Lululemon Festival Bag vs. Zip Top: Which one should you buy?

The Lululemon Festival Bag is built for capacity and organization with multiple compartments, whereas the Lululemon Zip Top offers a sleek, minimalist design ideal for carrying just the essentials. While both are made from durable materials, the Festival Bag's higher price reflects its larger size and functionality, contrasting with the Zip Top's more affordable, streamlined simplicity.

Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Lululemon bag for your on-the-go lifestyle.

Lululemon Festival Bag

The Lululemon Festival Bag is a sporty and highly functional crossbody designed for those who need more than just the basics. It's equipped with multiple zippered pockets on the interior and exterior, making it easy to keep things organized. Praised for its practicality, it is large enough to handle daily errands, outdoor events, or light travel without feeling overly bulky.

• What it is: A versatile, multi-compartment crossbody bag designed for functionality and active days.
• Key features: A spacious main compartment, multiple zippered pockets for organization, adjustable strap, durable and water-resistant fabric.
• Price: Around $78 - $98, depending on the current model and color.
• Materials/Construction: Made from Lululemon's signature tough, water-resistant fabrics with reinforced stitching to handle daily wear and tear.
• Sizing/Fit: A larger profile, with approximate dimensions of 10" x 8" x 4". It offers substantial space without being cumbersome.
• Pros: Excellent organization with multiple pockets, large capacity holds essentials plus extras, versatile enough for travel and daily use, durable construction.
• Cons: Pricier than the Zip Top, can feel bulky for those who prefer a minimalist style, sporty aesthetic may not suit all occasions.

This bag suits active individuals who prioritize organization and need to carry more than just a phone, wallet, and keys.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/products/festival-bag

Lululemon Zip Top Crossbody Bag

The Lululemon Zip Top Crossbody is the answer for anyone seeking a sleek, clean, and straightforward bag. Its design philosophy is simple: one secure zippered compartment for your most important items. Made from lightweight materials, this bag is all about convenience and modern style, perfect for quick errands, commuting, or keeping a low profile while traveling.

• What it is: A minimalist, lightweight crossbody bag with a focus on simplicity and security for daily essentials.
• Key features: A secure top-zip main compartment, adjustable strap, clean modern lines, and a lightweight feel.
• Price: Around $48 - $68.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from lightweight and durable water-resistant fabric, ideal for everyday use. It features a smooth zipper and minimal seams.
• Sizing/Fit: Compact and streamlined, with approximate dimensions around 8" x 6" x 2.5".
• Pros: Affordable price point, sleek and timeless design, lightweight and easy to carry, perfect for travel or daily minimalist needs.
• Cons: Limited storage space, lacks internal organization pockets, not suitable for carrying bulkier items like a water bottle.

This bag is ideal for minimalists who value style and need a compact bag for essentials.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/products/zip-top

Festival Bag vs. Zip Top Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

The core difference in style is utility versus minimalism. The Lululemon Festival Bag leans into a casual, sporty look with visible pockets and a functional design language. It often comes in more playful or vibrant colors suited for active or outdoor settings. Its structure is utilitarian first, making it a practical accessory for busy days.

In contrast, the Lululemon Zip Top is clean, modern, and understated. It has a single external seam and a very simple silhouette that can blend in with almost any outfit, from athletic wear to smart casual. It's the more timeless and versatile choice if your main concern is aesthetic.

Size & Capacity

The difference in size is significant. The Festival Bag measures approximately 10" x 8" x 4", giving you enough room for a phone, keys, wallet, sunglasses, a small water bottle, and other miscellaneous items. Its depth allows you to carry bulkier objects without issue.

The Zip Top is much more compact at about 8" x 6" x 2.5". This size is ideal for the core essentials: a large smartphone, a cardholder or small wallet, keys, and lip balm. It forces you to be a minimalist and is perfect for when you want to feel unburdened.

Functionality & Organization

The Festival Bag excels at organization. With multiple external and internal zippered pockets, it allows you to assign a place for everything, keeping items separated and easy to find. This is useful for travel or long days out where quick access to different items is necessary.

The Zip Top puts everything in one secure place. Its single zippered compartment means less complexity, but also less organization. You'll have all your items together, which is fine for a few things but can become cluttered if you try to overstuff it.

Price & Value

The Zip Top Crossbody is the more budget-friendly option, typically costing $30-$40 less than the Festival Bag. For its price, it offers great value as a stylish, durable, and lightweight bag for everyday use.

The Festival Bag's higher price is justified by its larger size, more complex construction, and superior organizational features. If you need the extra space and multiple pockets, its utility provides excellent value for the investment.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both bags are great choices, but they serve very different needs and preferences.

Choose the Festival Bag if:

• You regularly carry more than just your phone, wallet, and keys.
• You value organization and want separate compartments for your items.
• You need a versatile bag for travel, sightseeing, or all-day events like concerts or festivals.
• You don't mind a slightly larger, sportier-looking crossbody bag.

Choose the Zip Top Crossbody Bag if:

• You are a minimalist and only carry the absolute essentials.
• You prefer a sleek, modern, and understated aesthetic.
• You need a lightweight bag for quick errands, commuting, or evenings out.
• You're looking for a more affordable Lululemon accessory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Festival Bag and the Zip Top?

The main difference is capacity and organization. The Festival Bag is larger with multiple pockets designed to organize many items, while the Zip Top is a smaller, minimalist bag focused on carrying just the essentials in a single zippered compartment.

Which bag is bigger?

The Lululemon Festival Bag is noticeably larger. Its approximate dimensions of 10" x 8" x 4" provide significantly more storage space than the Zip Top's 8" x 6" x 2.5" frame.

Can the Lululemon Festival Bag fit a water bottle?

Yes, depending on the current model, the Festival Bag can typically accommodate a small or slim water bottle in its main compartment along with other items, making it great for day trips.

Is the Zip Top bag big enough for a large smartphone?

Absolutely. The Zip Top is designed to comfortably hold all modern smartphones, including the largest models, along with other small essentials like keys and a cardholder.

Which one is better for everyday use?

This depends entirely on your "everyday." If you carry very little, the lightweight Zip Top is perfect. If your everyday involves carrying snacks, sunglasses, and other extras, the extra space in the Festival Bag will be more practical.

Are both bags waterproof?

Both bags are crafted from water-resistant materials, meaning they'll protect your belongings from light rain or splashes. However, they are not fully waterproof and should not be submerged in water.

How should I clean my Lululemon bag?

Lululemon recommends spot cleaning for both bags. Use a soft brush and circulate lightly over the fabric.

Can I adjust the straps on both bags?

Yes, both models feature an adjustable strap, allowing you to wear them as either a crossbody or a shoulder bag and customize the length for a comfortable fit.

Which bag offers better value?

Value depends on your needs. The Zip Top offers great value for its low price if you just need a simple, stylish bag. The Festival Bag offers better value if you need its larger capacity and organizational features, as its practicality justifies the higher cost.

Is the Festival Bag too bulky?

While larger than the Zip Top, the Festival Bag is designed to be streamlined and is not considered overly bulky by most users. Its soft construction allows it to lay relatively flat against the body when not completely full.