As the world of fitness and fashion come together in brands such as Lululemon, a unique advantage is offered when it comes to their quality and style. With Lululemon being such a popular brand among both men and women, this quality is attempted to be replicated by many.
Because of that, if you’re a Lululemon fan, you need to know how to spot fake Lululemon.
Many times Lululemon ends up in thrift and buy-sell-trade stores, along with secondhand marketplaces like Poshmark and eBay. While this is great for shoppers, because you can end up scoring a good deal, you want to make sure you are buying the real thing.
As someone who previously worked at Plato's Closet, I was authenticating Lululemon items almost daily. Because of that, I've learned valuable tips and tricks to spot fake Lululemon.
So if you're having trouble discerning what is real Lululemon from fake Lululemon, don't worry. In this post, we will go over 10 ways to identify fake Lululemon from an expert reseller and Lululemon fanatic.
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1. Size Dot
The first aspect of a Lululemon item that we will evaluate is the size dot. In this section, we will do an overview of authentic Lululemon size dots but be sure to read our post on finding a Lululemon size dot for more details!
First, it is important to know that Lululemon size dots have changed over the years. Older styles of Lululemon have nearly blank size dots. You will see a white circle with a number inside of it, telling you the size of the item.
These size dots were later updated to add a combination of letters and numbers onto the perimeter of the size dot. These are identifying factors for the year of production and the Lululemon style number.
Years later, the size dots were updated once again, presenting another way for shoppers to be sure of the product's authenticity. In recent days, Lululemon has started updating some of its item categories once again, and has eliminated the size dot altogether in some garments.
Crazy, I know right?! Lululemon is actually moving toward what looks like a size rectangle with rounded edges. So, even if you see an item that has a rectangle while scrolling through sites, it may just be a newer, more recently produced Lululemon item.
Finding A Lululemon Size Dot
As a general rule of thumb, you can find the size dot on the left-hand pocket of the item. For shorts and leggings with a back zip pocket, you’ll likely find the size dot here.
Additionally, just because the item does not have a size dot does not mean that it is fake Lululemon. Sometimes size dots fall off or are peeled off. This is something consumers need to be aware of when authenticating Lululemon.
Because of that, be sure to keep a running total of red flags as we go over the other portions of identifying fake Lululemon.
2. STYLE NUMBER
Now that you know how to find and interpret a size dot, you can use the Lululemon style number as another confirming factor that your item is authentic. You can do this by typing the style number into a Google search or on Lulu Fanatics.
For all of the nitty-gritty details on this, read our full guide to finding a Lululemon style number.
Once you have your style number, type it into a Google search and see what comes up. Hopefully, it will lead you to an authentic Lululemon page, full of positive reviews confirming that the item was made by them.
Many times you will also find the style name as a result of this. You can take the style name and type it into a Lulu Fanatics search. Lulu Fanatics is a large database that has all of the items, styles, and products that Lululemon has created.
Here, on the Lulu Fanatics site, you can check your item for the details that are outlined in Lulu Fanatics to hopefully prove the authenticity of your item.
3. PATTERN AND COLOR
Many times, the pattern and color go hand in hand with the Lululemon style number and looking the item up on Lulu Fanatics. This is important to know because sometimes scam artists make really good counterfeit products that resemble Lululemon, which are merely a knockoff and an imitation.
This is obviously incredibly frustrating as a consumer, as you invest your hard-earned money into buying what you believe is a genuine article of clothing, only to discover it's a copy.
So, it is important to keep in mind Lululemon only produces certain patterns and colors for certain items. If you go onto Lulu Fanatics with the style number and/or name of your product, but you do not see your specific item’s pattern or color, this could mean your item is a counterfeit.
As with all of these tips, keep this running total of red flags in your mind as we continue to investigate. It will ultimately be worth it to pay attention to detail so that you can avoid falling prey to a phony Lululemon product.
The next item we will dive into is the Lululemon rip tag. This specific tag is a critical feature to tell a genuine article of clothing from a replica.
4. RIP TAG
Lululemon has a signature rip tag that has a distinct length and vibrancy. It's white, has a slight sparkle and feels somewhat rough to the touch.
LOOK AND FEEL
Rip tags should be closely evaluated for spelling errors, improper fonts, and misspellings. Manufacturers of imitation Lululemon often overlook these small details.
RIP TAG CONTENT
It can be tough, at times, to utilize the rip tag to authenticate a Lululemon item because just like size dots, rip tags have changed over the years. Counterfeit sellers, however, may not always stay updated with these changes.
As a quick overview, older Lululemon items have the Lululemon logo and say “lululemon athletica” at the top of the rip tag. These tags were then updated and have the Lululemon logo and state “Lululemon” only.
More recently produced Lululemon items only have the Lululemon logo and do not state “lululemon” or “lululemon athletica” on the tag. As mentioned, counterfeit Lululemon manufacturers may not keep up with these changes, making it easier to identify their knockoff products.
As you can see, all Lululemon rip tags have the Lululemon logo. Just because it does not say “lululemon” or “lululemon athletica, it does not mean it is fake. Keep reading for other identifying strategies.
ATTACHMENT OF A LULULEMON RIP TAG
It is also important to mention, as the name implies, Lululemon rip tags are meant to be ripped off. The tag should be sewn in with a single seam that makes ripping it off of the item easy.
Knowing that, realize that if you find a pre-loved Lululemon item, it may not have the rip tag intact still.
Alternatively, if you find yourself struggling or needing to cut off the rip tag, this is a sure sign of fake Lululemon. And while it's natural to be drawn to lower prices, the money you save on a fake may not be worth it in the long run.
5. “I BELONG TO” TAG
The next tag type that we will discuss is the “I belong to” tag. If you see this, you may automatically think the item is a fraud.
That is because newer Lululemon items no longer have this tag. Regardless, if you see the “I belong to” tag, there should not be a plastic film overlaying it.
Real Lululemon just has the “I belong to” tag with no extra material overlaying it. This detail is commonly missed by those manufacturing fraudulent Lululemon items.
The same applies to the size dot. There should never be a transparent film overlaying the Lululemon size dot. Many fakes have either a rectangular or square film over either the size dot and/or the “I belong to” tag.
6. LOGO
Lululemon has arguably one of the most recognizable logos. The logo is a unique, abstract shape inside of a circle. This symbol is often replicated inaccurately in copies, proving to be a useful indicator of an imitation product.
You must look closely at the shape to determine whether your Lululemon item is real or fake. The most important factor is looking at the tapered tips of the shape.
As the logo tails off, you will notice sharp, pointy ends on either side of the shape. Many fake Lululemon items have rounded or soft edges, which can be an immediate giveaway.
The shape as a whole will not look squished, it will be nice and round. So if it doesn't hold up to this standard, it could potentially be a counterfeit item.
When you're getting ready to shop for your new yoga clothing, look for the Lululemon symbol on the back waistband of leggings, or on the back left of shorts, tops, jackets, and sports bras.
7. PRICE TAG
The Lululemon price tag, also known as the hang tag, is another essential component to evaluate. There are a few distinct areas you should look out for when examining a hang tag as you shop.
PLACEMENT
First, it is important to notice the placement of the hang tag. The right positioning on the garment can give you the advantage of identifying an authentic item.
The Lululemon hang tag will never be attached to the rip tag, or on the back seam of the yoga or fitness clothing item that you find. This is always a sign of fake Lululemon.
For bottoms, the hang tag will be on the left side of the garment (as if you’re wearing it). It will be situated on the first seam that appears from the top of the waistband, a feature brands like Lululemon follow strictly.
Lululemon hang tags on tops and sports bras are also placed on the lefthand side. They will be secured on the bottom left seam.
CONTENT
Aside from the positioning of the hang tag, it is also important to closely evaluate the content on the tag. First, make sure the font on your Lululemon hang tag looks correct. See the picture below for an example of an authentic Lululemon tag.
Also on the authentic tag, notice the spacing between the paragraphs, along with the QR code and price. Next, read over the tag to look for any spelling errors. Just like with the rip tag, spelling errors on the price tag are a definite sign of fake Lululemon.
Lastly, feel the hang tag to ensure it is a thick and sturdy piece of cardboard. If it is flimsy or bendable paper or other material, this is not an authentic Lululemon item. This simple tip can help you avoid getting a dupe on your next thrift store shopping spree.
9. PLASTIC PACKAGING
When you purchase a brand new Lululemon clothing item, whether from online sales or a brick-and-mortar shop, it will not come in branded plastic packaging. Instead, it will be a clear, transparent, plain plastic package without a logo, brand name, or any other identifiers.
At times, you may see a barcode stuck onto the outer plastic shipping packaging. If you purchase Lululemon brand new from a retailer other than Lululemon itself, and the item comes in a package that has branding, it is very likely a fake.
9. STITCHING
Next, we will evaluate the stitching of your Lululemon item. Stitching on authentic Lululemon will always be pristine, straight, and without a flaw.
This is one of the reasons why Lululemon charges a premium for its items. If the stitches are coming undone, are not straight, or do not line up from one side of the garment to another, I would be suspicious of the item being inauthentic.
Additionally, touch, feel, and evaluate the item for overall quality. With Lululemon, you can truly see and feel the quality of the buttery smooth fabric.
10. ZIPPER
On authentic Lululemon items, the zippers will be YKK. Additionally, if there is a rubber grommet on the zipper, it will display the Lululemon logo.
Zippers themselves will be metal while the interlocking zipper teeth component will be plastic. The color of the zipper teeth pieces will be the same as the garment. It will not be a different or contrasting color.
Now that we’ve gone over 10 identifying factors, you’ll have a real advantage and be able to sniff out fake Lululemon in no time.
This will help you confidently shop for your fitness and yoga clothing, ensuring you benefit from sales and discounts without falling for a dupe.
Speaking of, now is probably a good time to head over to our other post and learn the best places to find cheap Lululemon.
Have you ever found fake Lululemon in a thrift store or online? Comment below!
Mary
I wish I'd seen this before.