Ladies activewear is on fire right now – it’s not only becoming more functional, fashionable and newsworthy as of late (see this write up by PopSugar Fitness). If you’re a geek like me, maybe you’ve noticed this odd trend – there are 4 women’s activewear companies that all have names that start with the letter “L”: Lululemon, Lucy Activewear, Lole and Lorna Jane.
Since I have a fascination with the strange, and I love to feature 80’s icons to exemplify alliteration, here’s a little LL Cool J eye candy to kick off today’s post about these 4 women’s activewear companies that “ladies love”:
Image: SpinCycleNYC
Lululemon
Many ladies are not feeling the love for the luxurious Lululemon lately (you love those L’s too, right?) because of CEO Chip Wilson’s foot-in-mouth commentary about women’s thighs and Lululemon pants (Wilson has since apologized but I don’t think you can really unring that bell). The following quote was found on the Lulu website and I’m guessing they’re using this as their mantra right now:
I guess we’ll see. Image: Lululemon.com
Until I went to the Lululemon Warehouse Sale, all I had ever purchased from this high-end brand were headbands. My family bought me an an entire outfit for Mother’s Day and when I saw the prices (by accident), I almost died! I’m pretty frugal when it comes to myself (especially if it’s in stuff I’m going to make smelly with my sweat).
Until recent events, I’ve loved the positivity that Lululemon has put forth in their messaging (motivational words on bags and gift cards), the fact that they recognize local fitness enthusiasts as Ambassadors and they certainly do their part to give back to the fitness community (free classes in store and sponsoring local events like Love.Yoga.Give).
People swear by their Lulu products and I’ll admit, I still want the vinyasa scarf that my girl Jill@TreeFitness wears so well. I do have a gift card to use but I’m not sure I’ll go out of pocket for their product in the near future.
Lucy Activewear
Lucy.com
Lucy Activewear from Portland, Oregon, has been serving women fitness enthusiasts since 1999. I’ve heard great things about Lucy (they’re a favorite of Erin@DigDeepPlayHard and Anita@FiTMAPPED) but have never tried their clothing.
The Lucy philosophy is based on being “passionate about performance” while being “stylish and flattering” and they offer clothing in categories: Yoga, Running, Training and Explore. Lucy has stand-alone stores in addition to their online shopping site (with FREE standard shipping).
I perused the Yoga, Running and Training sections (no Exploring aka Hiking for me) and found the Luminous Power Tank (below). It’s cute but a little spendy at $65.
However, if you’re lucky enough to be a certified yoga, Pilates, fitness instructor or fitness trainer, you can join LucyPRO and get a 25% discount in-store or online. It made me happy to see Sarah and Dimity from AnotherMotherRunner.com as featured LucyPRO’s because I’ve been a long time fan of these strong women. For my blogger friends, Lucy also has an affiliate program.
I would definitely like to check out some Lucy wear but I’ll have to wait I can try their gear on in person (free returns are only on specific items only). My holiday wish would be to see the LucyPRO discount extended to other allied health and wellness professionals (like Registered Dietitians, Doctors, Nurses etc).
Lole
Montreal-based Lole (I couldn’t figure out how to type the umlaut over the “e”) has been on the women’s activewear scene since 2002. I discovered Lole during my NYC summer outdoor sweat date at Pier 25 with Brittany@MyOwnBalance. Lole stands for Live Out Loud Everyday and the line is inspired by overall well-being. One of the stand-outs for me about the company inspirations is their love for parks and urban nature; they even single out Central Park in NYC as one their favorites.
Lole not only has an online store servicing multiple countries but it also has ateliers (workshop stores) in Canada and Europe (there are only two ateliers in the US right now- South Jordan, Utah and Santa Barbara, California – but pieces from the line can be found in other retail stores).
The website is not easy to maneuver but they are definitely trying to serve the urban woman with clothes for Yoga/Pilates, Run/Urban Fitness, Swim, Tennis and Outerwear as well as Dresses and Accessories. Prices are still on the high side but with free shipping and free return, I may need to check out my dream pick the Run Capri (below) soon:
Lole Run Capris, $75
I like that Community is important to the Lole brand. Not only does Lole facilitate Meet-Up’s but they have an Ambassador Program AND a Wellness Professionals Program (Yay!). Lole is interested in serving well-being for women on all fronts – they’re forward thinking enough to offer a Uniform Division geared toward wellness professional locations like spas, fitness facilities or sports teams. Smart!
I may need to visit the Santa Barbara Atelier sometime soon to see how their clothes fit petite busty females.
Lorna Jane
From: LornaJane.com
Lorna Jane is the Australian activewear and sportswear label made for women by women for over 20 years. Lorna Jane Clarkson brought her idea that women can live their best life through active living to life with the Move Nourish Believe philosophy of the brand.
Lorna Jane services Australia and the US via online and via stand-alone locations. Right now, the US stores are all in California but there are over 150 stores in Australia.
I’ve only stopped in a local Lorna Jane store for a minute but I know that Lindsay@FitandAwesome had a personal styling session at the Malibu location and wound up with quite a haul (see the link). The brand offers options based on preferred activity – Gym, Dance, Yoga, Running, Outdoor Exercise, Cycling and Leisure Wear along with various accessories.
I love this Kasey Excel Tank from the website but I wonder if it might be to cleavage bearing (this girl isn’t even wearing a separate bra – those shelf bra things do nothing to help support me).
Lorna Jane Kasey Excel Tank, $69.99
The Lorna Jane return policy allows for in-store exchange or store credit only but online orders can be issued a credit or full refund. Right now I see free shipping on the website but I’m not sure it’s standard policy or a just a special deal.
I know there are 2 LJ locations near me and once I begin prepping for my Ragnar, I think I’ll need to have a try-on session of my own.
There you have it – my rundown of 4 of the L-Named Women’s Activewear companies.
Just to clarify, this post was not sponsored in any way! I wear a lot of different activewear from all different brands including Target, Old Navy, Roxy, Reebok and Avia (just to name a few). I just feel that it is such an interesting time to be female in fitness because there are so many great offerings for women in activewear. I’m easily paralyzed by choice and like to think I’m invisible when wearing activewear but it is the one type of clothing that I do seem to buy (Yup, I’m a cliche but it’s running capris vs. yoga pants for me)..
Although I know I need to save up for the upcoming (but not yet announced Duran Duran tour), I know I’ll want to add some new staples to to my 2014 activewear arsenal and I’m determined to do my due diligence about what’s around. How about you?
Do you own anything from the above L-named brands? What is your favorite brand of activewear and what is the one piece of activewear that you can’t live without?
I don’t own anything from the L brands above. I actually just ordered from Fabletics (Kate Hudson’s new line). I am a sucker for gym clothes, so I hope it’s nice!
My Fabletics order should arrive today. I’m curious too.
This is great on so many levels, starting with LL Cool J!!! Love him. Who doesn’t? I have to say that I’ve never been a big fan of Lululemon. I’m an Athleta girl to the core (loving my new headband!) and I have a few pieces from Lucy but not a big fan their either. I’ve never heard of Lole but I like what I’m reading and seeing. I’ve also never heard of Lorna Jane! Do I live under a treadmill? What the heck? Thanks for letting me know. I obviously need to check these ASAP.
I went inside the Lorna Jane store at Woodland Hills Topanga mall & their clothes are really cute! I like the look of Lululemon, but just can’t get past the sticker shock. I usually don’t spend a lot of money on my fitness clothes & stick to getting the basics from Gap, Old Navy & Target.
Oh my gosh, I am obsessed with this post! I read the article in Popsugar and loved it! So Lorna Jane has been around in Australia for years but is just becoming big over here. I never bought her stuff when I lived there because the Aussies were all about the Nike (its super expensive there and therefore I guess more desirable? You know how those things go).
I loved the Lole outfits when we went to the event this summer. I would love to try their stuff but I like being able to shop in-store.
Lulu I have a long relationship with. I actually bought stock in the company (but now am thinking I may need to sell…). There stuff is incredibly flattering but very pricey.
Lucy I have seen many times but no stores in NYC so I have never bought anything. There is a store in Mass not too far from my family so maybe I’ll check it out again next time I’m there.
One brand that I have always liked but recently have become a huge fan of is Athleta. They host a lot of community events, are super involved with promoting women athletes and they too offer a discount to fitness professionals.
Love this!
Brittany: I also NEED to shop in-store. I bought a bathing suit from Athleta years ago and didn’t like it so it’s stuck with me but I’ve been hearing great things so maybe I need to consider them too. An investor in Lulu – you were smart. Would like to how long Wilson’s comment will have impact on their bottom line….if any.
I absolutely get what you mean about the sticker shock. It seems all clothing is expensive these days. I’ve never tried Gap but ON and Target are my buddies for sure.
Athleta seems to be a brand that I may need to revisit. You haven’t been under a treadmill, it seems some of these brands haven’t yet expanded their way east but I’m sure they will. BTW, I happen to love LL (saw him once in a diner and it was quite a thrill).
I just can’t bring myself to spend that much on workout gear. I buy all my stuff on sale and even that is painful! I totally understand wanting to look cute when you workout, but I don’t look cute when I’m sweating profusely regardless of what I’m wearing 🙂 I’ve found some cute Lulu knockoffs at Target on occasion! Great post!
Love my Lululemon and always will regardless as to what the CEO says, LOL! However, I have been really liking Lorna Jame and Athleta!!!! 😀 Athleta especially!
Thank you! Absolutely get what you’re talking about Danielle. I buy most of my workout gear at discount stores like TJ Maxx because I’m cheap but I also like the stuff I’ve found at Target and Old Navy. I’m not about looking cute but sometimes new workout gear does make me feel good (shallow but true). If only there was an actual balance between the price of expensive gear and the guaranteed fitness output other than the marketing behind the idea. I do love to window shop for cute workout clothes no matter where they come from.
It seems I need to give Athleta another go. You are one of many singing their praises. Glad to hear you like your LJ too.
I’m loving all these LLLLLL’s 🙂
The only thing I own from these brands is a pair of 3/4 length yoga pants from Lucy. I have had them for about 5 years and they are still going strong. I can’t speak to the style of their clothes since I haven’t visited in years but their durability is spot on!
I own a tonnnnn of Lululemon (Warehouse sale, can’t do full price) but nothing else — although I’d love to try some Lorna Jane!
Not technically an “L” brand but I’m intrigued by the Ellie line — they have some cute things!
Durability is a pretty key factor for me. I’ve had a pair of HIND running tights for nearly 15 years and they’re amazing. Lucy definitely has some cute stuff and if it’s durable as well, it might be worth checking out. Thanks Whitney!
Funny, that you mention Ellie Gillian because I meant to include them in the post (this is a post that has been rattling in my head for awhile but when the PopSugar Fitness article hit, I knew I needed to get this out and completely forgot about Ellie). Ellie used to be under another name and I tried them but didn’t care for the fit of what I was sent (and it took me lots of hoops to get my refund) so I stopped my subscription. I do think the subscription business model for fitness clothing is a good one (but maybe not monthly).
Hadn’t heard of Lucy! Thanks for sharing! They get points for being from Portland! 😀
Yay Portland! I just read your latest post and it blew me away, Tiffany. Your candor and spirit are awe-inspiring.
I buy all my stuff on sale . I totally understand wanting to look slim when you workout, but I don’t look slim when I’m sweating regardless of what I’m wearing 🙂 I’ve found some that I want at Lucy!Great post!
Personally, looking cute isn’t my primary focus in activewear but it doesn’t hurt. I need to feel comfortable running, doing yoga or spinning in my activewear. If it looks good and has a long lifespan those are bonuses. Sales are definitely appealing too though!