Editor’s Note: A few weeks ago one of the marketing people from Lululemon Athletica, the premiere manufacturer of women’s sports clothing, asked if I would be willing to review a few of their new products. Obviously there was no way I could do the testing, so I asked Anna, a fellow cyclist and friend of mine, to try these products out and write a review.
I am an avid cyclist who one day found myself next to the one and only All Seasons Cyclist. That was three years ago and now every June I join him on his quest for miles on two wheels throughout the summer. I would say I’m an experienced and dedicated female rider and here’s a little about my riding history before I give this review. 15 years ago I began commuting to work and found I really loved riding a bike. After about a year of Chicago city riding I went on a long distance ride from Minneapolis to Chicago in five days, many of which were centuries. Since then I have ridden RAGBRAI, a ride across the state of Iowa, for the last nine years, and this year will be my tenth. I have also taught spin classes after becoming a regular groupie during the winter months. I am not as crazy/dedicated as All Seasons Cyclist, but I’m not retired either—I am a teacher, a job I chose partly to indulge my love of cycling! So, when he asked me if I would do a review for Lululemon Athletica I didn’t hesitate to say yes. I have seen some of their pieces and have thought they were very well styled towards the female athlete.
I was sent three pieces to test out. The Presta Jersey, the Presta Vest, and the Presta Padded Short. In all three the fabrics felt amazing, and the fit was true to size.
Lululemon Presta Women’s Cycling Jersey
The Presta Jersey ($78.00). Oh how I love thee, let me count the ways… First, you look fantastic in this jersey—no easy feat in spandex! It’s performance matches it’s looks as well, and I find you usually have to sacrifice one for the other. At $78.00 it’s something you might think about—so let me tell you, don’t over-think it. I went out on a very hot day (96 high) skeptical of wearing black, however it breathes very well with most of the back being a fine mesh (not see through) and has two back pockets about 6” deep. It has a generous length in back; you will never get sunburnt on your waist with this jersey. Also, it has the cutest reflection detail, though not much of it; a ruffle of reflective material is sewn on the back seam across the top at the yoke.
Now, why I think the Presta Jersey looks fantastic—I have an athletic build rather than a lanky one and I don’t look great in everything even though I’m in shape. I have narrow shoulders and this jersey has great details. At the shoulders they have two sets of pleats that offer a subtle “blousiness” in the cap sleeve, just a hint, but I instantly had wider shoulders. Another flattering detail is that the front zipper is about 10” long—perfect to open up on a hot day but not long enough for the unsightly bulge where the zipper stops on jerseys that unzip to your belly button. Also, both “All Season” and I decided that it looked so good you could throw on a skirt wrap over your shorts and wear it out when not cycling! I give the Presta Jersey 5 out of 5 stars for both functionality and style! I wish I had one for everyday—I’d never wear anything else!
Lululemon Presta Women’s Cycling Vest
Last week I wore the Presta Vest ($98.00). It’s summer, so I just wore it over my sports bra as a sleeveless jersey. This vest is available in three colors: Black, White, and Ray (a hi-vis yellow). I received the hi-vis yellow and I never felt so visible! I’ve never worn something so bright and I instantly felt safer around cars. It was pretty windy with a chilly breeze coming off Lake Michigan and the wind repelling features on the vest worked great. The front of the vest is made of what Lululemon calls E-glyde coated with DWR (Durable Water Repellent). I’m pretty sure the water-repellent works. Although we went out on a rainy day, we never quite got more than a sprinkle. However, during some warm patches it did get a little “sticky”, leaving me to believe in it’s water repelling capabilities, but I just unzipped a little and with the mesh panels was still comfortable. As far as wearing it for rain I truly believe all the E-Glyde with DWR parts of the vest will keep you dry, but the back of the vest is mostly mesh save for a ruffled flap over your derriere that has a longer mesh underneath. So you will get wet, but I believe the idea is that your front and rear will be less wet.
The pockets are more to the side than on the back—I did lose an energy bar out of one, but then I used this thing called a zipper conveniently located right on the pocket! The vest also featured feminine details that make you feel like you have a bit of style and sophistication, instead of just feeling gross and sweaty after a long ride. It has the same ruffled reflective detail as the jersey (slightly different placement), and the ruffle on the back just makes you feel cute (but not too much). The vest has a full zipper, but no zipper bulges. I give the vest 5 out of 5 stars as well—you will be seen, no doubt about it, and great wind protection as well. If you are looking for something to keep you dry in full on rain then skip it, but otherwise a great vest alone or as a layer.
Now for the Presta Padded Short ($88.00). The length is nice, just above the knee—no grippy elastic, but they were long enough that I don’t think it matters. Again, as with the Presta Jersey and Vest, some flattering details, low waist in front and reflective ruffle detail on the thighs. The waist is also wide which is nice, preventing “roll-down” when bent over and it features two small mesh pockets in the back along the waist so if you want to leave the jersey at home there is a bit of storage.
I so wanted to love these shorts—high on looks, but no stars on functionality. If you need a padded seat, these fall short. It’s not that the pad is not thick, although it isn’t; it’s the way it’s made. I put them on and started down the street and turned around by the end of the block. I ride a road bike with a hard saddle—no gel covers or anything and I am conditioned to riding that way. The seams in this short are not hidden and are in the wrong place. There is an 1/8 inch rise from the short to the pad, which stops halfway under your rear where you make contact with the seat, cutting the sit bone contact point in half. I could also feel the seam along the inner thigh area as well. “But they’re so cute” my inside voice is saying. However, at the end of the day, cute isn’t what I reach for when need it to perform. If you ride a recumbent and want to look the part, then totally buy these shorts.
You can order Lululemon Athletica products from the company Website, or from retailers in eleven countries, including Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. If you can’t find a retail outlet in your area, you can also find many of their products on Amazon.com.
roughseasinthemed
June 27, 2012 at 9:36 AM
Loving the vest, although the jersey looks far too twee for me (also broad shoulders and not lanky, but slim). But I wouldn’t pay that price.
All Seasons Cyclist
June 27, 2012 at 4:06 PM
I did have a chance to examine the clothing, and please believe me, this is really a case of getting what you pay for. The vest and jersey look great and are extremely well designed.
katiemoves
June 27, 2012 at 10:09 AM
Wow this is awesome! I literally just discovered that Lulu made cycling clothing and blogged about it wondering if it was any good!!! I might have to set aside some money for this stuff! So glad I read over this!
All Seasons Cyclist
June 27, 2012 at 4:07 PM
I saw the note you had about the clothing a day or two ago — I started to comment about it but I didn’t want to say anything until the review was published. Lululemon cycling clothing looks SO much better than Pearl Izumi (I wish they made cycling clothing for men as well).
lisamullis
June 27, 2012 at 10:35 AM
Good to know. I don’t have a Lululemon store where I live but was visiting a city recently and there was a store across from my hotel. I bought 2 running skirts and a tata tamer. Love them. Love them. But I balked at the cycling gear. The jerseys were nice, but I already have a few that I like and I know exactly what I’m getting. Just looking at the chamois made me think twice about comfort. I’m digging that reflective vest though. It actually has some style to add to the functionality.
All Seasons Cyclist
June 27, 2012 at 4:09 PM
I spend a lot of time in June and July riding with the woman who wrote this review — she REALLY loves both the vest and jersey!
Cherry
June 27, 2012 at 7:56 PM
I own 2 lululemon jersey & I used to own a pair of their cycling shorts as well. When they 1st came out with cycling clothes 2 yrs ago, I snatch them up. The jerseys are good – the only thing I don’t like is it only has 2 pockets in the back. Most jerseys have 3!!! The shorts – maybe they changed their quality – but when I got them, the area that comes in contact with the saddle became all fuzzy just after 1 ride!!! I had to return it & never bothered with another pair.
All Seasons Cyclist
June 27, 2012 at 9:20 PM
Cherry, from what I could see the quality of both the vest and the jersey was superb! Lululemon is fairly new to cycling gear, but I think they knock the socks off of Pearl Izumi when it comes to cycling jerseys for women. Their cycling vest is better made than any of the dozen or so vests I own — but they don’t make them for men (yet).
Anna
June 28, 2012 at 6:39 PM
I will say that for durability and performance I can’t beat my Pearl Izumi Select shorts and gel padded gloves. Until Lululemon sent the jersey I had been wearing running tops, not finding any cycling jerseys that I liked with the right price. I probably would not have bought one for 78.00 but now that I’ve experienced wearing it- I would love to have more.
All Seasons Cyclist
June 28, 2012 at 6:46 PM
Note to all: Anna is the one who reviewed the Lululemon cycling gear (and she is in the photo above).
redrobinsnest
July 2, 2012 at 10:17 AM
I Love that you reviewed these products! I am a lululemon fan for yoga and running {I even have stock in the company} but I was a little skeptical about a Yoga|Running store jumping into the cycling world. Hopefully they improve the shorts because a women specific short with a wider waistband and no sticky elastic leg bands would be fabulous, and a capri version would be welcomed as well
Great Review, Thank You!
All Seasons Cyclist
July 2, 2012 at 11:19 AM
Glad to be of service!
Jean
July 3, 2012 at 8:50 PM
Black top looks nice. Lulumon is based out of Vancouver. I’ve seen some of their stuff and it is expensive.
The water repellant sleeveless vest/top is abit impractical. If it rains, then I want my arms protected. I like a sleeveless vest to be slightly looser in fit so that it’s better aeration of my sweat during warm seasons.
All Seasons Cyclist
July 3, 2012 at 9:04 PM
I really don’t think their jerseys are too expensive — they are a lot cheaper than many of the (men’s) jerseys I wear. As I said in an earlier note, it is a case of getting what you pay for. And even from a grumpy old man’s standpoint, their jerseys really look nice! (Please note: I am not the one who wrote the review — I had a female friend of mine write it).
e.clar
July 4, 2012 at 4:50 AM
Tx so much for your article! I just discovered Lululemon during my vacation on Hawaii this winter – and immediately loved it: the items are stylish, of great quality and just fit well… unfortunately their stuff is not (yet) sold in Austria …
All Seasons Cyclist
July 4, 2012 at 5:05 PM
It looks like the closest dealer to you is in the UK — that’s too bad — they do make great cycling clothing.
cathyn61
July 4, 2012 at 7:02 AM
I love Lululemon gear!
All Seasons Cyclist
July 4, 2012 at 5:06 PM
Anna (the lady who wrote the review) sure loved their clothing clothing as well. Thanks for visiting the Website!
Rutherford
July 5, 2012 at 10:05 PM
wow. very nice lululemon cycling clothing. well, I love lululemon gear.
busandstops
July 11, 2012 at 9:30 AM
For anyone who lives in Melbourne, Australia Lululemon has a factory outlet in Collingwood (30 Rupert Street)! The prices are really good. And you can even pop into three bags full around the corner for some good coffee after the shopping
All Seasons Cyclist
July 11, 2012 at 12:32 PM
busandstops — Thanks for the note — I am sure female cyclists in Oz will be very happy about this!
jthestudentnurse
July 24, 2012 at 10:33 PM
Reblogged this on jthestudentnurse and commented:
I’ve been perusing WordPress, reading the blogs of specifically All Seasons Cyclist who happened to like my last post. I’ve discovered that he posts Cycling Porn – no not dirty dirty sex- he posts reviews on all things cycling. Since everything is unattainable right now, it simply makes me long for a good couple of weeks on the bike, traveling around and seeing things. Thanks All Seasons for providing wishful thinking, inspiration and a bit of the aforementioned cycling porn.
I’d love to turn up at work with a super stylish Lululemon jersey instead of my current super bright safety reflective gear designed for a crossing lady or a construction zone guy. Now, on with my drooling over things I can’t afford. *DRROOOOLLLLL*
Debra Stencel
July 25, 2012 at 2:22 PM
I just bought the dotted jersey and love the fit and style. The top is long for my 5’3″ frame but it gathers a bit in a way that is still flattering. I thought the shorts were not sufficiently padded so took a pass on those. I am just so grateful to find clothing that is NOT PINK. Thank you Lululemon.
All Seasons Cyclist
July 25, 2012 at 10:57 PM
Anna (the lady who wrote the review) thought the jersey was a bit long on her as well (I think she is about 5’3″). She also agreed with you about the lack of padding on the shorts. Now that you have the dotted jersey you might not ride faster, but you will certainly have the best looking jersey on the road!
Andy
November 22, 2012 at 7:09 AM
WOW! whos the girl in the top picture? shes fit!! look at her thighs! look like they could crush walnuts!
Damn, im salivating!! nice clothes too
Jean
May 6, 2013 at 6:11 AM
It’s a nice looking jersey. I never wear dark blue or black jerseys –makes me feel hotter and it is: black absorbs more heat.
The back side of the vest looks awkward.
I have looked at lulumon’s stuff and it is expensive.
All Seasons Cyclist
May 12, 2013 at 10:01 PM
In the winter I really appreciate black clothing because it does absorb heat better (have you ever gone riding in temperatures below zero Fahrenheit?).