We tested lululemon’s back-to-school collection — You need these for the fall semester

Ah, back to school season. The time of year that used to mean new notebooks, lunch boxes, backpacks, and the perfect excuse to overhaul your wardrobe. Now, even as a bona fide adult, I still can’t resist the urge to refresh my closet when September rolls around. But instead of hunting for the trendiest high school or college threads, I’m on the lookout for styles that can take me from a morning meeting to the occasional guest lecture — because, yes, they still call me back to campus sometimes.

I recently put lululemon’s Back-to-School collection to the test with four of their pieces to see if they could handle my version of the classroom. Spoiler alert: they did, and they did it with style. Here’s how each item fared.

I have a weakness for joggers, especially when they’re as comfy as lululemon’s Scuba Mid-Rise Oversized Jogger. These pants are the perfect mix of cozy and cool, with a mid-rise waist that doesn’t dig in and a fit that’s oversized without being sloppy. The fabric is thick enough to keep you warm on those chilly mornings, but breathable enough that you won’t overheat if you’re rushing to catch the subway (bus, what have you…).

I tested these out on a work-from-home day, but they would have been just as perfect for those long lecture days back in school when all you want is to be comfortable without totally looking like you just rolled out of bed. The oversized fit gives them a streetwear vibe, and I could definitely see myself throwing these on with a fitted tee or hoodie for a laid-back yet stylish classroom look. In short, these joggers are a must-have for anyone who values comfort but still wants to look like there was effort involved.

This cami might just be the softest thing I’ve ever worn, and that’s saying something. The Nulu fabric feels like a second skin — smooth, stretchy, and just the right amount of clingy. It’s the kind of piece you throw on without thinking, but once it’s on, you realize you don’t ever want to take it off.

I paired it with the joggers for an effortlessly cool look, but it could easily be layered under a blazer or cardigan for a more polished vibe. The spaghetti straps are adjustable, which is a nice touch, and the length hits just right at the hips, so you don’t have to worry about it riding up throughout the day. It’s simple, it’s chic, and it’s exactly what you need in your wardrobe whether you’re heading to class, the office, or just lounging at home.

Last but not least, the Relaxed-Fit Twill Blazer. This is the piece that takes your look from “I might have tried” to “I know what I’m doing.” The relaxed fit keeps it from feeling too stuffy, while the twill fabric adds a bit of structure and elegance that’s perfect for those days when you need to look like a boss — even if you’re just leading a study group.

I wore this blazer to a meeting, and it instantly elevated my outfit. It has a slight stretch to it, which makes it comfortable enough to wear all day, and the relaxed fit means you can layer it over just about anything without feeling restricted. I can see this becoming a staple in my wardrobe for those days when I want to feel a little more put-together without sacrificing comfort. For students, this blazer is a game-changer — it’s the perfect way to dress up a basic outfit for presentations, interviews, or any occasion where you want to make a strong impression.

How we tested

To put lululemon’s Back-to-School collection through its paces, I approached it like a true scholar of style — with a rigorous blend of desk duty, Zoom meetings, and a couple of impromptu coffee runs. Each piece was worn during a typical day in my life, which, as it turns out, is not too different from a day on campus (minus the all-nighters). I paid close attention to comfort, fit, versatility, and the all-important “can I sit in this for hours without regretting my life choices?” factor. Here’s a breakdown of my testing methodology:

Comfort: Evaluated each piece for all-day wearability, from morning meetings to late afternoon tasks, ensuring they remained comfortable without losing shape or structure.

Fit: Assessed how well each item fit, focusing on how the garments moved with me throughout the day, ensuring they maintained their intended relaxed or oversized look without appearing sloppy.

Versatility: Tested each piece in different settings — from professional meetings to casual outings — to see how easily they could transition from one environment to another.

Durability: Monitored how well the fabric held up after extended wear, paying attention to any signs of wear and tear, stretching, or fading.

Style: Judged the overall aesthetic of each piece, including how well they paired with other wardrobe staples, and whether they could elevate a basic outfit with minimal effort.

Breathability: Checked how well the fabric managed temperature, particularly during active moments like walking or commuting, ensuring they kept me cool without compromising on style.

Ease of Care: Considered how easy each item was to care for, factoring in washing, drying, and how well they bounced back after being packed away in a bag or drawer.

The verdict

Lululemon nailed it with these pieces — they’re comfortable, stylish, and versatile enough to fit into any back-to-school wardrobe, whether you’re hitting the books or hitting the office. Each item brings something unique to the table, and together, they create a wardrobe that’s ready for anything. So, whether you’re a student, a professional, or somewhere in between, lululemon’s got you covered. Just don’t blame us when you find yourself wanting to buy the whole collection.

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