The Ultimate Lululemon Sizing Guide: Does It Run Big?

Lululemon sizing generally runs small to true-to-size, meaning you'll likely need your usual size or potentially one size up, depending on the specific item and your preferred fit. As someone who's fitted countless women over the years and tested nearly every activewear brand on the market, I can tell you that Lululemon's sizing quirks are one of the most common questions I receive from clients. Let me break down exactly what you need to know to nail your Lululemon size every single time.

How Lululemon Sizing Really Works

Here's the truth about Lululemon sizing that most people don't realise: it varies significantly by product category. After years of styling clients and personally testing their range, I've found that leggings typically run true to size, whilst bras and jackets tend to run small. This inconsistency can be frustrating, but once you understand the pattern, shopping becomes much easier.

The brand's Align leggings are their most forgiving style - the buttery-soft Nulu fabric has excellent stretch, so you can often size down if you prefer a more compressive feel. However, their Wunder leggings in Luon fabric run smaller and less forgiving, so stick to your true size or even size up.

Sports Bras: The Tricky Territory

Lululemon sports bras are notorious for running small, particularly if you're buying anything with a built-in band. I always recommend going up one size from your usual bra size. If you normally wear a 34B, try a size 10 instead of a size 8. Their sizing chart suggests a 34 band should take a medium (size 10), but many women find this still too snug.

Jackets and Outerwear: Size Up Strategy

This is where Lululemon sizing gets particularly tricky. Their jackets consistently run small, especially the popular Define and Scuba styles. I typically advise clients to go up one to two sizes, depending on whether they want a fitted or relaxed look. Remember, Lululemon offers different fits - relaxed, classic, slim, tight, and oversized - so always check which fit you're buying.

My Styling Advice for Lululemon Shopping

Before you shop, measure yourself properly using their size guide. But don't rely on measurements alone - read the product reviews religiously. Customers often share whether items run large or small, and this real-world feedback is invaluable.

For your first Lululemon purchase, I recommend starting with their Align leggings in your true size. They're the most size-forgiving and will give you a good baseline for future purchases. If they fit perfectly, you'll likely need to size up in bras and potentially jackets.

Alternative Brands That Offer Better Sizing Consistency

High Street Heroes

If Lululemon's sizing inconsistencies frustrate you, several high street brands offer excellent alternatives with more predictable sizing. Sweaty Betty offers premium activewear with consistent true-to-size fits across their range, whilst COS provides minimalist activewear pieces that run slightly oversized for a comfortable fit.

Zara has dramatically improved their activewear range, offering trend-led pieces that typically run true to size, and H&M provides budget-friendly options that are surprisingly consistent in sizing. For elevated basics, Whistles creates beautifully cut activewear that flatters a range of body types, whilst Jigsaw offers sophisticated activewear that transitions beautifully from gym to street.

White Stuff might surprise you with their activewear range - it's perfect for yoga and pilates with consistently reliable sizing across all styles.

Premium Alternatives

For premium options, consider Varley (consistently true to size with beautiful cuts), Alo Yoga (similar quality to Lululemon but more size-consistent), or Girlfriend Collective (excellent for sustainable activewear that runs true to size).

Luxury Investment Pieces

If you're investing in luxury activewear, look to Stella McCartney x Adidas for fashion-forward pieces, or The Upside for Australian-designed activewear that's become a celebrity favourite.

Independent Brands Worth Discovering

Silou London creates elegant, sustainable activewear perfect for yoga and barre, with pieces designed by women for women using OEKO-TEX certified fabrics. Their sizing runs true to size and their unitards are absolutely gorgeous.

RAIA (Rise Above It All) is a London-based independent brand founded by qualified personal trainer Siri Tan. They create activewear in small batches to minimise waste, focusing on pieces that feel good and do good, with reliable sizing across their range.

My Final Fit Recommendations

Always try before you buy when possible, or take advantage of Lululemon's 30-day return policy. Their educators (staff) are trained in fit and can provide personalised advice. Book a fitting appointment if you're unsure - it's worth the time investment for expensive activewear.

Remember, the "right" size isn't just about measurements - it's about how you want the garment to feel and perform. Some prefer compression for support during high-intensity workouts, whilst others want a looser fit for comfort during yoga or casual wear.

Never Guess Your Size Again with Tellar

Here's where shopping becomes infinitely easier. tellar.co.uk is the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly. I use it with clients constantly because it eliminates the guesswork entirely.

How Tellar Works

Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or your existing brand size
Use their tellar.co.uk - Master sizing across all brands
tellar.co.uk - Find your perfect dress
Ultimate Guide to Jackets & Best Buys - Master outerwear sizing

With Tellar, you'll never look at another size guide again. Input your measurements once, and instantly know your size across hundreds of brands - including those tricky Lululemon pieces. It's revolutionised how I work with clients, and it'll transform your shopping experience too.