You know that feeling when you finally find a piece of clothing that just works? No fuss. No weird bunching. It just fits. For a lot of people, that’s exactly what happens when they first zip up a lululemon full zip jacket. It isn't just a gym layer. Honestly, it’s basically become a uniform for half the population. But here is the thing: lululemon makes roughly a dozen different "full zip" styles, and if you buy the wrong one for your body type or your workout, you’re going to be annoyed.
I’ve spent years tracking athletic gear trends. I’ve seen the cheap knockoffs. I've seen the "dupes" that fall apart after three washes in a standard top-loader. Lululemon persists because they’ve mastered a very specific blend of technical nylon and Lycra that most brands just haven't figured out how to replicate without it feeling like plastic.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Define Jacket
If you search for a lululemon full zip jacket, the first thing that pops up is almost always the Define Jacket. It’s the "BBL jacket" of TikTok fame. People love it because it’s snatched. It has those curved seams that somehow make everyone look like they have a 24-inch waist.
But here is the reality check: the Luon fabric version is thick. It’s heavy. If you try to run a 5k in a Luon Define, you are going to overheat within ten minutes. It’s designed for "to and from"—meaning walking to the studio or grabbing a latte after yoga.
If you actually want to sweat, you have to look at the Nulu version. Nulu is the fabric used in the Align leggings. It’s buttery. It’s light. It feels like a second skin. However, Nulu is fragile. If you wear a heavy backpack over a Nulu lululemon full zip jacket, it will pill. I’ve seen it happen to $120 jackets in a single afternoon. You have to choose: do you want the structure of Luon, or the weightlessness of Nulu? You can't really have both.
The Luxtreme Alternative
For the high-impact crowd, there’s Luxtreme. It’s slick. It’s cool to the touch. It’s the material that doesn’t catch pet hair, which, honestly, is a dealbreaker for most of us. If you have a golden retriever, don't even look at the Luon or Nulu options. You’ll be a walking lint roller. Stick to the Luxtreme full zip variants.
The Scuba Oversized Full Zip: Is the Hype Real?
A few years ago, lululemon shifted. They went from "everything must be skin-tight" to the "oversized" era. Enter the Scuba Oversized Full Zip.
It’s boxy. It’s cropped. It’s got that giant hood that weighs about three pounds.
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Critics say it’s overpriced for what is essentially a cotton hoodie. They aren't entirely wrong. You are paying for the logo on the hood and the specific "fleece-back" cotton blend that stays soft even after a year of wear. Most cheap hoodies get scratchy. The Scuba doesn't.
But there is a catch. The "Cropped" version is very short. If you have a long torso, it might sit awkwardly above your hip bone, which isn't always the look people are going for. If you’re tall, you might actually prefer the standard Scuba Full Zip—the one that isn't oversized. It’s longer, more fitted, and has been in the lineup for over a decade for a reason. It’s a classic.
Technical Details That Actually Matter
Let’s talk about the zippers. Lululemon uses YKK zippers, which are the gold standard, but they often add a "hair tie" zipper pull. It seems like a gimmick. It’s actually genius. How many times have you been at the gym and realized you forgot a tie? You just take it off your jacket.
Then there are the thumbholes.
And the "Cuffins."
"Cuffins" are these little fold-over flaps on the sleeves of the Define and some Scuba models. They act like mittens. If you’re running in 40-degree weather and your fingers are freezing, you just flip them over. It’s a small detail, but it’s the kind of thing that makes a lululemon full zip jacket worth the $118 to $148 price tag compared to a $30 version from a big-box retailer.
Venting and Breathability
Look at the back of a Define jacket. See that mesh flap? That’s not just for aesthetics. It’s a literal exhaust vent for your body heat. When you’re moving, your back is usually the first place to get sweaty. The vent allows airflow without making the jacket look like a piece of "tech-wear" gear.
Choosing the Right Size (It’s Confusing)
Lululemon sizing is numerical. 0 to 20. It doesn’t align with "Small, Medium, Large" very well.
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- Size 4: Roughly a US XS/Small.
- Size 6: Roughly a US Small/Medium.
- Size 8: Roughly a US Medium/Large.
For a lululemon full zip jacket, specifically the fitted ones like the Define, most people size up. If you wear a 6 in leggings, you might want an 8 or even a 10 in the jacket if you want to wear anything thicker than a sports bra underneath. These jackets are cut for an athletic build—narrow shoulders and a slim waist. If you have broad shoulders or a larger chest, the "true to size" option will feel like a straitjacket.
Why People Think lululemon is a Scam (And Why They’re Wrong)
You’ll see people on Reddit complaining about quality declining. "The seams are unraveling!" "It’s not what it used to be!"
There is some truth here. As brands scale, manufacturing changes. But lululemon still has one of the best "Quality Promise" policies in the industry. If the seams on your lululemon full zip jacket fall apart under normal wear and tear, you can usually take it into a store. They will often replace it or hem it for free. You aren't just buying the fabric; you’re buying the service.
Try doing that with a "dupe" from an online marketplace. You can't. You just throw it in the trash and buy another one, which is worse for your wallet and the planet in the long run.
Real-World Performance: The Rain and Wind Factor
Is it waterproof? No.
Is it windproof? Sorta.
The lululemon full zip jacket in the "Mist Over" or "Cross Chill" styles is what you want for weather. The standard Scubas and Defines are "breathable," which is code for "wind goes right through them."
If you live in Seattle or London, a cotton Scuba is a mistake. You’ll be a soggy mess. You need the RepelShell fabric. It’s a fleece-lined material that actually sheds water. It’s stiffer, sure, but it actually functions as outerwear. Most people buy lululemon for the look, but if you need it for the function, you have to read the fabric tag.
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How to Care for Your Jacket (Don't Ruin It)
I have seen so many people ruin a $128 jacket in the dryer.
Heat is the enemy of Lycra.
If you put your Nulu or Luon jacket in a hot dryer, the elastic fibers will snap. Over time, the jacket loses its "snap-back" and starts to sag.
The Golden Rules:
- Cold water only.
- Turn it inside out. This prevents the zipper from snagging other clothes and stops the face of the fabric from pilling.
- No fabric softener. This is huge. Fabric softener coats the fibers and kills the "wicking" ability. Your sweat will just sit on your skin.
- Air dry. Just hang it up. It’s synthetic; it’ll be dry in two hours anyway.
The Resale Value Secret
Here’s something most people don't consider: lululemon holds its value. If you buy a lululemon full zip jacket for $120 and wear it for two years, you can likely sell it on Poshmark or Depop for $50 to $70.
Limited edition colors—like Strawberry Milkshake, Belgian Blue, or various shades of Espresso—often sell for more than retail once they’re out of stock. It’s a weird secondary market, but it makes the initial high price tag a bit easier to swallow. It’s an asset, not just a purchase.
Actionable Steps for Your First Purchase
If you are ready to pull the trigger on a lululemon full zip jacket, don't just click the first one you see. Do this instead:
- Check the "We Made Too Much" section. This is lululemon’s clearance page. They update it every Thursday morning (usually around 7:00 AM EST). You can often find full zips for $79 or $89 instead of $120. Just remember: these are usually final sale.
- Identify your "Why." If it’s for lounging, get the Scuba Oversized. If it’s for looking put-together at the grocery store, get the Define in Luon. If it’s for actual running, get the Mist Over or a Luxtreme Define.
- Measure your favorite shirt. Compare the "pit-to-pit" measurement to lululemon’s size chart. Don't guess. Their "slim fit" means slim fit.
- Go for a neutral first. As much as the bright pinks and greens are fun, a black or navy lululemon full zip jacket will be in your closet for a decade. The trendier colors get old fast.
- Test the zipper. When you get it, check the garage. (That’s the little piece of fabric at the top that hides the zipper so it doesn't poke your neck). If it’s scratchy, return it. Lululemon's QC is usually good, but duds happen.
By focusing on the fabric type and the specific activity you're doing, you'll avoid the "buyer's remorse" that comes with spending over a hundred bucks on a hoodie. These jackets are tools for a lifestyle—make sure you're picking the right tool for the job.