COOL RACERBACK: THE PERFECT YOGA TANK, PERIOD.

The Cool Racerback has been making our dreams come true for almost as long as the Groove Pant (I wear one almost everyday). The no-fuss, carved racerback shape makes it easy to move and focus your practice, the hip length helps to keep your Asana under wraps and the simple and streamlined construction makes it easy to layer over your favourite bra. The functionality and versatility of this tank (and the fact that it comes in a candy shop of colours) make it a do-it-all basic we just can’t live without.

JOANNA - Product Editor

We make our four-way stretch luon light fabric with fine dernier yarns to create a lightweight material. This breathable fabric is moisture-wicking so it works overtime when we turn up the heat.

The racerback cut and hip length of this tank makes stretching, running and jumping a no-fuss endeavor. The slim fit helps to keep us covered when we handstand and the long length layers easily over tights.

Flat seams are a girl’s best friend when it comes to long stretches, long days and long runs. This thoughtful detail helps keep sweaty skin from getting irritated and keeps us comfortable.

The Power Y Bra is a perfect match for this tank and that’s because we designed it that way! Thin straps, medium support and a carved racerback shape designed to stay undercover. What’s not to love.

I have arrived in Tahoe! There's a buzz in the air here and the population of Wanderlusters is growing by the hour as more and more people roll into town, yoga mats in tow.

Here's a quick summary of my day:

what i packed

Cool Racerbacks, Wunder Unders, Vinyasa Scarf, airplane reading, technology.

is a yoga mat luggage?

Momentary confusion re: whether or not my travel mat was considered carry-on (do I check it in? Can I carry it on?) until I discovered it folds up and slides neatly into my actual luggage. Props, lululemon designers!

trivia: where in the world is this?

Hint: it's between Vancouver BC and Lake Tahoe.

the reno airport!

"Nobody puts Baby in the corner."

new airport friends

I shared a taxi from the Reno airport to Tahoe with three other Wanderlusters.

Nate is from Greenville, South Carolina, has been practicing yoga for a year, and quit his full-time job (where he wore a suit and worked 60 hours a week) 2 Fridays ago. He came to Wanderlust to deepen and explore his relationship with yoga.

lance and amy

Lance is from Denver and is a "jack-of-all-trades" in the telecommunications field. He's been practicing yoga for 3 years and his intention for Wanderlust is to "be happy. Experience it."

Amy's from New York City, has been practicing yoga for 2.5 years, and "lives to inspire". Her intention for her time at Wanderlust is to connect with as many amazing people as possible.

I can tell that it's going to be an intense (in the best way possible) few days of making connections, learning, sharing, and of course getting our yoga on. My first class starts bright and early tomorrow morning, and I can't wait to hit the mat!

Meet you tomorrow, Wanderlust!

♥ Alana

You’d be unlikely to find athletic gear, like lululemon, in a fashion magazine but some of the women here insist that the Cool Racerback deserves to be. The tank is a fundamental part of their daily outfits.

melorin

why I love cool racerbacks
“They’re so versatile. I wear them everywhere: circuit classes; running; to and from yoga and on the weekends under jackets and blouses with some heels added and you have the perfect casual outfit. Also they're so easy to pack when travelling.”

the colours
“I love the bright coloured ones; they're great to add some pop to my wardrobe when I need it. My favorite colour is the rubber ducky. I get so excited when new colours arrive!

dressing them up
“My current favorite summer look is wearing a cool racer back with a cardigan over top, paired with some shorts or skinny jeans and some flats. I’ll layer it with a couple of unique necklaces draped over and a fun, coloured purse.

Melorin is a purchasing manager raised in North Vancouver. One of her favorite place she's travelled is Gili Islands in Indonesia.

heathered grapeseed CRB tank

carolyn

why I love cool racerbacks
“I love the Cool Racerbacks because they’re extremely simple. I love simple because I wear yoga clothes all day long and I want to be able to style them up when I’m going to and from the studio. They’re just so versatile for me. They look really good layered but often I only wear one while I’m doing yoga to reduce on laundry.”

the colours
“I love all the colours they come in. I’m really into the pastels, especially heathered grapeseed, which isn’t a colour I’d normally wear. I love the heathered tango red too because you don’t see a lot of them. The heathered ones hide the sweat well; it blends in a little bit.”

dressing them up
“I love the length of them. You can wear it with any kind of pants; you can have it hanging over your pants or shorts or have it tucked in, like with a high-waisted skirt. Usually I dress them up with a scarf and I wear a lot of cardigans. They all look great under my cardigans and jean jackets. In Vancouver the weather is so changeable; it’s nice to have an extra layer in your bag to put on if it gets cold; and they fit into every single purse I own.”

Carolyn is a yoga instructor for Semperviva and YYoga as well as Ambassador for the lululemon on West 4^th, Vancouver. She does a lot of yoga and a lot of smiling.

surge CRB tank

elim

why I love cool racerbacks
“The Cool Racerback is my favorite because I can wear any type of support under it. I can wear it with a Flow Y bra (or my new favorite the Arise Bra) or any one of my standard bras; for minimal to full support. I wear them for running, Vinyasa and Hatha yoga.”

the colours
“I have five white Cool Racerbacks. I love them. I wear them on their own or layered underneath other coloured tank and shirts.”

dressing them up
“I'll wear my Cool Racerbacks with anything. I love to wear them under my power mesh tops from the lab. I’ll dress them up by putting a blazer over the top or just with jewelry and leave my hair down.”

Elim is our Photo Studio Coordinator and Stylist. She loves to people watch the streets of Vancouver and has goals to work in a certain magazine in New York City.

pink mist CRB tank & wren CRB tank

bailie

why I love cool racerbacks
“The length is awesome which makes it a perfect layering piece - I throw it under a favorite shirt and ta da! ready for the office and yoga without messing around with a change of clothes. I love how light and breathable this tank is too. I usually pair it with the Arise Bra and my trusty Wunder Unders for working up a serious sweat in one of those impromptu Spin or Power Vinyasa Flow classes.”

the colours
“My favourite colour is Wren. Not only is it named after a lovely little bird but olive green is an amazing transitional color - beautiful in the summer but dark enough for those colder months.”

dressing them up
“For me it's all about the layers.  It's perfect under my loose flowing tops paired with some worn in cutoffs, great sunglasses and a beloved necklace.  Hello Sunday beach day! Or I’ll do a long jersey, high-waisted skirt and maybe a pair of amazing wooden wedges.”

Bailie is a proud member of the Men’s Team working as the Allocation Analyst (aka – gifting the stores with new product … whoop!).  Born and raised in Calgary and, yes, still loves the Calgary Flames.

They all said it in different ways ('versatile', 'simple', 'favourite', 'ta-da!') but the way that the Cool Racerback's can switch from sports gear to street-wear and back is what makes it one of our essentials.

Let us know how you use your Cool Racerback. Join the conversation with lululemon on Facebook.

why i love the cool racerback:

- I choose the support that I wear underneath
- Made of luon, this tank has attributes like 4 way stretch and wicking abilities
- It's great for layering underneath sweaters and tee shirts for warmth
- They come in LOTS of colors

Yoga pairing of the day: Cool Racerback and Groove Pant

details not easily seen

There's a hidden pocket in the front waistband. Never lose your lip balm, key, or hair elastic again!

My go-to for support is the Flow Y Bra. What's yours?

On the mat in the lululemon head office yoga studio

Underneath it all: Flow Y Bra and Cool Racerback

It's all in the details: thumbholes, French-rolled bottoms

What to do when the tides of trends ebb and flow from flare to skinnies? Peg'em (aka French rolling)!

how to update the look of your groove pant in 1 minute:

1. Pull the inside bottom hem over to the middle of your shin (or until it feels snug)
2. Pinch and roll the hem twice to secure the fold
3. Not enough info? Learn more here.

What are your tips on how to wear lululemon pieces beyond the mat?

Sneaking pictures on the 4th floor (that's our Design space behind me!)

With a Cool Racerback layered over an older version of the Push Ur Limits Tank, my core was kept warm underneath my chambray shirt. I finished off the outfit with the Still Pant. The four way stretch and wicking capabilities make it ideal not just for yoga, but for my day at work as well. Rain was in the forecast and I didn't want the hem to drag so they got tucked into my boots and I instantly fell in love with the end result.

• Tip for layering without all the bulk: wear a tank that already has support built in.

lululemon pieces seen here:

• Swift Tank (available this season as the Push Ur Limits Tank)
  
• Cool Racerback Tank
  
• Still Pant

details not easily spotted:

- Waistband can be folded over to sit lower on the hips
- Name tag in the left hand pocket so you'll never mix up your pants at the gym
- Size tag also in left hand pocket

In love with your Still Pants? Share it below!

day 7: street

As the weather is still hovering around 30-32 degrees celsius, a pair of loose khaki shorts, sandals and a thin vest on top of my Cool Racerback can keep me functionally fabulous!

day 7: sweat

After a long brunch with friends, I am off to try the new TRX-inspired workout at Seasons Fitness. I put on my Run Empower Crop because I love how our Power Luxtreme fabric gives me the right compression for muscles and yet feels so light and comfortable against my skin. Best of all, the mesh behind the knees is perfect for my sweaty workout! The longer length in the Cool Racerback is perfect to wear with running crops if you are feeling a little conscious about the tightness of our crops.

Thank you for reading my blog for the past 7 days! It has been really fun and I am extremely happy to be able to show a little bit of Hong Kong to all of you. I would love to hear your feedback on anything! Our Hong Kong Showroom has a Facebook page, so look us up and say hi! I will be posting some behind the scenes photos of this blog on Facebook. I would like to thank all of my lovely colleagues and friends who have helped me with the blog photos. You guys rock!

Milla, our Hong Kong Showroom Assistant Manager, wore Cool Racerbacks for seven days from street to sweat.

I stopped by to grab a coffee and I am on my way to have a community meeting before heading to class in Central.

day 6: street

I am wearing a white Cool Racerback and black Wunder Unders to match with my bright pink sneakers. A printed scarf and my favourite hobo bag are little touches I like to add to my outfit to make it more sophisticated looking and yet super comfortable and functional!

day 6: sweat

Believe me when I tell you that I really live by our manifesto to do one thing a day that scares me....I am back at Aerial Arts Academy for a pole dancing class! I have always been amazed by the upper body strength that these performers have and they not only look beautiful and elegant, these girls are super strong in their arms to be able to maneuver around the pole. So I changed into my Reverse Groove Shorts, Cool Racerback, and an All Sport Bra to give this class a try. The All Sport Bra gave me tremendous support when I needed to go upside down or around, and the length of the Reverse Groove Short allowed me to use my inner thighs to create friction in order to stay up on the pole. I had so much fun in this class --thank you Tessa and Barbara!

Milla, our Hong Kong Showroom Assistant Manager, is wearing Cool Racerbacks for seven days from street to sweat.

This photo was taken while I was heading to meet my girlfriend in Tsim Sha Tsui for a cup of coffee in this lazy afternoon. As today's humidity index might go up to as high as 90%, I've put on my Tencel Hot Short, Cool Racerback tank in Faded Zap and flip flops to take a stroll down Nathan Road.

day 4: street

After two hours of sitting at a cafe, I needed to sweat out that chocolate cake that I had....So I went to see my friend Michael Kwok - personal trainer at VIM Sports Academy to do some kickboxing for a good cardio workout.

day 4: sweat

Using the same Cool Racerback tank, a quick change of bottoms into my Groovy Run shorts was all I need to get ready to sweat!

Milla, our Hong Kong Showroom Assistant Manager, is wearing Cool Racerbacks for seven days from street to sweat.

This morning I'm teaching my vinyasa class at Pure Yoga in Tsim Sha Tsui. With my favourite Wunder Under Crop and Cool Racerback tank combination, I can demonstrate the poses with clear visual instructions.

day 2: street

It's been drizzling and sunny today so I decided to put on my flip flops, khaki shorts and a sheer tunic top to walk down to the old Central Wet Market to get some fruit. I'm wearing the Cool Racerback tank in Cool Blue and I just love how the longer length in this tank sits perfectly around my hip.

Why we made the Cool Racerbacks:

• Ultimate basic tank for all activities and snug fit that won't flip up during inversions
• Made with 4-way stretch luon light - lightweight and breathable
• Snug fit makes it great for layering and long length so the tall girls can wear it too
• Wear with the Flow Y Bra II for no visible bra straps
• Flat seamed for chafe resistance & comfort

Milla, our Hong Kong Showroom Assistant Manager, is wearing Cool Racerbacks for seven days from street to sweat.

why milla loves the crb

The Cool Racerback tank is made of lululemon's signature fabric, luon light, and it is the perfect layering piece to wear from day-to-day activities to any intense workout. It's moisture wicking, and has no inner shelf bra which gives us unlimited ways to create outfits that suit our athletic lifestyle. I will be wearing this style of Cool Racerback tank in different colours for 7 days starting today, September 10th, to show you how much I appreciate the versatility of this tank. Every day, I will take two photos of myself to show you the different ways to incorporate this tank and create outfits from street to sweat.

day 1: sweat

Today I'm kick-starting this challenge with a Cool Racerback tank in Tang Light at our ambassador Icy Lee's studio in Quarry Bay - Yogasala. In Iyengar style yoga, a lot of emphasis is put on very precise body alignment, therefore it is recommended that we wear tighter fit clothing from top to bottom for alignment corrections. In Icy's classes, I always wear my Cool Racerback, layered with a medium support Flow Y Bra, and pair it with the Wunder Under Crop for best alignment awareness.

day 1: street

Here I am, walking down these historical stone steps of Pottinger Street in Central District. It's one of the busiest streets in Central because of its authentic local community from fruit stands, Chinese home decor vendors to selling Halloween costumes all year long. There are more than 10 yoga studios and gyms in Central and I usually walk through Pottinger Street to go from home to my favourite yoga class. At 33 degree celsius, I will definitely benefit from the light breatheable fabric of our Cool Racerback tank!

See you tomorrow for day two!

Rebecca loves them because they have 4-way stretch... see?

Sarah loves all of her Cool Racerbacks because they're great for layering and this makes choosing between all of our colours a little easier.

Milo loves that her shoulders have tons of room to move and the design is good for hiding sports bra straps.

Stephanie loves her tank because it stays in place, even during crow pose.

We even have Special Edition Cool Racerbacks. They have all the same great design features as our normal tanks, but with a little something extra. This one has ruching on the shoulder straps.

Last but not least, Laurel loves her Cool Racerback because it's lightweight and comes in bright colours!

Why do you love your Cool Racerback?

xoxo
Rebecca

Why we made the Cool Racerbacks:

• Ultimate basic tank for all activities and snug fit that won't flip up during inversions
• Made with 4-way stretch luon light - lightweight and breathable
• Snug fit makes it great for layering and long length so the tall girls can wear it too
• Wear with the Flow Y Bra II for no visible bra straps
• Flat seamed for chafe resistance & comfort

the review

These might be the most comfortable pair of sweatpants I have ever worn in my life. I hit the park and enjoyed a few yoga flows in the comfort of my Namaste Pants. I stayed true to size in these pants, as they are intended to fit loose and relaxed, but one could size down for a more form-fitting style.

why we made this

• A stylish alternative to the tried-and-true loose fitting sweatpant. Find your flow in the park, or toss it over your barely there Bikram outfit, and you are bound to find a yogic calm before class. Preparing your mind is just as important as preparing your body for Bikram.

• Made with certified organic cotton and spandex, which gives natural softness and stretch for shape retention. Not only beyond comfortable, when you wash these little dreams, they won’t bag out or obtain that scratchy balled-up cotton texture your sweats from college have.  Feel free to gracefully move in and out of flow sequences, and up and down the street.

• Tencel silk waistband gives support with out digging into you. Have you ever gone through your comfy day in sweats to find pink indentations on your tummy? Tencel silk = divine, and your tummy will thank you for being nice to it.

• Cuffed pants to keep them in place during downward dog, and you can head right into Warrior III without having to fuss with your pant legs.

• Lovely details: no hemming required (even petite women can wear this as a full-length pant without hemming!). Drawcord for adjustability, and not the cotton rope you’re used to tying in knots: we dressed it up for success. Preshrunk, so wash me without worry! Back zipper pocket to store cash, keys, and lip balm.

why we love this

Chelsea: Loves the length of the pant and she prefers to scrunch it up and stride around town. Loves being able to get her flow on in the park and head back to the real world with a dose of tranquility comfortably tucked in her back pocket.

Chelsea is 5’4" and is wearing a size 8 in the Namaste Pant in Heathered Charcoal. She is also wearing the Cool Racerback in Tang Light.

Meaghan: Loves the lightweight warmth. She can move in and out of sequences staying warm in the cool Spring sun but not over heating. She also loves the stretch the pants have. You never know when Meaghan will find the desire to climb trees or pop out a balancing pose, so at least now she has the flexibility to accommodate her random movements, even on lazy days.

Meaghan is 5’4” and is wearing a size 4 in the Namaste Pant (stayed true to size) in Heathered Athletica Grey. She's also wearing the Modern Racer Tank in Tang Light in a size 4.

Whitney (me): I love how comfortable and lightweight these lady loves are. I can move around town, to yoga, coffee, and cuddle up at home on a rainy day with my laptop. Love is sitting in my Namaste pants with a cup of green tea after yoga at my favourite coffee shop, Caffe Carpe Diem.

Whitney is 5’7” and is wearing a size 8 in the Namaste Pant in Heathered Athletica Grey (stayed true to size), she is also wearing the Manifesto Racerback in Lagoon.

Go find your Om in the park. Namaste.

In January, you saw me work my way through 31 days of Wunder Unders. Now I take your questions on how to stretch your lululemon pieces for work and travel.

Question: How do I make my Wunder Under Pants work appropriate?

Answer: Our Wunder Unders are one of the most versatile piece in our lululemon closet. I should know-I wore them for a month! So how do you re-purpose these awesome athletic tights if you work in a business environment?

The key is to keep your bottom covered. Layer long tunics, sweaters, cardigans, dresses or dress shirts over your Wunder Unders. Play with accessories like belts or long necklaces. Footwear is also important in anchoring your work look. Try pairing it with tall boots, ankle booties or ballet flats.

I'm all about function and there is nothing more functional than having to carry less because I'm already wearing my work out gear. For a quick change from the office to the gym, layer your favorite athletic tank underneath your tops. A quick change of footwear and you're off for a run in 5 minutes flat.

Question: I’m travelling abroad for 6 months and need key pieces to work for my long flights, classes  and the gym all the while using little of my precious suitcase space.

Answer: We are learning what a challenge it can be to pack for air travel with baggage restrictions changing daily. lululemon clothing is designed for athletes meaning the fabrics used are usually lightweight and mostly wrinkle free. Most of our pieces can be re-purposed beyond the gym or yoga studio. Core basics can really stretch your wardrobe. Here are my suggestions:

-Cool Racerback

This tank does not have a built in bra meaning you are in full control of the support you need (try our Flow Y Bra or Scoop Bra for athletic support). Worn on its own, used as layering a piece for warmth or coverage, this tank rocks with stretch and wicking capabilities on or off the street.

-Groove Pant

This pant is what put lululemon on the map and with good reason. The design: mid rise, slim to the knee, boot cut fit; flatters most body types and we’re finding out that most of you are taking them beyond the gym. Plus most styles are reversible meaning you can choose a colored or patterned waistband, flip it inside out and you've got a solid colored pant. Great for to and from wear, get the same 4 way stretch as you run errands around town or for a cup of coffee with your best gal pal.

-Wunder Under Pant or Crop

It’s your basic legging with better stretch, color retention AND athletic function. They are made of luon which is treated to wick moisture (ideal for sweating through airport security and at the yoga studio). Worn with longer shirts, tunics or sweater, this bottom can be worn easily for work to play to a night out on the town.

-Remix Lulu Hoodie

This hoodie keeps you covered to and from the gym and when you’re heading out the door in jeans and a t shirt. Made of cozy preshrunk cotton fleece, it’ll keep you warm in climate controlled airplane cabins too. This hoodie is so soft, you’ll want to snooze on it during your longer flights.

1 Remix Lulu Hoodie, 1 pair of Groove pant, 2 pairs of Wunder Under Crops, and 3 Cool Racerback tanks...

...will roll with you where ever you go.

Tip for getting more into your suitcase: Rolling your clothes takes up less space and helps keep clothing wrinkle free!

Thanks to Ashley and Ashley for your questions!

Above: Nine lululemon eductors from the Annapolis and Logan Circle stores wearing matching Bon Bon Pink Cool Racerbacks.

A good friend of mine once told me that for every three races you run, you should volunteer at one race. Without volunteers, many of these events would not be possible. Volunteers play a huge role - doing everything from handing out the water and race numbers to ensuring participant safety. In fact, volunteerism is a huge part of the run community. Many runners volunteer their free time for their run clubs, as coaches for run programs, and at various running events.

On a recent very early Sunday morning, nine lululemon educators, all in Bon Bon Pink Cool Racerbacks attended the Zooma Women's Half Marathon in Annapolis, Maryland. Four of the educators ran stellar races, while representing the lululemon athletica team. The other five educators volunteered at the race and were posted at the finish line. Two of the educatars handed out the finisher's medals, which at Zooma are lovely necklaces, while the other three educators poured Gatorade and cut orange slices for the race finishes. By pure luck, the educators had been assigned to volunteer with elite runner and lululemon ambassador Kristen Henehan, winner of the 2007 Marine Corp Marathon and 2008 Olympic Marathon Trials participant. Kristen's spirit of volunteerism and commitment to the sport was truly inspiring.

I was truly touched by how many race participants appreciated our presence and thanked us for volunteering. At the end of the day, both the runners and volunteers came out as winners and with a sense of satisfaction. On a personal note, even though I have volunteered at many events, and volunteer a great amount in the run community as a whole, my experience volunteering with a group of friends and colleagues has inspired me to promote a greater sense of volunteerism at races within my own run club and within my run network as a whole.

Happy Running!