Heads up about aligns! My friend works at Lululemon and apparently they're trained to tell customers that aligns will eventually pill. This pilling isn't technically covered under their quality promise (holes and seam rips are though)
@@wangjenniferr Lululemon doesn’t accept pilling anymore bc people were buying old leggings from thrift stores and trading them in for new leggings. :/
Lululemon worker here! U just need proof of purchase of your align leggings and its covered on quality promise. Also depends how long youve have them. Example, its been over like 4 years then it wont be covered.,
@@mamrak159 yes me too! And I just learned that the inside of the leggings have a manufacturing date that we can use to determine how old they are if they don’t have proof of purchase.
Roger that! I'll make a full video about them but off the top of my head I love their 100% cashmere and merino wool sweaters but I would skip the souffle yarn 😬
I have the crew neck short sleeve tee in 6 colors and probably will never buy a different tee ever. Fits so nice, thick material, thick and sturdy seams, holds up well in the wash. They’re comfy but structured enough to look put together, they’re perfect for work. I LOVE them
Thank you for being honest! Your content is exactly my speed! My friends don't understand why I have no desire to fill my closet up with a bunch of Shein/Fashionnova clothing, yes it's cheap and looks good for ONE photo but there's zero quality. Heavily looking forward to more of your videos, please don't change!
Yes exactly! I heard this quote somewhere: "I'm too poor to buy cheap clothes" and this is exactly my philosophy! Thanks so much for your support and encouragement! 🥰
You've highlighted something I've noticed for years - the quality gap between women's wear and men's wear. Even at low-end brands the men's clothes seem to be made with better quality, more durable fibres; better sewing and better finishing details. It's super important to exercise our power as consumers and refuse to buy pieces that are poorly designed, poorly sewn and/or made from poor quality / inappropriate fibres for the purpose.
I don’t shop lululemon but i get so much value from your videos to apply to the clothes I do shop. Thanks for your attention to detail and ruthless commentary, Jen!
You have taught me so much about good quality clothing! I hate shopping because I know most clothing is terrible and overpriced, but I have no issue spending on good quality clothes. Thanks to you I do not feel lost anymore and feel more confident about the clothes I look for.
Ever since they started trending, they’ve been pumping supplies just like fast fashion demands, that’s why the quality is like that. I’m just waiting for the trend to die down a couple years from now then I’ll try out stuff in store to see if it’s still the same.
I’m watching this video while wearing a pair of $20 old navy yoga pants I bought 17 years ago and they still look great. I enjoy watching your channel because when I buy something, I want to have it for a long time.
I’d love to see a review of Ann Taylor. I used to love their clothing for the high quality and timeless style. Now, most of the items that I order end up in my consignment bag. Today, after putting several pieces in my cart, I read the reviews, removed them, and purchased nothing. I watched your J. Crew review, and your comment about not being able to wait until you could afford to shop there resonated with me. I have some beautiful J. Crew and Ann Taylor pieces that are worlds apart from the garments they sell today. Thank you for your excellent content!
I've been buying Lululemon since 2010. The current scuba hoodies are terrible. They changed them to a thinner, less stretchy version, around 2018 (I think). My favorites are the old Luon products (Groove, Astro, Define etc ) and the current Ebb to Street tank, along with the Wunder Train HR shorts. I've never purchased anything in Nulu because it doesn't meet my needs.
Jenn you are right on the scuba hoodies! It's so sad because I never owned a scuba when I was younger, because of the cost, but always hoped to. Now that I would buy one, I tried one on and they are way thinner. :( I missed the golden age of the scuba hoodie!
Does anyone know of a dupe of the old ones?! I own the old ones and I agree, they’re thicker than the new ones. When I say old- I mean like about 10 years ago.
I LOVE my aligns!! Ive had mine for 8 years, since i worked for lululemon. We were taught to only wear them for low impact activities - aka around the house, yoga, pilates, short walks. Theyre not meant for walking around all day, and definitely not contact with anything like velcro or exercise bands (have ruined a couple that way). Theyre amazing pants but need to be treated delicately to last. Also cold wash low spin air dry.
This is exactly the type of content I am looking for! As we are becoming smarter consumers, these types of videos are only gonna get more popular. Keep it up!
Wow! Super helpful. I’m on my journey of shopping with intention, so these kinds of videos are imperative to reaching my goal of having a functional closet. I’m learning so much. THANK YOU!!!
Jennifer 😭 I love my softstreme sets from Lulu. Tbh they hold up amazing in the wash, the don't shrink and they always look brand new after washing, I always get complements when I'm wearing them esp the pants that you can dress up and still be comfy.
Thank you for this! It made me want to get the ABC pants for my partner! I am always disappointed that Lululemon doesn't make office wear or casual wear like they do for men. I want stretchy and smart looking pants but the last time I saw that was 5 years ago when I bought a limited edition pleated pant from them. And the fabric and care seems so much lower for women, do only men stink? Do only men work in offices? It always rubs me the wrong way. Thank you for drawing attention to the huge quality differences in the womens clothes.
I think he'll love the ABC trousers! So true that the ladies selection always seem lack lustre compared to the men's - this isn't limited to Lululemon either :( yes we have more options but it usually comes at the price of quality. That's why I love to thrift and shop in the men's section whenever I can!
Thank you for doing a men's category! There aren't many male fashion content who talk about QUALITY of clothing (you are the first to go in depth) and I would appreciate it if you would do more content for Men as well as women fashion quality!
so i know im here sooo late! but i just want to say that i probably have around 8 or 9 align tanks in the high neck and the b neck and they haven’t pilled! i wear them to sleep, working out, and literally just walking around. if you get them on sale for like 30-40 dollars, the price is more then worth it!!
Im surprised the Alpaca wool-blend sweater wasnt instantly disqualified for being 25% polyamide. In a previous video, if I'm remembering correctly, you said that polyamide is included to give structure to low quality wool.
This is what confuses me. This seems more like a video for Lululemon fans to justify their purchases rather than a video that analyzes and critiques the brand.
It's true that he said that, you also already know that he seems a fan of the brand and not very objective: you can't tell me that a completely synthetic pants to wear for dressing is great and wonderful but that a 60% wool skirt seems too little for you. Aside from this, the issue of fabrics: everything I have read and seen from clothing designers and people who are dedicated to fashion indicates that up to 30% synthetic in a knitted garment can be reasonable because it is necessary due to design or texture. desired, and they are still very high quality sweaters. For example, a sweater that uses mohair and alpaca and has an intricate design, texture, a certain shape... Sezane has many like that. More than 30% always say that they should be left on the shelf
I love lululemon for some things. I play with the sizes and go up on the tight items and down on the baggy fits. I prefer Athleta for leggings and tanks though! You should review them next! Also Eddie Bauer has great zip up hoodies! I've gifted them to friends and family and we all think they remind us of the OG Skuba hoodies from Lulu.
I absolutely love the new scuba half zipped. I use to avoid the older ones because I felt like they were too thick and too structured making it so uncomfortable and hot.
Athleta under the gap/old navy/ banana republic banner. We still don’t have a local store in Quebec but this brand rivals Lululemon. I have purchased many products on sale and I really enjoy the fit and durability.
I’ve been wearing athleta for yearssss and my clothes have lasted years. The only reason I’ve gotten rid of any of them is due to my weight changes. Otherwise they’ve stood the test of time
Totally agree! I’ve had athleta leggings for years and they have only just started to pill! No other issues just my thighs have gotten thicker and rub together more. Even their new stuff is nice and has held up so far. Haven’t had it as long so not sure if it will stand the test of years but it is off to a good start .
The casual clothing is wonderful too! I've never had a seam give up on me, they hold their shape, and have great little features like mini pockets, zippers on pockets, etc.
Athleta's quality is OUTSTANDING. I've worn and washed some of my leggings from there probably over 100 times and eventually they did pill but nothing a clothing shaver can't fix. 5 years later and I'm still wearing all of what I've bought
They have swiftly shirts in “race length” which is shorter! It’s about waist length, I wouldn’t say it’s cropped (unless you’re wearing low rise pants). I find that they wash well and hasn’t pilled on me yet. I’d recommend these!!
I got an old swiftly tank off poshmark and it’s so much thicker and softer than the new ones even after like 5 washes(didn’t even do anything special to it just threw it in with my other stuff on cold), if anyone still wants that kind of good activewear u can find the older designs secondhand, it’ll def be cheaper and nicer than what they have in store now
Thank you so much for this! I workout a lot (running, rock climbing, lifting) and the wunder trains are so unbelievably good. So durable even on sandpaper rock walls! I also love their sports bras, specially the energy bras. You're completely right about their basics not being worth it, and the new styles that they put out like the cinch top- wtf? When they try to make clothes for performance they usually nail it. But their basics and more 'interesting' pieces miss the mark for me. Also good call on the getting the wunder puffs on sale- I got my jacket wunder puff on sale in a less popular color for $100 and it's definitely worth that price and very, very nice.
So glad to hear a fellow high intensity workout fanatic agrees with me! I hope they never change the wunder trains because they are the best! Now I have to try their sports bras!
I totally bought that sinched button up a couple months ago!! 😅 I am trying to buy less as my way of being more sustainable! I am so glad I found you, I don’t know how to buy clothes! I always shopped at goodwill and cheap stores but need to buy good quality so it lasts
Hi Jenn!! Great informative video! Can you please make a video on winter clothes- specifically what types of fabrics to wear and how to layer to stay warm and still look cute. 🙏
The swiftly T-shirts have a “race length” that is slightly cropped, but longer than the swiftly cropped, that I think is more flattering for people who are 5’5” and under.
I really love your content, you know what youre talking about and you speak from personal experience too with some pieces. Super helpful and insightful to someone like me with 0 knowledge on how things are made, and you just have great delivery too. Thanks for the effort!
Love your content and I've learned so much! Definitely am looking more at clothing materials too since I don't want to contribute to the fast fashion issue. Could you please make a review for Uniqlo clothing?? I've been having a look at their sweaters and such and I've heard they're good quality but they still seem to be full of synthetic materials;;
My main issue with Lululemon is that they really are not as good as they used to be. I miss their luon wunder under leggings, my low waist ones are still good after 8 years but I can't get that same thick soft material anymore. Their sweater fabrics have gotten thinner.
I have the softstream sweater for 3 years and it looks brand new! I wash and sometimes even throw in dryer (on accident) and it looks the same as when I bought it. I can't say that about a lot of lulu stuff. :)
I hear you, I buy Lululemon because it fits me (5ft9in size 6) if want oversized or shapeless I'll go to Ardene - yeah I said it. Great review & I love& live in Lululemon
Hi Jennifer! Your videos are really great and I love the long-form content. It would be really interesting to see you review something ultra-luxury like Brunello Cucinelli and see if the high high price tag at all can be explained by garment quality. Thanks!
The flare leggings uniqlo makes never pills, I wash cold and hang dry and have been wearing them for 1 year ish and they are so goood! Love uniqlo for basic dupes!!
The flares are cute, just get the groove pants, it’s the same just a bigger flare, they are much more flattering. And with the swiftly techs, you can always size down and they give you a more fitted look, just as you where describing
Actually I own softstreme hoodies and they never lost their texture or color, neither did I sweat in these. The Nulu fabric is only pilling if you’re using them for the wrong sport or activities. It says clearly that it is a yoga and Pilates pant, not for running, gym or day to day (on the move). Adding to that you should ALWAYS wash them at 30 degrees WITHOUT fabric softener and only delicate wash. Hope that helps. However I’d advise to buy the wunder under or wunder train.
Thank you for your content! I can’t unsee bad sewing now! 😂 I’d love for you to review luxury brands as well. The Row, YSL, Prada… are these brands really worth it? Thank you again for the education.
would love to hear your take on Goelia that’s been on so many influencer’s channels. They have some synthetic materials but also have items in the $150-250 range that’s almost all wool - I’ve randomly bought a jacket and it turned out great but i’m not sure if it’s because I just lack the discerning eye
In my opinion, the jackets are the main products that are worth it. For a nice, high quality jacket that will last you a long time, I think the pricing is fairly reasonable. I say fairly only because you have to assume all of their products are marked up because of the name and brand. I have the define jacket in several colors and the half-zip scuba hoodie. I do have two of the align shorts (just because I like to match, and I didnt trust being able to find these specific colors from other brands) and I do not think they are worth the price. They’re comfy, yes, but for $64, the fact that they have no pockets and a front seam is very confusing.
Love your reviews! Could you possible OGL Move sometime? I can't find an unsponsored review that actually talks about finish, garment composition and other important things
I love Lulu basics I have long sleeves, short sleeves shirts exclusively from lulu because they last so long and the neckline never change, And I can hem them any length for free.
Would love to see you do a review of Quince and Banana Republic. Understanding that there is no brand that has 100% good pieces, are there brands that you prefer over others and if so which ones would you recommend?
Why is the cinched detail TM fast fashion? Also, could you do a 101 on polyester? The good, the bad, when you want it, when you avoid it? Super disappointed to hear the define jackets are thinner, I wanted to get one, never did and guess I never will now lol
From the perspective of someone who’s been practicing yoga regularly for years, I’ve been wearing align and own several pairs to rotate every 2 weeks or so, i agree their materials might not be the best but personally I haven’t seen pilling issues (probably because I only wear them for yoga and not for casual or any other workouts so I don’t wear them as often?), most importantly its comfortability for yoga is unbeatable - I’ve tried Alo / Nike /Atheleta but once I got into Lululemon, never gone back to those. For that reason I think even when I start experiencing pilling I’ll still keep buying lululemon only because I can’t seem find any better brands 🤷♀️
In my personal experience in owning these items, the love crew, all yours and the fleece jacket I own and for 2-3 years now and they actually held up really well. They dont look brand new (but none of my clothing do after 3 years) but I think the quality is there and what you said about it not being durable is not true for those 3 items (especially the jacket, and that even surprised me). However, the aligns are indeed brushed and you are correct with the pilling due to those factors you mentioned. Also, the softstreme has pros and cons, the stains are insanely hard to get out, but I will verify that after 30 washes, they actually look brand new. Also, the OG scubas you are looking for are still online just not in store and they feel just as thick as the old ones. These are just a different style in the same family. TLDR; some items are super worth it at Lulu, some are not and I disagree with some of your predictions when it came to durability in my own testing and wear.
i feel like they have probably changed the nulu fabric. i got my align leggings in summer, wore them mainly for yoga and dancing, but also a couple of times in the gym too. After a few washes i found it didnt pill at all, i put them in a laundry bag when washing tho, idk if it helps
I really appreciate the mens content, I've been trying to buy better quality clothes and need the help. I own a few lululemon shorts and joggers but they're everlux. I've avoided ABC pants because of Polyester. I know its probably not the best return on your time, but I'd love more videos going over guy clothes.
I was a ride or die so lululemon.. but their quality has gone down hill.. I bought a pair of leggings cuz it was time.. not even 3 months later and I got a whole on the butt and I didn’t sit anywhere where it would tug.. I pay attention to that stuff so I’m careful.. the align top and leggings pill much faster too.. it’s just annoying. I’m looking for new leggings because I’m not spending 100 bucks for shitty quality leggings that last me 3 months. Thanks for the honesty!!
I have one scuba hoodie from 7 years ago and the quality is impeccable. Now it’s so thin and just not what it used to be. So sad it hardly fits me now lol
What’s rh difference between the lulu polyester and the cheap shein polyester. I know that cheap shine clothes will get all staticky and get hair stuck on them after one wash, so what’s the main difference?
for me it’s the breathe ability , cheap polyester will hold heat, the sweat just doesn’t go away, while high end one is very breezy, I hardly notice any body temperature difference
I have both jacket from Lulu and Uniglo. I have to say the Lulu one stays the same after wash, but the Uniqlo thread on the sleeve got broken and I put them in washing bags.
I’ve heard The secret to having lululemon align leggings to not pill in the wash is to only wash them with other clothings of the same material and/or put them in a laundry bag in the wash , I can’t say if this is true or not BUT I do have a couple of align leggings that I wash by hand and hang to dry and they do not pill and look brand new! They are a pain to wash but worth it to me. Also ever since I found Athleta I like the quality of their leggings so much more than alo or lululemon. Thank you for your review.
i religiously wash my aligns in a delicates bag and so far they've held up well! they do pill in the inner thighs though because my legs rub when i walk smh
I'm glad you found a method that works but I don't think I have the same patience to baby a pair of leggings 😅 I def need to check out Athleta now! Thanks for the reco and thanks for watching!
I got one pair of aligns on sale, and I wash them in a laundry bag, definitely cuts down on the pilling. Apparently buttercream ( Alberta company) has a similar product that's more thicker
Have several Align leggings and none of them are pilling despite frequent use and washing. Make sure you turn all your clothes inside out to minimise friction.
Thank you for this review!! I have never purchased from Lululemon because I felt it was hype & overpriced. Good to know there are a few items worth buying.
