As a Former Lululemon Employee, I Can't Pass Up These Are 12 Comfy Styles From Its Summer Clothing Section

Travel + Leisure

3 days ago

Even though I left my job as a Lululemon store educator to become a travel writer years ago, my uniform is still the brand's comfy, versatile athleisure-inspired clothes. As a travel writer who visits around 10 countries per year, I still rely on Lululemon for much of my wardrobe—the difference now is that I pay full price and have to wait patiently for new product drops.
In between trips to Kenya and Poland, I recently curled up on the couch and mined the Lululemon Summer Clothes collection. With more than 500 items available, it's the mother lode of athleisure apparel and accessories designed to keep you cool, comfortable, and looking cute, even during the hottest days of summer. Below are my 12 favorite travel-friendly clothes from this collection that I either currently own or have in my shopping cart. They range from reversible tank tops made of abrasion-resistant mesh that will hold up to frequent wear to ruched running shorts that almost make me want to sign up for a marathon. (Key word: almost .)
Organic cotton is not necessarily softer than regular cotton, but it's definitely better for the environment (think no pesticides), so I'm willing to shell out more for it. I love this particular organic cotton crewneck because it has a touch of Lycra elastane—just enough for comfy four-way stretch. Plus, it helps the shirt retain its shape, even after wearing it throughout the course of a long day. It's not cheap for a tee, but it's a staple you'll wear enough to justify the cost, and it holds up wash after wash. 'I look elsewhere, but I always come back for more,' wrote one shopper.
This Align High-rise Skirt is inspired by my favorite Lululemon jogger, so I know that it's made for comfortable movement. It features Lululemon's signature Nulu fabric, which is equal parts sweat-wicking and soft (I'm talking as soft as a rose petal). It's available in two lengths, 13-inch and 15-inch, which both come with a built-in liner. This Lululemon skirt has more than 930 five-star ratings, and one satisfied shopper who wore it on vacation described it as 'flattering for all ages and many body types.'
I saw Hozier play at the Billings MetraPark a few weeks ago and am looking forward to watching the Yankees end their losing streak in the Bronx, so I'm currently getting a lot of use out of this iteration of the best-selling Everywhere Belt Bag. In my opinion, it's a must-have accessory for anyone planning on attending major events in stadiums, arenas, and other venues with a clear bag only mandate. The bag is made of 100 percent thermoplastic polyurethane, so it's water-resistant and pretty close to being puncture-proof. And with one liter of space, it's pretty roomy. 'I can fit a portable charger, cable, sanitizer, mini wipes, and my phone,' wrote one shopper. What more could you need?
For a base layer, this Lululemon racerback tank top turns heads because of its unique design. The straps are slightly thicker than spaghetti straps (I call them linguine straps). Meanwhile, the extra-wide racerback offers more coverage than is typical for this style. It's made of modal, a wood-based fabric that absorbs 50 percent more moisture than cotton and feels like a second skin. 'Softest tank imaginable' is the title of one five-star review left by a shopper who says they are sensitive to fabrics and textures.
Made of the same buttery-soft Nulu fabric as other items in Lululemon's Align collection, this athletic dress is lightweight, sweat-wicking, and features four-way stretch for an item you can wear for yoga class or on a long walking tour. It's available in five neutral colors that will be easy to mix and match with shoes and accessories in your suitcase. Shoppers also love that the built-in shorts have an open-back waist so you can easily slide them on and off when you need to use the bathroom.
Between their flowy fit, gorgeous summery hues, and comfortable material, these running shorts are stylish and functional. The built-in brief liner is not only ultra sweat-wicking, but it also has a sleeve where you can hide a credit card or keys. Plus, they're comfortable, whether you're running in them or simply relaxing in them. 'No digging in or anything,' wrote one shopper who wore them on a seven-hour road trip and ended their five-star review with 'Definitely buying more colors.'
Lululemon, if you're reading this, please make more pointelle pieces! This short-sleeve shirt's delicate open-hole stitching ('pointelle' comes from the French word for lace) adds a touch of femininity—and a ton of breathability. I can see myself sporting it on sweltering hot summer days, whether I'm sightseeing on Singapore's cosmopolitan streets or walking my dog here in suburbia. The fabric is ultra moisture-wicking and treated with Lululemon's signature Silverescent technology, so if I sweat, I won't be left sticky and uncomfortable.
This contemporary take on a traditional tennis skirt makes me want to dust off the racket in my garage and start practicing my serve. The knee-length skirt features a 6-inch liner with oversized drop-in pockets big enough to fit both a tennis ball and your phone. (Most built-in liners are 4 inches or shorter, so this one is a total game-changer—maybe literally if you wear them for a match!) Of course, the pleats make a noticeable fashion statement and allow it to transition from court to brunch. 'Super versatile, breathable, and cute!' wrote one shopper.
I love that Lululemon is making more middle ground shorts for shoppers like me who want something a little bit longer than a 2- or 2.5-inch inseam. The side ruched detail on these workout-ready shorts is both fashionable and functional. Meanwhile, the slightly curved hem adds some femininity to the look. As with most of Lululemon's active shorts, these feature a built-in liner, complete with a hidden card pocket. 'Will definitely be stocking up on these!' wrote one shopper who said the extra thigh room and high-rise fit made them feel 'so comfy and secure.'
This retro-looking tank top lets me relive my middle school basketball glory days without having to run lines. It's made of an abrasion-resistant mesh that will hold up over time, and it's so breathable that it won't add any extra weight even on a hot day. And despite its lightweight design, the mesh is double-layered, so it's not too revealing, while the reversible style gives you two options in one shirt.
Whether your lifetime sport of choice is golf, pickleball, or tennis, you can't go wrong wearing this sweat-wicking collared shirt. It's elegant, and the jacquard texture whispers, 'I'm both luxurious and durable.' Of course, in addition to its style, it's also a technical top, so it'll be functional for an active day. Think slits on the side that increase your range of motion, and fabric treated with the brand's 'No-Stink Zinc' that keeps odor-causing bacteria at bay. 'Best polo ever,' summed up one satisfied shopper.
I wear a lot of spaghetti strap dresses in the summer, so I'm on cloud nine that my favorite bra from Lululemon now comes with thin single straps (the OG Like a Cloud Bra—which has more than 1,300 five-star ratings—features thicker, double straps). Besides the comfortable plush cushioning, my favorite thing about this bra is that it doesn't come with removable pads I have to mess with. 'Looks great under a tank or T-shirt,' wrote one happy shopper who found it also 'holds its shape after a tumble in the dryer.'
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