Lululemon Launched Its Most Sculpting Leggings Yet—Here’s What They Look Like IRL on 5 Editors

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There’s always something new in the activewear scene—a new pair of soft leggings this, a new supportive sports bra that. The launches almost seem to blend together to the point where you’re wondering what the heck is so special about all of these garments that claim to be the next big thing or the best in their class. But the StyleCaster team is here to tell you that you should absolutely care about Lululemon’s new Glow Up line. The brand kindly sent its leggings and tank top to five of our editors, and TL;DR: They did not disappoint.

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Lululemon Glow Up Line at a Glance

• Lululemon Glow Up Super-High-Rise Tight 25″, $118
• Lululemon Glow Up Tank Top Medium Support, B/C Cup, $78
• Lululemon Glow Up Super-High-Rise Crop 23″, $118
• Lululemon Glow Up Super-High-Rise Tight 28″, $118
• Lululemon Glow Up Onesie 6″, $148

Lululemon is known for its cult-fave Align Leggings, TikTok-viral Define Jacket, coveted belt bag, and so much more. But it’s time to take a step back from its signature styles and show its Glow Up fam some love. Why? Oh, I don’t know, maybe because the leggings, tank top, and onesie are designed to offer maximum support for training, while also sculpting the body (especially the core, hips, thighs, and glutes). Oftentimes, activewear that describes itself as figure-flatting, body-hugging, butt-lifting, form-fitting, or sculpting achieves such results but at the expense of comfort. The garments are restricting, tight, and uncomfortable. However, the Glow Up pieces accentuate your beautiful bod while still providing support and optimizing mobility.

The Glow Up line can only achieve all of this with the help of some next-level design and innovation. Cue the high waistband technology that features bonded construction, minimal seaming, and an internal mesh layer that hugs the body. Cue the laser cut hems that don’t dig in or make you feel like you lost circulation. Cue the brand’s new and improved Ultralu fabric that’s sleeker and smoother on the skin.

Lululemon Glow Up Line

$78-$148 Buy Now

Some general notes you should know before buying Lululemon’s Glow Up line:

• Yes, the leggings’ waistband will feel different, but that’s on purpose to provide a snug fit.
• Yes, the leggings will feel tight when you pull them over your hips, but that’s also intentional to ensure a comfortable fit.
• Lululemon recommends starting true to size because although the Glow Up line is all about a cozy, body-hugging fit, this is very much deliberate. The brand says that sizing up could potentially impact the intended fit and performance of the garments.

With all that said, it’s time to get to the good part: our editors’ honest thoughts and IRL photos. Five StyleCaster editors put Lululemon’s Glow Up line to the test and couldn’t wait to share our honest thoughts on the leggings and top. The brand also sent us a pair of Lulu sneakers to complete the workout ‘fit, and while not technically part of the new Glow Up family, we still included our thoughts and pictures at the bottom of this group review.

Without further ado, read on to find out how the Glow Up leggings and tank top endure sweaty workouts and how both pieces look on real bodies—mirror selfies included.

Lululemon Glow Up Super-High-Rise Tight 25″

Editor Reviews

Lululemon Glow Up Super-High-Rise Tight 25″

$118 Buy Now

“As someone who works out at least three times a week, I take activewear seriously. I have three drawers dedicated to workout clothes. I feel the cuter my outfit, the better I feel during the class. Anyway, my biggest complaint with my current rotation of leggings is that the waist rides down—especially when I’m jumping or stretching. That wasn’t the case with these. The seamless, high-waist band stays in place the entire time I’m moving. I don’t have to constantly pull up the pants or adjust in between reps and exercises. It’s also flattering and sculpting. I feel supported and snatched. The top is also flattering and gives me comfortable support.” — Robyn Merrett, Style & Beauty Editor

Robyn’s Size: 10
Robyn’s Colorway: Black

Lululemon Glow Up Super-High-Rise Tight 25″

$118 Buy Now

“As someone who has collected dozens of pairs of Lululemon leggings over the years, I can honestly say this style is one of the best the brand has ever made. These leggings have endured my walks and pilates classes, and I seriously have no complaints about them!

For starters, the Glow Up gives an overall slimming look and snatches my waist, yet it doesn’t feel tight whatsoever. (There truly is a noticeable difference in how the Glow Up fits on my body compared to some of the brand’s other leggings. It’s wild.) It has a firmer fabric compared to the brand’s viral Align leggings, but still feels comfortable and supportive. As someone with shorter legs, I’m also pleasantly surprised at how well these fit. Normally, Lululemon leggings scrunch up at my ankles, but these fit perfectly. I’m usually a size 4 in pants and sized up to a 6 and these fit perfectly!” — Jen Adams, Lifestyle Writer

Jen’s Size: 6
Jen’s Colorway: Black

Lululemon Glow Up Super-High-Rise Tight 25″

$118 Buy Now

“Upon first feel, I predicted that these leggings would make me look more boxy. In reality, they made my waist look more snatched! Like the top, I was also scared with sizing, but it fit true to my size of 4. The waistband was something that I wasn’t really used to in elasticity. It can also work as a good waist trainer and helps me engage my core whenever I do core workouts or cool down with some yoga-focused poses like downward-facing dog.” — Lea Veloso, Entertainment Writer

Lea’s Size: 6
Lea’s Colorway: Black

Lululemon Glow Up Super-High-Rise Tight 25″

$118 Buy Now

“I usually don’t put much thought into which leggings I buy and wear because I honestly don’t exercise that often (I’m working on it). So I was a bit skeptical of the Glow Up leggings being Lululemon’s latest and greatest innovation. Aren’t all workout leggings technically ‘body-hugging’? Shouldn’t a solid pair of leggings have a waistband that doesn’t fold over? I thought the answer was yes to both, but after testing this buzzy launch, I realized not all leggings are made equally. Lululemon’s Glow Up Super-High-Rise Tight is superior to others in many ways. Although I initially thought the fabric felt like a scuba diving suit and was nervous about the tiny waistband, this thicker fabric and tighter feel is exactly what makes these leggings so great. It’s weird because it’s physically difficult to get my legs through the extra snug waistband, but once they’re over and on, the waistband seriously does not move. And it doesn’t feel restricting or suffocating either. Instead, it makes my waist feel secure and I never have to worry about the waistband budging.

In terms of these legging’s sculpting and body-hugging claims, I can confirm, both are true. I can’t lie, the Glow Up tights make my legs and bum look pretty dang good. Even I was shocked when I took photos for this review (I have a butt now??). I’ve donned these leggings during my recreational soccer games, and through stretching, running, kicking, and the occasional falls, these leggings supported my every movement and are definitely my new go-to soccer pants when it’s chilly out.

For sizing, I’m usually an XS in leggings with a 24-inch to 25-inch waist, and got a size 4 in the Glow Up tights. This size ended up fitting me like a glove. Although I’m not usually a size 4 in any pants, I’d recommend sticking to Lululemon’s sizing chart (reminder: the brand suggests starting true to size.)” — Katie Decker-Jacoby, Associate E-commerce Editor

Katie’s Size: 4
Katie’s Colorway: Black

Lululemon Glow Up Super-High-Rise Tight 25″

$118 Buy Now

“Not gonna lie—I was intimidated by these at first. I’m squishier now that I’m 6-months postpartum, which is totally OK but it means that clothes just fit differently on my body these days. Staring at them before actually putting them on, I wondered if they would fit, or be too tight. Lo and behold, they fit like a glove, sculpting my legs and butt with enough give to feel comfortable. These are a good second-skin, supportive pair of leggings that I’m going to wear once I get back into running. So far on my walks and lounging around the house, I feel totally cozy and ‘sucked in’ without the uneasy feeling.” — Gina Vaynshteyn, Senior Commerce Director

Gina’s Size: 10
Gina’s Colorway: Black

Lululemon Glow Up Tank Top Medium Support, B/C Cup

Editor Reviews

Lululemon Glow Up Tank Top Medium Support, B/C Cup

$78 Buy Now

“Depending on the style, I’m either a size 4 or 6 in Lululemon tops, so I decided to go with the size 6. I wish I had gone with the size 4 because the chest area fit perfectly but the waist was a little loose. Aside from the sizing issue, I think this top is extremely flattering! It’s the perfect length and falls right above my hips. The scoop neck not only elongates my neck area but allows for ample air ventilation, too. I also really like how the outline of the bra cups isn’t visible. Overall, it’s a good top but I would recommend trying it on in person if you can.” — Jen Adams, Lifestyle Writer

Jen’s Size: 6
Jen’s Colorway: Black

Lululemon Glow Up Tank Top Medium Support, B/C Cup

$78 Buy Now

“I was really skeptical of the top when I figured out my sizing. My body has fluctuated in weight in the past couple of months so I’ve already dealt with confusing sizing when it came to workout gear. I sized myself up to a size 8 and it was probably the best decision I’ve made. The bra cups really helped support my breasts during hardcore cardio. When doing Lat Pulldowns, my back fat tends to overflow on my other tops or sports bra whenever I pull the bar down, but I could feel how firm the Lululemon bra was in the front and my back to help keep my workouts consistent and in action, so I don’t feel so insecure.” — Lea Veloso, Entertainment Writer

Lea’s Size: 8
Lea’s Colorway: Black

Lululemon Glow Up Tank Top Medium Support, B/C Cup

$78 Buy Now

“I’ve never bought anything with my own money from Lululemon, so I was quite confused about its sizing system. I was deciding between sizes 2 and 4 for this top and ultimately went with a 2. I’m happy with my choice because the chest feels super supportive and fitting for my cup size. Below the chest is where I was a little confused at first. Initially, I thought the top was a bit too big for me because it didn’t necessarily ‘hug’ my waist. But after actually wearing the tank, I realized I prefer a looser-fitting top. You can see in the photos I took, above, that there’s some room in the bottom half of the tank. If you want the tank to fit snugly, I’d recommend sizing down.

Other than sizing, I appreciate the built-in shelf bra with removable cup inserts (my pet peeve is when workout tops or bras don’t come with removable cups). The support is definitely there and I like how the top crops right below my belly button. It’s not so short that it could technically be a sports bra, but it’s not so long that it goes all the way down to my hip bones. Like the leggings, the Glow Up Tank Top is comfy as can be. In fact, I’m currently wearing it as I’m slumped on the couch writing this story. Get yourself a workout tank that’s perfect for exercising and lounging around the house.” — Katie Decker-Jacoby, Associate E-commerce Editor

Katie’s Size: 2
Katie’s Colorway: Black

Lululemon Women’s Chargefeel 3 Workout Shoe

Editor Reviews

Lululemon Women’s Chargefeel 3 Workout Shoe

$148 Buy Now

“A couple of years ago, I went crazy with HIIT workouts and messed up my feet. Since then, I’ve been super careful about the shoes I wear to walk and train. They’re comfortable and supportive. My feet have room to breathe, but still feel wrapped snugly, giving my high arch a cushion.” — Robyn Merrett, Style & Beauty Editor

Robyn’s Size: 8.5
Robyn’s Colorway: White/White/Black

Lululemon Women’s Chargefeel 3 Workout Shoe

$148 Buy Now

“When I think about Lululemon, I don’t necessarily think about shoes. However, I might change my mind after trying on these shoes. As someone who was desperately looking for more comfortable running shoes while using Salomons for all things fitness, these were lifesavers. I love the padding underneath the soles which are incredibly bouncy. There’s enough cushioning that it feels really effortless to do cardio on both the elliptical and treadmill. Even when I’m doing strength training.” — Lea Veloso, Entertainment Writer

Lea’s Size: 7.5
Lea’s Colorway: White/White/Black