job you want." So in college, I worked at Lululemon. These days, I put food in my dog’s dish by working as a travel writer. However, I still live in my Align Joggers, use an Everywhere Belt Bag in lieu of a Birkin, and have a closet full of those reusable red and white bags, many of which have been around the world with me (I used to use them to separate my clothes before I invested in packing cubes).
I’ve been in Southeast Asia for all of December, so I haven’t stepped foot in a Lululemon store in weeks. But in between visiting elephant sanctuaries and island hopping, I’ve definitely been online shopping — particularly in Lululemon's We Made Too Much section. And from the looks of it, the retailer restocked the under-the-radar section with a lot of good stuff. I recently spent hours combing through it and curating my cart like it was my senior thesis. From the Align leggings (which will no doubt go down in history as one of the most comfortable pair of pants ever made) to the Like a Cloud Bra (that definitely deserves a Nobel Peace prize for its achievements in lingerie), here are the 15 travel-friendly finds that I recommend investing in for all those trips you plan to take in 2024.
Wunderlust Belt Baglululemon
I’ve been a big fan of the Everywhere Belt Bag for years, and I'm actually in the market for a new one (I used it as a saddle bag for a bike race here in Thailand, and my back tire rubbed a hole in it). That said, I don’t mind looking for a replacement because it’s a great excuse to try Lululemon’s other best-selling belt bag: the Wunderlust Bag. It may have a slimmer profile, but it’s also water-repellent and features a zippered exterior pocket as well as interior sleeves for extra organization.
Align 25-Inch High-Rise Pantslululemon
My beloved Lululemon Align pants are the most comfortable bottoms I own (and I say this as someone with a closet filled with Vuori). Unlike other leggings that feel too restrictive or too saggy after a few months of wear, these feel just right. I definitely notice how they sculpt my legs while the high-rise waistband smooths my tummy, which is a coveted feature as someone with Crohn's disease. These pants also air dry pretty quickly, another huge plus since I visit a lot of humid countries, like Thailand, where hang drying is the norm.
Lululemon
After winning the athleisure apparel category, it was only a matter of time before Lululemon diversified and dipped its toe in the footwear pond. This particular model has hundreds of five-star ratings, and one shopper loved them so much that they bought three pairs. Unlike minimalist running shoes designed for solely sprinting, these feature plenty of soft cushioning, so you can comfortably wear them while sightseeing. They also come with a 30-day trial (i.e.: if your feet don’t give them the 10 toes up, you can send them back for a full refund).
Quick-Dry Short-Sleeve Polo Shirtlululemon
Because I’m limited on packing space, I like to pack dual-purpose tops when I travel. This quick-dry polo shirt, for example, will not only get you onto a golf course with a dress code; it will also keep you cool during a sweat sesh in the hotel gym or on a hike. I can also see myself wearing it out to dinner with a skirt. I love how the hemline isn’t straight; it curves to cover the bum and drops down in front. Meanwhile the subtle Lululemon logo on the chest narrows the waist. While it’s a slim-fitting top, it also has a decent amount of stretch.
Fleece + Ripstop Hiking PulloverLululemon didn’t have a hiking line when I worked there, so I was stoked to see that it launched one last year. I immediately got the brand's game-changing (and sold-out) zip-off hiking pants that convert to shorts. Now, I can’t wait to try this fleece pullover. I can see myself wearing it at a cabin in the woods and in an airplane cabin where the A.C. is set to arctic blast. Reviewers say that it’s incredibly warm, especially with the waist cord that keeps cold drafts out and allows you to customize the fit. They also appreciate all the storage options. In addition to an oversized kangaroo pocket with a hidden phone sleeve, it has a zippered chest pocket.
Merino Wool-Blend Ribbed Crewneck Sweaterlululemon
Yes, I always travel with cashmere. But I’m also a fan of other natural fibers including merino wool which is featured in this super comfy sweater. Unlike regular cotton sweaters, this one is naturally thermoregulating, so you don’t have to worry about getting too hot or too cold; it adjusts to you. And while it’s oversized and exactly what you want to wear while curling up in coach (ideally, with an entire row to yourself), it’s “made for movement.” The hemline covers the hips and bum, making it the perfect top to pair with those Align leggings.
Fast and Free High-Rise 28-Inch Fleece Tightslululemon
This time last year, I was preparing for a cruise to Antarctica. While I’m not going that far south (or north) this winter, I do live in Montana and I can see myself sporting these fleece tights at least six months out of the year. They’re not only warm but they’re also water-repellant, and, unlike other leggings, they have an adjustable drawcord. They also boast enough pockets to keep a hoarder happy. Seriously, they have two side drop-in pockets that are large enough to fit a phone, and five — yes, five — waistband pockets for smaller stuff like keys and cards.
Like a Cloud Ribbed Bralululemon
I hate sleeping with a bra on, but it's something that I have to endure on long-haul flights. Fortunately, I found this aptly-named bra earlier this year. It’s the most comfortable bra that I’ve ever owned, and it’s quickly become my “plane bra” since I can sleep in it without any wires, clasps, or seams bothering me. It’s also quick-drying, so I can work out in it. Finally, I love the look of the double straps (I wear it in hot yoga, and like to look stylish while I’m sweating up a storm). Despite double straps, it’s a lot easier to put on and take off than a racerback bra.
Straight-Leg Mid-Rise Pant LuxtremeLululemon
As much as I love high-rise leggings, some days call for more wiggle room. That’s why I love these straight-leg, mid-rise pants made with Lululemon’s cool-to-the-touch Luxtreme fabric. They’re tailored, but they also feature the perfect amount of Lycra so you get four-way stretch without having to worry about them losing their shape. In addition to two front pockets (one with a handy card sleeve if you don't like carrying a purse for your wallet), there are two back pockets. Because the back pockets are welt pockets, these workout pants can double as trousers, something that I appreciate when I don’t have the room to pack a separate pair of dress pants.
RepelShell Cinch-Back Rain Jacketlululemon
Have you ever had a rain jacket that you liked the look of so much that you secretly wished it was raining just so you could wear it out and soak up the compliments? That’s how I feel about this fashionable and functional piece. The matte shell is, obviously, waterproof, but it’s also windproof. And inside, there’s a cozy fleece lining to keep you warm, as well as a strategically-placed back vent that allows for just the right amount of airflow. Valuables stay safe and dry in the zippered hand pockets, and the oversized fit makes it easy to wear over layers. (That said, most reviews say to size down because it runs big).
UV Protection Fold-Over Running Shirtlululemon
According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, most regular white tees only offer a UPF rating of 7. But with this shirt, available in white (and other colors), you get UPF 40 protection. That means that the fabric blocks nearly 98 percent of the sun’s harmful UVB rays. And thanks to the high neckline, I don’t need to worry about burning my sensitive decolletage. I love the flowy, feminine front and the venting in the back. And, like most of Lululemon’s tops, this one dries super fast and wicks away sweat.
Glyde 2-in-1 Adaptable Jacketlululemon
Get two looks for the price of one with this fun piece featuring a removable bottom panel that instantly converts it into a cropped jacket. Thanks to snaps on the wrists, you can also adjust them for a more tapered or relaxed fit. Like my dad’s work jackets that he’s had forever, this outer layer is made of a heavyweight twill fabric — think durable chic — that's both windproof and water-resistant. And if you’re like me and you never know what to do with your hands in photos, simply slip them into the big front drop pockets. There’s also a zippered pocket on the chest.
Double-Handle Canvas Totelululemon
Never underestimate the value of a good tote bag. They're the unsung heroes of the accessories category. Personally, I never travel without one. I fold it up and use it as a beach bag, and when I do shopping in the airport and run out of room in my carry-on, it quickly becomes my personal item. I like this particular tote because it’s made with strong canvas material that doesn't tear easily. And when I am carrying heavy items (like beverages from Duty Free) and don’t want to strain my shoulder, I can use the smaller handles to carry it. Unlike the other totes thatI get for free at trade shows, this one snaps closed and also has interior pockets.
Women’s Baller Hatlululemon
I’m not a baller, but I am a surfer, so I spend a lot of time in the sun and am trying to do a better job at limiting my face's UV exposure. While I can’t wear this cute cap out on the waves, I love that it’s equal parts sporty and stylish. Most importantly, thanks to its brim, it blocks the sun's harmful rays. I’m also a fan of how lightweight and breathable it is. According to one satisfied shopper who wears theirs while paddleboarding, it also dries super fast. And thanks to the adjustable back closure, you can tighten it so it won’t go bye bye with the first gust of wind.
UnderEase Mid-Rise Bikini Underwearlululemon
It doesn’t matter if you have the most comfortable pair of travel pants. If the panties that you have on underneath them are itchy or bunch up, then you’ll feel like a grumpy Goldilocks. That’s why I’m a Lululemon loyalist when it comes to underwear. These panties are made from a “silky soft” fabric featuring natural wood fibers and the seams are flat, so there’s no chafing. While they’re not the cheapest, they do last a long time, and they’re so breathable that your bum will be thanking you. Hurry, they're selling out.
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