Lululemon Define Jacket Luon vs. Nulu: Which one should you buy?

The Lululemon Define Jacket Luon is made from a thicker, cottony-soft fabric that provides a supportive, structured fit, while the Define Jacket Nulu features the brand's famously lightweight, buttery-soft material for a 'barely there,' second-skin feel. Luon offers more compression and durability for workouts, whereas Nulu prioritizes ultimate comfort and a sleek drape for low-impact activities and lounging.

Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Lululemon Define Jacket for you.

Lululemon Define Jacket Luon

The Define Jacket in Luon is the original, classic version known for its supportive and contouring fit. Made from Lululemon's signature Luon fabric, this jacket is designed to hug your body, retain its shape, and offer moderate warmth. It’s a workhorse piece popular for its flattering silhouette and durability during both workouts and daily wear.

• What it is: A slim-fit, hip-length full-zip jacket made from a supportive, cottony-soft fabric designed for training and on-the-go wear.
• Key features: Sweat-wicking Luon fabric with four-way stretch, thumbholes and Cuffins™ to keep sleeves down and hands warm, secure front zippered pockets, venting back panel.
• Price: $118
• Materials/Construction: The Luon fabric is engineered to feel soft against the skin while providing support and coverage. It's a robust blend that holds its structure wash after wash.
• Sizing/Fit: Provides a slim, body-hugging fit that feels more compressive. It runs true to size, but if you're between sizes or prefer a little more room, consider sizing up.
• Pros: More durable and resistant to pilling than Nulu. The compressive fit is supportive and creates a sculpted look. Fabric offers more coverage and moderate warmth. Retains shape very well over time.
• Cons: Thicker material can feel less breathable during intense cardio. The snug, compressive fit might feel restrictive to some. It lacks the ultra-soft, second-skin feel of Nulu.

This jacket is perfect for those who want a structured, supportive fit for runs, gym sessions, and errands, or value durability and shape retention.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/jackets-and-hoodies-jackets/Define-Jacket-Luon/

Lululemon Define Jacket Nulu

The Nulu version of the Lululemon Define Jacket brings the beloved buttery-soft feeling of the Align collection to Lululemon's most iconic jacket style. Engineered to feel like a second skin, this jacket is incredibly lightweight, breathable, and offers a less-compressive fit that moves with you effortlessly. It prioritizes comfort and a sleek aesthetic over athletic compression.

• What it is: A slim-fit, often cropped or hip-length zip-up jacket made from the weightless and buttery-soft Nulu fabric.
• Key features: Lightweight and breathable Nulu fabric, incredible four-way stretch, thumbholes, secure front pockets, slim and contoured fit.
• Price: $118-$128
• Materials/Construction: Nulu fabric is delicate yet highly flexible, providing a luxurious, smooth feel. It’s less about structure and more about cloud-like comfort.
• Sizing/Fit: A slim, body-skimming fit that feels less constrictive than Luon. It is true to size for a hugged sensation without the intense compression. It can be more revealing since it conforms closely to the body's shape.
• Pros: Unmatched buttery-soft comfort. Lightweight and breathable, making it suitable for yoga or studio workouts. Moves with your body without restriction. Offers a sleeker, less traditionally athletic finish.
• Cons: Fabric is more delicate and prone to pilling with friction (e.g., from bags or rough surfaces). Less supportive and structured, which some may not prefer. Shows more of what’s underneath due to its thinner material.

Designed for those who value ultimate softness and a weightless feel, this jacket suits low-impact activities like yoga and pilates, or comfortable daily wear.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/jackets-and-hoodies-jackets/Define-Jacket-Nulu/

Lululemon Define Jacket Luon vs. Nulu Comparison

Fabric Feel & Comfort

The primary difference between these two jackets lies entirely in the fabric feel. The Luon Define Jacket offers a classic, cottony-soft touch with a sense of substance and support. It securely hugs your body, which can be comforting and provides a locked-in feeling. You always know you're wearing it.

In contrast, the Nulu Define Jacket is all about weightless luxury. Its buttery-soft, smooth texture feels like a second skin. The comfort is exceptional for lounging or extended wear, designed for those who dislike the feeling of restrictive activewear. The sensation is one of unparalleled softness.

Fit & Structure

Structure is another key differentiator. The Luon fabric is thicker and more architectural, giving the jacket a shape-retaining quality that smooths and contours the body. The fit is compressive and sculpted, creating a powerful, athletic silhouette that holds you while you move.

The Nulu fabric is much softer and has more drape, resulting in a less structured fit. While still slim, it conforms to your body's curves rather than shaping them. It offers freedom of movement but won't provide the same supportive, held-in feeling as the Luon version.

Performance & Durability

When it comes to longevity and vigorous activity, Luon is the clear winner. This fabric was built to perform and handle repeated use. It's more abrasion-resistant, holds its shape well after many washes, and is better suited for outdoor running, high-intensity gym sessions, and everyday errands where durability is key.

Nulu is famously delicate. It's designed for lower-impact activities like yoga, pilates, or barre where skin-friendly comfort is more important than ruggedness. You need to be more careful with Nulu, as it can pill with friction from backpack straps or rough surfaces and requires more mindful washing.

Price & Value

Both versions of the Lululemon Define Jacket command a premium price, typically retailing for $118. The value proposition depends entirely on your needs. If value means durability and long-term use for a wide range of activities, the Luon jacket offers more of a return on investment. If value is measured by sheer comfort and a luxurious feel during wear, the Nulu jacket justifies its price as a high-end comfort piece.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both jackets are fantastic activewear staples, but they serve different priorities.

Choose the Define Jacket in Luon if:

• You want a structured, compressive fit that sculpts and supports.
• Durability is your top priority for a go-to athletic jacket.
• You prefer a thicker, cottony fabric with more coverage.
• You'll be using it for running, gym workouts, or as a sturdy everyday layer in cooler weather.

Choose the Define Jacket in Nulu if:

• You prioritize a lightweight, buttery-soft sensation above all else.
• You prefer a less compressive, "barely there" feeling.
• Your primary activities are yoga, studio classes, or comfortable lounging.
• You don't mind taking extra care of a more delicate fabric to prevent pilling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Define Jacket in Luon and Nulu?

The main difference is the fabric. Luon is a thicker, cottony-soft material that feels supportive, compressive, and durable. Nulu is a very lightweight, slick, buttery-soft fabric that feels like a comfortable second skin and is more delicate.

Is the Lululemon Define Jacket true to size?

Yes, both versions run true to size for a slim fit. However, the Luon jacket will feel much snugger and more compressive. If you're between sizes or prefer a less restrictive fit in the Luon jacket, consider sizing up. The Nulu fits true to size for its intended second-skin feel.

Which Define Jacket is better for running?

The Luon Define Jacket is better for running. Its fabric is more durable, sweat-wicking, and supportive. It’s less likely to show wear from movement and the friction of arm swings, making it the more reliable performance choice.

Does the Nulu Define Jacket pill?

Yes, the Nulu fabric can be prone to pilling, especially in high-friction areas. To minimize this, avoid wearing it with rough-textured bags, wash it inside out on a gentle cycle with similar fabrics, and always hang it to dry.

Which fabric is warmer?

Luon is thicker and provides more warmth, making it a better option for outdoor activities in cooler weather or as a reliable layering piece. The Nulu jacket is very lightweight and offers minimal warmth, designed more for breathability.

Can I put my Lululemon Define Jacket in the dryer?

It's highly recommended that you lay flat or hang to dry both jackets to preserve the elasticity and fabric integrity, especially for Nulu. High heat from a dryer can damage the Lycra fibers and lead to shrinking or fabric degradation over time.

How do you wash a Lululemon Define Jacket?

Wash your jacket in cold water on a delicate cycle with like colors and similar synthetic fabrics. Avoid using fabric softener as it can coat the technical fibers and hinder their sweat-wicking performance. For the Nulu version, washing it inside out can help reduce pilling.

Do they look different on the body?

Yes. The Luon jacket offers a more structured and sculpted silhouette that holds you in and smooths over lines. The Nulu jacket has a softer drape that conforms closely to your natural shape and can sometimes cling, making it slightly more revealing.