black friday 2023

Our Favorite Picks from Lululemon’s Black Friday Event

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photo: Retailer

Editor’s note: Black Friday is over, which means we’re no longer updating this post. But don’t worry: There are plenty of Cyber Monday deals to be had — including at Lululemon — and our writer Katherine Gillespie has rounded up her favorite picks at Lululemon’s Cyber Monday event. If you don’t want to miss any more of our sales coverage, sign up for our email newsletter.

As experts have told us time and again, Lululemon’s highly coveted workout clothes are worth paying full price for — and most of the time, full price the only option you’ll have. This week’s Black Friday sale is the exception with discounts of up to 70 percent, even on in-demand colorways like black and navy. I was given access to these deals ahead of time and have combed through them to find the best discounts, especially on classic items that have been recommended to us by stylish and sporty types over the years. Below you’ll find super-stretchy tights, pretty yet practical sports bras, and marathon-ready running tees and shorts that’ll last for years without losing their shape in the wash. Lululemon’s TikTok-famous fanny pack (that’s excellent for travel or just running around town in) is on sale, as is a terry sweatband that’d make a sweet stocking stuffer. Our absolute favorite pair of men’s gym shorts is just $49 right now, and you’ll also find women’s yoga pants for under $100.

Because a sitewide sale can be overwhelming, I’ve broken down the best deals into categories: women’s bottoms (including shorts as well as tights), women’s bras and tops (from running bras to tanks that can be worn with jeans), men’s bottoms (including an unusually sleek pair of joggers), men’s tops (all of them odor-resistant and wrinkle-free), and accessories (from hats to socks). For maximum holiday shopping intel, find all of our other Black Friday sales coverage here, browse our full list of gift guides, and sign up for our newsletter.

Women’s bottoms

Lululemon’s Align pants are a gym bag essential. Fitness instructor Ashley Rosenberg calls the style a “forever classic” that’s “just unbeatable.” Expecting mothersyoga instructors, and other fitness folk all agree, praising their high-rise fit, durability, and four-way stretch.

And here’s those same pants again, but with pockets. While some people dislike wearing yoga pants with pockets on the mat, I’ll always keep a pair around for holding my phone when jogging or even just roaming around the house.

If you are indeed more runner than yogi, these weightless pants are designed with a back pocket for your phone, as well as a waist drawcord for an easy fit.

Whether you’re warming up or lounging about, these decidedly unsloppy joggers are an excellent investment. They have the same high-rise, slightly compressive waistband as Lululemon’s traditional yoga pants, which makes for a flattering fit while allowing freedom of movement.

If you’re a fan of the dolphin-smooth yoga pants above, it’s definitely worth trying out a pair of Lululemon’s similarly soft bike shorts. They’re lightweight but compressive, minimizing any unwanted jiggling.

Westchester-based pro tennis player Emnet Simunyola told me that Lululemon’s flirty (yet functional) hotty hot shorts are her go-tos on court. These were born to be worn with an oversized tee.

Women’s bras and tops

A quintessential running bra, the Enlite suits a wide range of cup sizes and is designed for intense workouts. Hefty cross straps at the back mean you can pound the pavement without feeling any bounce.

This pretty in purple bra with light support is better for yoga, and features delicate strapping that’ll draw plenty of compliments in the changing room.

Or here’s something simpler for the mat that will match any of the Align pants above.

The sweetheart neckline makes this yoga top, which is also made from the same fabric as the Align pants and shorts above, just a little bit special. And a little more fun to put on at 6AM.

Or bare your abs instead with this ultra-contoured tank made from a ribbed fabric that’s very studio-to-street.

Similarly street-worthy is this cold-shoulder top with an elegant loop detail on the back. On the mat, the light support makes it best for small-chested (A to B cup) wearers.

Slow-drying cotton tees are no good for sweaty workouts, which is why it’s worth investing in one of Lululemon’s slightly stretchy and moisture-wicking ones made from nylon and recycled polyester.

Here’s a cotton crewneck that can be worn all winter long, whether you’re working out or working from home. It would look rather smart with a pair of high-waisted jeans or black pants.

Men’s bottoms

One of our 11 best gym shorts for men, this pair is a Strategist staff favorite, as well as a go-to for stylish men we’ve spoken with over the years. Ralph Lauren creative producer Yale Breslin calls them “the ultimate,” and particularly likes the subtlety of their branding, as well as their “not too long and not too short” length.

The above-five-inch inseam may be a little cheeky for some, but luckily the seven-inch Pace Breakers are also on sale.

Or here’s a pair of lined shorts, if those are your preference, with a hidden phone pocket to keep your most valuable possession secure when running or playing sports.

These elevated sweatpants come recommended to us by Donnell Baldwin, a former style director for Mr Porter. He has owned his pair for years, and promises that they’re worth the price because “they don’t fall apart.”

Men’s tops

A collared shirt for sweaty dudes, this button-up is made from stretchy and moisture-wicking no-iron fabric that still looks and feels like cotton.

For the more casually attired, here’s an odor-fighting, bacteria-resistant basic that’s treated with zinc, which means that it won’t need to be washed after every single wear.

Much more workout-friendly than it looks, this boxy tee is also zinc-treated and features hidden gussets that allow for full arm mobility. Ideal for any tennis players inspired by the Andre Agassi big-shirt-tiny-shorts look.

Accessories

A Wimbledon-white sweatband is always a serve, even if you’re more into pickleball.

I really like the idea of giving this TikTok-famous fanny pack as a gift. It can be worn at the waist or as a crossbody, and is spacious enough to stash a few snacks alongside the wearer’s phone, keys, and wallet.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

Our Favorite Picks from Lululemon’s Black Friday Event