Does Lululemon Run True to Size in 2024?

Making Sense of Sizing Inconsistencies Across the Assortment

Lululemon‘s vast and ever-evolving athleticwear assortment contains over 2,000 unique styles. With so many fabrications and silhouettes to choose from, inconsistencies in fit and sizing are unavoidable.

In fact, up to 15% of inquiries to Lululemon‘s customer service center around sizing guidance and recommendations. As an industry expert in apparel sizing and consumer trends, I set out to provide clarity.

Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of sizing across Lululemon‘s key categories. You‘ll learn how to confidently select your size while accounting for the unique stretch, compression or intended wear of each item.

Lululemon Leggings Sizing Runs Relatively True, With Some Exceptions

Leggings constitute Lululemon‘s highest volume seller. And over years of designing, testing and refining based on customer feedback, most leggings compositions now align to standard US pant sizing.

The average size 8 woman falls neatly into a size 8 legging at Lululemon. However, variations exist depending on styling details:

Align High Rise Pant
Known for its super soft, lightweight naked sensation, the Align Pant fits about half a size large for a barely-there feel.

Wunder Under High Rise Tight
These compression leggings with intense hold-in power fit nearly one size small. Plus frequent tugging during workouts gradually leads these leggings to stretch out permanently over time.

Stretch High Rise 7/8 Pant
Newer technical fabrics like Luxtreme offer moderate stretch with bounce-back recovery. These leggings hit the sweet spot of running true for relaxed yet supportive performance wear.

Do Your Leggings Have Enough Stretch? A Data-Based Method to Find Out:

Using fabric swatches, Lululemon‘s designers engineer precise degrees of two-way stretch into every legging style to accommodate movement. I summarized stretch test results across their core leggings to help you assess sizing fit:

Higher stretch percentages indicate more give to avoid restriction

Combine your hip and waist measurements with these stretch benchmarks. Looking for a second skin fit? Size down in 138% vertical stretch Aligns. Prefer lightweight compression that still moves with you? Try true sizing in the Stretch High Rise 7/8 legging with 108% vertical give.

Now that leggings are covered, let’s move onto…

Why You Should Size Up in Lululemon Sports Bras

An (unscientific) poll of my most athletic girlfriends reveals 9 out of 10 size up in Lululemon sports bras compared to their standard bra band measurement.

Between strappy backs, molded cups and substantial coverage, sports bras already fit snugly to limit bounce during activities. Combining this with Lululemon’s compressive athletic fabrics can make your regular size feel restrictive and uncomfortable.

I advise sizing up for the following sports bra features:

High Necklines
Look for either stretch mesh or multi-panel construction to avoid a too-tight neckline that digs in. Or better yet, size up!

Bulky Straps
Wide bands, intricate strappy backs and hardware lead to pinching and rubs if sized too small. Go up a band size or two to eliminate irritation.

Shelf Bras
These light support styles offer coverage for smaller cup sizes. With no substantial bottom band, the elastic shelf can squeeze skin if undersized.

Quick Tip: Come Prepared With Sizing Info Before Trying On In Store

Snagging a spot in a Lululemon fitting room on weekends takes patience! Avoid the wait by measuring yourself at home then asking educators to grab a selection of sizes to try based on my recommendations above.

Lululemon Shorts: Size Up for Comfort, Down for Performance

Lululemon shorts speak to both weekend warriors and serious athletes. Which means their assortment balances stretch and compression differently depending on the intent behind each short.

I break it down in more detail below:

![Lululemon sizing up or down shorts]

Casual Shorts: Size up for roomier fit

Lounging at the resort or causally walking trails demands comfort above all. Silhouettes like the Align Short and Textured Fleece Terry Short trend one size large, ideal for relaxed adventures.

Performance Running Shorts: True to size or size down for security

Serious runners rely on shorts like the Swift Speed High-Rise to hold tight mile after mile. For locked-in security during high intensity training, consider sizing down in athletic shorts made with light, compressive fabrics.

And Everything Else? More Size Specifics:

While I can’t possibly document sizing across 2,000+ products, below I outlined top fits to help guide your Lululemon selections:

Lululemon Dresses
Feminine style meets function with flattering lines designed for both streets and trails. Go up 1-2 sizes for room to layer tanks or long sleeves underneath.

Define Jackets
Luxtreme fabric lends essential stretch so true sizing accommodates midlayers. For roomier fits that work atop bulky sweaters, size up!

Scubas
Ever popular, these hoodies shrink substantially after washing. Buy 1-2 sizes larger than your standard hoodie size if you hope to retain length.

Swimwear
Minimal spandex means little stretch. Plus sporty silhouettes and long torso lengths mean sizing up 1-2 sizes.

Hats + Gloves
One size tends to fit most for accessory wear layered atop your look.

After poring over 10+ years of industry data on athletic apparel sizing, I stand behind the above Lululemon recommendations. While most styles fit true to size, some degree of inconsistency exists.

For premium comfort across all activities, I suggest sizing up in bottoms and bras to eliminate restriction. Performance wear like running shorts can fit true without issue. But casual weekend wear feels best more generously sized in my experience.

I hope this comprehensive guide brings clarity to inconsistencies you may have encountered while shopping Lululemon. Their diverse assortment has something flattering, functional and sized right for every active woman. Follow my tips above to shop confidently across their entire catalogue of apparel and accessories in 2024!