Lululemon Silverstone vs. Trench: What's the difference?

The Lululemon Silverstone is a performance-oriented activewear jacket designed for movement and comfort, while outerwear from Trench focuses on sophisticated, weather-resistant style rooted in classic trench coat design. The main trade-offs are function and formality: Lululemon offers breathable, stretchy fabrics for active life at a lower price point, whereas Trench provides durable, weatherproof materials and a more polished, urban aesthetic at a premium price.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide which outerwear style is right for your lifestyle and wardrobe.

Lululemon Silverstone Jacket

The Lululemon Silverstone jacket is a versatile, lightweight piece of outerwear built for people on the move. Designed as part of an activewear lineup, it prioritizes breathability, four-way stretch, and a sleek, sporty silhouette that works for warm-ups, cool-downs, and running errands without sacrificing style.

• What it is: A technical activewear jacket designed for athletic activities and casual, on-the-go wear.
• Key features: Crafted from performance fabrics like Nulu or Swift, offering moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties. It often includes features like thumbholes, secure zip pockets, and a streamlined fit.
• Price: Typically ranges from $128 to $198, with many styles priced around $148–$178.
• Materials/Construction: Stretchy, breathable fabrics engineered for performance and comfort during movement. The construction is durable enough for active use but feels lightweight.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to run true to size with a standard athletic fit that’s neither too tight nor too loose. The brand is known for consistent sizing across most of its products.
• Pros: Excellent comfort and flexibility for workouts, transition from gym to street. More affordable than premium fashion outerwear. Lightweight and breathable.
• Cons: Offers limited protection against heavy rain or wind compared to technical outerwear. Its sporty aesthetic may not be suitable for more formal or professional settings.

This jacket is perfect for active individuals who need a stylish, functional layer that moves with them from a morning run to a coffee stop.

Shop this product: lululemon.com

Trench Outerwear

Trench creates modern, fashion-forward outerwear that reinterprets classic silhouettes with technical fabrics. Their coats are designed to offer superior protection from the elements without compromising on a polished, sophisticated look, making them ideal for urban environments and everyday wear.

• What it is: A contemporary, weather-resistant coat that blends classic design with innovative, high-performance materials.
• Key features: Utilizes advanced waterproof and windproof materials, often with tailored fits, belted waists, double-breasted fronts, and a minimalist design.
• Price: Ranges from $250 to $500, with many of their signature trench coats priced between $350 and $450.
• Materials/Construction: Made from high-quality technical synthetics and blends with waterproof membranes and durable shells built for longevity and weather protection.
• Sizing/Fit: Features a more structured and tailored fit compared to activewear. Sizing is often consistent but designed for a closer, more fashion-oriented silhouette.
• Pros: Excellent weather resistance against wind and rain. Timeless, sophisticated style that elevates any outfit. High-quality construction and durable materials.
• Cons: A significantly higher price point. The tailored fit and structured materials offer less stretch and flexibility, making it unsuitable for intense athletic activity.

This is a great choice for the style-conscious person who needs a durable, protective, and chic coat for daily city commuting and social occasions.

Shop this product: trench.com

Lululemon Silverstone vs. Trench Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

The style difference is the most immediate factor. The Lululemon Silverstone embodies an athleisure aesthetic - it’s sporty, minimalist, and built to look good with leggings, joggers, and other activewear. Its clean lines and performance-oriented fit make it a distinctly casual, functional piece.

In contrast, a coat from Trench is all about urban sophistication. It takes a classic, timeless silhouette and updates it for a modern wardrobe. It’s polished, structured, and designed to be worn over work attire, dresses, or smart-casual outfits, making it far more versatile for non-athletic settings.

Quality & Materials

Both brands prioritize quality, but for different purposes. Lululemon uses high-tech, proprietary fabrics like Nulu (buttery soft) and Swift (lightweight and quick-drying) that excel in stretch, breathability, and moisture management. The focus is on comfort during activity.

Trench uses advanced weatherproof materials, including waterproof membranes and wind-resistant outer shells. The construction is focused on durability and protection from the elements. While comfortable, these materials are more rigid and structured, lacking the four-way stretch of an activewear jacket.

Price & Value

There's a noticeable price gap between the two. The Lululemon Silverstone, typically under $200, offers great value for a high-performance activewear layer. The quality and versatility for its intended use make it a worthwhile investment for fitness enthusiasts.

A coat from Trench costs roughly twice as much, positioning it as a premium fashion investment. The value comes from its durability, timeless style, and superior weather protection. For someone looking for a core piece of long-lasting outerwear to wear daily, the higher price is justified by its craftsmanship and style longevity.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both options offer excellent quality, but they serve entirely different roles in a wardrobe.

Choose the Lululemon Silverstone if:

• Your top priorities are flexibility, breathability, and comfort for an active lifestyle.
• You need a jacket primarily for working out, running errands, or casual weekend activities.
• You plan to wear it mostly with joggers, leggings, and other athletic clothing.
• You have a budget of under $200 for a lightweight jacket.

Choose a Trench coat if:

• You need a stylish, sophisticated coat for daily wear and commuting in the city.
• Your main concern is protection from wind and rain.
• You are looking for a versatile piece of outerwear to wear over professional or smart-casual outfits.
• You view it as a long-term investment and are willing to spend more on timeless style and durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between a Lululemon Silverstone jacket and a Trench coat?

The main difference is purpose and style. The Silverstone is a performance activewear jacket designed for movement and comfort, with a sporty aesthetic. A Trench coat is a fashion-forward piece of outerwear designed for weather protection and a polished look in urban or professional settings.

Is the Lululemon Silverstone waterproof?

Most Lululemon Silverstone styles are water-resistant, meaning they can handle light rain, but they are generally not fully waterproof. They are designed for breathability first, not for keeping you dry in a downpour.

Can you work out in a Trench coat?

No, a Trench coat is not suitable for working out. Its tailored fit and structured, non-stretch materials would restrict movement and lack the necessary breathability for athletic activity.

Which one offers better value for the price?

Value depends on your needs. The Lululemon Silverstone offers excellent value for a high-quality, versatile activewear jacket. A Trench coat offers strong value as a long-term, durable, and stylish outerwear staple that protects against the elements.

How does the fit compare?

The Silverstone has an athletic fit designed for ease of movement - it’s comfortable but streamlined. A Trench coat has a more structured, tailored fit intended to create a sharp silhouette. It’s best to consult each brand’s specific size chart.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Both brands are making moves toward greater sustainability. Trench builds its brand identity more heavily around responsible sourcing and eco-friendly materials from the start, while Lululemon is actively enhancing its sustainability initiatives as a larger, established corporation.

Can I wear the Silverstone for everyday activities?

Absolutely. The Silverstone jacket is perfect for casual, everyday wear, particularly for activities like running errands, going for walks, or meeting friends for coffee. Its athleisure style makes it a great staple for a relaxed wardrobe.

Which one is warmer?

Warmth depends on the specific model. Generally, the Trench coat offers better protection against wind, which can make it feel warmer in harsh weather. However, neither of these is a dedicated winter coat, they are better suited for transitional seasons like spring and autumn.