[PHOTOS: lululemon]
When lululemon makes a play into a new sport or activity, the activewear giant does things properly. The brand was founded in Vancouver in 1998 as a design studio that hosted yoga classes at night. It quickly became a global household name in technical apparel and now has 655 stores internationally, from cities like Sydney (Bondi and Sydney city) and Melbourne (Lonsdale St) to New York (Soho) and Tokyo (Shinjuku).
Now, after what some might call a “soft launch” into golf over the course of several years, with the occasional piece that could double as golf clothing, they are leaning into the game in a big way. First, with polos like the Meal Vent Tech Polo or the ABC Slim Fit Golf Trouser and the ABC Classic-Fit Golf Short.
Australian golfers might be wondering, how will a Canadian activewear brand produce clothing suitable for rounds during the Australian summer? The answer is easy; lululemon does its homework. When the company announced our very own Min Woo Lee as its first ever PGA Tour ambassador in early 2024, lululemon invited the West Australian to its Vancouver headquarters. After greeting some executives, Lee underwent thorough testing conditions so that lululemon could develop golf clothes designed to be worn in hot climates all around the world. He was asked to run on a treadmill within a sweat chamber, where different golf conditions were simulated. Three-time DP World Tour winner Lee then realised a company like lululemon doesn’t just become the biggest activewear brand in the world without serious research and development.
“I was wearing testing material, the fabrics I would wear on a golf course, and I hopped on a treadmill,” Lee told Australian Golf Digest. “In this chamber, they were able to alter the wind, humidity and heat. I also hit some balls into a simulator and gave them feedback. It was a cool experience. When you are a part of a company as big as lululemon, it’s awesome to have a team so professional.”
The payoff for lululemon’s research are several new pieces that ooze technology on the course. Lee wears the latest innovation from lululemon: the ShowZero™ Polo. It is inbuilt with technology to almost eliminate the appearance of sweat, keeping golfers cool and confident confident for tee offs, takeoffs, and everything in between. There’s also the ABC Slim Fit Golf Trouser, which are perfect for both cold and hot weather with integrated ventilation and stretch fabric that delivers comfort round after round. That stretch fabric is water and abrasion- resistant, meaning it can be worn in all situations on and off the course. Another neat feature is the stretch elastic panels on the waistband. The City-To-Hike Waterproof Jacket is one of those rare garments that look so good you end up wearing it during city adventures as often as you do for golf. Its sleek design blends into urban environments while the waterproof construction keeps you, and an insulating layer, protected from rain. Zippered hand pockets with hidden phone sleeve are also useful.
Then there’s the Evolution Long Sleeve Polo, which boasts four-way stretch fabric that is also sweat-wicking, and quick-drying. The Evolution was also treated with No-Stink Zinc™ technology to inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria. And finally, Australian golfers will love the ABC Classic-Fit Golf Short 9” given our country’s almost year-round shorts weather. They are the best kind of golf shorts; stretchy and stylish but durable to last. Extra pockets allow golfers to store essentials and water-resistant fabric keeps golfers protected from splashes. There are also stretch elastic panels on the waistband.
lululemon’s approach to golf mirrors its broader mission: to create a community around active living and mindfulness. For golf, lululemon knows technical performance and a fashion-forward look will earn the trust of those who play it. Thankfully, they’re elite at both.
