I Used to Work at Lululemon — Here Are the 15 Items I’m Shopping From Its Site for July Fourth Weekend

I need to get my priorities straight. Or, do I? Instead of stocking up on sparklers, I was scrolling through Lululemon’s website for the latest deals. With hundreds of markdowns, the We Made Too Much section is growing faster than the weeds in my garden. In fact, for a second I thought maybe the website got hacked by an athleisure-loving, modern-day Robin Hood. 

While my friend who used to work at an ice cream parlor says scooping so much rocky road and chocolate chip cookie dough turned her off of hard-serve for life, I’m the opposite. I used to work at Lululemon, and despite folding and refolding thousands of pairs of pants and having to explain a myriad of features — like four-way stretch and flatlock seams — to curious customers, I’m still obsessed with the brand. First and foremost, I love how long the brand’s stuff lasts (I’m still rocking shorts from the early aughts). And because most of the clothes are made for movement and maximum comfort, they’ve served me well in my current career as a travel writer.  

Unfortunately, I no longer have a generous employee discount. But with finds this good, it doesn’t really matter. There’s never been a better time to scoop up the beloved Everywhere Belt Bag, which one travel writer wore for 10 days straight in Italy, or the Align dress you may have seen trending on TikTok. 

Bump shopping this last-chance sale to the top of your to-do list. Whether you’re in the market for leggings or luggage, below are some hot-ticket items I handpicked for you. 

Everywhere Belt Bag 1-liter Ripstop

This is one of those “How did I ever live without it?” products. In fact, I love this so much, sometimes I’m surprised I don’t sleep in it. I wear it as a crossbody bag at the airport to keep my passport and boarding pass handy. And when I’m out sightseeing, I rock it as a belt bag (a fancy term for fanny pack). With one liter of space, it easily fits my phone, lip balm, wallet, keys, and sunglasses and I like to keep my passport and most valuable essentials in the exterior zippered pocket that faces my body. I don’t think pickpockets even know it’s there! 

Swiftly Tech Short-Sleeve Shirt 2.0 Hip Length

I have so many Swiftly Tech tops I’m like a walking billboard for the collection. I can’t help it. With their chafe-free flat seams, they’re the perfect base layer. And the mesh fabric — which is unbelievably lightweight and breathable — features Silverescent technology. I used to love explaining this technology to customers. Basically, it means that this top is the last place odor-causing bacteria wants to be. While I’m obsessed with this top in kayak blue, the four colors on sale also seem too beautiful to be “sale colors,” if you know what I mean. 

Utilitech Relaxed-fit High-rise 3.5-inch Short

Lululemon cites “versatility” as the inspiration behind these shorts that could easily pass for business casual. Despite their tailored look and polished twill fabric, they’re designed for movement — i.e., they’re comfy enough to wear on 20,000-step days. Plus, they have pockets and don’t easily wrinkle. Currently, they come in six colors including some gorgeous shades of brown. 

Restfeel Women’s Slide

I recently got these best-selling slides from Amazon. While they make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, I like the look of these Lululemon slides better. Made of ultralight foam (dual-density for maximum cushion), they’re perfect for packing into a carry-on and wearing on long flights. They also look like they have great traction — you don’t want slides that slip, trust me — and come in four fun colors. 

Scuba Full-zip Cropped Hoodie

Whoever designed this sweatshirt’s iconic hood, which envelopes your entire head and holds its shape, deserves a raise. I’ve had three Scuba hoodies in the last 12 years, not because they wear out, but because I love the colors so much. While this Scuba hoodie is perfect for summer because it’s cropped, I’m eyeing this full-length Scuba (also on sale for $89) in kayak blue. 

Wunder Train High-rise 28-inch Tight 

Don’t get me started on these tights, which Taylor Swift has, too, unless you have 10 minutes to hear me sing their praises. To make a long story short, they’re one of my go-to travel pants. The Everlux fabric they’re made of is not only cool to the touch, but it also dries so fast — sometimes I gaslight myself into thinking they were never wet. I’m also a big fan of the pocket in the waistband and the internal drawcord, which comes in handy around that time of the month. Currently, they’re on sale in three colors including an eye-catching Cascadia green (sizes 0-20). 

Blissfeel Trail Women’s Running Shoe

My dog and I are doing The Resort at Paws Up’s Canine Classic in August, and at least one of us will be wearing these comfy shoes. Still on the fence about Lululemon footwear? Just Google “Are Lululemon’s shoes good?” and you’ll see overwhelmingly positive reviews. The brand scanned the feet of more than 1 million women and spent years of R&D before arriving at this “neutral road-to-trail” running shoe with plenty of cushioning. Currently, it comes in seven colors and sizes 5-12. 

Hold Tight Cropped Tank Top

Of all the Lululemon tank tops I own — and I have a drawerful — this one has the coolest, most flattering neckline. The contoured fit is also unique and looks great with high-rise pants. I also like that this tank is made of a luxurious modal blend. If you’re not familiar with modal, it’s a lot softer than cotton and most fabrics. That said, it’s still machine washable. Worried about your bra straps showing? Try these best-selling bra clips (with more than 5,200 five-star ratings) from Amazon. They’re just $6, and I’ve sworn by them for years. 

Align High-rise 21-inch Crop Tight

Elle, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, you name it: fashion magazines have recently reported capris (or crops) are cool again. While I don’t personally own these high-rise crops, they come from the Align collection, and I’ve worn the best-selling Align jogger all over the world. While these crops don’t have the drop-in pockets my joggers have, they do have a hidden pocket in the waistband and are made of the same buttery-soft Nulu fabric. Not sure how you feel about the length? No problem! The 23-inch inseam is also on sale for $69. 

Nylon Bucket Hat

I don’t know who brought bucket hats back, but they’re back. Even if you’re not a fan of the look, you can’t deny this one will have heads turning — in a good way! With its stylish sheen, this hat looks like its silk or satin, but it’s actually made of a practical, water-resistant nylon. Speaking of utility, the chin strap is both adjustable and removable, and the inside of the hat is lined with a breathable mesh. 

Men’s Metal Vent Tech Short-sleeve Shirt Updated Fit

My boyfriend is new to traveling. He’s also new to Lululemon. While I’ve already gifted him the tank version of this bestseller for the gym, I’m getting him this wardrobe essential for our upcoming trip to Greece. It may be designed for running and training, but this ultralightweight, quick-drying base layer is also ideal for adventuring in humid destinations. The seamless construction means I don’t need to hear him complain about chafing, and the Silverescent technology means he won’t have to hear me complain about him being stinky. 

Stretch Woven Relaxed-Fit High-Rise 4-inch Short

Made of a lightweight, stretchy, and soft fabric, these casual shorts are perfect for everything on your trip itinerary from sightseeing to biking to beach days. They have a high-rise waist and also feature side slits for added comfort and freedom of movement. Plus, two pockets and a hidden pocket ensure you never lose you hotel key or credit card. 

City Adventurer 21-liter Backpack

Back in my day, backpacks were made for function, not fashion. But this bestseller marries both. It’s made of a lustrous, water-repellent fabric, and while it looks sleek, it’s still packed with bells and whistles. There’s an exterior holder for your Hydro Flask, a padded pocket for your laptop, an expandable compartment for shoes or dirty stuff, and even a trolley sleeve so you can slide it onto the handle of your carry-on. If you need more space and/or plan on hiking during your travels, I also recommend the new All Sport Backpack 28L ($198). 

Women’s Baller Hat Soft

Last year, Nicole Kidman was photographed wearing a Lululemon cap while walking with Reese Witherspoon, and ever since then, I’ve wanted one. While Lululemon makes several styles, I like this one for travel because it’s more casual than sporty. (Think soft, not as structured.) That said, it’s also quick-drying and features an interior sweatband. And the black closure is not only adjustable but leaves enough space for a bun or ponytail. 

Align Dress

This little number is a gift from the travel gods. Pair it with heels and pearls for a dinner out or throw on a sun hat and sandals for a day of sightseeing. And because it features built-in shorts with a liner and is made of a four-way-stretch fabric, you can even exercise in it. I’m also a big fan of the built-in bra (why get another item sweaty if I don’t have to?) and its removable pads. Since this item is selling out quickly, if you’re looking for another feminine athleisure piece we also love this pleated mesh tennis skort in white that will look so clean and crisp for summer!

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