How to Care for Your Lululemon Jacket to Keep It Looking New
Lululemon jackets are known for their durability, high-performance fabrics, and sleek designs, making them a staple in many active wardrobes. However, to ensure that your Lululemon jacket remains as fresh, functional, and stylish as the day you bought it, proper care is essential. In this article, we’ll share tips on how to care for your Lululemon jacket so it maintains its quality and longevity, keeping you looking great and feeling comfortable for years to come.
1. Read the Care Instructions
Before washing or caring for any garment, it’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s care instructions. Lululemon jackets come in different fabrics—such as Luon, Nulu, Everlux, and fleece—each of which may have specific care guidelines. These instructions provide the best approach to cleaning, drying, and maintaining your jacket without compromising its performance.
Why It’s Important:
Following the care instructions ensures that your jacket receives the best possible treatment, preserving its fabric integrity and functionality.
2. Wash with Care: Gentle Machine Wash
To keep your Lululemon jacket in top condition, always wash it on a gentle cycle using cold water. Harsh detergents and hot water can damage the fabric, making it lose its shape, softness, and performance qualities. Stick to mild detergents that are free of harsh chemicals to prevent fabric breakdown. If your jacket has a water-repellent finish, using a detergent specifically designed for technical fabrics will help maintain this feature.
Why It’s Important:
Gentle washing prevents unnecessary wear and tear while helping to preserve the integrity of the jacket’s fabric, ensuring it stays as functional and stylish as when you first bought it.
3. Avoid Fabric Softener and Bleach
Fabric softeners and bleach can damage the moisture-wicking properties of performance fabrics. Fabric softeners coat the fibers, which can interfere with their ability to breathe and wick away sweat. Bleach, on the other hand, can weaken the fibers and cause discoloration. Always avoid these chemicals when caring for your Lululemon jacket.
Why It’s Important:
By avoiding fabric softeners and bleach, you help maintain the jacket’s breathability, moisture-wicking capabilities, and color integrity, ensuring that it continues to perform as expected.
4. Zip and Turn Inside Out
Before washing your jacket, zip up any zippers and turn it inside out. This prevents the zippers from snagging on the fabric during the wash cycle and reduces friction that could cause pilling or fabric damage. Turning your jacket inside out also helps protect the outer surface from direct abrasion, keeping it looking newer for longer.
Why It’s Important:
Zipping and turning the jacket inside out minimizes the risk of damage from the washing machine, helping the jacket maintain its smooth and intact appearance.
5. Air Dry, Don’t Tumble Dry
Lululemon jackets are best air-dried rather than placed in a tumble dryer. The heat from the dryer can break down the fibers and alter the fit, particularly with fabrics like Luon and Nulu. To maintain the jacket’s shape and elasticity, lay it flat or hang it up to dry. If the jacket has a fleece lining, hanging it will help prevent it from becoming matted.
Why It’s Important:
Air drying protects the fabric’s integrity and ensures that your jacket retains its original fit, softness, and elasticity.
6. Spot Clean When Necessary
For minor stains or spots, it’s always a good idea to spot clean your Lululemon jacket rather than throwing it in the wash. Use a mild detergent and a soft cloth to gently scrub the affected area. Be sure to test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage the fabric or cause discoloration.
Why It’s Important:
Spot cleaning can help remove small stains without subjecting the entire jacket to a full wash, which can wear down the fabric over time.
7. Store Properly
When you’re not wearing your Lululemon jacket, proper storage is key to maintaining its quality. Store your jacket in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause the colors to fade. Hanging your jacket on a padded hanger will help maintain its shape and prevent any creases or folds from setting in. Avoid hanging it by the collar, as this can cause the fabric to stretch.
Why It’s Important:
Proper storage prevents unnecessary wear and tear, keeps your jacket in its best shape, and preserves its color and structure.
8. Avoid Excessive Friction
Activewear fabrics are designed to withstand movement, but excessive friction from rubbing against rough surfaces (like backpacks or seat belts) can cause pilling or damage. Be mindful of where you wear your Lululemon jacket, especially if it has a delicate finish or texture.
Why It’s Important:
By avoiding rough surfaces, you can protect your jacket’s fabric from premature wear and maintain its smooth, sleek appearance.
9. Treat Stubborn Odors
If your jacket has developed an odor after a tough workout, avoid using heavy scents like fabric softeners. Instead, wash it with a specialized detergent designed to eliminate odors from performance fabrics. You can also try adding a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle, which helps break down sweat and odor without damaging the fabric.
Why It’s Important:
Treating odors without harsh chemicals preserves your jacket’s functionality and keeps it smelling fresh without impacting the fabric’s moisture-wicking or breathability.
10. Perform Regular Maintenance
Every once in a while, check your jacket for loose threads, damaged zippers, or small tears. Lululemon jackets are well-made, but performing regular maintenance can extend their lifespan. If you notice any issues, take care of them right away by gently stitching up small holes or fixing zippers before they get worse.
Why It’s Important:
Routine maintenance ensures your jacket stays in optimal condition and continues to function well, even after frequent use.
Conclusion: Keep Your Lululemon Jacket in Top Condition
Lululemon jackets are a smart investment for their style, performance, and durability. By following these care tips—such as washing gently, avoiding harsh chemicals, and air-drying—you can ensure that your jacket stays looking and performing like new. With a little extra attention, your Lululemon jacket will continue to provide you with comfort, support, and style for many seasons to come. Whether you wear it for workouts, travel, or everyday wear, proper care will extend the life of your favorite jacket and keep it in excellent shape.
