Lululemon 32 vs. 34: Which size is right for you?

Choosing between a Lululemon size 32 and size 34 pant seems straightforward - it’s just two inches at the waist - but the true difference impacts the entire fit, from comfort in the seat to the silhouette through your legs. A size 32 offers a sharp, modern, and tailored look for a slimmer build, while a size 34 provides crucial extra room for an athletic frame or for anyone who prioritizes all-day comfort and mobility.

Here’s a complete look at how these two sizes compare, so you can confidently find the perfect fit for your body and lifestyle.

Lululemon Size 32 Pants

The size 32 Lululemon pant is designed for a true 32-inch waist, delivering a clean, tailored fit that's become a signature of the brand's popular pants like the ABC and Commission. It's intended to provide a close-but-not-tight feel, offering a structured silhouette that works equally well in casual and office settings while still moving with you, thanks to the brand's performance fabrics.

• What it is: Men's pants with a 32-inch waist measurement, designed to provide a modern, trim silhouette
• Key features: Tailored fit through the waist, seat, and thighs, Four-way stretch fabric for mobility, typically available in various inseam lengths so you can customize your break.
• Price: Around $128 (price is consistent across sizes)
• Materials/Construction: Often made with Lululemon's proprietary Warpstreme™ fabric, which is wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, and highly breathable.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size for a standard 32-inch waist. This has a trimmer feel and is a great fit for those with a slim-to-average build.
• Pros: Creates a sharp, put-together silhouette. Prevents a baggy look in the seat or legs. High-stretch fabric ensures comfort despite the closer fit. Versatile for office, travel, or weekend wear.
• Cons: May feel too restrictive in the seat or thighs for men with a muscular athletic build (e.g., larger quads). It's less forgiving with weight fluctuations.

This is the ideal option for anyone with a true 32-inch waist measurement who wants a sleek, modern fit that looks polished without being restrictive.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/men-trousers/ABC-Classic-Fit-Pant-Warpstreme

Lululemon Size 34 Pants

The size 34 Lululemon pant offers more breathing room for those with a 34-inch waist or anyone who finds the size 32 too snug through the hips and thighs. While still a structured pant, the size 34 focuses more on all-day comfort and freedom of movement, providing a more relaxed feel without appearing sloppy or unkempt, accommodating a broader range of body types.

• What it is: Men's pants with a 34-inch waist measurement providing more generous room than a size 32.
• Key features: More room through the waist, hips, seat, and thighs, designed for superior comfort and ease of movement, same performance fabric benefits.
• Price: Around $128 (price is consistent across sizes)
• Materials/Construction: Made from the same premium, high-performance fabrics as other sizes, like the durable and flexible Warpstreme™.
• Sizing/Fit: Perfect for a standard 34-inch waist or for someone "in between" (like a 33-inch waist) who prefers a little extra space. It's especially good for athletic builds.
• Pros: Excellent comfort for long days or active commuting. More accommodating fit for muscular legs and glutes. Less clingy feel and a more relaxed overall look.
• Cons: Can look too loose or baggy on a slimmer frame or a true 32-inch waist. May require a belt for those who are in-between sizes and choose this for extra room.

They are the perfect choice for men with a 34-inch waist, powerful legs, or anyone who values a relaxed fit that doesn't compromise on performance fabric.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/men-trousers/ABC-Classic-Fit-Pant-Warpstreme

Lululemon Size 32 vs. Size 34 Comparison

Fit & Silhouette

The most noticeable difference between a Lululemon size 32 and a size 34 is the overall silhouette. The size 32 offers a slim, contoured shape that hugs the seat and thigh more closely. This creates a modern, sleek profile that is popular in contemporary menswear. In contrast, the size 34 offers a more classic profile with additional room built into the waist, hips, and leg opening. This results in a straighter line from hip to ankle and feels less restrictive.

Even in Lululemon’s “Classic-Fit” styles, the 32 will appear more tailored on a corresponding frame, whereas the 34 will always read as more comfortable and relaxed.

Comfort & Room

Comfort directly relates to fit. While both sizes are made with flexible four-way stretch fabric, the size 34 is unequivocally the more comfortable option for men who need more space. This isn't just about the waist measurement - that extra material provides relief for common fit problems, particularly for men with athletic builds who often find pants tight in the seat and thighs.

The size 32 is comfortable for a slimmer build because the fabric moves with you, preventing the feeling of being constricted. However, for anyone on the borderline, the size 34 provides true ease of movement for activities like squatting, cycling, or simply sitting at a desk for hours without fabric digging in.

Who Each One Works Best For

Deciding between these two sizes comes down to your personal build and style preference. The size 32 is designed for men with a true 32-inch waist and a slim or average build. It's the go-to for someone who prefers a polished, trim aesthetic and doesn't carry extra weight in their legs or seat.

The size 34 is best for men with a proper 34-inch waist, as well as men closer to a 33-inch measurement who often find pants too tight through the legs. If you have a solid, athletic frame, or if you simply prioritize unimpeded movement and a more forgiving fit for all-day wear, the size 34 is the superior choice.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice depends on your specific measurements and the fit you’re looking for.

Choose Size 32 if:

• Your waist measures exactly 32 inches around without pulling the tape measure tight.
• You prefer a more tailored look that remains comfortable.
• You have a slim or average build and don't typically need extra room in the seat or thighs.
• Popular jean brands in size 32 fit you well.

Choose Size 34 if:

• Your waist is a solid 34 inches, or if you measure 33 inches and like a little breathing room.
• You have an athletic or stockier build with muscular thighs and glutes.
• You dislike a constrictive feel and prioritize all-day comfort over a highly tailored fit.
• You often find that size 32 pants are too tight around your hips and seat, even if they fit your waist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Lululemon size 32 and size 34 pants?

The primary difference is two inches in the waist measurement, which also translates to more fabric and room throughout the seat, hips, and thighs in the size 34. This makes the size 32 a trimmer, more tailored fit and the size 34 a more relaxed, comfortable fit.

Do Lululemon men's pants run true to size?

Yes, Lululemon's men's pants generally run true to your standard pant size. If you comfortably wear a size 32 in most denim or chino brands, a size 32 Lululemon ABC Pant will likely fit you perfectly.

Should I size up for Lululemon ABC pants?

For the Classic-Fit or Relaxed-Fit versions, you generally should not size up. However, if you are buying a Slim-Fit style and you have a more muscular build, you might consider sizing up to a 34 for more room in the legs, but you may need a belt.

Will Lululemon pants shrink in the wash?

No. Performance fabrics like Warpstreme™ and Luon™ are engineered to resist shrinking and maintain their shape when cared for properly. Always wash in cold water and tumble dry on low to preserve the fabric's integrity.

What’s better: Classic-Fit or Slim-Fit Lululemon pants?

It depends on your preference. Classic-Fit provides ample room through the seat and thighs while tapering slightly toward the ankle. Slim-Fit is narrower from hip-to-hem for a modern, close-to-the-body silhouette.

How do I know my pants fit correctly?

A well-fitting pair of pants should be comfortable at the waist without being too tight or too loose, allowing you to sit down without any restriction. You should have full range of motion in the legs without the fabric pulling tightly across your thighs or seat.

If my waist is 33 inches, which size should I get?

If you have a 33-inch waist, the best size depends on your build and fit preference. Choose size 32 for a snug, fitted look. Choose size 34 for a more relaxed fit that provides extra room, though you might need a belt.

Can you get Lululemon pants hemmed for free?

Yes, Lululemon offers complimentary hemming on pants and tops at all of their retail stores, so you can make sure the length is perfect regardless of which waist size you choose.