You might know lululemon as the brand that helped shape athleisure as we know it.
But did you know you could pick up a proper pair of pants from them?
Beginning with joggers, sweats, and yoga pants, lululemon has since added dozens of pants and trouser styles to their catalog that can be worn far beyond the walls of a gym or fitness studio.
As a guy who really doesn’t think he looks all that good in shorts (sigh), I like having a mix of trousers in my wardrobe that give me stylish and functional options for every weather and occasion.
So, I hit up lululemon to find out what their most popular pants are and compared them here so you can determine which styles you need to look good and feel good wherever you’re headed.
My Recommendations
Most Versatile: New Venture Trouser Pique
The New Venture Trouser Pique is my favorite pick of the lot, not only because of their versatility, but because I’ve never owned a pair of pants quite like these. The best way to describe them is an airy hybrid between a jogger and a dress pant.
Like many of lululemon’s garments, the New Venture Trouser Pique blurs the lines between athletic and stylish—which is exactly why they can be worn on so many different occasions. Made of polyester and elastomultiester, a synthetic fiber that’s both elastic and strong, these pants are both wrinkle-resistant and ultra lightweight.
The New Venture Trouser Pique gives you three pockets: two in front and one in the back. Surprisingly, all three pockets have zippers which gives you an added sense of security that you won’t lose anything on-the-go. They also include a hidden drawstring that allows you customize your fit.
The New Venture Trouser Pique features a streamlined fit that’s relaxed around the glutes and thighs, tapered down to the hems, and falls right to the sweet spot on your ankle. Pants that are relaxed up top and tapered to the bottom create a silhouette that looks better on most guys and—trust me—feels better on all guys. Gone are the days of squeezing your junk into tight-fitting pants, gents.
Because they are so light and airy, they don’t offer much warmth, so I’d recommend the New Venture Trouser Pique for warmer spring and summer months. These would be great to take on vacation or just out for a casual dinner.
What I Like
- The classic-tapered fit gives you room in the thighs and glutes, but tapers throughout the leg, delivering a comfortable, yet tailored style.
- These are some of the lightest and airiest pants I’ve ever worn, which makes them perfect for hot weather and to pack while traveling.
- The two pockets in front and one in the back all have zippers which gives you an added sense of security on-the-go.
What I Don’t Like
- These only come in two neutral colors: black and bone, and it would be nice to have a few more colors to choose from.
- Because these are so lightweight, they’re not a good option if you need to stuff your pockets with lots of items.
What Other Reviewers Say
Guys who own a pair of the New Venture Trouser Pique like them for their lightweight, but durable design. One guy said his New Venture Trouser Piques are frequently mistaken as formal pants, and I can see why. A few guys noted that they wish they had more colors to pick from.
The Verdict
The New Venture Trouser Pique are versatile, lightweight pants that strike a balance between an athletic and elevated look. The material is soft and airy, yet durable and wrinkle-resistant, making these an ideal choice for hotter spring and summer months and to easily pack for traveling.
You can essentially wear the New Venture Trouser Pique anywhere that you won’t be tucking a shirt in—to the gym, to do errands, on an airplane, even on a date.
The New Venture Trouser Pique are versatile, lightweight pants that strike a balance between an athletic and elevated look. The material is soft and airy, yet durable and wrinkle-resistant, making these an ideal choice for hotter spring and summer months and to easily pack for traveling.
Most Comfortable: In Mind Pant
So, the In Mind Pant was specifically designed for yoga…but I’ll make the case that their unique features will serve you far beyond a standard stretch and sweat session. These are the ultimate lightweight, stretchy jogger with a more refined look than your average jogger.
The In Mind Pant offers a slim-tapered fit with a cropped 30” inseam, which gives you some room in the thighs and glutes with a taper down to the top of your ankle. These pants also have a noticeably minimal design with just two front pockets and an elastic-free waistband that eliminates added bulk.
The material is what you’d expect from pants designed for yoga: lightweight, ventilated, and ridiculously stretchy. And since these can easily hold up for a downward dog stretch in a heated room, I’d argue that you can also wear them for any other kind of workout, including running, lifting, sports, or a HIIT cardio session.
What I Like
- These are the lightest, stretchiest, most ventilated pants you’ll probably ever wear, making them the ideal choice for any type of workout.
- The slim-tapered fit hugs your legs in the right way, giving you a bit of extra room in the glutes and thighs, with a tapered fit to the ankles.
- The elastic-free waistband barely feels like it’s there at all.
What I Don’t Like
- The In Mind Pant only comes in two colors: obsidian and black.
- This shorter 30” inseam might not be what some guys want in workout pants.
What Other Reviewers Say
Guys who have purchased a pair of the In Mind Pant like them for their lightweight, stretchy design that works great for yoga and working out. One yoga instructor said he’s been teaching yoga in them for over 7 years and they’re only just starting to show wear. However, a few guys did note that these pants can start piling easily, which is when small balls of lint form on the surface.
This is something to be aware of. lululemon suggests washing on cold and tumble drying on low. But to avoid piling, it’s probably best to also wash these inside out and only with other workout clothes that don’t create or attract as much lint as materials like cotton or wool.
The Verdict
Sure, the In Mind Pant was designed specifically for yoga, but its lightweight, stretchy, and ventilated design make them terrific pants for any type of athletic endeavor, be it running, playing sports, lifting weights, or taking a workout class.
These pants are airy, breathable, and perfect for wicking sweat, which is why their primary use is in the yoga studio and the gym. But I think you could also get away with wearing these for a flight or a super quick trip to the grocery store if you’re looking for something that feels like you’re still in bed practically wearing nothing at all.
Sure, the In Mind Pant was designed specifically for yoga, but its lightweight, stretchy, and ventilated design make them terrific pants for any type of athletic endeavor, be it running, playing sports, lifting weights, or taking a workout class.
Best for Travel: ABC Classic-Fit Trouser Smooth Twill
Truly great travel pants require a rare mix of features, and the ABC Classic-Fit Trouser Smooth Twill delivers all of them: comfort, style, versatility, stretch, and function.
Let’s face it, when you’re traveling it’s basically a game of “how comfortable can I be without looking totally disheveled?” With these pants, there’s no tradeoff, you’ll get as much style as you will comfort.
lululemon’s ABC pants line exploded in popularity as standard chino-style pants with enough stretch that you could lay out and catch a football in them. Now, they make tons of different ABC styles in slim, classic, and relaxed fits with all sorts of different material blends for various activities and looks.
The ABC Classic-Fit Trouser Smooth Twill is perfect for traveling for several reasons. First, the classic fit gives you plenty of room in the thighs, glutes, and legs, so you won’t be uncomfortable on a long flight or car ride. Second, the material is equal parts stylish, stretchy, and wrinkle-free, so go ahead and shove them in a duffel bag at the last minute. When you get to your hotel and yank them out for dinner, they’ll still look flawless.
These feel like dress pants, but with a slight stretch that’s much more comfortable. And since they have proper pockets and belt loops, you can dress them up with a button-up shirt or sweater, or go for a more casual untucked look. The ABC Classic-Fit Trouser Smooth Twill have much more room than slim-fit pants, but the cropped inseam means they’ll still fall at your ankle, giving you a relaxed but tailored look.
What I Like
- The smooth twill fabric looks and feels awesome and won’t wrinkle when you shove these into your bag.
- The relaxed classic-fit gives you plenty of room in your thighs, glutes, and legs for increased comfort.
- Because these have proper pockets and belt loops, you can dress them up or down.
- The hidden zipper pockets are great for safely storing small valuables.
What I Don’t Like
- These could stretch just a little more.
What Other Reviewers Say
Guys who have tried out the ABC Classic-Fit Trouser Smooth Twill generally have positive comments about them. Most guys agree that these are comfortable, durable, and worthy replacements for classic chinos. One guy went so far as to call them “indestructible.” But another guy noted that the more classic-style fit didn’t quite suit him.
The Verdict
The ABC Classic-Fit Trouser Smooth Twill has all the makings of a perfect pair of travel pants. They’re wrinkle-resistant, stylish, loaded with regular and hidden pockets, and relaxed and comfortable in fit.
These can be worn during your travels for an elevated, but comfortable alternative to chinos, jeans, or joggers, or easily packed to be worn wherever you’re going. With proper pockets and belt loops, you can tuck a shirt into them and sport them with loafers or sneakers. These are great not only for traveling, but also for work, out to a restaurant, on a date, or seriously, anywhere that isn’t a formal or black-tie occasion. Go for it, guys.
The ABC Classic-Fit Trouser Smooth Twill has all the makings of a perfect pair of travel pants. They’re wrinkle-resistant, stylish, loaded with regular and hidden pockets, and relaxed and comfortable in fit.
Best for Work: ABC Classic-Fit 5 Pocket Pant Utilitech
When I say the ABC Classic-Fit 5 Pocket Pant Utilitech are lululemon’s best pants for work, I mean all kinds of work, from the office to out in the field. The abrasion-resistant, four-way stretch fabric made out of elastomultiester, cotton, and elastane is rugged and durable with a smooth, elegant aesthetic.
These feel like elevated work pants with equal parts durability, style, and functionality considered. You not only get hand pockets and a back pocket with a hidden zipper compartment, but also a phone pocket and an internal sleeve to stash smaller items.
The ABC Classic-Fit 5 Pocket Pant Utilitech has a relaxed, classic fit that gives you plenty of room to move in the thighs, glutes, and legs, with a slightly wider opening at the bottom than a pair of slim pants. This offers comfort whether you’re sitting for most of the day or moving around. With belt loops, you can tuck a button-up shirt into these pants for a more stylish, office look, or dress it down like a casual pair of work jeans.
What I Like
- The utilitech fabric is rugged and durable, yet smooth and stylish making it versatile for all kinds of work.
- The zippered back pocket, phone pocket, and internal sleeve give you all sorts of storage.
- The classic-fit allows you more breathing room, while still maintaining a stylish silhouette.
What I Don’t Like
- These are a bit heavier and have a more relaxed fit than some of lululemon’s other ABC-style pants, which some guys might not like.
What Other Reviewers Say
The ABC Classic-Fit 5 Pocket Pant Utilitech has amassed several hundred reviews at the time this article was written. Generally, guys like these for the quality of the material and relaxed fit that gives you room without looking baggy. Though, some guys feel like the fit was a bit off, with one reviewer saying these pants bunched up a little too much in the hips.
The Verdict
The ABC Classic-Fit 5 Pocket Pant Utilitech are durable and versatile pants that can be worn out in the field or in the office. The rugged, yet stretchy and stylish utilitech fabric gives these a little more heft than some of lululemon’s other, thinner ABC models, while still feeling lighter than jeans or chinos. The storage in these things is insane: front pockets, a zippered back pocket, a phone pocket, and a hidden sleeve allow you to carry your phone, wallet, keys, and whatever knick knacks you pick up along your journey.
You could wear these with a button-up to the office, on the weekend with a t-shirt and sneakers, and just about anything in between.
The ABC Classic-Fit 5 Pocket Pant Utilitech are durable and versatile pants that are a solid option for out in the field or in the office. The rugged, yet stretchy and stylish utilitech fabric gives these a little more heft than some of lululemon’s other, thinner ABC models, while still feeling lighter than jeans or chinos.
How Do lululemon Pants Fit, Generally?
lululemon has designed a huge assortment of pants in all different fits from slim to classic to relaxed-fit. While slim fit pants will gently hug your thighs and glutes, classic-fit pants will offer more room in the thighs and glutes, but both will still typically taper toward the ankle. Relaxed fit offers a slightly baggier look with even more room in the thighs and glutes and typically a wider opening in the pant leg.
lululemon’s ABC pants line is a great place to start where you can pick up a stretchy, sleek alternative to chinos for work or play in any of these three fits.
How to Wash lululemon Pants
Most of lululemon’s pants and garments are made from synthetic fiber blends, meaning they call for a strictly cold wash cycle with a low tumble dry. lululemon advises you to avoid ironing or dry cleaning their pants as this could damage the materials.
Though, most of their garments are impressively wrinkle-resistant and therefore wouldn’t need ironing or dry cleaning altogether.
Which Are Best for You?
The New Venture Trouser Pique is my favorite fit for lightweight, versatile pants that are as stylish as they are comfortable, while the ABC Classic-Fit Trouser Smooth Twill offers an elegant and stretchy trouser that can be dressed up or down.
The New Venture Trouser Pique are versatile, lightweight pants that strike a balance between an athletic and elevated look. The material is soft and airy, yet durable and wrinkle-resistant, making these an ideal choice for hotter spring and summer months and to easily pack for traveling.
The In Mind Pant will help you breeze through any workout and the ABC Classic-Fit 5 Pocket Pant Utilitech serves up style with durability and lots of storage.
If you packed the four pants I reviewed above for a trip, you could sweat your way through a workout in the morning, explore the city for lunch, then throw on a dapper fit for a nice dinner date all without a wrinkle and not a pair of shorts in sight.
