lululemon Define collection review: New oversized options fit just right
lululemon’s expanded Define collection has new jacket silhouettes and pants to match
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If you’ve been a fan of lululemon for years, then there’s a good chance that you’re familiar with some of the brand’s classic women’s styles: the cult-favourite Align Pants, cozy Scuba Oversized Hoodies and the figure-hugging Define Jacket.
These wardrobe staples are constantly being updated in new colours and fabrics, and in the case of the Define Jacket, a newly-expanded collection of pieces designed to be mixed and matched with the original fan-favourite jacket.
Most of the items included in the new Define collection are made from Luon, lululemon’s in-house fabric that’s stretchy, sweat-wicking, cotton-like and supportive. It’s a little stiffer than your typical lightweight activewear fabric, which gives the pieces more structure and a heavier weight that’s ideal for fall.
I’ve been testing out five styles from the Define collection, and rank them from favourite to least favourite below. The results were a mixed bag, with some styles earning a rave review while others left a bit to be desired. For reference, I typically wear a size six or a size small at lululemon, though since I’m only 5’4”, pant length can sometimes be a bit iffy.
Ranking the new Define collection from lululemon
- Define Oversized Jacket
- Define Cropped Jacket
- Define High-Rise Wide-Leg Pant
- Define Mid-Rise Track Pant
- Define Track Jacket
Details on my lululemon rankings
Define Oversized Jacket
Why it’s my favourite: Lately, I’ve been majorly leaning into oversized silhouettes, and this jacket perfectly fits the bill. Some might find it too oversized, as it even manages to stay loose and flowy when I sized down (I’m wearing a size four here). It has a billowy silhouette that can be worn two ways thanks to a cinchable hem. I prefer the look of the jacket with the hem cinched for a balloon effect, but others may also appreciate that when this jacket is worn loose, it manages to cover the hips and bum. Because this jacket is so voluminous, it looks best when paired with fitted bottoms like leggings or bike shorts, rather than the matching Define High-Rise Wide-Leg Pant, which I’ll get to below.
Price: $168
Material: Lining – 90% recycled polyester, 10% lycra elastane; Body – 87% nylon, 13% lycra elastane
Colours available: Black (pictured), rockwood, white, blue
Sizes: 0-14
Rating: 10/10
Define Cropped Jacket
Why it’s my second favourite: Of all of the Define pieces I’ve tried out, this cropped jacket is the only one made from Nulu fabric. It’s ultra-lightweight and made with four-way stretch to move with you. The jacket has a figure-hugging shape that helps to define your waist and keep you feeling secure. I love the cropped fit of this jacket because I have a short torso. The hem hits at the perfect spot at the top of my hips and has all of the thoughtful design details that lululemon is known for: thumbholes and cuffins (hand covers) to keep sleeves down and cold chills out, a high neckline and zippered pockets. It’s definitely fitted, so size up if you prefer more room in your activewear.
Price: $138
Material: Lining – 56% polyester, 33% coolmax polyester, 11% lycra elastane; Body – 81% nylon, 19% lycra elastane
Colours available: Seasonally rotating colours, plus core shades like black, white and navy. Rainforest Green pictured.
Sizes: 0-14
Rating: 9.5/10
Alternative: Define Jacket (same style but with a longer cut), also available in Luon fabric
Define High-Rise Wide-Leg Pant
Why it’s my third favourite: As I expected, these pants (with a 32.5″ inseam) are too long for me. However, a feature that isn’t shown on the product photos is that they have a cinchable hem, so they still work for petite frames. The pants have an exaggerated wide leg silhouette and a high rise, with two deep zippered pockets that are large enough to hold a phone or other daily essentials. When cinched, they almost look like harem pants – a feature that I happen to like as a fun alternative to sweats. If you’re petite and deciding between the two pants in this collection, keep in mind that the cinchable hem is more difficult to shorten. You may prefer the Define Mid-Rise Track Pant if you don’t like the harem look.
Price: $148
Material: Pocket lining – 90% recycled polyester, 10% lycra elastane; Body – 82% nylon, 18% lycra
Colours available: Black (pictured), rockwood, olive, white, blue
Sizes: XXXS-XL
Rating: 8/10
Define Mid-Rise Track Pant
Why it’s my fourth favourite: The dreaded pant length strikes again. The Define Mid-Rise Track Pant has a full-length 33” inseam, which makes them much too long for me. Luckily, lululemon does offer free hemming services for my fellow shorties who are interested in these pants. Length issues aside, these pants fit true to size with a classic mid-rise that hits below the belly button. The contoured seams inspired by the original Define Jacket are a nice touch, and the rich Rockwood shade (a burnt orange) is sure to be a hit this season.
Price: $148
Material: Pocket lining – 86% recycled polyester, 14% elastane; Body – 82% nylon, 18% lycra
Colours available: Rockwood (pictured), white, olive, black, warm ash grey
Sizes: XXXS-XL
Rating: 7/10
Define Track Jacket
Why it’s my fifth favourite: While there’s nothing wrong with this jacket, it just didn’t work for my body type, so it falls at the bottom of my ranking. I’m a big fan of the contrasting stitching and had hoped the relaxed fit of this jacket would work well for travel or running errands. Unfortunately, the longer length doesn’t hit at the most flattering part of my body, and the extra fabric from the looser cut causes the jacket to bunch up around my waist. I like the look of this jacket when worn unzipped, and the thick Luon fabric makes it a good choice for fall temperatures. It just might fit better on someone who is taller or has a straighter, rather than curvier frame.
Price: $148
Material: Lining – 90% recycled polyester, 10% lycra elastane; Body – 87% nylon, 13% lycra elastane
Colours available: Rockwood (pictured), olive, black, warm ash grey
Sizes: 0-14
Rating: 6/10
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