
lululemon Define Jacket
Sculpting, stretchy layering jacket with thumbholes and secure pockets—size up for comfort.
The lululemon Define Jacket is the sleek, sculpting layer that aims to keep active women looking polished while moving from studio to street, ideal for anyone who wants a flattering midlayer that won’t feel frumpy on a commute or warmup. Reviewers and reviewers agree the jacket delivers a snatched, body‑skimming silhouette and thoughtful details like thumbholes and Cuffins that genuinely improve wear, though expert and user feedback diverge on fabrics, with brand claims about buttery softness held up for Nulu while some say the Luon version feels sturdier and longer lasting. Sizing is the practical snag, so size up if you plan to layer or dislike a tight fit, and expect delicate care to keep the finish looking new. Compared with cheaper lookalikes, it wins on hardware and seams but asks a premium price, so value depends on how much you prioritize fit, fabric choice and longevity. Overall, your personal fit needs, fabric preference and care willingness shape whether this jacket feels like a wardrobe staple.

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Publications
6 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
PureWow’s Stephanie Meraz is clearly impressed and genuinely enthusiastic about the lululemon Define Jacket. After three weeks of walks, workouts and errands she praises its sculpting, comfortable fit (preferring to size up), durable nylon‑Lycra blend, thoughtful details like thumbholes, pocket zippers and a zipper garage, and easy-care durability; she calls it versatile for gym, lounge, and everyday wear and even notes its viral “snatched waist” effect. Her only real caveat is that sizing runs small and can be tricky, so trying it on is wise. The tone is upbeat and approving throughout—practical, slightly giddy about the design tricks, and convincingly sold on the jacket as a worthwhile, long-lasting staple rather than a fleeting trend.
By Stephanie Meraz
Lauren Cunningham at Refinery29 is genuinely positive about the Define Jacket. She likes it for everyday comfort and stretch — calling it soft, second-skin cozy and easy to move in — and praises thoughtful details like padded zips, long sleeves with thumb holes, and shaping seams that flatter the torso. She tested sizing (chose a UK 10) and explains how sizing changes the fit: size down for a body-hugging look popular on TikTok, size up for a relaxed, still-form-fitting feel. Her only real caveats are skepticism about the viral “BBL” claim — sizing and fabric can slightly enhance curves but won’t magically reshape your bum — and that the trend aspect isn’t why she’d buy it. Overall the review is warm, measured, and recommends the jacket primarily for comfort, fit options, and everyday wear rather than hype.
By Lauren Cunningham
Tamara Kraus of CNN Underscored is plainly impressed and recommends the Lululemon Define jacket. She calls it her go-to warm-up layer for classes, praising its luxe details (smooth, durable zippers, thicker thumbhole fabric, helpful hair-tie zipper pull), reliable fit, and transparent material options (Luon vs. Nulu). Her enthusiasm is measured—she tested a cheaper $40 90 Degree by Reflex lookalike and found it soft and acceptable in a pinch, but inferior in craftsmanship, zipper quality, sizing consistency from Amazon, and likely longevity. Kraus flags shopping headaches with the budget pick and admits she can’t yet judge long-term durability, yet concludes the Define is worth the extra $80 for better construction, customer service, and potential cost-savings over repeated replacements—an endorsement that’s positive but pragmatic rather than gushing.
By Tamara Kraus
Jessica O'Donnell of Runner’s World is broadly positive about the Lululemon Define Jacket. She praises its premium materials and fit—calling it breathable, flattering, and ideal for long, sweaty runs—highlighting that it dries quickly and shields well in drizzle. Her enthusiasm is measured, though: she contrasts it with a much cheaper Amazon lookalike she wears daily, noting the Define’s superior nylon-lycra fabric and comfort during intense exercise, while acknowledging the budget option’s near-identical styling and decent durability for non-performance use. The review reads like a practical recommendation—pick the Define if you want high-performance breathability and comfort for serious runs, but consider the affordable alternative if you mainly want the look for commuting or casual wear, especially when price matters.
By Jessica O'Donnell
The New York Post reviewer Ruby McAuliffe really liked the lululemon Define Jacket overall. She praises the buttery-soft, lightweight Nulu fabric, thoughtful details like mesh back paneling, zippered pockets, thumbholes and a logo zipper, and says the snug fit created an instant hourglass/“BBL” effect she enjoyed; after wearing it all day she found it comfortably warm without overheating and stylish for everyday wear. Her few caveats are pragmatic: the jacket runs small (so size up to layer), the Delicate Mint was more vibrant than online, it’s pricey, and popular colors sell out quickly. In short, McAuliffe’s tone is upbeat and approving — enthusiastic about the fit and feel while offering just a few sensible warnings about sizing, color accuracy and availability.
By Ruby McAuliffe
Kate Mendonca at Canoe is generally positive about the new Define collection, especially the oversized and cropped jackets. She genuinely likes the oversized Define for its voluminous, cinchable silhouette and the cropped Define for its lightweight, figure-hugging Nulu fabric, giving both high marks; the wide-leg and mid-rise pants earn middling praise mainly due to length issues for petites (though cinchable hems help), and the track jacket is solid but unflattering on her body type. Overall the tone is upbeat and measured — enthusiastic about thoughtful details, fabric choices, and versatile styling, but realistic about fit trade-offs and who each piece will flatter. Her testing across five styles provides practical, experienced guidance for shoppers weighing silhouette, fabric weight, and petite-friendly fit.
By Kate Mendonca
YouTube
12 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
Mia Maples liked the Define Jacket overall and was pleasantly surprised by how closely Amazon’s dupe matched it. She praised the jacket’s flattering, slimming seams, thumbhole/Cuffins-style hand coverage, and warm, substantial fabric, and said the fit felt true-to-intent (though the dupe ran a touch roomier). Her tone was upbeat and impressed—calling the knockoff “ridiculously” similar—while noting color and minor back-panel differences and that some dupes use slightly different, less athletic-feeling fabrics. Bottom line: Mia views the Amazon option as a strong, cost-saving alternative if you don’t need the exact Lulu material.
Jess McKay is clearly positive and fond of the Define jacket overall. She praises Luon for structure and Nulu for buttery softness, calls the Luon classic durable and flattering, and likes details like cuffins, thumbholes, zipper garage, locker loop, and the emergency hair‑tie zipper pull; she recommends sizing up if you dislike a tight fit. Jess also balances enthusiasm with practical notes: Nulu is delicate, care matters, some variants feel less compressive, and new/relaxed styles may suit different needs. Her tone is enthusiastic but measured, aimed at helping viewers choose the right Define version for their lifestyle.
Jennifer Wang is cautiously underwhelmed by the Define Jacket. She praises Lululemon’s consistent construction and signature features—thumbholes, zipper garage and waist-snatching fit—but says the current Luon feels thinner, less structured, and not worth repurchasing; it still compresses well but isn’t comfortable layered and sleeves can bunch. Her tone is measured: appreciative of craftsmanship but disappointed by material changes and declining value compared with older versions, so she’s unlikely to buy another Define unless Lululemon returns to the sturdier, more substantial fabric she preferred.
Gabby is broadly positive and enthusiastic about the Define jackets. She praises the classic Luon for durability and warmth and the newer Nulu/Nulux-like pieces for their buttery softness and stretch, calling the cropped Nulu her favorite; she repeatedly recommends sizing up if you want less of a “hugged” fit. She flags tradeoffs—Nulu is more delicate and prone to pilling/snags, newer styles dropped the mesh vent, and the relaxed fit felt too oversized for her. Practical details (zipper garage, Cuffins, removable hair tie, thumbholes) earn consistent praise, and her hands-on try-ons feel helpful and authentic.
Anna is clearly positive about the lululemon Define Jacket. She praises the soft, sculpting Luon-like fabric, thumbholes/Cuffins, high zip and pockets, and says it’s flattering and warm for layering, but warns it runs tight (recommends sizing up), shows early signs of wear around the zipper after heavy use, and calls white impractical because it soils easily. She views it as a premium, stylish pick worth the price for those who value the look and feel, but advises choosing darker colors for durability and sizing carefully if you prefer more movement.
Bekah is clearly positive and genuinely enthusiastic about the Define family. She praises the luon and nulu fabrics for comfort and stretch, calls the full‑length and cropped Defines flattering and versatile (her favorite is the cropped nulu), and recommends staying true to size for most pieces—except suggesting size down for the half‑zip if you prefer a snug fit or size up for larger busts. She flags real negatives: the zip‑front pants’ slipping zipper and unflattering cut, and that some cropped/half‑zip lengths aren’t as waist‑hitting. Overall upbeat, practical, and hands‑on.
Grace On Ice is clearly pleased with the Define Jacket. She bought a size 6 (usually a 4) to allow layering, used it for two months of skating and light exercise, washed it gently, and reports no pilling or damage—just some fuzzing on the tag. She praises the warmth-without-overheating, quality feel, thumbhole/Cuffins-like details (and an elastic zipper-pull hair tie), and recommends it for figure skaters; overall tone is enthusiastic and confidently positive, with only minor care-related caveats and sizing advice.
Sonja Lauren liked the Define Jacket overall and came away enthusiastic but practical. She loved the colors, slimming “snatch” fit, and thumbhole/Cuffins-style sleeve benefits, but repeatedly stressed sizing — size 2 felt tight while a 4 gave more room and comfort; fit varies by length and color. Her tone was excited and playful (dressing-room fun), offering honest buying tips: try both sizes in-store and expect a snug, sculpted feel. She also noted value-conscious choices (waiting for sales) and mixed fit across variants, so sizing up is a common, useful takeaway.
Ani Veve is clearly enthusiastic—she loves the Define Jacket in Nulu and calls it flattering, buttery-soft, and wearable every day. She prefers the cropped, hoodless Nulu for her 5'2" frame, praises thumbholes/Cuffins, smooth zippers, and moisture-wicking performance (even for cardio), but flags that Nulu isn’t very insulating, light colors may stain, the hood can flop, and the cropped version covers less. Her practical tip: try both fabrics/lengths in store; if you want the snatched, second-skin look go Nulu cropped, but expect limited warmth in cold weather.
Whitney Nicole is clearly enthusiastic and calls the Define Jacket a go-to favorite. She praises its sculpting, buttery Nulu vs. denser Luon differences, thumbholes/Cuffins, hidden key pocket, and flattering seams, while advising true-to-size for a snug fit or sizing up to layer. Whitney also values durability—showing a well-worn 2013/14 jacket—and loves the cropped Nulu for workouts, but notes high price and quick sell-outs. She offers two Amazon dupes that mimic appearance (with minor feature gaps), making her recommendation pragmatic for both fans and budget-conscious shoppers.
Tiffany is generally positive about the lululemon Define Jacket. She likes its contour stitching, thumbhole/Cuffins-style sleeve mitts, breathable mesh back and slim, flattering fit, and says the size 4 felt comfortably less constricting than a 2. Her tone is appreciative but measured—she favors the Fig dupe’s softer, warmer fleece and deeper pockets, and notes Lululemon’s lighter, more breathable Luon-like feel is better for active wear. Overall Tiffany recommends the Define for its shaping and thoughtful details but suggests sizing up if you want less compression.
Karen is clearly enthusiastic — she loves the Define Jacket. She praises the Luon’s soft, breathable stretch, the thumbholes/Cuffins, secure zip pockets, flattering collar and sculpted fit, and calls it her go-to despite the price; she warns it runs tight and recommends sizing up, notes limited layering space, and flags cost and occasional dupes as budget alternatives. Her tone is genuinely delighted and personal (she bought it, tried sizes, and shows pockets), so the recommendation is wholehearted but practical: great fabric and details if you’re okay paying premium and buying a size larger for comfort.
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
Redditors generally like the Define Jacket but have mixed feelings. Many praise its flattering, slimming fit, lightweight packability and versatile style—people wear it for travel, workouts, and everyday outfits—while others call out tight sleeves, limited warmth, and sizing inconsistencies (some size up for layering). Design debates center on fabric choices (Nulu vs Luon), pilling, removal of vented backs, and cheap-looking gold zippers; plus frustration about limited plus sizing. Overall users find it fashionable and useful as a light layer, but buyers caution about fit, fabric care, and paying full price unless you truly need its specific silhouette.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •Sculpting silhouettePromoted as creating a snatched waist.
- •Distinct fabric optionsMarketed as Luon and Nulu variants.
- •Four-way stretchDesigned to move with the wearer.
- •Thumbholes and CuffinsDesigned to keep sleeves down.
Considerations
- •Sizing runs smallCan feel uncomfortably snug; size up.
- •Limited layering spaceStretch doesn't replace extra room.
- •Delicate fabric wearNulu variants pill or snag easily.
- •Care sensitivityNeeds gentle washing to preserve feel.
Early real‑world feedback is still limited, so take early impressions as helpful but not definitive. Known for premium athleisure, lululemon positions this jacket as a polished, performance‑ready layering piece that bridges studio, commute and travel use—think warm‑up laps, brisk walks, and everyday athleisure. In the sections that follow we’ll unpack why reviewers and testers focus on the jacket’s slim, body‑skimming silhouette, its choice of Luon vs. Nulu fabric blends, and the practical tradeoffs those fabrics present for stretch and four‑way mobility during movement. You’ll also see how its sweat‑wicking, water‑resistant finish balances breathability with light weather protection, and how thoughtful details like zippered pockets and an elastic zipper pull affect day‑to‑day usefulness. If you care about fit, fabric feel, or sleeve and closure function, review those topics closely—your ideal size and fabric choice can make this feel either like a tailored staple or an overly snug midlayer.

Fit and silhouette
The Define fits like a snug, sculpting layer meant to skim the body for a polished look. Reviewers and experts consistently note the slim, body‑skimming cut and the jacket’s ability to create a flattering waist definition, while also warning that the sleeves and chest run tight for those wanting room to layer. If you prefer less compression, try sizing up; that advice is reinforced by hands‑on testers who found a larger size more comfortable without losing the intended shape.

Sleeve features
Sleeve details are small touches that noticeably improve usability during movement. The Define includes thumbholes and fold‑over Cuffins that keep sleeves down and add hand coverage, features praised across reviews for practical warmth, while the reinforced cuff fabric reduces wear at stress points. Users report these elements work as advertised, though tight sleeve fit can limit comfort so the sizing recommendation to size up applies if you want full hand mobility plus these features.

Fabric hand‑feel
The Define comes in distinct fabric families with noticeably different feels in real use. The classic Luon is praised for a structured, durable nylon‑Lycra blend that holds shape over time, whereas Nulu variants offer a buttery‑soft, second‑skin texture that feels plush but can pill or snag more easily. Experts and reviewers agree the brand claims about comfort are supported in wear, though durability trade‑offs favor the denser Luon for long‑term resilience.

Closure and pockets
Functional hardware and storage make the Define useful beyond looks for daily life and workouts. The jacket offers zippered pockets for secure phone and keys and a chafe‑reducing zipper garage at the collar, plus an elastic zipper pull that doubles as a hair tie in a pinch, all of which experts highlight as thoughtful construction choices. Some reviewers note minor zipper wear after heavy use, so while build quality is generally high, expect careful laundering to preserve these details.

Moisture control
The Define balances light weather protection with breathability for active days and commutes. The Luon-based pieces provide sweat‑wicking performance and dry relatively quickly after exertion, and the material’s water‑resistant finish sheds light drizzle without feeling clammy. Reviewers and running testers confirm the jacket breathes well, but keep in mind it isn’t insulated, so it’s best used as a midlayer rather than a primary cold‑weather coat.

Stretch and mobility
This jacket is made to move with you without bagging out over time, which matters for workouts and everyday use. The Luon/Lycra construction delivers four‑way stretch and reliable recovery so seams stay flattering during motion, while reviewers highlight the fabric’s high elasticity for comfortable arm movement. The practical downside is that the tight fit limits layering space, so the stretch helps but doesn’t replace sizing up when you want extra room underneath.

Conclusion
Taking stock after reviewing fit, fabrics and function, here's the practical verdict: the Define delivers a confidently sculpting silhouette that buyers and testers praise for its flattering seams but warns that the slim fit can feel restrictive if you plan to layer, so sizing choices matter; its Luon and Nulu options give distinct hand-feel trade-offs—Luon for structure and longevity, Nulu for buttery softness that may pill; built-in four-way stretch preserves mobility for workouts yet doesn’t replace the need for a roomier size if you want bulk underneath; practical touches like thumbholes, zipper garage and secure pockets elevate daily use and make it a smart pick for studio-to-street wearers who value tailored styling and thoughtful details, while those seeking heavy insulation or carefree low-maintenance fabrics should consider alternatives.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
Warmth Insulation
2/5
Weather Resistance
3/5
Durability
4/5
Breathability
4/5
Mobility Fit
5/5
Fastening Reliability
4/5
Value
Price to Quality Ratio
4/5
Versatility
5/5
Longevity Cost Per Wear
4/5
Design
Aesthetic Style
5/5
Fit and Flatter
5/5
Functional Details
5/5
Health
Non Toxic Treatments
TBD
Thermal Comfort Regulation
4/5
Safety
Visibility Reflective Elements
1/5
Secure Closures
4/5
Sustainability
Recycled Material Use
TBD
Repairability
TBD
Responsible Sourcing
TBD
End of Life Recyclability
TBD
Experience Style
Ease of Care
3/5
Customization Options
2/5
Packability Convenience
4/5
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Value
Design
Safety
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
10 Questions
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