Latest news with #ABCPants
Business Insider
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
An apparel designer analyzed the pants Lululemon accused Costco of copying — and sided with the warehouse club
An apparel designer has weighed in on the controversy surrounding a pair of Costco pants that bear a striking resemblance to a popular Lululemon design. Lululemon sued Costco late last month, accusing the warehouse club of infringing its intellectual property rights to several designs, including its ABC style of men's pants, named for its "anti-ball crushing" design. YouTuber and CEO of fashion studio Shift Fashion Group, Joe Ng, took pairs of each company's pants identified in the complaint and analyzed them against the athleisure company's claims. His analysis was based on his expertise as a fashion designer and consultant. While Ng isn't a lawyer, his company partners with brands to design and produce apparel. He has a series of videos in which he disassembles popular articles of clothing to see how they are made. Ng said in the video that he respected Lululemon's superior design but was concerned that the company appears to be trying to assert legal control over several commonly used design elements. This could put smaller companies like his at risk, he said. A Lululemon spokesperson said in a statement to Business Insider, the company invests significantly in research, development, and design for its products. "We take the responsibility of protecting and enforcing our intellectual property rights very seriously and pursue the appropriate legal action when necessary," the spokesperson said. Costco did not respond to a request for comment from BI on this story. The lawsuit focuses on "trade dress," which refers to the outward appearance of a product, rather than its functional features. US protections for trade dress are typically easier to enforce than functional patents, but design patents only protect elements that are nonfunctional, according to an article on the American Bar Association's website. Think of the iconic Coke bottle shape or the Nike Air Force One sneaker — the appearance doesn't affect how the product is made or used. However, Ng said in the YouTube video that many of the design elements that Lululemon highlighted in its lawsuit have functional purposes and are used by many designers. In its complaint, Lululemon said Costco copied several features of the ABC Pants to make its Kirkland Signature 5 Pocket Performance Pant. Those include a crotch "gusset," a rear panel separating the belt loops and pockets, and curved pockets adorned with a "decorative metallic circle." "When you really look at what a gusset does, it's about having enough fabric here to alleviate pressure from the front and back seams to make it more comfortable for the wearer," Ng said in his video. "What makes the ABC pant anti-ball crushing is the actual gusset itself." In addition to Costco, several denim and workwear pants from other manufacturers feature a similar crotch gusset for comfort, mobility, and durability. Ng also said that both the rear panel and the curved pockets with rivets are common features of many denim pants, most notably the 58-year-old design of Levi's 505 jeans. "Just Google 'five pocket pant,'" he said. "They're going to be present on pretty much all of those pants." The similarities that Lululemon highlights between the two pants aren't likely to convince a shopper to trade up or down from their respective choice, which is likely based on fit, fabric, and finish, rather than aesthetics, Ng said. Costco's pants cost around $20, while Lululemon's retail for $128. "Are these alleged dupes comparable to the ABC pant? I would say no," he said. "I don't think that the consumer who is looking to buy this pant is the same consumer who's looking to buy this pant." While Ng sided with Costco in his assessment of Lululemon's lawsuit, he concluded, as several other reviewers have, that the authentic ABC pants are a much better product. "Would I be surprised if the Kirkland team drew inspiration from the ABC Pant? Absolutely not. Just as I wouldn't be surprised if the ABC pant team drew inspiration from a pair of denim," he said. "That is how good product development works. You build upon the ideas that come before you."
USA Today
01-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Lululemon is suing Costco over 'duped' athleticwear
The high-end athleticwear brand Lululemon is suing the member-only warehouse Costco for producing and selling clothing that looks like their own at slashed prices. Lululemon filed its lawsuit against Costco on Friday, June 27, alleging that the company infringes on intellectual property rights. Specifically, Lululemon claims Costco is stealing its SCUBA hoodies and sweatshirts, Define jackets, and ABC pants, using the designs for its own Kirkland brand. "As an innovation-led company that invests significantly in the research, development and design of our products, we take the responsibility of protecting and enforcing our intellectual property rights very seriously and pursue the appropriate legal action when necessary," a Lululemon spokesperson told USA TODAY. Costco did not immediately respond for comment when contacted by USA TODAY on July 1. See new hours: Costco to extend hours for Executive Members starting Monday A closer look at the clothing Lululemon alleges that an "ordinary observer" would not be able to tell the difference between the two brands. The lawsuit compares Lululemon's Scuba Hoodie to Costco's Danskin Half-Zip Pullover Front. For a price comparison, the Scuba Hoodie costs between $99 and $118 on the Lululemon website and the Danskin pullover costs about $8 on the Costco website. Both hoodies feature a half-down zipper, front pocket and are available in a similar teal color, as outlined in the lawsuit. Lululemon also alleges that Costco has "duped" its ABC Pants with its Kirkland 5 Pocket Performance Pant. The ABC Pants are around $128 on the Lululemon website and the Kirkland pants are around $10 on the Costco website. Both pairs of pants are made from synthetic, stretchy material. In addition to the articles of clothing, Lululemon alleges that Costco stole its "Tidewater Teal" color, a popular color offered among several of Lululemon's clothing items. However, no products offered in the color "Tidewater Teal" appear on the Costco website. What is Lululemon seeking? As outlined in the lawsuit, Lululemon wants Costco to pay "actual damages in the form of lost profits" or other damages that are at least equivalent to the royalties that would have been made from Lululemon's patent. Lululemon also requests that Costco agree to cease manufacturing of products similar to the Scuba hoodies and sweatshirts, Define jackets, and ABC pants and remove any marketing materials that contain such products. USA TODAY is mentioned once in the lawsuit as covering Lululemon products but is not an involved party in the lawsuit. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
USA Today
01-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Lululemon is suing sues Costco over 'duped' athleticwear
The high-end athleticwear brand Lululemon is suing the member-only warehouse Costco for producing and selling clothing that looks like their own at slashed prices. Lululemon filed its lawsuit against Costco on Friday, June 27, alleging that the company infringes on intellectual property rights. Specifically, Lululemon claims Costco is stealing its SCUBA hoodies and sweatshirts, Define jackets, and ABC pants, using the designs for its own Kirkland brand. "As an innovation-led company that invests significantly in the research, development and design of our products, we take the responsibility of protecting and enforcing our intellectual property rights very seriously and pursue the appropriate legal action when necessary," a Lululemon spokesperson told USA TODAY. Costco did not immediately respond for comment when contacted by USA TODAY on July 1. See new hours: Costco to extend hours for Executive Members starting Monday A closer look at the clothing Lululemon alleges that an "ordinary observer" would not be able to tell the difference between the two brands. The lawsuit compares Lululemon's Scuba Hoodie to Costco's Danskin Half-Zip Pullover Front. For a price comparison, the Scuba Hoodie costs between $99 and $118 on the Lululemon website and the Danskin pullover costs about $8 on the Costco website. Both hoodies feature a half-down zipper, front pocket and are available in a similar teal color, as outlined in the lawsuit. Lululemon also alleges that Costco has "duped" its ABC Pants with its Kirkland 5 Pocket Performance Pant. The ABC Pants are around $128 on the Lululemon website and the Kirkland pants are around $10 on the Costco website. Both pairs of pants are made from synthetic, stretchy material. In addition to the articles of clothing, Lululemon alleges that Costco stole its "Tidewater Teal" color, a popular color offered among several of Lululemon's clothing items. However, no products offered in the color "Tidewater Teal" appear on the Costco website. What is Lululemon seeking? As outlined in the lawsuit, Lululemon wants Costco to pay "actual damages in the form of lost profits" or other damages that are at least equivalent to the royalties that would have been made from Lululemon's patent. Lululemon also requests that Costco agree to cease manufacturing of products similar to the Scuba hoodies and sweatshirts, Define jackets, and ABC pants and remove any marketing materials that contain such products. USA TODAY is mentioned once in the lawsuit as covering Lululemon products but is not involved a party in the lawsuit. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
Forbes
22-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
The Best Golf Pants To Keep You Comfortable From Tee To Green
You can play a round of golf in any old pair of pants, but once you've worn a pair that's actually made for the course, it's hard to go back. Made from stretchy, breathable fabrics, the best golf pants put an end to unwanted tugging, overheating and general discomfort. I spoke with the cofounder of a golf apparel brand and surveyed everyday golfers to learn which pants consistently make the cut, both on and off the green. Based on these insights and my in-depth research, the Lululemon ABC Pants are the best option overall—they're light, stretchy and easy to wear for hours on end. To find a well-rounded selection of other comfortable, capable golf pants, I examined styles based on a set of key variables: fit and fabric, storage and sheer versatility. The options in this guide meet the needs of just about any golfer, whether you're playing in the Florida sun or struggling to source pants that actually fit. Find a style that works for you, and refer to the buyer's guide for additional insights courtesy of Scott Morrison, cofounder of golf apparel brand Radmor. Sizes: 28 to 40 | Materials: 100% recycled polyester (lining); 53% elastomultiester, 47% recycled polyester (body) | Pockets: 4 Ask a group of discerning golfers to name their favorite pants and you'll probably hear at least one of them mention Lululemon's ABC Pants. The smart-casual style is made with a breathable, flexible blend of fabric that moves surprisingly well and feels great against bare skin for long-term comfort. They're also quick-drying, resistant to wrinkles and made from recycled materials to reduce environmental impact. Lululemon completes the design with four pockets, including dedicated phone storage and a hidden zippered pocket in the rear for smaller items, like tees and a marker. Add it all up, and it's no surprise these pants finds their way into just about every golfer's wardrobe. Naturally, the biggest drawback I hear about the ABC Pants is the price, and that's a fair concern. With a similar budget, you can pick up multiple pairs of the CRZ Yoga All-Day Comfort Golf Pants and swing away in a similar degree of comfort. That said, the ABC Pants take the cake because they're good for just about any occasion—you can dress for the office, the driving range, a family gathering or a quiet evening around the house—and that's pretty impressive. Ultimately, that's why these come out on top. Sizes: 28 to 40 | Materials: 100% polyester | Pockets: 5 CRZ Yoga's All-Day Comfy Golf Shorts earned a spot in our latest golf shorts guide, but if you're after more coverage, we're just as satisfied with the All-Day Comfy Golf Pants. For less than $50, you'll get a stretchy, quick-drying design that's available in more than a dozen colors. Since they're made for the course, these pants come loaded with pockets for your scorecard, tees and other essentials, plus a zippered one for cash or valuables. That said, the pants' 100% polyester construction is a flaw worth mentioning. While it's not a dealbreaker, polyester isn't very breathable on its own and it can hold onto odors, so it'd be nice to see CRZ Yoga use a fabric blend in the future. Still, it's plenty durable and comfortable enough for most environments, and you'll probably switch to shorts when playing in hot weather anyway. If you're willing to sacrifice a little breathability to save some coin, these are great pants to add to your quiver. Sizes: 28 to 46 | Materials: 100% recycled polyester| Pockets: 4 From the soft colorways to the straight cut through the leg, the Bonobos Performance Link Golf Pants look like a lot like classic dress pants, but make no mistake: They perform. Made from 100% recycled polyester, they're durable and soft against bare skin, and tiny details (like a rear zippered pocket) come in handy on the course. It's also really nice to see Bonobos offer so much variety in sizing. With a dozen colors, 14 waist sizes, five fits and five lengths to choose from, there's a combination that meets the needs of most bodies. Like the CRZ Yoga golf pants, the only real drawback is the 100% polyester construction. While it's a big plus that it's recycled, polyester gets hot when it's not combined with other fabrics. It's also less stretchy, so if you prefer slim-fit pants, you might find them a bit tight during dynamic movements like your driver swing. Ultimately, that's a small sacrifice to make if you're after classic golf pants, but it's worth noting. Otherwise, this is a great option that elevates style during most conditions. Sizes: 30 to 40 | Materials: 100% polyester (lining); 71% polymide, 29% elastane (body) | Pockets: 4 As nice as it would be to play in a pair of comfy joggers, courses (and even the game of golf itself) require you to dress a bit nicer, and that often comes at the cost of comfort. Fortunately, Greyson's Montauk Joggers are a great compromise, thanks to the satin fabric's eight-way stretch and soft cuffs that lock in the feeling of luxury. Plus, the fabric is antimicrobial, moisture-wicking and quick-drying, so it performs just like a technical layer, whether you're hot and sweaty or playing through light rain. Greyson completes the design with functional pockets and a sporty waistband for a streamlined, performance-ready fit. It's hard to look past the price when there plenty of less expensive options nowadays, but the Montauk Joggers check a lot of boxes if you're after a true balance of comfort and performance. Finding a style that looks and feels this good isn't easy, and when you've finally found it, you're likely to pay more. Do so, and the Montauk Joggers might just become your favorite pants for the course. Sizes: 36 to 56 | Materials: 95% polyester, 5% spandex | Pockets: 4 Golfers come in all shapes and sizes, and big and tall players need a little extra room to move and groove. Fortunately, Callaway's Big & Tall Stretch Classic Pant offers comfort in spades, from an active waistband that keeps your shirt tucked in to moisture-wicking fabric that helps regulate body temperature. Not only that, but the fabric also offers sun protection, and it's stretchy to make dynamic movements easier. Essentially, it's a simple, comfortable style that looks good on and off the course. The Forbes Vetted gear team covers a range of topics across the outdoors, fitness and wellness spaces. We also cover golf equipment and apparel, from rangefinders to shorts and shoes. Your golf pants don't just impact how you look and feel on the course, they can affect how you play, too. After all, if you've spent even an hour in uncomfortable clothing, you know how quickly it can impact your mood and your ability to move in comfort. To find pants that are comfortable and versatile, we focused on variables such as fit, fabric and storage. Finding comfortable golf pants comes down to fit and fabric, storage options, weatherproofing and style. Here's how to make sense of these variables and find a pair that meets your needs. A pair of golf pants should balance flexibility, comfort and style—and this comes down to the right materials. Start by looking for fabrics with a hint of stretch, like blends that contain polyester, spandex or elastane, as these are great options that move with you as you play. 'Candidly, I think stretch is everything,' says Scott Morrison. 'A proper golf swing demands mobility from your hips, legs and core. Without enough stretch, you'll either feel restricted or your pants will pull out of shape.' Obviously, pants differ from shorts in that they offer complete coverage, so you'll need to take into account how the pants feel through the thighs and below the knee. A tailored fit that's just tight enough allows for full range of motion without unwanted bagginess or excess fabric. Fit is personal, but it often differs between styles and brands. Slim-fit pants create a more tailored look, but stretch and flexibility is key to maintaining movement so don't go for pants that feel truly restrictive. Regular fits are usually the best all-around choice, while relaxed fits improve airflow and comfort. Pockets may not sound all that important, but golf pants should offer space for your on-course essentials. Hand pockets are a good start, though you should also consider styles with rear pockets and a zippered pocket or two. Morrison notes that angled pockets are easier to access and hidden pockets can secure valuables without the unwanted bulk. 'Every element should add to the pants' utility without taking away from a clean, minimal look,' he explains. Full-coverage golf pants make it easier to play comfortably in cold or wet weather, but they can also be great for sunny days, too. Look for pants with a DWR (durable water-repellent) treatment to keep light rain or morning dew at bay and a UPF rating to reduce exposure to the sun. Most golf pants are plenty breathable, but polyester and synthetic blends are common because they wick sweat and dry quickly. 'You want pants that look sharp but perform under pressure, and can ideally take you from the golf course to the restaurant or bar with ease,' says Morrison. All of the styles in this guide feature clean, classic designs that transition into casual settings. The key to versatile styling lies in fabric selection, simple colors and a comfortable fit that complements your body without feeling too restrictive.
