081. I Shopped The Leggings On Your Wishlist

An Data-Driven Analysis of 2,325 Activewear Reviews

Oct 06, 2024

∙ Paid

Before this year, I had last shopped for workout clothes in 2017. At the start of the summer, I picked up a new routine that quickly became my favourite part of each day, prompting me to want to overhaul my activewear drawer. To gather opinions, I turned to comment sections, Substack chats, and Reddit threads, crowdsourcing reviews from gym-goers about their favourite brands. I was specifically looking for alternatives to Lululemon. While I reluctantly admit to being a fan of the brand to this day, I wanted to explore my options. Lululemon's supply chain practices are dubious, their prices don't suit everyone's budget, and I'm frustrated with their punishing drop model - I feel like I'm on a constant wild goose chase for the right product in the right colour and size.

The internet is unanimous - the brand continues to make performance-led activewear that people love to wear. However, seven other brands emerged that are favoured by customers and rival Lululemon in terms of value for money and, in some cases, performance, quality, comfort, or longevity. Today's newsletter is a deep dive into the internet's review of these brands, and I really nerded out for this one. I collected and analyzed 2,325 data points across these brands, making something actually fun and valuable of my decade of data-slicing experience.

This letter also includes the opinions of the most discerning customers of all - the readers of this newsletter. In an activewear-focused survey I shared with over 10,000 of you a few months ago, you shared your thoughts about the brands that delighted you and those that disappointed you. I share insights from that survey below.

This newsletter is long and will likely be truncated in your email app. Make sure you click on "View entire message" to read it until the end and not miss a thing.

1. Lululemon

Size Range: From 0 to 20

Price Range: $$$ ($98 to $118 for leggings)

Ethical and Sustainable Rating (from Good On You): Not Good Enough

Feedback: 87% Positive, 13% Negative.

The Good

The brand is widely praised for its quality, durability, and fit - so much so that many reviewers report gradually replacing their entire activewear wardrobe with Lululemon products.
It is viewed as an investment, with pieces lasting for years and maintaining their shape and performance through countless wears and washes.
The versatility of their pieces is frequently highlighted, with users praising their ability to transition seamlessly from high-intensity workouts to casual everyday wear.
[US-based customers only] Their free alterations and repair services are highly appreciated, adding perceived value to the products.

The Bad

The high price point is a significant barrier for some customers, leading many to seek out their sales (customers rave about the We Made Too Much section of their website) or the secondhand market to access the brand.
Long-time customers are growing concerned about a perceived decline in quality in recent years, particularly in comparison to the brand's earlier offerings.
Some users report developing an addictive shopping habit with Lululemon, leading to overspending and accumulating more activewear than necessary. [I can definitely relate. I have clocked that they release newness every Tuesday around 8 PM, and I will always log on to check it out. I’m hooked].

The Internet’s Favourite Items

The Align range and its iconic leggings are praised worldwide for their butter-soft feel and comfortable fit. They are favourites for yoga and everyday wear. The Align fabric has been endlessly imitated and rarely equalled. In my research into alternatives for Lululemon, I bore witness to passionate virtual debates about what brands have gotten closest to replicating the feel of that fabric (you’ll get a sense of the consensus later in this letter).
The Scuba hoodies have developed a cult following and are appreciated for their cosy feel in and out of the gym.
Wunder Train leggings are fan favourites for higher-intensity indoor workouts. They are lauded for offering the perfect balance of compression and comfort with sweat-wicking fabric and flattering seams.
The Define jackets are extremely popular for their flattering fit.

EVERY BODY GETS DRESSED Readers Weigh In

‘I love Lululemon Wunder Train shorts and leggings. I run six days a week and lift twice weekly, and I almost always wear Wunder Train shorts in the 6-inch length. They last forever and hold up so well. They don't pile or chafe when I have long runs. I have them in at least ten colours and have gifted them to friends who also fell in love!’
‘I go for Lululemon Aligns for comfort during yoga. I love the new ribbed version, I even lift weights in them. All my tops are also full coverage ones from the brand.’
‘For workout clothes to actually work out in, nothing beats Lululemon, especially the Wunder Under leggings. Their Like New site has great deals.’
‘Lululemon quality seems to be decreasing these days. It also seems like they are less focused on making clothes for working out and more on targeting my college-age daughter who wears it daily to class.’