For All Ages

And women, you think you do have to be in your teens, twenties or thirties to wear Lululemon clothes? That is another myth about Lulu clothes.  My mother’s perception is a good example of this falsehood.  As a 53 year old average size women who has always shied away from Lulu clothes thinking they belong in an age-based microculture for younger women and were too tight fitting for women her age, she was faced with a dilemma of what casual clothes to bring on a last minute vacation she planned to warm and sunny Scottsdale, Arizona (Babin/Harris 191).  Since I am in her primary group and am one of her opinion leaders, she called me in a panic because like so many of us, her summer clothes were too tight due to winter weight gain (Babib/Harris, 148; 161). I convinced her to try Lulu, specifically the Pace Setter four-way stretch skirt with subdued ruffles which cover the behind.  

Pace Setter Four Way Stretch Skirt

Reluctantly she ventured into the store to participate in acquisitional shopping after being frustrated from the lack of summer clothing choices in the department stores this time of year (Babin/Harris 221).  She fell in love with the skirt.  She bought it in the tall size, which, even for people who are not tall, gives length to the skirt and makes it more appropriate for middle-aged women. It can be worn with any type of top and sandals and serves just about any purpose. The helpful sales people matched it with an adorable and comfortable shirt, the Roll Around Tee. It created a stylish casual outfit for wearing during the day or into the evening or just to lounge around in at a pool. For fifty-eight dollars for each item, these are must haves and look great no matter what your age! 

Roll Around Tee

Her other notable purchase was stylish pants called the Yoga Party Pant, which gather at the ankle and are extremely flattering and perfect for evening wear with high heels. No one would ever know these are Lulu clothes other than if the small logo is spotted.  The great experience that my mother had in the store helped strengthen her relationship quality with the 

brand and the flattering fit of the clothes really helped increase her self-esteem (Babin/Harris, 303; 117).

Yoga Party Pant 

Pre-conceived notions that Lulu clothes are a part of an age-based microculture and  should only be worn by younger women needs to change. I have heard my mother’s friends say they cannot wear Lulu clothes because they are “too old” or “not thin” enough.  That is not true!  Lulu clothes are designed for younger and older women. They have their own microculture that is based around exercise and health, not age (Babin/Harris, 195). My mom told me she received tons of compliments on her new Lulu clothes. She is thrilled with the feel of the fabric and how well they wash. So for all you skeptical Lulu women, `please check these styles out and more. There is something for everyone.

Sources: 

1) Babin, B., & Harris, E. (2014). CB: Consumer behavior : Student edition 6 (Student ed.)

2) shop.lululemon.com

Lulule-MEN

Do think Lulu clothes are just for women?  Well, you are wrong!  MEN, don’t be shy, you need to try Lululemon too.  I know that as a man it may painful for you to walk into a store you think is for women only. It’s probably similar to how you feel going into a nail salon or cosmetic counter with your significant other.  As that awkward feeling comes over you and the masculinity drains from your body when you enter a Lululemon store, your embarrassment because you believe you are in a store exclusive to women yogis, could not be further from the truth (Babin/Harris 174).  Get over it! Lulu’s men’s clothes, like the women’s are superior for working out and for hanging out. The store’s stereotype of being very feminine needs to be changed (Babin/Harris 174).

Get the Funk out of Here Shirt - made with sweat-wicking fabric!

The clothes form perfectly to the male body, with an inner layer of support in the shorts and pants for added comfort and are manufactured with lightweight material that keeps you cool and eliminates the stench that lingers in other brands. My 55 year-old dad has been wearing Lululemon for years and as an avid exerciser who sweats profusely, he has always boasted about the benefit and style of Lulu men’s fabrics. His positive attitude towards Lululemon comes from a utilitarian function (Babin/Harris 122). The brand is apart of his lifestyle (Babin/Harris 113).  I used to feel embarrassed when he was wearing Lulu until I became part of the brand community and realized the importance of having high quality fitness apparel that washes well, lasts forever, is comfortable and looks amazing (Babin/Harris 148; 250). The “men trend” for the Lulu brand is growing and with just for men stores opening next year there will be more styles and masculine store designs.

ABC Pant - Designed with all-day comfort and performance in mind 

I have started to notice more and more men wearing Lulu apparel at the gym and many who practice yoga wear Lulu. I still don’t see many shopping in Lulu stores so I assume women are buying them Lulu as gifts. Merchandise options for men are more limited than for women however that will be changing. Some of my guy friends say the Lulu logo is too feminine. Maybe Lulu will forgo or change the logo to build more masculinity into its brand. Regardless of the logo, with our health conscious craze and our “athleisure” choice of fashion style, men, you should take the plunge and take advantage of the apparel that is available at Lululemon stores. Once you experience the Lulu difference, you will keep going back for more. I am sure you will receive a positive disconfirmation after wearing the clothes (Babin/Harris 279). Plus as an added bonus, women love men who wear Lulu so start shopping now!!

Lulu for men: http://shop.lululemon.com/products/category/men?mnid=mn;USmen

Make Sure They're Lulu

Lululemon--- You think it is just about yoga and running?  Well, it’s about so much more. It’s become a lifestyle for me and millions of others and a very comfortable one at that! You need to try it.  We know it’s pricey and that there have been some merchandise manufacturing malfunctions causing “see-through” bottoms. However, Lululemon has transformed athletic wear into “athleisure,” a combination of athletic and leisure clothing that works for everyone whether you are making a transition from down dog to dinner or from running to relaxing or just hanging out.  And, the style is here to stay.  Lululemon is one of my favorite stores and whenever I wear Lulu socks, underwear, pants and tops or just accessorize with a soft scarf or headband, I feel confident.   It is always a fun shopping experience looking through the stylish apparel. For me, the value of how I feel in the clothes outweighs the sticker shock. And, they wash easily and last forever.

These are a pair of my favorite funky pants for casual wear or for exercise!

Working out is a major part of my life but it’s usually a more painful activity than a pleasurable one. This might sound trite but I am more motivated to exercise when I put on my Lululemon gear because it increases my self-esteem and confidence (Babin/Harris 117). Lululemon got its start as a yoga clothing brand and its versatile and classy apparel is what inspired me to try yoga. I go to yoga practice at least twice a week at the Center for Yoga in Ann Arbor.  Belonging to a yoga studio and seeing the same faces creates a communal environment.  In this microculture, everyone connects through peace, serenity, stillness and a passion for focus.  Almost all wear some article of Lululemon clothing regardless of their size or shape. Wearing Lulu makes me feel like I belong.

This move is the "Crescent Lunge."

The clothes have utilitarian value (Babin/Harris 29). They are designed to wick away sweat and absorb odor making them perfect for exercise. Most of the styles are tight fitting but very comfortable, allowing a great range of movement. Whether practicing hot yoga or running, wearing Lulu is ideal. And if you are studying, shopping, relaxing, traveling or going to class, the apparel is extremely fashionable and comfy.    

Lululemon is well-recognized and respected as a brand, usually associated with people who spend a lot of money for a casual and stylish look. Perhaps I shouldn’t admit it but brands do play a big part in my decision making process and Lulu’s brand personality of excitement and sophistication appeals to me (Babin/Harris 111).  I feel like can accomplish so much more when wearing the clothes. The brand image keeps me coming back for more.  Who would have thought such a simple logo could bring so much pleasure. Check out this Youtube link below to see other’s opinions on the brand.

http://www.businessinsider.com/yoga-pants-lululemon-reebok-athleta-price-value-2015-1
http://shop.lululemon.com/home.jsp