Confused by those special little abbreviations on our hangtags?  Want to learn to educate like the pros in our stores?

Say hello to our crash course on lululemon product lingo. We use abbreviations in our product names and on our hangtags to tell you what kind of technology makes each garment special. Consider this your go-to education guide to knowing exactly what you’re excited about.

Click on the terms below for the full definition.

quick-jump guide

(scroll down to read the full definitions)

• I, II, III, or IV
• *Br
• DWR
• *[Fabric name]
• *Org
• *Pique
• *Ruffle
• *R
• *RVRS
• *Sparkle
• Special Edition
• SL,SS,LS
• *T

an in-depth guide

Take a read below:

Generation of garment (I, II, III, IV)
Uno, dos, tres, cuatro. No matter how you say it, these little Roman numerals are how we indicate a new version of a much loved item. Every season, we count on your feedback to figure out exactly what you love and what can be improved. Our quest never ends when it comes to fit and function and I, II, & III mark the way.

*[Fabric name]
Whenever you see the (*) followed by a fabric, it indicates that this fabric has been used to create the product. It can represent the main fabric used, or a secondary fabric used only in sections. *Tweed, *Mesh, *Rib and *Org are all examples.

Brushed (*Br or *Brushed)
Brushed promises a warm, soft layer against your skin. Specifically, the fabric's bottom layer has been agitated and brushed to create a cozy, super-soft feel.

Durable Water Repellent (DWR)
Fabric has been treated with a finish that causes water to bead off of the surface to keep you dry!

Water repellant vs waterproof: Our Waterproof products have an outer shell capable of repelling water AND taped seams to keep all water from penetrating. Water repellant garments do not have taped seams.

Organic (*Org or *Organic)
Certified Organic Cotton is an exciting addition to our amazing fabric line. Read all about this breathable natural option in Elissa's "(fall)ing into organic cotton" blog.

Pique (*Pique - pronounced "pee-KAY")
Our pique luon fabric is luon that has been woven to give a more textured look and feel. It’s like wearing your favourite knit sweater or pants with the superb 4-way stretch and sweat wicking abilities you know and love.

Ruffle (*Ruffle)
A textured detail to add originality to your athletic gear!

Sparkle *Sparkle
Subtle silver-coloured threads woven into the fabric make you shine on the outside, too.

Special Edition *Special Edition
A new detail, feature, or pattern puts a twist on a core item.

Reversible (*RVRS)
Your outfit possibilities double, thanks to our reversible options in both pants and jackets. Our flat-seam technology enables us to offer two unique looks in one.

SL, SS, LS
We love to provide our guests with all the options. You can choose between sleeveless (SL), short sleeve (SS), or long sleeve (LS) to ensure the right product for every workout.

Regular (*R)
This indicates our standard inseam. For ladies, the inseam is 31.5" (size 2/4 = 31"). Men can expect 33". Take a look at our size chart for more info.

Tall (*T)
Those with wonderfully long legs need not worry – a tall length is made just for you! Women's *T inseam is 35"  for sizes 4 & 6 and 35.5" for 8-12. Men's *T is 36".

And there you have it. Now take your new-found knowledge and shop fearlessly!

Learn more about our different fabrics plus washing and care instructions.

Here at lululemon, we realize not everyone has a store down the block to visit. Enter our online store at lululemon.com.

Ecommerce is our way of bringing lululemon to every corner of the earth. But how do we replace the amazing education offered when you visit one of our clothing stores in person?

Step 1

Take your measurements (a detailed post on this is coming soon!). Remember, the designer's intended fit doesn’t always match with our personal fit preferences. Consider the measurement chart a guideline towards the designer’s intended fit.

Step 2

Consider the function. Are you layering? If so, a bit bigger might be better. Running? Close to the skin to prevent chafing is best.

Step 3

Ask a friend – they know how you like to wear your clothes.

Step 4

Questions you can't find the answer to online? Call the Guest Education Centre at 1.877.263.9300.

Step 5

Find great feedback and photos by reviewing the product shots on our Facebook page or the Fit & Function section on lululemon Flickr account.

Step 6

Stay tuned, we’re launching an exciting tool soon guaranteed to excite!

You know the Groove Pant – the iconic black stretchy pant with the flattering waistbands that comes in pretty colours and makes all our butts look so good! To some, the idea of wearing tight pants is as appealing as being the 40 Year Old Virgin getting his chest waxed (If you’ve never seen this movie you can view the scene here). The secret to looking good: make sure you have the perfect fit!

Here are some tips to help you find your best Groove:

1. Muffin tops belong at the bakery, not in your outfit. If there’s skin hanging out over the sides of the waistband, try the next size up – it will ensure that you have a smooth look through your torso and waist which will make you look slimmer than trying to squeeze into a smaller size.

2. The 1980’s called, and they want their feathering back! Feathered hair was hot on Charlie’s Angels but that look doesn’t belong on your pants. If you see bunching around the crotch area or a “feathering” in the material then those pants are too big. Try the next size down.

3. Shiny happy people don’t wear shiny or corrugated luon. Put on your pants and look closely at the fabric on the thighs of your pants when your leg is relaxed – how is the appearance of the fabric? If it sits smooth without a “corduroy” look to it then it is a good fit. If you can see the defined ridges in the fabric stretching out, the luon is being forced too tightly.

There you have it folks. Just a few quick tips to help you look your groove-y best! If you have any other tips regarding these pants we’d love to hear them!

You can learn more about luon, our signature fabric, in our fabrics and care section here.

Above: From left to right you'll see our Groove Pants go from too big, to the perfect fit, to too tight! The girls are all wearing a size 8 Groove Pant - however they normally wear (from left to right) size 6, 8, and 10.

Use our size chart to help you figure out which size works best for your body.