Lululemon Classic vs. Relaxed Fit: Which one should you buy?

The primary difference between Lululemon's Classic Fit and Relaxed Fit lies in the silhouette and intended feel. Classic Fit is tailored to lightly skim the body, offering a streamlined, athletic look that's not tight but form-flattering, while Relaxed Fit provides a looser, more generous cut for maximum comfort and a casual aesthetic.

Here’s a full comparison to help you choose the right Lululemon fit for your activity level and style preference.

Lululemon Classic Fit

Lululemon's Classic Fit is the brand's middle ground, designed to provide a sleek and athletic silhouette without the compression of a tight fit. It follows your body’s natural contours with just enough room for comfort, making it a highly versatile choice for everything from workouts to daily errands where you want a more put-together look.

• What it is: A tailored fit that lightly hugs the body, offering a shape-defining silhouette that isn't restrictive.
• Key features: Follows the body's curves without being constricting, clean lines for a polished look, provides a balance of comfort and a performance aesthetic. Available in products like the Classic-Fit Cotton-Blend T-Shirt.
• Price: Ranges from approximately $98 to $148, depending on the item and fabric.
• Materials/Construction: Often uses Lululemon’s signature technical fabrics like Luon and Everlux constructed to provide light support and structure while wicking moisture.
• Sizing/Fit: Designed to be true to size for a streamlined feel. It's not tight, but if you're between sizes, you may prefer sizing up for more room.
• Pros: Creates a flattering, athletic shape. Incredibly versatile for gym sessions, running, and casual wear. Provides a more polished look than relaxed styles.
• Cons: Less forgiving than the Relaxed Fit. Might not be as comfortable for pure lounging or extended travel. Can feel a bit restrictive for those who prefer more space.

This fit is your go-to for a clean, athletic appearance that transitions easily from a workout to the rest of your day.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/womens-t-shirts/Classic-Fit-Cotton-Blend-T-Shirt

Lululemon Relaxed Fit

The Lululemon Relaxed Fit is all about comfort and effortless style. Designed with a generous cut and more room through the body, these pieces offer freedom of movement and a laid-back feel. It's ideal for lounging, travel, low-impact activities, or anyone who simply prefers a looser silhouette in their daily wear.

• What it is: A loose and roomy fit designed for ultimate comfort and ease, with plenty of space from the body.
• Key features: Generous cut, often with a longer or wider silhouette. Prioritizes softness and breathability. Featured in styles like joggers, sweatshirts, and some tank tops.
• Price: Typically costs between $78 and $148, consistent with other Lululemon product lines.
• Materials/Construction: Utilizes soft, breathable materials, often featuring brushed or lightweight versions of Lululemon's technical fabrics for a cozy feel.
• Sizing/Fit: Intentionally oversized and roomy while still being true to size. There is no need to size up to achieve the intended baggy look.
• Pros: Exceptionally comfortable for lounging and travel. Forgiving and easy to wear for all body types. Offers a modern, casual aesthetic that's easy to layer.
• Cons: The looser fit may add visual bulk. Excess fabric can sometimes get in the way during more intense workouts. Can feel less polished for certain occasions.

This fit is perfect for those who put comfort first, seeking stylish loungewear or roomy pieces for everyday life.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/womens-joggers/Stretch-High-Rise-Jogger

Lululemon Classic Fit vs. Lululemon Relaxed Fit Comparison

Fit & Sizing

The primary distinction is how the fabric sits on your body. The Classic Fit is designed to skim your silhouette, it's close enough to be flattering and athletic but has enough space to ensure you can move without restriction. Think of it as true-to-size for a neat, body-conscious outline.

In contrast, the Relaxed Fit is intentionally generous and roomy. It’s designed to hang loosely and offers significant space between the fabric and your body. The sizing is still standard - a medium is a medium - but the cut is much more generous, providing a laid-back, intentionally casual feel.

Style & Aesthetic

Style-wise, the fits serve two different looks. A Lululemon Classic Fit piece appears polished, sharp, and athletic. It's easy to dress up for a smart-casual outfit or wear to the gym for a streamlined look. It communicates intention and functionality.

The Relaxed Fit leans heavily into a casual, comfort-first aesthetic. It's modern and effortless, perfect for creating an athleisure look focused on ease. While still stylish, its main message is comfort and a laid-back attitude, making it the superior choice for errands, travel days, or home lounging.

Materials & Quality

Both fits use Lululemon's high-quality, innovative fabrics, but the brand selects them to complement the intended fit. Classic Fit items often leverage materials with a bit more structure or light compression to enhance the sleek silhouette. They are engineered to hold their shape while wicking sweat during activity.

Relaxed Fit pieces typically use softer, brushed, or lighter-weight fabrics that drape beautifully and prioritize a soft hand-feel over structured support. The quality and durability are consistent across both lines, ensuring that your garments last, regardless of fit.

Versatility

Each fit offers a different type of versatility. The Classic Fit shines for its ability to transition from an active workout to a casual outing without missing a beat. It's functional enough for a morning run and stylish enough for a coffee date afterward.

The Relaxed Fit is versatile in terms of comfort across different low-key settings. It's the perfect uniform for a weekend at home, a long flight, a casual walk, or post-workout coziness. However, its oversized nature makes it less ideal for high-intensity exercise where excess fabric might be a hindrance.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both fits deliver on Lululemon's promise of quality and style, but they are built for different priorities.

Choose the Classic Fit if:

• You prefer a tailored, body-skimming silhouette that looks polished.
• You want versatile pieces that work equally well for workouts and everyday activities.
• You appreciate a streamlined and athletic look without constriction.
• You prioritize a defined shape over a roomy feel.

Choose the Relaxed Fit if:

• Comfort is your absolute top priority.
• You're looking for pieces primarily for lounging, travel, or very casual wear.
• You prefer a looser, more generous, and forgiving cut.
• You enjoy an effortless, oversized aesthetic that is easy to layer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Lululemon's Classic and Relaxed fits?

The main difference is the silhouette. Classic Fit is tailored to follow your body's shape for a sleek, athletic look. Relaxed Fit is intentionally cut much looser and roomier for a focus on comfort and a casual aesthetic.

Is Relaxed Fit just sizing up in the Classic Fit?

No, it's not the same. The Relaxed Fit is designed and proportioned to be loose in the right places, such as the chest, waist, and arms. Sizing up in a Classic Fit item might make it longer or wider in areas where you don't want it to be, resulting in an awkward, ill-fitting shape.

Are both fits true to size?

Yes, both lines are generally true to size. You should stick to your normal Lululemon size for both. The difference is the intended cut. If you buy a small in Relaxed Fit, it will be a properly proportioned roomy small, not a medium.

Which Lululemon fit is better for a workout?

Generally, the Classic Fit is better for medium-to-high intensity workouts like running, spinning, or gym training. Its streamlined profile prevents fabric from getting in your way. A Relaxed Fit is more suitable for low-impact activities like yoga, stretching, or walking.

Is one style more flattering than the other?

Flattery is subjective and depends on your body type and style preference. Some find the tailored Classic Fit more flattering because it defines their shape, while others prefer the forgiving and modern drape of the Relaxed Fit.

Which fit is more popular?

Both are popular, but they serve different needs. The Classic Fit aligns with Lululemon's core athletic apparel audience, while the Relaxed Fit has grown immensely with the rise of athleisure and loungewear trends.

Are the prices different between fits?

No, the prices are comparable. Pricing is determined more by the item type (e.g., t-shirt vs. sweatshirt) and the fabric used, not by the fit itself.

How do I care for my Lululemon clothing?

For most garments, Lululemon recommends machine washing in cold water with similar fabrics and laying them flat or hanging them to dry. Avoid using fabric softener as it can inhibit the performance qualities of the technical fabrics.