What Lululemon’s Get Low misstep means for shoppers
Founder Chip Wilson blamed the board after Lululemon paused and then relisted its Get Low line following fit and sheerness complaints. Here’s what shoppers should check before buying.
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By Torontoer Staff
Lululemon founder Chip Wilson publicly blamed the company’s board after the retailer pulled its Get Low collection following widespread complaints about fit and sheerness. Wilson made the comments on LinkedIn as he pushes for changes to the board and nominates new director candidates.
The Get Low line, which includes leggings, tights and tank tops, was removed from Lululemon’s North American online store three days after launch. The company later returned the products to the site with updated guidance encouraging customers to consider sizing up.
What went wrong with the Get Low launch
Early customer feedback said the collection offered little compression and that some pieces were so sheer underwear or tattoos were visible through the fabric. Lululemon temporarily paused online sales to review feedback and update product education on fit, sizing and features.
This is a new low for Lululemon. Pulling back the 'Get Low' product line after three days is clearly a total operational failure,
Chip Wilson, LinkedIn post
Wilson framed the issues as a symptom of leadership problems rather than the work of employees. He criticised the board for what he described as a lack of experience in creative businesses, disinterest in product development and a focus on short-term priorities.
We temporarily paused online sales of our Get Low collection in North America to review early guest feedback and insights. Based on the learnings, we have updated our product education information to incorporate new guidance on fit, sizing, and features to better support guest purchase decisions,
Lululemon statement
The Get Low problems follow other high-profile product issues for the company. Lululemon paused sales of the Breezethrough line in 2024 after complaints about fit and design, and it recalled certain Luon pants in 2013 for being too thin.
What shoppers should check before buying leggings
Product launch missteps highlight why shoppers should evaluate more than just size labels. Look for these practical cues on any new activewear release.
- Opacity: Hold fabric up to a bright light or view product photos with varied lighting to check for sheerness.
- Compression and fabric weight: Check the garment’s description for grams per square metre or notes on compression. Lightweight can be comfortable, but it may offer less support.
- Fibre content: Blends with nylon and elastane typically offer stretch and recovery. High polyester content can affect opacity and drape.
- Waistband and seams: Note waistband height and seam construction. These affect comfort, fit and whether a top will ride down or create unwanted lines.
- Sizing guidance: Read updated product education and customer reviews, and consider ordering a second size if you are between sizes.
- Try-on and return policy: Confirm in-store try-on availability and the returns window before purchase so you can test fit at home.
Brand leadership, product trust and the competition
Wilson’s criticism comes as Lululemon prepares for a leadership change. Chief executive Calvin McDonald is set to leave at month end, and the company has appointed its chief financial officer and chief commercial officer as interim co-CEOs while it searches for a successor.
Wilson remains a major shareholder and has nominated three candidates for the board: Marc Maurer, former co-CEO of On Holding AG; Laura Gentile, former chief marketing officer of ESPN; and Eric Hirshberg, former CEO of Activision. Lululemon is evaluating those suggestions.
Industry analysts say the incoming CEO will need to restore confidence in Lululemon’s product development and attract customers who are currently favouring rivals such as Alo, Vuori and Nike. For shoppers, leadership changes matter because they influence quality controls, design priorities and how responsive a brand is to feedback.
How to respond as a customer
If you were considering the Get Low line, check the updated product notes on Lululemon’s site, read recent customer reviews and test pieces in store when possible. If you already purchased an item that feels overly sheer or under-compressive, review the returns policy and consider contacting customer service for guidance.
Broader shopping habits can reduce the risk of disappointment. Prioritise brands and retailers that publish detailed fabric specifications and sizing notes, and that make returns straightforward.
Lululemon’s latest product hiccup is a reminder that even established activewear brands must balance design innovation with consistent quality. For consumers, that means paying attention to materials, fit notes and return options before committing to new pieces.
Lululemonactivewearshopping tipsfashionChip Wilson
