Is the Lululemon Full Length Scuba Actually Better Than the Cropped Version?

Is the Lululemon Full Length Scuba Actually Better Than the Cropped Version?

You know that feeling when you finally get exactly what you asked for and then you’re like, "Wait, is this what I wanted?" That’s the vibe with the Lululemon full length scuba. For years, the collective internet—mostly the Lululemon subreddit and TikTok—practically begged the brand to stop cropping everything. We wanted warmth. We wanted coverage. We wanted to sit down without our lower backs hitting the cold air.

Then they dropped it.

It isn't just a longer version of the Oversized Half-Zip. It’s a different beast entirely. Honestly, if you grew up wearing the OG Scuba hoodies from 2010, the ones that were skin-tight and thick enough to stop a bullet, this new full-length situation might confuse you. It’s a hybrid. It’s got that boxy, "I just threw this on" aesthetic but with the length of a traditional hoodie.

What the Lululemon Full Length Scuba Really Feels Like

Let’s talk about the weight. Most people expect the Lululemon full length scuba to be heavy because of the extra fabric. It isn’t. Lululemon uses their Cotton Fleece fabric here, which is brushed on the inside. It’s soft. Ridiculously soft. But it’s not "heavy-duty" in the way a Carhartt jacket is.

If you’re used to the cropped version, the first thing you’ll notice is the hem. It hits right around the hip or just below, depending on how tall you are. If you’re 5'2", this thing is basically a dress. If you’re 5'9", it’s the perfect "normal" hoodie length. The fit is still technically "oversized," so don't expect a snatched waistline. You’re going for the cloud look here.

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The zipper is another thing. It’s a full-zip. This matters because the half-zips are notoriously annoying to take off if you have a messy bun or glasses. The full-zip solves that. You can layer it over a Swiftly Tech long sleeve or a sports bra without doing a wrestling match with your own clothes in the gym locker room.

Why the fabric choice matters for longevity

Cotton fleece is great, but it’s finicky. Lululemon addicts know the "Scuba Fade" is a real thing. If you buy the Lululemon full length scuba in a dark color like True Navy or Black, you have to be careful. Wash it inside out. Cold water only. Hang it to dry. If you throw this in a hot dryer, it will shrink, and the fleece inside will lose that "marshmallow" feel and start feeling more like a bath mat.

I’ve seen people complain that the full-length version feels "thinner" than the old-school Scubas. They’re right. It is. But that’s intentional. The modern Scuba line is designed for layering and lounging, not necessarily for hiking through a blizzard in the Yukon. It’s a lifestyle piece.

The Fit Dilemma: S/M vs. M/L

Sizing at Lululemon is usually a numbers game (2, 4, 6, 8...), but the Lululemon full length scuba uses the dual sizing system. This is where people get tripped up.

  • XS/S: Best for the petite crowd or those who want a "fitted" oversized look.
  • M/L: The sweet spot for most people. It gives you that baggy, Pinterest-aesthetic sleeve length.
  • XL/XXL: Massive. If you want to disappear into your clothes, this is the one.

The problem? The pockets. On the full-length version, the kangaroo pockets can sometimes create a little "pouch" effect at the front if the hoodie is too big. It’s not always flattering. If you’re between sizes, honestly, size down. The length is already there; you don't need the extra width unless you're specifically going for that "stole my boyfriend's hoodie" vibe.

Lululemon Full Length Scuba vs. The Oversized Cropped Version

Why choose one over the other? It comes down to your leggings.

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If you live in Align High-Rise leggings, the cropped Scuba looks better. It meets the waistband perfectly. It creates a silhouette. But if you’re wearing the Lululemon full length scuba, you’re likely pairing it with bike shorts or jeans. It provides "bum coverage," which is the holy grail for a lot of women who don't want to feel exposed in thin leggings.

There’s also the warmth factor. The cropped Scuba is basically a chimney—cold air just whistles right up the bottom. The full-length version traps heat. If you live somewhere with an actual winter, the full length is the only one that makes sense for outdoor wear.

The Price Point: Is it worth the $128?

Let’s be real. $128 for a hoodie is a lot. You can get a decent hoodie at Gap or Aritzia for half that. What you’re paying for with the Lululemon full length scuba is the specific hood weight (it’s heavy, which some people hate because it pulls the front of the hoodie back) and the thumbholes.

The thumbholes are a dealbreaker for some. They’re iconic. They’re also reinforced on the Scuba line, so they don't rip as easily as the ones on the thinner Define jackets.

Real Talk on the "Scuba Hood"

The hood on the Lululemon full length scuba is massive. It’s double-layered. This makes it look premium, but it also makes it heavy. If you don't zip the hoodie up at least halfway, the weight of the hood can pull the collar against your throat. It’s a quirk of the design.

Some people find it cozy. Others find it annoying. It’s the "weighted blanket" of headwear. If you have neck issues or hate feeling restricted, you might actually prefer the Scuba Funnel Neck (no hood), though that usually only comes in the cropped length.

Common Misconceptions

People think "Full Length" means it’s like a tunic. It’s not. It’s a standard hoodie length. If you’re looking for something that covers your entire thighs, this isn't it. You’d need to look at the Lab collection or specific long-line jackets for that.

Another myth: "It doesn't pill."
Everything pills if you rub it against a velcro gym bag or wash it with towels. The Lululemon full length scuba is cotton-based. It will pill under the arms eventually. Get a cheap fabric shaver; it’ll save your life and your $130 investment.

How to Style It Without Looking Like You're in Pajamas

The struggle is real. Wear a full-length, oversized hoodie and suddenly you look like you haven't left the house in three days.

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  1. The "Clean Girl" Look: Pair the Bone or White Opal Lululemon full length scuba with matching Aligns and a slicked-back bun. Add gold hoops. It looks intentional, not messy.
  2. The Streetwear Edge: Wear it unzipped over a tight crop top with baggy cargo pants. The contrast between the tight top and the oversized hoodie keeps you from looking like a shapeless blob.
  3. The Winter Layer: Put it under a long wool coat. Let the hood hang out over the back of the coat. It’s very "New York off-duty model."

Actionable Steps for Potential Buyers

If you’re staring at the website right now wondering if you should pull the trigger on a Lululemon full length scuba, do this first:

  • Check the "We Made Too Much" section. Usually, on Thursdays, they drop colors that didn't sell well. You can often find the full-length Scuba for $89 or $99 if you aren't picky about the color.
  • Audit your closet. If you already own three cropped Scubas, ask yourself if you actually need the length. If you find yourself reaching for a denim jacket over your Scubas because you want more coverage, then yes, buy the full length.
  • Know your colors. Lululemon "Core" colors (Black, Navy, Heathered Core Ultra Light Grey) never go on sale. If you want one of those, just buy it. If you want a seasonal color like Strawberry Milkshake or Belgian Blue, wait three weeks; it might hit the markdown rack.
  • Wash it right. Use a mesh laundry bag. It sounds extra, but it keeps the zipper from snagging on other clothes and prevents the fabric from getting fuzzy too fast.
  • Measure your torso. If you have a very short torso, the "full length" might hit you at an awkward spot that cuts off your legs. In that case, the cropped version is actually more flattering.

The Lululemon full length scuba is a response to a very specific customer demand. It’s for the person who loves the Scuba aesthetic but hates the "half-shirt" trend. It’s comfortable, it’s expensive, and it’s probably going to be your most-worn item for Sunday morning coffee runs. Just don't put it in the dryer. Seriously.