Why Is Lululemon So Expensive? Here’s Why!

Wonder Why Is Lululemon SO Expensive? – Here’s Why!

As one of the most expensive athleisure brands in the world right now, Lululemon seems overpriced, to say at least.

The label is more popular than top fashion brands operating in the athleisure market, such as Versace Gym, Tory Sport, and Fenty PUMA.

Lululemon’s most expensive products are limited edition pieces (hoodies, pants, and jackets) reselling for up to 2500 USD online.

In this article, I’ll share the secret strategy used by Lululemon’s founder to turn its company into one of the most expensive brands in the world.

Let’s find out..

Why is Lululemon so Expensive?

Lululemon has become one of the most expensive athleisure brands in the world by using, to perfection, three secret ingredients:

In this article, I’ll go beyond the Reddit rumor mill and detail these 3 strategies.

1. Intentional Media Scandals

There’s a saying that “any scandal is good, as long as it creates publicity.”

The saying worked wonders for Lululemon’s brand image, and here is why:

In its early days, the brand received much media attention, arguably not for the right reason.

It all started with Chip Wilson‘s (Lululemon brand founder) ‘tongue-in-cheek’ comments about women’s bodies…

… and his views on child labor.

However, while controversial, these comments were always carefully crafted and placed in media to create brand image and recognition.

The intentional media scandals helped Lululemon gain media attention very fast, right from the start when the label had no money for marketing and advertising.

As expected, the ‘scandals’ created FREE brand discussions on global television channels, forums, Reddit, Quora, and thus, worldwide brand recognition.

The final result, as counterintuitive as it might be, concretized in a lot of criticism but also many fans, high demand, and crazy sales.

2. Celebrity Collaborations

Another ‘key ingredient’ that makes Lululemon expensive is its aspirational status.

Despite the high price tag, Lululemon is one of the most sought athleisure labels with a ‘cult-like’ following.

Here’s how Lululemon created such a powerful cult-like image and following.

Instead of spending on advertising and publicity (done by the media for free), Lululemon used the early profits to egange global influencers and celebrities.

By launching collaborative collections with world-renown stars, Lululemon gained further brand power.

A growing number of celebrities were wearing Lululemon leggings, jackets, and yoga mats, getting the general public to follow and buy the brand’s products.

From meditation experts interested in comfortable yoga tops to teenagers looking for squat-proof leggings, Lululemon has them all, celebrity-endorsed.

The way Lululemon got celebrities interested in the brand was by engaging them in Supreme-like limited edition collaborative products.

These limited lines were created with (and for) celebrities, allowing the buyers to showcase taste and social status (through their purchasing power).

Obviously, the approach paid off, as Lululemon is one of the most desired and expensive athleisure labels in the world right now.

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3. Material Innovation

But neither clever media scandals nor clouds of celebrity partnerships and endorsements help if your products are crap; pardon my French.

What makes Lululemon special is the company’s obsessive attention to what the buyers want.

Looking at research data in fitness apparel, the company understood that buyers expect two things from activewear products.

1. 1. Performance – outfits that hold up during strenuous exercises.
   2. Comfort and Style – apparel that feels and looks great.

To achieve activewear of excellent performance, comfort, and style, Lululemon put together a team of experts.

The team is spearheading the brand’s research and development of sustainable and innovative materials from the brand’s HQ in Vancouver, Canada.

Named the ‘Whitespace Lab,’ this is where Textile, Material, and Design experts experiment with nylon, Lycra, spandex, elastane, cuts, and colors to create aesthetic clothing.

Moreover, Lululemon’s science lab is packed with exercise machines, humidity-controlled chambers, and dunk pools, all required to test products.

Without a doubt, Lululemon is expensive when compared to other athleisure brands, but that’s for 3 key reasons:

1. Clever media scandals.

2. Collabs with influencers and celebrities to create a cult-like following.

3. Constant material innovation.

Now it’s your turn…

With the hope I’ve answered ‘why is Lululemon so expensive’, I’d love to hear from you:

What is it that you think makes Lululemon so special?

Would you call Lululemon a luxury brand?

Do you know what’s the most expensive product at Lululemon?

Would you recommend Lululemon products to others?

If not, what other athleisure labels do you wear and recommend?

Share your thoughts on Lululemon below, so others can benefit from your experience as well.