Lululemon Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday: Which one should you buy?

While often grouped together, the Lululemon Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales serve different shopping styles. The Black Friday event offers a broader selection with the option to shop both in-store and online, giving you first access to inventory, while Cyber Monday is an online-only affair that can feature deeper, more targeted discounts and last-minute deals.

Here’s a clear look at both shopping events to help you decide when to buy your next pair of Align leggings.

Lululemon's Black Friday Sale

Lululemon's Black Friday sale event is the brand's main kick-off to the holiday shopping season. Markdowns often begin appearing in the "We Made Too Much" section earlier in the week, building up to the main event on the Friday after Thanksgiving. This sale includes both online and in-store promotions, giving shoppers the first chance at discounted bestsellers and seasonal favorites before they sell out.

• What it is: A major sales event with both online and in-store discounts, often starting in the days leading up to Black Friday.
• Key features: Shoppers typically find deals on a wide range of products, including popular styles like Align leggings, Define jackets, and Swiftly Tech tops. In-store shopping allows you to try on items for fit and see colors in person.
• When it happens: Though officially the day after Thanksgiving, deals often begin appearing online earlier in the week.
• Shopping experience: A mix of navigating busy physical stores and competing with online traffic. Inventory is at its peak, but so is the competition to buy it.
• Pros: Best selection of discounted inventory. Get first access to popular styles and sizes. Option to shop in-store avoids shipping waits. A wider variety of items are usually included in the initial sale.
• Cons: In-store experiences can be crowded and chaotic. Popular items sell out extremely fast. Discounts may be slightly less deep than a flash deal on Cyber Monday.

This sale is perfect for those who have a specific, popular item in mind and want to ensure they get it in their size before it sells out, or for anyone who prefers the experience of shopping in a physical store.

Shop this event: shop.lululemon.com

Lululemon's Cyber Monday Sale

Held on the Monday after Thanksgiving, Lululemon’s Cyber Monday event is an exclusively online affair. While much of the sale inventory carries over from Black Friday, Lululemon often adds new items to the "We Made Too Much" section or offers slightly deeper discounts on remaining stock. It’s a fast-paced event focused on digital-only deals and the convenience of shopping from home.

• What it is: An online-only sales event following the Black Friday weekend, with potential for new markdowns and steeper discounts.
• Key features: The sale might focus on moving remaining inventory from the weekend. Look out for online-exclusive colors, last-chance items, and sometimes a simple, attractive offer like free, fast shipping as a standard.
• When it happens: Officially, the Monday after Thanksgiving, though it can sometimes be extended for a "Cyber Week" promotion.
• Shopping experience: Convenient and comfortable from your own home. However, you'll need to act fast, as deals can be short-lived and popular sizes sell out quickly.
• Pros: Shop from anywhere without dealing with crowds. Potential for deeper price cuts on select items. Sometimes new styles are added to the sale section just for Monday.
• Cons: Inventory is more limited since Black Friday shoppers had first pick. Increased risk of popular sizes and colors being sold out. No opportunity to try items on before buying.

This sale is ideal for the patient digital shopper who doesn't mind waiting for a potentially better deal or for those who are interested in pieces that weren't sold during the weekend rush.

Shop this event: shop.lululemon.com

Lululemon Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday Comparison

Timing & Access

The most significant difference is how and when you can shop. The Black Friday sale provides the earliest access, often starting before the official day. It offers both in-store and online channels, giving you flexibility. If you want to try something on or need an item immediately, Black Friday is your best opportunity.

Cyber Monday is a strictly online event that happens after the main weekend rush. This means you’re shopping from a pool of inventory that’s already been picked over. You trade early access and in-person shopping for the comfort of home and the possibility of last-minute markdowns.

Types of Deals & Discounts

Historically, Lululemon's Black Friday sale features a broad range of products being marked down for the first time. The discounts are generally good, sitting around 20-30% off, and apply to many of the brand’s most recognizable pieces.

Cyber Monday can be a bit more of a surprise. Some of an item’s remaining sizes might see a further markdown to make them move. Additionally, Lululemon sometimes adds a new batch of styles to the sale section on Monday morning, creating fresh incentive to shop again.

Product Selection & Inventory

Inventory is king during these sales, and Black Friday has the clear advantage. You have the best shot at getting the full range of colors and sizes for items like the Align legging or Define Jacket. Classic colors and standard sizes (4-10) are the first to sell out, and once they're gone, they are not typically restocked for the sale.

By Cyber Monday, the selection is naturally smaller. If you wear a very common size or want a specific core color, banking on it being available on Monday is risky. However, if you are looking for less common colors or have flexible size needs, you may find excellent deals on remaining stock.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice depends entirely on your shopping goals and personal priorities.

Choose the Lululemon Black Friday Sale if:

• You have a specific, popular item you absolutely must have.
• You want the best possible selection of sizes and colors.
• You prefer to shop in-store to see fabrics, colors, and check sizing.
• You're an early bird who likes getting holiday shopping done right away.

Choose the Lululemon Cyber Monday Sale if:

• You prefer the convenience of shopping entirely online.
• You are a flexible shopper and don't have your heart set on one specific item.
• You’re willing to risk your must-have item selling out for a potentially deeper discount.
• You already know your Lululemon sizing and don’t need to try things on.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Lululemon's Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales?

The main difference is access and inventory. Black Friday offers early access to the largest pool of sale items both in-store and online. Cyber Monday is an online-only event happening afterward, with a more limited selection but the potential for new or deeper discounts on remaining items.

Are the deals better on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?

It depends. Black Friday has "better" deals if your priority is selection and guaranteeing you get a popular item. Cyber Monday may have "better" deals in terms of a higher percentage off on certain overstocked or clearance items, but the selection is much more limited.

Do Lululemon Align leggings go on sale for Black Friday?

Yes, Align leggings are almost always included in the sale. Typically, you'll find discounts on seasonal colors rather than core colors like black, but special promotions can vary year to year. Be prepared for them to sell out very quickly.

Can I return items I buy during the Black Friday sale?

Items purchased from the "We Made Too Much" sale section during these events are typically final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged. Always double-check the product page and Lululemon’s return policy during checkout before purchasing.

How much is the Lululemon Black Friday discount?

Discounts generally range from 20-30% off, though some items might have steeper markdowns up to 50% off. It isn’t a blanket "percent off" sale but rather specific reductions on select items.

Do items sell out quickly during Lululemon sales?

Yes, extremely fast. Popular styles in common sizes (4-10) and colors can sell out within hours, sometimes even minutes, of the sale going live online.

How can I get early access to Lululemon's sales?

The best way to stay informed is to sign up for Lululemon's email newsletter and download their mobile app. They often send notifications to subscribers right when the sale begins.

Is it better to shop in-store or online on Black Friday?

This comes down to personal preference. Shopping online at lululemon.com is more convenient and lets you avoid crowds. Shopping in-store allows you to try on items for a perfect fit and guarantees you can take your purchase home immediately.