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

The Lululemon Forme Jacket and the iconic Define Jacket cater to different needs based almost entirely on fabric and fit. The Forme Jacket uses lightweight, breathable Nulux fabric and has a slightly cropped, athletic silhouette designed for high-sweat activities like running, while the Define Jacket is crafted from softer, more compressive Luon or Everlux fabric, providing a famous body-sculpting fit ideal for style, warmth, and lower-impact workouts.

Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Lululemon jacket for your workouts and lifestyle.

Lululemon Forme Jacket

The Forme Jacket is engineered for performance, serving as a versatile and lightweight outer layer for high-intensity exercise. Made with sleek Nulux fabric, it excels in breathability and moisture management, making it an excellent choice for runners or anyone who needs a jacket that can handle serious sweat without feeling heavy.

• What it is: A slim-fit, slightly cropped athletic jacket designed for running and training sessions.
• Key features: Full-zip front, high collar for coverage, zippered hand pockets to secure essentials, and reflective details.
• Price: Around $128
• Materials/Construction: Built with Nulux fabric, known for its buttery-soft feel, weightless coverage, quick-drying properties, and four-way stretch.
• Sizing/Fit: A slim, hip-length cut gives it a modern, athletic look that allows for great freedom of movement without excess fabric. Most find it true to size for a fitted look.
• Pros: Exceptionally lightweight and breathable. Quick-drying fabric is ideal for intense workouts. Offers unrestricted movement. Minimalist aesthetic works well for layering.
• Cons: Offers less warmth than the Define Jacket. The performance-focused, athletic look is slightly less versatile for casual, non-workout occasions. Cropped style may not suit all preferences.

This jacket is perfect for the serious athlete who prioritizes superior breathability and a weightless feel during strenuous activities like running, HIIT, and outdoor training.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/jackets/forme-jacket

Lululemon Define Jacket

The Define Jacket is one of Lululemon's most beloved products, known for its incredibly flattering, body-hugging silhouette. Made from supportive fabrics like Luon or Everlux, it functions as both a technical piece for workouts and a stylish jacket for everyday wear, providing warmth, comfort, and a sculpted look that moves with you.

• What it is: A form-fitting workout and lifestyle jacket famous for its contoured, streamlined fit.
• Key features: Signature flattering seams, thumbholes, Cuffins™ (fold-over cuffs to keep hands warm), secure front pockets, and a high collar.
• Price: Around $138
• Materials/Construction: Utilizes Luon or Everlux fabric, which is soft, supportive, sweat-wicking, and offers four-way stretch with a cottony-soft feel for extra comfort and warmth.
• Sizing/Fit: Features a hugged fit that contours to the body, running true to size for a compressive feel. Many shoppers choose to size up for a slightly more relaxed, but still fitted, look.
• Pros: Extremely flattering body-contouring fit. Softer, thicker fabric provides more warmth. Highly versatile for workouts, errands, and travel. Thumbholes and Cuffins™ add functional comfort.
• Cons: Less breathable than the Forme for high-intensity cardio. Can feel restrictive for some movements due to its compressive fit. Slightly higher price point.

The Define Jacket is a go-to for anyone who loves a form-fitting silhouette for yoga, weight training, or as a chic and comfortable layer for daily life.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/jackets/define-jacket

Forme Jacket vs. Define Jacket Comparison

Design & Fit

The most immediate difference between the two jackets lies in their fit and silhouette. The Define Jacket is famous for its compressive, body-hugging fit. Its seam details are engineered to contour and flatter your curves, creating a sculpted look that many wear for its aesthetic appeal as much as its function. It has a classic, hip-length cut.

In contrast, the Forme Jacket offers a slim fit that's more relaxed and less compressive. While still fitted, it provides more room for movement and layering. Its slightly cropped, hip-length silhouette gives it a sportier, more modern edge designed purely for active function rather than a sculpted fashion look.

Fabric & Performance

Fabric determines how each jacket performs during activity. The Forme Jacket's Nulux fabric feels sleek, cool to the touch, and weightless. It's built for performance, with exceptional sweat-wicking and quick-drying capabilities that make it ideal for running, spinning, and other high-cardio activities where you need to stay cool and dry.

The Define Jacket uses Luon or Everlux, fabrics that feel soft, supportive, and more substantial. While still moisture-wicking, this fabric is warmer and more compressive, making it better suited for lower-impact workouts like yoga, Pilates, or weightlifting. It offers a cozy feel more aligned with comfort and moderate warmth than high-intensity performance.

Intended Use & Versatility

Both jackets are versatile, but they excel in different arenas. The Forme Jacket is a true performance piece. It's the one you grab for a long run on a cool morning or for a dynamic outdoor workout. While you can wear it casually, its primary purpose is to enhance your workout experience with minimal fabric interference.

The Define Jacket is a true crossover star - equally at home in a yoga studio, at the grocery store, or in an airport. Its combination of comfort, warmth, and an ultra-flattering fit makes it a fantastic all-arounder. For many, it's a daily "athleisure" piece that also happens to be great for workouts.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your ideal jacket depends on your activity level and what you prioritize in fit and feel.

Choose the Forme Jacket if:

• You're a runner or do lots of high-intensity, high-sweat workouts.
• You value breathability and a lightweight, barely-there feel above all else.
• You prefer a fit that's slim but less compressive than a true "hugged" sensation.
• You want a jacket specifically designed to optimize athletic performance.

Choose the Define Jacket if:

• You want a powerfully flattering jacket that sculpts and contours the body.
• Your workouts are primarily low-intensity, such as yoga, weight training, or walking.
• You're looking for a versatile piece that doubles as workout gear and stylish everyday casualwear.
• You appreciate added comfort features like thumbholes and a cozier, slightly warmer fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Forme and Define jackets?

The main difference is fabric and fit. The Forme Jacket uses lightweight Nulux fabric for a less restrictive, performance-focused fit. The Define Jacket uses softer, more compressive Luon fabric for a body-sculpting fit focused on flattering aesthetics and everyday comfort.

Which Lululemon jacket is better for running?

The Forme Jacket is better for running. Its Nulux fabric is much more breathable, lightweight, and quick-drying, which is ideal for handling sweat during high-intensity cardio.

Should I size up in the Lululemon Define Jacket?

Many people do. The Define Jacket is designed for a very snug, compressive fit. If you are between sizes or prefer a little extra room for layering or comfort, sizing up is a popular choice while still maintaining a fitted look.

Which jacket is warmer?

The Define Jacket is warmer. Its Luon or Everlux fabric is thicker and has a softer, cottony feel that provides more insulation than the sleek, lightweight Nulux fabric of the Forme Jacket.

Can you wear the Define Jacket casually?

Absolutely. The Define Jacket is one of Lululemon's most popular items for casual "athleisure" wear due to its extremely flattering fit. It pairs well with leggings, jeans, and joggers for running errands or traveling.

Do both jackets have thumbholes?

The Define Jacket is known for its signature thumbholes and fold-over Cuffins™ to help keep hands warm. The Forme Jacket typically does not have thumbholes, as its design is more streamlined for pure athletic performance.

Is the Forme Jacket suitable for chilly weather?

The Forme Jacket is best for cool, not cold, weather. It works as a light outer layer to cut the chill but isn't built for significant warmth. In colder temperatures, it functions better as a mid-layer under a heavier coat.

How do I wash my Lululemon jacket?

Both jackets should be machine washed on cold with similar fabrics and colors. Tumble dry on low or, to prolong the life of the fabric, hang to dry. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can inhibit the performance features of the technical fabric.