I tested the new lululemon Winter ‘Train’ collection — My review

I’ve always thought of lululemon as the gold standard of everyday activewear.

In High School, I would spend hours begging my mom to take me to the mall to get my hands on a pair of the coveted Align Leggings. Everyone seemed to own a pair, and it wasn’t just a fad. The material was genuinely to-die-for. Stretchy, buttery-soft and supportive; fitting like a glove.

A decade later, and I could still probably identify Nulu fabric with my eyes closed.

It was all the everyday items — like the Align leggings and those Scuba Hoodies and trendy Everywhere Belt Bags — that kept me coming back for more lululemon. Pieces that you could wear from brunch to errands and then a workout class, and somehow still look presentable.

But since those days, lululemon has expanded to offer more technical pieces, such as gear dedicated to running, yoga and outdoor adventures. As a shopping writer, I’ve had a chance to test out some of the best apparel for working out, and I’ve always been curious exactly how lululemon’s newer pieces stack up.

The winter drop is stacked with silhouettes built for training. The Women’s Chargefeel 3 Shoes, Wunder Train No Line leggings and the Define Cropped Jacket were a few of the first to catch my eye. These pieces are soft, warm and still engineered for performance.

And, what better time to put new lululemon gear to the test than mid-January? With my New Year’s resolutions in full swing and the blistering New York City cold setting in, I decided to see how the latest collection stands up against the brand’s iconic legacy pieces.

Below, find my unfiltered take on how the Winter styles fared through several sweaty sauna sessions, workout classes and plenty of ice-cold days trekking through the city.

Seamless leggings are a no-brainer (less chaffing, more comfort). lululemon took note: The new Wunder Train No Lines are now offered with no front-rise seam for a smoother look and feel. They’re also made with fast-drying, Everlux fabric that wicks away moisture and lets you breathe through sweaty workouts.

The fit leans more supportive than some previous styles. A thick high-rise waistband with a hidden pocket has a slight smoothing effect, and medium support through the legs keeps everything in place. Added Lycra fibres offer superior shape retention as you stretch through different movements.

While they aren’t Aligns, the Wunder Train No Lines deserve respect in their own right. They provide immense support, though they are a bit more challenging to pull on than my other leggings — including previous lululemon styles. I’d suggest sizing up if you’re between sizes or want more breathing room.

Once they’re on, however, I feel ready to run a marathon. The waistband offers a secure, held-in feel, and the compression through the leg is perfect for high-impact workouts or running. I might still reach for something stretchier for lounging, but when you’re moving fast, these are exactly what you want. In fact, wearing them might actually be motivating me to work out.

The silhouette is shapely and flattering — several people in the reviews section agree with me. I opted for the new True Navy color, which felt perfect for Winter and doesn’t show sweat stains like lighter shades. They’re sporty, yet stylish, and pair beautifully with the cropped Define Jacket for a serious training outfit.

Material: Pocket Lining: 90% Polyester (recycled), 10% Lycra Elastane Body: 77% Nylon, 23% Lycra Elastane | Color options: 5 | Length Options: 25″, 28″ | Size Options: 0-14

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Meet the abbreviated version of the best-selling Define Jacket (a personal favorite of mine, Circa 2014). This slim-fitting, lightweight jacket is designed for casual wear, but still makes a great second layer for workout classes or outdoor errands.

Thoughtful features make it a convenient option for when you’re on the go. Zippered pockets offer storage for cards and keys. Thumbholes and fold-over cuffs help keep your hands warm, and an elastic zipper pull even doubles as an emergency hair tie. Plus, it comes with a back loop, so you remember to hang it up when you’re done.

I love the little touches that make this jacket so practical for everyday wear, but for me, it really comes down to the length. At 5’3″ with a short torso, I want to avoid bunching or extra fabric while jogging or in a workout class. The Define Cropped Jacket is the perfect solution.

It features the same weightless, buttery-soft fabric as the original, but with a hem that hits right above the waist. lululemon describes it as “not too short, not too long,” and the moment I put it on, I understood exactly what they meant. It skims the body and snatches the waist perfectly without revealing skin, which is pretty important when it’s freezing outside.

The hardware is shiny and expensive-looking, and even in the dark navy shade, the color is vivid. All in all, it’s a very attractive jacket (reviewers say it’s perfect for school, gym or just chilling). Just keep in mind that this style is designed to show your curves; if you prefer more room in the arms, chest or midsection, I’d recommend sizing up.

Material: Lining: 56% Polyester, 33% Coolmax Polyester, 11% Lycra Elastane Body: 81% Nylon, 19% Lycra Elastane | Color options: 12 | Size Options: 0-14

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Women’s Chargefeel 3 Workout Shoe

Finally, a sneaker that does it all. The third iteration of lululemon’s Chargefeel sneakers offers a re-engineered upper to secure your foot with support and stretch. They’re said to deliver more bounce for running and more stability for training, plus a revamped outsole to keep you stable on various conditions.

Comfort is key — and the Chargefeels follow the unique morphology of the female foot to capture every curve and crest. Added Nulu fabric on the heel lining brings that truly soft feel of the iconic Align leggings. And while they fit true to size for most, lululemon recommends sizing up if you have wider feet.

My initial thoughts: these shoes feel like a sock. They slip on easily (partially, thanks to the moulded heel clip) and stay on securely with a solid forefoot band. I sized up as recommended since I have wider feet, and the material itself felt supportive, but not overly constricting.

Aesthetically, they’re a bit sleeker than your typical sneaker. Something you can wear in or out of the gym. I opted for the black shade because I know the pain of dirty running shoes, and I’m content with my decision. The lighter shades are pretty, but you wouldn’t be able to tell I’ve taken these through sleet.

Between chasing after my toddler, squeezing in three miles and packing in a HITT class, these shoes have held up phenomenally well. I feel balanced in them, and the traction is reliable enough to prevent slipping — even on black ice. Their profile is also low enough for some light-weight training, making them a truly versatile, all-around sneaker.

Weight:  228g (8oz) | Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm | Color Options: 4 | Size Options: 5-12

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How does lululemon’s new Winter Train collection fare in cold weather?

Per my testing, the new Winter Train collection proved itself in blistery cold conditions. The Chargefeel sneakers handled icy sidewalks and sleet well and showed very few marks even after moderate use. They’re not technically waterproof, but they do dry fast if they happen to get wet, and they’re still sleek to wear around town.

As for the apparel, the Wunder Train leggings feel thicker and warmer than others I’ve tested, yet they still dry quickly — perfect for the commute home from a sweaty sauna session. The Define Jacket is thin and lightweight, but it works as a great base layer for outdoor runs or a cover-up to throw over a sports bra on your way to a workout class.

How does lululemon’s new Winter Train collection fare in cold weather?

Per my testing, the new Winter Train collection proved itself in blistery cold conditions. The Chargefeel sneakers handled icy sidewalks and sleet well and showed very few marks even after moderate use. They’re not technically waterproof, but they do dry fast if they happen to get wet, and they’re still sleek to wear around town.

As for the apparel, the Wunder Train leggings feel thicker and warmer than others I’ve tested, yet they still dry quickly — perfect for the commute home from a sweaty sauna session. The Define Jacket is thin and lightweight, but it works as a great base layer for outdoor runs or a cover-up to throw over a sports bra on your way to a workout class.

Is it worth it? The verdict is in:

wear and performance. The price tags are higher, but the durability justifies it; these pieces handle the outdoors with ease, all while offering flattering silhouettes you’ll want to show off. If you’re serious about making fitness a part of your routine, this collection is worth it.

How We Tested

While trying out lululemon’s new Winter Train Collection, I considered three main testing factors: Materials and support level, care and wash requirements, and style and features.

• Materials and support level: While putting the Winter Train collection through a variety of workouts (running and lifting included), I considered how much support and security each piece offered. I also observed the quality of the material, the amount of stretch it offered and how well it held each item held its shape. With the sneakers, I made note of the traction and propulsion on different surfaces, including wet, slippery sidewalks.
• Care and wash: Workout clothing tends to go through more washes than typical clothing, which means it’s important to check seams, threads and fabrics to ensure quality holds up over time. I ran the leggings and jacket through cold-water washes and regular drying cycles, finding no flaws or discoloration. For the sneakers, I also considered how fast they dried after runs.
• Style and features: These pieces are engineered for performance, but style and versatility are also key factors if you’re looking for everyday activewear. I considered the functional details — such as hidden pockets for extra storage and pull-over cuffs to keep hands warm. I also took note of the new color variety, quality of the hardware and how well each design translates to everyday wear outside of the gym. 

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This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.

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