Lululemon Men vs. Women Section: What's the difference?
The Lululemon women's collection is known for its trend-driven designs and iconic buttery-soft fabrics like Nulu™, focusing primarily on yoga and studio wear. In contrast, the men's section prioritizes technical performance and versatility with durable fabrics like Warpstreme™ and innovations like its ABC™ (Anti-Ball Crushing) technology, geared towards training, running, and all-day comfort.
Let's examine everything you need to know to find the right Lululemon gear for your needs, regardless of which section you shop in.
Lululemon Women's Section: Iconic Comfort & Style
Lululemon's women's line is the foundation of the brand, offering an extensive selection of activewear celebrated for its flattering fits, premium soft fabrics, and designs that transition seamlessly from the studio to the street. The collection is centered around providing different "sensations" - from the weightless feel of Align leggings for yoga to the supportive compression of Swift Speed tights for running.
- Product mix: Extensive range includes dozens of legging styles, sports bras, tank tops, hoodies, the popular Define Jacket, and lifestyle apparel like dresses, skirts, and bodysuits.
- Price point: Premium pricing reflects the quality, with flagship leggings from $98 to $128, sports bras from $48 to $78, and jackets from $118 and up.
- Sizing/Fit: Sizing runs from 0 to 20. Known for its form-fitting, body-contouring designs, with popular high-waisted options. Fits are generally true to size but can be compressive depending on the product line.
- Style & Aesthetic: Trend-focused with frequent new color and pattern releases. The aesthetic is modern and stylish, designed to be both functional for workouts and flattering for everyday wear.
- Key Fabrics: Signature Nulu™ fabric provides a "naked," barely-there sensation, perfect for yoga. Other key materials include Luon® for a supportive, cottony feel, and the highly sweat-wicking Everlux™ for intense training sessions.
The women's collection offers unmatched variety in style and fabric innovations, famous for its comfortable and distinct feel in and out of the gym.
Shop Lululemon Women's: shop.lululemon.com/women
Lululemon Men's Section: Technical Performance, Perfected
Lululemon's men's collection is engineered for performance, versatility, and everyday comfort. It focuses on solving common frustrations with traditional menswear through smart design and innovative materials. Staples like the ABC Pant and Metal Vent Tech shirt have a loyal following for their durability, functional features, and clean, modern aesthetic that works for training, travel, and even the office.
- Product mix: A focused assortment of performance essentials including shorts, liners, joggers, the iconic ABC Pants, tees, polos, and outerwear.
- Price point: On par with the women's line. ABC Pants are typically $128, shorts like the Pace Breaker are $68, and Metal Vent Tech tops start at $78.
- Sizing/Fit: Standard letter sizing from XS to XXL. Offers specific fits like "Classic Fit" for a roomier feel or "Slim Fit" for a more tailored look. Garments are designed for ease of movement with gussets and ergonomic seam placement.
- Style & Aesthetic: Function-driven and minimalist. The color palette focuses on versatile neutrals and classic tones, with less emphasis on seasonal trends.
- Key Fabrics: Abrasion-resistant Warpstreme™ fabric offers four-way stretch and wrinkle resistance. Metal Vent Tech apparel uses Silverescent® technology to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Lululemon's men's gear is built to perform and last, delivering technical clothing that solves real-world comfort and movement problems without sacrificing a polished look.
Shop Lululemon Men's: shop.lululemon.com/men
Lululemon Men's Section vs. Women's Section Comparison
Product Selection & Key Categories
The most obvious difference is the breadth of the product lines. The women’s section offers a much wider variety of apparel, including unique categories like skirts, dresses, and layering one-pieces. It features a larger array of leggings and sports bras tailored to different activities and support levels. You’ll also find more accessories like bags, hair ties, and yoga mats.
The men's section is more focused, concentrating on perfecting core athletic and lifestyle staples. The lineup centers around proven winners like the ABC Pant franchise, various training and running shorts, and the Metal Vent Tech shirt collection. While still comprehensive, the goal is less about fashion-forward variety and more about creating the ultimate go-to item for any given activity.
Fit & Sizing Philosophy
Understanding the fit differences is key to successful cross-shopping. Women's apparel uses numerical sizing (0–20) and is engineered to contour and sculpt curves. Styles are often high-waisted and compressive to create specific silhouettes and offer support where it’s needed.
The men's section uses letter-based sizing (XS–XXL) and is designed for a straighter torso and broader shoulders. The emphasis is on functional freedom of movement - for example, pants have gussets for mobility, and shirts have seams placed away from the shoulder to reduce chafing under a backpack. The silhouettes are straighter and often offer more room in the hips and thighs.
Fabric Technology & Purpose
While both collections use high-performance fabrics, their headliners serve different primary purposes. The women’s collection is famous for Nulu™ fabric, which offers an incredibly soft, “naked” sensation beloved for yoga and low-impact activities. Other fabrics like Luon® provide a cozy, cotton-soft hug for everyday wear.
Key fabrics in the men’s section, like Warpstreme™, prioritize durability, wrinkle resistance, and sweat-wicking technical properties for clothes you can train or travel in. They often feel more structured and less soft-spun than the women’s signature fabrics. Anti-odor technology like Silverescent® is also a major feature in men's tops designed for high-sweat scenarios.
Style & Aesthetics
The women's collection is more aligned with fashion trends. Lululemon releases a constant stream of new colors, prints, and limited-edition styles to keep the collection fresh and exciting. Designs often feature interesting details like straps, cutouts, and unique silhouettes.
Men's apparel leans into a minimalist, timeless aesthetic. The collection is built around a core color palette of black, gray, navy, and olive, making items easy to wear and pair. While new colors are introduced, the overall style is much less trend-driven and more focused on clean, versatile lines.
Which Section Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Men's and Women's sides depends entirely on your needs for fit, fabric, and function. Both sections make exceptional products.
Shop the Women's Section if:
- You prioritize a buttery-soft, next-to-nothing fabric feel, like that of the Align leggings.
- You prefer high-waisted fits and styles that contour and sculpt your body.
- You want more options for color, patterns, and trendy designs that get updated often.
- Your primary activities are yoga, pilates, barre, or low-impact studio classes.
Shop the Men's Section if:
- You need extremely durable, versatile pants (like the ABC Jogger) that work for workouts, travel, and casual outings.
- You prioritize anti-odor technology for high-sweat training.
- You prefer a straighter, more classic fit without heavy compression.
- You favor a minimalist style and a core color palette over seasonal trends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can women wear Lululemon men's clothing?
Absolutely. Many women shop the men's section for specific items. The "Fundamental T-Shirt" is a popular choice for a relaxed tee, and the Scuba hoodies offer an oversized, comfortable fit. The Metal Vent Tech shirts are also great for a looser top for running or training. Just be sure to consult the size chart, as you'll likely need to size down one or two sizes from what you wear in women's.
Can men wear Lululemon women's clothing?
Yes, though it's less common. The Align leggings are a popular choice among some men for yoga or lounging due to the Nulu™ fabric's unmatched softness and stretch. The main challenge is sizing and fit, as women's items are designed for curvier body shapes and may not be comfortable in the hips or waist for some men.
What is Lululemon's ABC™ technology?
ABC stands for "Anti-Ball Crushing." It's an ergonomic design used in Lululemon men's pants and joggers. This technology features a specially engineered gusset that removes tension from the crotch area, providing greater freedom of movement and all-day comfort.
Which section has better workout gear?
It depends on the activity. For yoga, barre, and pilates, the women's section is superior due to its flexible, soft fabrics and targeted designs. For high-intensity training and running, both sections offer excellent options. However, men's gear is often built with more abrasion-resistant fabrics and features more anti-odor technology staples for intense sweat.
Are the price points different between Lululemon's men's and women's sections?
No, the pricing is generally comparable for similar items. A flagship pair of leggings in the women's section costs around $128, which is the same price as a flagship pair of ABC pants in the men's section. Technical tops are also priced similarly across both lines.
Is the sizing consistent between sections?
Not at all. The sizing systems are entirely different and are not interchangeable. The women’s section uses numerical sizing (0, 2, 4, etc.), while the men’s section uses traditional letter sizing (S, M, L). Always refer to the specific item’s size guide before purchasing from a different section.
Do both sections have a sale section?
Yes, both sections have a dedicated sale area on the website called "We Made Too Much." This is where you can find items from previous seasons or in colors that are being discontinued at a discounted price.
What is the most popular men's Lululemon item?
The ABC Pant and Jogger are arguably the most iconic and popular items in the men's collection. Their unmatched comfort, versatility, and sleek look have made them a go-to for countless customers.
What is the most popular women's Lululemon item?
The Lululemon Align™ High-Rise Pant is easily the most popular and well-known item. Its ridiculously soft Nulu™ fabric and comfortable, weightless feel have made it a favorite for yoga, lounging, and everyday wear.
