The lululemon pieces that are actually worth your money

For some of us, workout gear is a last-minute grab before class. For others, it’s motivation in fabric form. With brands like Nike, adidas, Puma and lululemon everywhere you turn, we’re spoilt for choice. But when it comes to the latter, most of us probably pause for a second longer before tapping our card, because let’s be honest, it is expensive.

A $92 pair of shorts? A $15 scrunchie? On paper, it sounds borderline ridiculous. And yet, lululemon has built a cult following over the years, winning over not just everyday gym-goers but also high-profile ambassadors like seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton and Physical: Asia star Amotti. So maybe (just maybe) there’s something to all the hype around its buttery-soft fabrics and flattering fits.

With price tags this steep, expectations are naturally high. After all, if you’re paying a premium, you’d expect pieces that last, perform, and actually justify the spend. Otherwise, what exactly are you paying for?

That being said, to find out whether lululemon lives up to the hype (or if it’s just clever branding) we asked our team to put their money where their mouth is to find out what their no-frills take on the lululemon items that actually deliver.

lululemon Align No Line™ High-Rise Pant 28”, $168

How I got to know it:

I’ve been on the hunt for a trusty pair of black leggings to replace my old, well-loved pair from another brand that I’ve basically worn to death over the past few years. Given all the hype surrounding lululemon’s leggings, I was curious to see how they’d actually fit, especially since I do a mix of weightlifting and cardio.

Why I love it:

While it doesn’t offer as much compression as I initially expected, I can confidently say that all the talk about lululemon’s buttery-soft fabric is true. It’s incredibly lightweight and fits like a glove. It hugs my waist nicely and works well across different workouts, whether it’s Pilates or my usual weightlifting sessions.

I also really appreciate how breathable the fabric is. Even when I’m out running in Singapore’s heat, it doesn’t feel overly warm. It wicks away sweat quickly while still giving the right amount of coverage.

One thing I immediately noticed (and loved) is that there’s no stitching down the middle. That’s usually a dealbreaker for me when it comes to leggings, so I really appreciate how thoughtfully designed this pair is.

Speed Up High-Rise Short 2.5”, $92

How I got to know it:

I first spotted this pair on a friend who wore them for both her HIIT workouts and casual coffee runs. They looked so versatile—easy to dress up for brunch on the weekend without looking like you’ve stepped out in pyjamas, which is honestly harder to pull off than it sounds.

Why I love it:

I love that it offers just the right amount of coverage, so I don’t have to worry about anything riding up. It’s also super comfortable for runs. Lightweight, flattering, and it fits my body really well. In fact, it complements my shape so nicely that I never thought I’d be able to pull off a pair of white shorts, but here we are.

Another big plus: the discreet mini pockets. I can stash my keys while running and go hands-free, which makes a huge difference.

That said, one thing to note: if you’re getting the white pair (as with most white fabrics), you’ll need to be a little more careful. I once got caught in the rain while carrying a tote, and some colour transferred onto the shorts. While I managed to remove most of the stain, there’s still slight discolouration.

Despite that, I still really love this pair. I just don’t wear it out as often now, and while I’ve considered buying another one, the steep price tag ($92, to be exact) means I might wait a little longer, possibly for a Lazada monthly sale.

Metal Vent Tech Seamless Wide Headband, $30

How I got to know it:

If you know Amotti, you’ll probably recognise the headband he wears in almost all his videos. At this point, it feels like part of his uniform—it’s genuinely strange seeing him without it. While many might assume it’s designed for men, women can absolutely wear it too—and I get the hype.

Why I love it:

Aside from the extra amottivation to work out, I really love how wide this headband is. I have a fairly big forehead, so when I tie my hair back, I prefer a bit more coverage at the front, and this does exactly that.

Best of all, it doesn’t feel like it’s squeezing your head, which is a major dealbreaker for me. If you’ve worn headbands before, you’ll know the struggle of ones that grip too tightly and leave you with a headache after an hour. I’ve never experienced that with this one.

I was genuinely impressed and would definitely consider getting another in a different shade, just so I can rotate between washes.

Reviewed by: Shazrina Shamsudin, Senior Digital Writer

Everywhere Belt Bag Large 2L, $78

How I got to know it:

If you’ve ever been into a lululemon store, you’ve probably seen staff wearing this adorable red belt bag around their waist. Personally, I find it quite the statement piece and I couldn’t stop looking at it.

Why I love it:

At first, I wondered what anyone could possibly fit into such a small bag. Turns out—quite a lot. My phone, keys, cards, AirPods, lip gloss… basically all my essentials fit perfectly.

It hugs your body nicely and feels very secure when worn. I’ve even made this one of my go-to travel bags because it’s compact yet safe, especially when you’re exploring.

Another detail I really appreciate is the side buckle, which makes it easy to take off without pulling it over your head. It’s these small, thoughtful design touches that make me love this bag even more.

Reviewed by: Shazrina Shamsudin, Senior Digital Writer

Curved Crossbody Bag 3L, $128

How I got to know it:

While shopping for running shorts at lululemon and planning for an overseas trip, I casually browsed the bag section and came across this sling bag. What caught my attention was that it could fit a full-sized water bottle (yes, including the Back to Life Sport Bottle). 

Why I love it:

This bag has impressed me time and time again and is usually the first one I reach for when I travel. Despite its compact size, it’s surprisingly spacious and fits my wallet, portable charger, and a full-sized bottle with ease.

If you’re wondering about security, the bag comes with a drawstring that tightens around the top of the bottle, so it stays firmly in place while you’re on the go.

I’ve brought it on multiple trips, including overseas music festivals, and it has truly lived up to expectations. Another bonus: if you’re eyeing lighter shades like cream, the bag is easy to clean. I once brushed it against something dirty while overseas and managed to remove the stain easily with micellar water and a cotton pad.

Uplifting Scrunchie, $15

How I got to know it:

I came across this scrunchie while shopping for a gift at lululemon and waiting at the checkout counter. I was about to go for a run with friends and realised my current scrunchie was way too flimsy. With thick, heavy hair, I needed something more secure to hold my ponytail in place.

Why I love it:

Despite being pricey for a scrunchie (yes, I paid $15), I see it as a long-term investment—one I’d reach for again and again during workouts and runs. I wanted something that wouldn’t tug at my hair but still offer proper support, and surprisingly, it delivered.

Even after a run, my ponytail stays secure, doesn’t loosen, and I still look relatively put together.

That said, one thing to keep in mind: if you’re prone to losing scrunchies, you might want to think twice before buying, unless you’re okay with repurchasing or buying them in bulk.

Reviewed by: Shazrina Shamsudin, Senior Digital Writer

Align™ High-Rise Short 6”, $92

How I got to know it:

I only started exercising more regularly in the past two years, so before that, Lululemon felt like it was reserved for “serious” fitspo types. At those prices, I’d much rather spend my money on pieces I could wear for more occasions.

When I began taking fitness more seriously—and needed proper activewear because I was exercising up to six times a week at my peak—a friend donated these to me. I wasn’t about to turn down free and expensive workout gear.

Why I love it:

The moment I slipped them on, I got it. Made from Lululemon’s Nulu™ fabric, they really weren’t kidding when they said it’s buttery soft and weightless. They’re stretchy enough that putting them on doesn’t require jumping around and breaking into a sweat, yet snatched enough to suck everything in.

Although they’re marketed for yoga, I’ve worn them for everything from HIIT boxing to spin. I love them so much that I genuinely have no idea what’s in this fabric. Since then I’ve tried to look for dupes but no brand has come close.

They also make my butt look great, which is always a win.

Reviewed by: Cheryl Chan, Digital Editor

High-Rise Tennis Layering Short 3.5”, $92

How I got to know it:

During my fitspo era, I was hunting for new gear—specifically a pair of white bottoms to match some new sports bras I’d just bought. I’m short with a peachy butt and thicc thighs, so the inseam needs to be just right: too long and I look like I’m attending an ’80s jazzercise class; too short and everything rides up mid-workout in a way that can get… obscene.

I came across these on Net-a-Porter and decided to take a chance.

Why I love it:

Initially, I was expecting something similar to the Align shorts in Nulu™ fabric, so I was slightly disappointed when I realised I hadn’t read the fabric details properly. The added waistband (mine is likely an older version—they’ve since updated it to a flatter, seamless design) also felt a bit cumbersome at first.

But once I slipped them on—wow. To say I was snatched would be an understatement. They’re snug in all the right places, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that the waistband sat comfortably without digging into my abdomen.

My favourite feature, though (aside from the pockets), is the silicone grippers at the hem that prevent the shorts from riding up. A must for women with bigger thighs—and for spin. I usually avoid shorter tights for spin because of this issue, but these held up beautifully. And yes, I looked damn good on the bike too.

Reviewed by: Cheryl Chan, Digital Editor

All the items are independently selected by our editorial team. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. But we only recommend products we love. Promise.