10 Lululemon pieces we think are truly worth the money — and how they actually fit

The classic Wunder Under leggings in black were my first-ever Lululemon purchase more than a decade ago now, and I continue to wear them. They’re soft, stretchy, suck you in at all the right places, but are still comfortable enough to wear with a cozy oversized sweatshirt all day. Even if you don’t hit the gym too often, you’ll likely end up wearing these around the house daily. They also still get the job done during workouts, though I’ve found they aren’t quite as good for sweat-wicking or quick-drying as options like the Fast and Free Tight. Additionally, while they do have a small waistband pocket for keys or your credit card, I do now prefer the convenience of leggings with side pockets for hitting the gym or going on runs. — Hannah Freedman, associate travel editor

This is probably my number one most favorite sports bra in the world, and I’ve tested over 20 of them for my job as a style editor. As a short person with a DD chest, I have a really hard time finding sports bras that work. The straps are always too long for my short torso and the padding is often too intense for my taste. But this bra is the ultimate middle ground. The straps aren’t too long or too short, and the amount of padding is minimal.

The cross-back straps help create enough lift that I feel really supported, even for high-intensity workouts, and the material is really soft and seamless for a comfy fit. There’s almost always going to be some uniboob action going on with sports bras for large chests, but I find that it’s less so with this style versus some of my other high-intensity sports bras. — Sally Kaplan, senior editor

The best part about this jacket is all the pockets. There are front zip pockets for small items like keys and credit cards, and side pockets that are perfectly sized for a phone. I love the lightweight feel (although you’ll probably want something heavier for temperatures below 50 degrees) and I reach for it every time I’m going out for a walk and don’t want to bring a handbag. The fit is really slim since it was designed for running, so I sized up to a 6 (I’m typically a 2 or 4 in Lululemon) and there’s just enough room to layer a long-sleeve top underneath. The hood and water-resistant material have come in handy several times on drizzly days. — Ashley Phillips, style and beauty editor

It’s pretty rare for me to drop $130 on a pair of tights unless they’re seriously special. But I love the Fast and Free Tights so much I actually own two pairs. I think they are The Best workout tights available. For starters, they are perfectly high waisted for both comfort and for wearing with a crop top. The drawstring means you can tighten the waist so they won’t slip down during workouts. Overall, the fabric is silky to touch, sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and holds up well after dozens and dozens and dozens of washes.

These leggings feel like a second skin on runs, throughout CrossFit classes, and while running errands — and they don’t become sheer during squats. Most of all, I love the perfect light compression on them which not only contributes to that second-skin feeling but also makes the leggings very flattering, all without being so tight that your organs are being squished (I regularly wear these all day or on long flights). — Rachael Schultz, health and fitness updates editor

I’ve had the Fast and Free II leggings for three years now and they are possibly my favorite pair ever. In fact, I actually have two pairs of this style. The high rise fit, lightweight and stretchy material, and sweat-wicking abilities make these ideal for everything from running outdoors to taking hot yoga classes. I’ve found the fit to be excellent, and I never need to adjust these pants mid-workout. However, by far my favorite feature is the side pockets, which easily fits my phone and key while holding them tight enough to me that they don’t bounce around uncomfortably. After hundreds of wears, these still hold their shape, have plenty of stretch, and haven’t become any thinner than the day I bought them. — Hannah Freedman, associate travel editor

If you’re large-chested, this top probably won’t work for you. But as a 36A, if I could live in one shirt for the rest of my life, it would be this one. That’s largely because I wear this both as a top with anything high-waisted, as well as a way more comfortable but equally supportive bra under baggy shirts and sweatshirts. The fabric here is uber-soft and comfortable and just lovely on your skin. The slight v-neck and scoop back are super flattering and it has a built-in bra (it comes with fabric cups too but these are easily removable).

The feature that really sets this apart from other crop tops or bra tops is that something about the cut and the compression delivers the near-impossible for us small-chested ladies: it gives you cleavage. This sounds silly considering it’s a workout top, but my tiny chest basically never looks tantalizing in anything without a lot of underwire and padding — yet this tank delivers cleavage and comfort. (For what it’s worth, I’ve heard womxn as big as a C cup be equally excited about its lifting potential, but I imagine it might squish bigger boobs uncomfortably.)

This top is designed for yoga and would definitely hold up through a flow, but I also wear mine a lot on hikes and it’s very comfortable to work up a serious sweat in (though it wouldn’t be enough support for a run). Because this top is tight, I’d recommend sizing up (I’m a 36A and usually a 6, but wear an 8 in this top). — Rachael Schultz, health and fitness updates editor

This workout top is super versatile since you can wear it loose and flowy, or, thanks to the slits in the back, wear it tied up. I almost always wear it tied back and I like that I can adjust it to whatever height my leggings or shorts are. The fabric is super lightweight and breathable. It’s cotton, but I’ve always found it quite sweat-wicking in the heat. I like the high-neck for more coverage, particularly when doing barbell cleans. The only bummer is the knot in the back is annoying for floor exercises or carrying a daypack hiking, but it’s easy to undo and re-tie. — Rachael Schultz, health and fitness updates editor

I bought and returned a lot of bike shorts over the last six months, and Lululemon makes the best ones for all types of workouts and activities. The Align Super High Rise Short is my favorite pair for everyday wear; it’s made of a super-soft nylon/lycra blend that is not too compressive like a lot of other bike shorts, it stays in place all day and doesn’t ride up, and it comes in four lengths and tons of colors. I also have and like the Fast and Free Short we recommend in our buying guide; this is the pair I suggest for running and working out. — Ellen Hoffman, executive editor