Latest news with #AlignNoLine
CNN
15 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- CNN
I tried Lululemon's long-anticipated Align No Line leggings. Were they worth the wait?
In May, Lululemon finally dropped a highly requested version of its bestselling Align leggings: the Lululemon Align No Line leggings. Loyal customers have been begging the brand for an iteration of the popular workout bottoms without a front seam in order to solve for a common, yet embarrassing issue: the dreaded camel toe. If you've never experienced this frontal wedgie while wearing tight workout clothes, consider yourself lucky. (I'll get more into it later on.) To see if this hyped-up pair of leggings put the camel toe to rest once and for all, I tested them during a weight-lifting class, yoga flow and a cycling session. Keep reading for my thoughts and to find out how they compare to the original Lululemon Align leggings, which also happen to be the best leggings that we've Align No Line High-Rise Pants The Lululemon Align No Line High-Rise Pants have a no front-rise seam, are made of the brand's fan-favorite Nulu fabric and feature the same weightless feel and unparalleled comfort as the original Align leggings. They come in eight colors, two lengths and sizes 0 through 12. They deliver a smooth, camel toe-free look Because there was so much chatter about this launch, I was expecting it to hit a home run on its promises. I can happily confirm these leggings deliver exactly what's expected: a camel toe-free experience during sweaty downward dogs, squat sessions, daily walks and other low-intensity exercises. While I didn't previously have a major issue with camel toe while wearing Lululemon's original Align leggings, I have experienced this clothing mishap with some other brands' workout wear and can attest to how it negatively impacts my confidence and performance while working out. Instead of maximizing reps during a strength-training class, I'll often have to focus on fixing my uncomfortable (and let's be honest, extremely awkward) bunching situation while trying to follow the instructor's guidance. Luckily, with this updated Align iteration, that's something I never have to worry about. They have the same weightless feel and fit as the original Lululemon Align leggings Prev Next Aside from the seamless front design, the No Line Aligns are no different from the original Align leggings, which is a good thing! It doesn't seem like customers had any other qualms about these beloved leggings that have become one of Lululemon's claims to fame. The updated Align leggings feature all the cult-favorite design elements you love from the original Align leggings: the brand's luxuriously soft and sweat-wicking Nulu fabric, a small interior pocket for a key, a flattering high-rise fit that sits above the belly button, a weightless design that moves with you and a comfy waistband that stays up and doesn't dig in. They also fit the same as the OG leggings, offering a comfy, sculpting fit that isn't too tight or too loose — aka they're the Goldilocks of leggings. I've tested a variety of Lululemon pieces and wear a size 6 in the brand (and in general). That's the size I got in the Align No Line leggings, and they fit just right. They aren't available in shorts I originally wanted to grab the Lululemon Align No Line style in a pair of shorts, but then quickly realized when I got to the store that the new design was only available in leggings. With 100-degree-Fahrenheit summer temps already here, I'll be retiring leggings for now unless a cold front rolls in. Because it does seem like Lululemon takes customer feedback seriously, I hope they're listening. I'd purchase a pair of shorts (or two) right now if they were available in the no-front-seam version. They're slightly more expensive than the original Align leggings and have fewer color options Let's be honest: Lululemon is not cheap, but our editors agree that it's worth the splurge for high-quality clothing that's made to last. The Lululemon Align No Line leggings are $10 more than the original Align leggings, which isn't a huge increase, but it's definitely worth noting. If you break things down to price per wear and factor in how confident you'll feel in these, they'll still probably end up being more cost-effective than buying a cheap pair of leggings you'll have to replace after a year. The other minor downside to the Align No Lines is there aren't nearly as many fun color options as the original Lululemon Align leggings. I'm hoping it's because Lululemon is testing the appetite for the newest model before expanding the color selection (fingers crossed!). This is not the end of the world, but if you're like me and cute workout sets motivate you to get off the couch, it can make a difference. If you already own a pair of Lululemon's Align leggings and don't have any issues with camel toe, I don't think you need to rush to add the latest style to your cart. But if camel-toe concerns are holding you back from workouts or if you're already looking to add a new pair into your rotation, the Align No Lines are a total game changer. My only feedback for Lululemon? I need these in shorts for summer — stat. How should you wash the Lululemon Align No Line leggings? How should you wash the Lululemon Align No Line leggings? You can wash them in a washing machine on cold and tumble dry low. However, I always line-dry mine to be safe. Do the Lululemon Align No Line leggings run small? Do the Lululemon Align No Line leggings run small? They run pretty true to size in my experience. I wear a size 6 (my typical size) in Lululemon in all styles, including both versions of the Align leggings and the Define jacket. What materials are Lululemon Align No Line leggings made from? What materials are Lululemon Align No Line leggings made from? The body of the leggings is made from the brand's breathable, four-way stretch Nulu fabric, which is 81% nylon and 19% lycra elastane. CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus tested the new Lululemon Align No Line leggings to see if they're worth upgrading from the original Lululemon Align pants. She has tested a variety of Lululemon products, including the Define jacket, and other popular workout gear.
Business Insider
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Lululemon has a lot of problems, say Jefferies analysts: 'Sesame Street' colors, way too many logos, and sales, sales, sales
Lululemon is straying far from its yoga roots, and it could hurt the business, analysts say. In a Wednesday note, Jefferies analysts identified several issues with the Vancouver-based athleisure brand's offerings. The analysts visited two Lululemon stores, one in Westport, Connecticut, and another in Coral Gables, Florida, to weed out product problems. For one, the analysts said Lululemon was leaning too heavily into large logos to sell its products, and straying far from its yoga roots. "LULU continues to stray further away from its yoga-inspired roots to designs similar to general apparel brands like the Gap," the note said. They said Lululemon was trying to introduce new colors and products to solve its product struggles, but this resulted in a "disjointed assortment that's failing to convert." Lululemon's comparable sales in the Americas in the first quarter of 2025, which ended on May 4, decreased 2% compared to the year before. Its stock is down more than 38% from the start of the year. Chip Wilson, Lululemon's founder and the brand's former CEO, also said in a Forbes interview last January that the brand's offerings were becoming like the Gap. "They're trying to become like the Gap, everything to everybody. And I think the definition of a brand is that you're not everything to everybody," Wilson said to Forbes. The Jefferies note added that new designs at the two stores in Connecticut and Florida featured "loud colors and large logos in an attempt to sell beyond their core customer and attract younger shoppers." "Color Palette Goes Sesame Street," the analysts said of Lululemon's new colors. The note came with pictures of bright purple, pink, yellow, and blue clothing items on store shelves. They said the new products, instead of attracting new buyers, will alienate Lululemon's base consumers and quickly end up on sales racks. This was another problem the analysts raised — the excessive number of items on sale in the two stores. They found seven and 11 sales racks in the Coral Gables store and the Westport outlet, respectively, and over 1,000 items on sale on the brand's website. "It is becoming evident that the company is struggling with sell through and is resorting to markdowns to clear inventories," the analysts wrote in the note. To be sure, some retailers try to clear stock in the summer to make way for new items for the back-to-school shopping rush. And the long-awaited Align No Line leggings, which are Lululemon's bestseller yoga leggings without front seams, were out of stock in both the stores the analysts visited, the note said. The Jefferies note comes shortly after Lululemon sued Costco for ripping off the designs of some of its bestsellers, like its Define jackets and ABC pants. In the 49-page filing on June 27, Lululemon said Costco had created "confusingly similar" dupes of its products.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
We put a bunch of lululemon Align pieces to the test — here's how they stand up to summer bike rides, workouts and more
If you're a workout girlie of any kind, you're probably familiar with lululemon's Align leggings. The original version of the brand's cult-favourite leggings have racked up more than 17,000 reviews, have an average 4.2-star rating and are currently available in more than 12 colours. But lululemon has tons (literally 100+!) of other items that are part of their Align collection. From bras and tank tops to shorts, skirts and dresses, their buttery-soft gear is a go-to for pretty much anything — from pilates to movie nights at home. If you're looking for new gear for summer 2025, we recently put six lululemon Align pieces to the test — including the brand new Align No Line leggings. Keep reading for our honest reviews. What I like about them: Anyone who knows me knows I basically live in leggings, so I don't settle for cruddy ones. I've been a fan of lululemon's OG Align leggings for years (I still have my very first pair from 2015) — they're my go-to for everything from walking the dog to elliptical workouts — so I was excited to try their new No Line variation, which eliminates the front seam. These are my new favourite leggings. They're buttery soft, smoothing and even stand up to sweaty summer workouts. They also feature a nifty little pocket under the waistband that can hold your keys or a card. I went for the 28" version, but they also come in a 25" inseam. They're true to size; I'm usually a 4-6 in lululemon and the 4 fit well. Room for improvement: While I love the sleek look of these (and appreciate the functional waistband pocket), I do wish they also had a side pocket. If you're also a pocket lover, lululemon also makes a pocketed version if you don't mind the front seam. Overall rating: 4.5/5 — Hilary Hagerman, Lifestyle & Shopping Managing Editor $118 at lululemon What I like about it: I'm an avid cyclist — but sometimes I get tired of bike shorts and a workout top, especially if I want to look a bit more put together. The Align Dress is another buttery soft, smoothing number that felt great on. I love that it has a built-in shelf bra (I removed the cups and still found it to be quite supportive) and built-in shorts, complete with pockets. I was also impressed by the open-back design (although I did get stuck trying to put it on the first time), which made bathroom breaks easy. After a 20-kilometre bike ride to a summer street festival, I still felt put together — and wasn't drenched in sweat. Room for improvement: While there were a lot of things I enjoyed about the Align Dress, I didn't love the cut on me. I have a shorter torso and a pear-shaped body, so I found the dress clung to my hips in a way that wasn't flattering. I would have liked if the skirt flared out a bit higher up; I actually ended up rolling the midsection to give that shape. I'd also suggest sizing up in this — my usual lululemon size , a 4, fit well through the body but felt a bit tight in the bust, even without the cups. Overall rating: 3.5/5 — HH $148 at lululemon What I like about it: The best way to describe this lululemon Align Midi Dress is sleek and figure-hugging. Its bodycon silhouette clings in all the right places and offers light compression that feels supportive without being too restrictive. The fabric is ultra-soft (as you'd expect from lululemon's Align line), yet substantial enough that it's not see-through, which is important to me. The cut around the neckline and arms is super flattering, and I think it's pretty easy to dress up or down. I'll be wearing it with sneakers on casual days or maybe tossing on an overshirt and sandals when I want something a little more put together. Room for improvement: I should note that I sized up from my typical size, and I think I'd feel a bit like a sausage in casing if I stuck true to size — but that's just me. If you prefer a looser fit, you might want to skip this one, as it's definitely made to show off your shape. Overall rating: 4/5 — Melina Brum, Shopping Editor $128 at lululemon What I like about it: I'm no stranger to lululemon's Align leggings — in fact, I'm a longtime fan. So when I saw the Align High-Rise Mini-Flare Pant, I figured it was the perfect way to try out the flared trend. I went with the Graphite Grey colour (because, let's be honest, I own enough pairs of black leggings for crying out loud) and it's the perfect neutral shade. Just like the rest of my classic Aligns, they're like a second skin, breathable and beyond comfortable. Room for improvement: I will say, I'm still on the fence about the mini-flare. While I love that they add a little something different from my typical ankle-hugging pairs, I think I'm craving a bit more drama, if you will. Maybe the Groove Nulu Super-High-Rise Flared Pant is more my speed. But hey, I'll still be wearing these with sneakers for casual outings and evening walks this summer. Overall rating: 3/5 — MB $128 at lululemon What I like about it: My personality changes with the seasons. By that, I don't just mean my proneness to seasonal depression and the reversal of it come summertime, but which activities I am doing. I love playing sports and staying active, and in the summer months, that means I spend a fair chunk of time on the tennis court. If you play tennis, pickleball or other racket sports, you'll appreciate that the pockets in lululemon's Align High-Rise Skirt can fit your tennis balls while you're playing. I opted for the longer version and find it both super comfortable and sleek enough to wear to a post-game lunch or hangout. Room for improvement: This is my second lululemon skort (I have an older version of this), but I prefer the length of the shorts in my previous pair. The built-in shorts of the Align High-Rise Skirt are rather short, so if you're prone to thigh chafing, it's something to keep in mind. Overall rating: 4.5/5 — Kayla Kuefler, Senior Shopping Editor $78 at lululemon What I like about it: During the summer, I wear one of two things: summer dresses or bike shorts. As I mentioned, I'm quite active, so I need something that is compatible with biking, hiking and racket sports, plus comfortable for lounging around. The lululemon Align High-Rise Shorts 8" check all of those boxes. They're insanely comfortable (like, incredibly so), super stretchy, and they're designed using sweat-wicking fabric, so they're fantastic for athletic days in the sun. Room for improvement: While the shorts are purposefully designed with minimal construction, I don't love that they don't have pockets. The hidden waistband pocket is fine for carrying cards, but if you want a place to store your phone, keys and other essentials, these aren't the shorts for you. Overall rating: 3.5/5 — KK $64 at lululemon
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
We put a bunch of lululemon Align pieces to the test — here's how they stand up to summer bike rides, workouts and more
If you're a workout girlie of any kind, you're probably familiar with lululemon's Align leggings. The original version of the brand's cult-favourite leggings have racked up more than 17,000 reviews, have an average 4.2-star rating and are currently available in more than 12 colours. But lululemon has tons (literally 100+!) of other items that are part of their Align collection. From bras and tank tops to shorts, skirts and dresses, their buttery-soft gear is a go-to for pretty much anything — from pilates to movie nights at home. If you're looking for new gear for summer 2025, we recently put six lululemon Align pieces to the test — including the brand new Align No Line leggings. Keep reading for our honest reviews. What I like about them: Anyone who knows me knows I basically live in leggings, so I don't settle for cruddy ones. I've been a fan of lululemon's OG Align leggings for years (I still have my very first pair from 2015) — they're my go-to for everything from walking the dog to elliptical workouts — so I was excited to try their new No Line variation, which eliminates the front seam. These are my new favourite leggings. They're buttery soft, smoothing and even stand up to sweaty summer workouts. They also feature a nifty little pocket under the waistband that can hold your keys or a card. I went for the 28" version, but they also come in a 25" inseam. They're true to size; I'm usually a 4-6 in lululemon and the 4 fit well. Room for improvement: While I love the sleek look of these (and appreciate the functional waistband pocket), I do wish they also had a side pocket. If you're also a pocket lover, lululemon also makes a pocketed version if you don't mind the front seam. Overall rating: 4.5/5 — Hilary Hagerman, Lifestyle & Shopping Managing Editor $118 at lululemon What I like about it: I'm an avid cyclist — but sometimes I get tired of bike shorts and a workout top, especially if I want to look a bit more put together. The Align Dress is another buttery soft, smoothing number that felt great on. I love that it has a built-in shelf bra (I removed the cups and still found it to be quite supportive) and built-in shorts, complete with pockets. I was also impressed by the open-back design (although I did get stuck trying to put it on the first time), which made bathroom breaks easy. After a 20-kilometre bike ride to a summer street festival, I still felt put together — and wasn't drenched in sweat. Room for improvement: While there were a lot of things I enjoyed about the Align Dress, I didn't love the cut on me. I have a shorter torso and a pear-shaped body, so I found the dress clung to my hips in a way that wasn't flattering. I would have liked if the skirt flared out a bit higher up; I actually ended up rolling the midsection to give that shape. I'd also suggest sizing up in this — my usual lululemon size , a 4, fit well through the body but felt a bit tight in the bust, even without the cups. Overall rating: 3.5/5 — HH $148 at lululemon What I like about it: The best way to describe this lululemon Align Midi Dress is sleek and figure-hugging. Its bodycon silhouette clings in all the right places and offers light compression that feels supportive without being too restrictive. The fabric is ultra-soft (as you'd expect from lululemon's Align line), yet substantial enough that it's not see-through, which is important to me. The cut around the neckline and arms is super flattering, and I think it's pretty easy to dress up or down. I'll be wearing it with sneakers on casual days or maybe tossing on an overshirt and sandals when I want something a little more put together. Room for improvement: I should note that I sized up from my typical size, and I think I'd feel a bit like a sausage in casing if I stuck true to size — but that's just me. If you prefer a looser fit, you might want to skip this one, as it's definitely made to show off your shape. Overall rating: 4/5 — Melina Brum, Shopping Editor $128 at lululemon What I like about it: I'm no stranger to lululemon's Align leggings — in fact, I'm a longtime fan. So when I saw the Align High-Rise Mini-Flare Pant, I figured it was the perfect way to try out the flared trend. I went with the Graphite Grey colour (because, let's be honest, I own enough pairs of black leggings for crying out loud) and it's the perfect neutral shade. Just like the rest of my classic Aligns, they're like a second skin, breathable and beyond comfortable. Room for improvement: I will say, I'm still on the fence about the mini-flare. While I love that they add a little something different from my typical ankle-hugging pairs, I think I'm craving a bit more drama, if you will. Maybe the Groove Nulu Super-High-Rise Flared Pant is more my speed. But hey, I'll still be wearing these with sneakers for casual outings and evening walks this summer. Overall rating: 3/5 — MB $128 at lululemon What I like about it: My personality changes with the seasons. By that, I don't just mean my proneness to seasonal depression and the reversal of it come summertime, but which activities I am doing. I love playing sports and staying active, and in the summer months, that means I spend a fair chunk of time on the tennis court. If you play tennis, pickleball or other racket sports, you'll appreciate that the pockets in lululemon's Align High-Rise Skirt can fit your tennis balls while you're playing. I opted for the longer version and find it both super comfortable and sleek enough to wear to a post-game lunch or hangout. Room for improvement: This is my second lululemon skort (I have an older version of this), but I prefer the length of the shorts in my previous pair. The built-in shorts of the Align High-Rise Skirt are rather short, so if you're prone to thigh chafing, it's something to keep in mind. Overall rating: 4.5/5 — Kayla Kuefler, Senior Shopping Editor $78 at lululemon What I like about it: During the summer, I wear one of two things: summer dresses or bike shorts. As I mentioned, I'm quite active, so I need something that is compatible with biking, hiking and racket sports, plus comfortable for lounging around. The lululemon Align High-Rise Shorts 8" check all of those boxes. They're insanely comfortable (like, incredibly so), super stretchy, and they're designed using sweat-wicking fabric, so they're fantastic for athletic days in the sun. Room for improvement: While the shorts are purposefully designed with minimal construction, I don't love that they don't have pockets. The hidden waistband pocket is fine for carrying cards, but if you want a place to store your phone, keys and other essentials, these aren't the shorts for you. Overall rating: 3.5/5 — KK $64 at lululemon
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LULU Q1 Earnings Call: Management Addresses Margin Headwinds, International Growth, and U.S. Consumer Shifts
Athletic apparel retailer Lululemon (NASDAQ:LULU) met Wall Street's revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, with sales up 7.3% year on year to $2.37 billion. On the other hand, next quarter's revenue guidance of $2.55 billion was less impressive, coming in 0.7% below analysts' estimates. Its GAAP profit of $2.60 per share was 0.5% above analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy LULU? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $2.37 billion vs analyst estimates of $2.37 billion (7.3% year-on-year growth, in line) EPS (GAAP): $2.60 vs analyst estimates of $2.59 (0.5% beat) The company reconfirmed its revenue guidance for the full year of $11.23 billion at the midpoint EPS (GAAP) guidance for the full year is $14.68 at the midpoint, missing analyst estimates by 1.8% Operating Margin: 18.5%, down from 19.6% in the same quarter last year Locations: 770 at quarter end, up from 711 in the same quarter last year Same-Store Sales rose 1% year on year (6% in the same quarter last year) Market Capitalization: $30.23 billion Lululemon's first quarter results reflected a combination of shifting consumer behavior in the United States and continued momentum in international markets. Management emphasized that U.S. consumers remain cautious, with CEO Calvin McDonald stating, 'Consumers remain intentional about their buying decisions,' despite Lululemon gaining market share in the premium athletic wear segment. Internationally, the company reported strong growth in China and the broader APAC and EMEA regions, aided by new store openings and brand activations, such as the Summer of Align campaign. Product innovation, including launches like Daydrift and Align No Line, contributed to guest engagement and supported sales across both athletic and lifestyle categories. Looking ahead, Lululemon's outlook is shaped by several external and internal factors, including tariffs, ongoing investments in new markets, and evolving consumer trends. CFO Meghan Frank highlighted that gross margin pressure will intensify in the near term due to increased tariffs and foundational investments, but mitigation strategies—such as selective price increases and supply chain efficiencies—are expected to gain traction later in the year. McDonald underscored that while the U.S. market faces headwinds, the company will continue to invest in innovation and global expansion, aiming to leverage its strong balance sheet. Management believes its diversified product pipeline and international growth will help offset margin pressures. Management attributed the quarter's performance to cautious U.S. consumer behavior, strong international expansion, and ongoing product innovation. Margin pressure was mainly linked to tariffs and strategic cost increases. U.S. consumer caution: Leadership noted that U.S. store traffic declined relative to last year, and purchasing behavior remains deliberate. However, Lululemon reported modest revenue growth in the U.S. and asserted it gained market share in premium athletic wear segments. International market strength: China Mainland and other international regions delivered double-digit sales growth, with McDonald highlighting expansion into new markets like Denmark and Turkey, and upcoming entries into Italy, Belgium, and the Czech Republic. Product innovation and newness: The company pointed to strong guest response for new product launches like Daydrift trousers, Be Calm, Glow Up leggings, and the Align No Line update. Early sell-through rates were high, leading to plans for broader distribution in the fall. Brand campaigns and engagement: Lululemon increased brand awareness through campaigns such as the Summer of Align, featuring global events and influencer partnerships. Management reported a rise in unaided brand awareness in the U.S. from the mid-30s to 40%. Tariff and margin headwinds: CFO Meghan Frank explained that higher tariffs and modestly elevated markdowns were the main drivers behind the decline in operating margin, with mitigation efforts focusing on selective pricing actions and supply chain efficiencies expected to have a larger effect in the second half of the year. Lululemon expects external cost pressures and consumer trends to shape revenue growth and margins over the next several quarters. Tariff impact and mitigation: Management identified tariffs as a primary driver of margin compression in the near term. Frank stated that mitigation actions—such as targeted price increases and sourcing adjustments—will become more significant later in the year, with the expectation that these measures will help offset higher costs. Continued global expansion: The company plans to open 40 to 45 new stores in 2025, with the majority outside the U.S., focusing especially on China. Management believes international markets remain underpenetrated, providing a long runway for growth. Product pipeline and consumer response: Leadership emphasized the importance of new product launches and innovation to drive sales. They plan to expand both technical and lifestyle categories, responding to consumer preferences for newness, while closely monitoring U.S. traffic and macroeconomic headwinds. In future quarters, the StockStory team will be monitoring (1) whether mitigation strategies for tariffs and cost inflation are reflected in improved gross margin, (2) signs of U.S. traffic stabilization or recovery, and (3) continued robust international growth, particularly in China and new markets. Progress in executing new product launches and maintaining brand engagement will also be closely tracked. Lululemon currently trades at a forward P/E ratio of 16.6×. In the wake of earnings, is it a buy or sell? The answer lies in our full research report (it's free). The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump's presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025. While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we're homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver's seat and build a durable portfolio by checking out our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,754% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
