This is an amazing entry, Laura – thank you for the reminder!

Comment by Laura — August 26, 2010 @ 9:52 am

I needed to read this! Often I pass on baring any part of my body(even if my shirt rides up a bit in yoga I quickly hide it) but I’m proud of my body! It supports me and I should support it right back. Thanks for the lovely reminder.

Comment by Katy(Balanced Foodie) — August 26, 2010 @ 10:42 am

Excellent post and a great reminder, but why doesn’t lulu offer things in a size bigger then 12. My body is beautiful and on the road of improvement but I can’t flaunt it in lululemon apparel. I love my curves and just wish I could show off my booty in a pair of lulus with one of your hoodies. Sigh, back to the gym…I’m almost in lululemon shape

Comment by Kris — August 26, 2010 @ 11:15 am

Great post, conflicting images. The accompanying pictures show items available only up to a size ten. I will love myself and flaunt myself, when I scan squish my size 12 torso into a size 10 top.

Comment by sweatyogi — August 26, 2010 @ 11:30 am

GREAT POST Laura!!!

Comment by Alexis — August 26, 2010 @ 12:42 pm

I like the idea but the images do not reflect the message. If it really doesn’t matter our size or shape then why are all the models tiny?
thank you for the beautiful message but this contradiction came to my attention.

Comment by Lauren — August 26, 2010 @ 1:10 pm

Love this article. Btw what are wunder unders?

Comment by chika — August 26, 2010 @ 1:13 pm

Thank you for this beautiful post! I ran a half marathon in San Francisco on 7/25 and after I got back I had a ton of stress in my life and felt physically exhausted after a season of heavy training. I have been eating more than normal and feel “fat” even though I am not. I have totally been beating myself up and almost hiding from people I know – out of fear of judgment. But it is no way to live! Thank you for reminding me of the truth! I needed to hear it!!!

Comment by Lindsay — August 26, 2010 @ 1:40 pm

This is a great article, and yet I feel perhaps lulu does not reflect it in their clothes and sizes. Recently I went shopping with my mother in Calgary– a young, fit, active 50-something who walks daily, bikes, and attends yoga weekly. She was quite disappointed to find the smallest size available in any light jacket was a 12. So if we are to embrace our curves.. why is this our last option?

Comment by Katie — August 26, 2010 @ 2:04 pm

Beautiful message but then why are the pictures that accompany it of small pretty people? Your ambassadors in the pictures are NOT all different sizes unless you count extra-small and small as two different sizes. I love your clothes but I have to admit I have a hard time with tanks because they don’t have many 12s and NO 14s. The pants are easier to fit and have lots more choices.

Comment by Kelly — August 26, 2010 @ 2:11 pm

Thank you for reminding us of this simple truth. We need to celebrate the hard work we put in to feel confident and beautiful but also remeber that we are perfect just the way we are. I try to say it everyday

Comment by Natalie — August 26, 2010 @ 2:41 pm

I agree with those above who noticed that the photos posted with this article don’t really match the subject of the article itself. As a large lady myself, I’m disappointed that my size is given some rather cliched lip service in this article, but my size is obviously not the size desired by Lululemon. I’ve yet to see a customer service rep close to my size, none of the catalogue models are my size and none of the people in the photos above are close to my size. Instead of just writing about how important it is to love our bodies, no matter what size, perhaps you, Lululemon, should illustrate your love of women of all sizes.

Comment by Chantel I. — August 26, 2010 @ 3:04 pm

Laura, your words are inspiring! I read the couple of lines of the sneak-peak (no pun intended) and immediately clicked on the link to read more.

I was unfortunately disappointed to see the same pictures. I did not see any pictures depicting different body types, different sizes, and especially what the fashion industry would call XL sizes. As a 5’8″ tall woman weighing at 190lbs, I could not, did not, recognize myself in these pictures. I never recognize myself in any of the pictures that each of the stores post on FB when they promote new arrivals. It is usually the typical size 6 or 8…

I am confident in my skin. I am in love with my body. It has been through burn-out hell and back. I have lost a mere 20 lbs and am in no rush to lose more. I know I will get there, not to fit a model’s size, but to feel and be healthi-er.

I wish. I encourage. I need to see real women and real men in photographs and photo shoots. The words would, then, be emPOWERing.

Namaste
Ivana

Comment by Exuberant Ivana — August 26, 2010 @ 3:26 pm

Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I bought the knock out shorts last week, and wore them to Body Combat this week for the first time. For the first 10 mins of class, I was pulling at the bottom of them, embarrassed that anyone notice my inner thighs rubbing as I worked. I let it go after a while, but you can be sure that the next class I go to, I will wear them with pride!!!!
We all need a reminder now and then to let go and be proud!
xoxox

Comment by Alisha — August 26, 2010 @ 3:44 pm

Great Post – but I have to agree on the sizes. I work out all the time, and love lulu’s style, fabrics but not always the fit….please consider expanding some of your sizes a bit more.

Comment by Meghan — August 26, 2010 @ 4:02 pm

so… if all sizes should be celebrated what size is the max available in lulu’s clothing again?? Not sure it’s all encompassing. Nor are the images you used for your article. Just sayin

Comment by jenn — August 26, 2010 @ 4:44 pm

Sorry but fat people are in denial if they think it’s attractive to show their rolls, stop rationalizing on why it’s okay to reveal some skin when you’re fat!

Comment by Mike — August 26, 2010 @ 6:23 pm

I too am bothered by the beautifully written message and the perfect images. AMBIGUOUS to say the least.

Comment by lisa — August 26, 2010 @ 7:27 pm

I love the idea od this post, yet I shop at lululemon – why can’t larger sized girls fit into these clothes? Also, the pictures are beautiful, but all of those pictures are of beautifully fit women! Seems to be a double message here….

Comment by Sarah — August 26, 2010 @ 10:22 pm

I find it so frustrating when I read all these comments about woman wanting bigger sizes. In most situations, size 16 is not a healthy size, and why would a company which supports and promotes health/fitness accommodate people who are not choosing it. If you really think about it, they are not leaving these people out, they are incouraging them to take responsibility, work hard and not waste there money… b/c honestly, if you’re working hard and changing your life… you won’t be a size 16 for long!!

Comment by Marie — August 27, 2010 @ 11:49 am

omg people. seriously. enough whining about the pictures.

don’t you get it??

you’re missing the whole point.

love yourself. no matter what.

the words and photos in this post are purely inspirational.

ps. i’d bet you any money that all the people in this pics probably have their own insecurities and hang-ups too, so get over yourselves and just give yourself a little TLC!

Comment by sarah m. — August 29, 2010 @ 1:40 pm

I’m a size 12/14, 38D right now.

I recently went into a lulu store and while I was frustrated that there weren’t more cute things available in my size, I definitely saw it as motivation to continue in my journey towards a healthier me.

The one thing that was disappointing, and what someone mentioned above, is the attitude of employees toward me. Luckily I was with a friend that has been through the journey (losing around 90lbs, I think) and she was very helpful when the tata tamer couldn’t tame my tatas. However one employee made me very uncomfortable with her disproving glance. I bet she didn’t even realize she did it. Le sigh.

Comment by RL — August 30, 2010 @ 9:30 am

This is beautiful! We all need reminding sometimes!

Comment by LJ — August 31, 2010 @ 3:53 pm

I love yoga. Over the past three years it has changed my life, and I feel better at 40 then I ever have before. I go to classes several times a week and practice faithfully at home. Yet, I don’t fit the yoga mold, I am undeniably plus sized. So while I feel I am living a yoga life, I cannot do it in the same way I see those around me. Now fortunately I am at place where that doesn’t matter, and I don’t let it stop me, but there are definitely days that I feel embarassed in my cheap, ill-fitting, non-yoga friendly fat girl sportswear when I am in a studio where literally everyone else is wearing lululemon. What does lululemon have to offer me? A head band. Yup. A headband. That is it. The message of this article is great, but as stated in numerous other posts, it is not reflected in your products or the atmosphere of your stores. We may not be on your radar, but there is a community of active, plus sized women who would be willing to invest in great clothes that fit us! Thanks.

Comment by Laurie — September 1, 2010 @ 6:10 am

I – in all my *gasp!* size 16 glory – have been ignored by multiple staffers when I dared enter the story looking for a bag I saw on the website. I didn’t have the audacity to think I’d find clothing in my size, but that didn’t matter: ignored all the same.

Comment by chan — September 3, 2010 @ 9:31 pm

Today I had my first experience with your stores while shopping in Georgetown Washington, DC. What enrages me is that your stores don’t offer all body types a chance to have well made athletic clothing that they can live an active lifestyle in. With major health concerns as of late with our nations ever growing fear of the so called ‘obesity epidemic’ wouldn’t giving access to your store be the first step in having a healthier nation? How do people expect others to gain healthy and active lifestyles without the clothing to do it in?

The other issue with your lack of size diversity is why you would only offer up to a size 12 when that is smaller than the average female who lives in the US. The majority of women are size 14, and larger sizes that than are so under represented with clothing manufacturers that they will more than likely flock to any store that offers them well made clothing no matter what the price.

On your main page you have a post about loving your body which reads, “The human body is beautiful. It curves; it moves; it’s soft; it’s strong. It should be celebrated in all its forms.”
Certainly with your lack of size diversity you mean all of its forms up to a size 12, am I correct?

Comment by Fat Waitress — September 5, 2010 @ 5:18 pm

Lovely post. The pictures don’t bother me as much as the fact that 90% of the people in my yoga classes, including myself, won’t be fitting into your products any time soon.

Comment by Christine — September 5, 2010 @ 6:56 pm

Hey people

Sorry to hear about the bad experiences some people have had with lululemon or with rude people.

As someone who recently lost 30 pounds, I actually found lulu employees really helpful! When I told them I was buying pants as my 10 percent reward (losing 10% of my body weight) they were really jazzed! They told me they hoped I would get another pair when I lost another 10 pounds (my next goal) and were really kind.

I think that they are saying you should love and cherish what your body can DO for you. They move us and support us and keep us going. However, they are an active company and support healthy body weights. Just because the average person is a size 14 doesn’t mean thats okay or healthy.

Lastly, the pictures are of the woman who wrote the article. She’s saying she doesn’t feel like she is okay, but then she realizes that she is strong and doing all this great yoga stuff. Thats why there aren’t all different shapes in the pictures – its her!! Her feeling good about herself I’m pretty sure anyways

Comment by residenceLayabout — September 8, 2010 @ 8:10 am

if i’m a size meduin in most sweaters what size should i order my sweaters in?

Comment by natashia — September 24, 2010 @ 1:49 pm

I agree with what the posters are saying who are aggravated about the contradictions inherent in the message in this post, the accompanying photos, and the product available for your customers. I also think it is telling that none of the people who asked questions in these comments received a response within the comments if they acknowledged that they are above a size 12. I interpret that as meaning – we don’t care, you’re not our customers anyway. Am I incorrect in thinking that this is the case? Alas, I feel my question will go unanswered unless I indicate my intent to spend money in your store some time soon. And, btw, commenters, being above a size 12 does not automatically place you in an “unhealthy” category any more than being below a size 12 does. Seriously. Try reading some original research about the “obesity epidemic” actually undertstanding what you are reading, and then commenting. Hilarious.

Comment by Seriously? Seriously. — October 2, 2010 @ 10:22 pm

Wow! Laura you really stirred up the hornets nest-I just had to ad my 2cents worth. For the record – I am not what you would call ample and never have been. Also I hope never to be so I cannot fully understand what it is like.

To those that found the staff in lulu lemon ignored you-did you try to talk to them by confidently saying hello as you entered the store with your head held high? I would guess not. Conversation is a two way street and starts before either party in the conversation even takes breath to speak. To me it is about confidence regardless of your appearance. Confidence exudes from the person who is comfortable with who they are and what they look like-it shines from their eyes and from their bearing. They are more approachable and more people do talk to them. By the same token if someone is not comfortable with who the they are and how they look that too will show and they will not be approachable and it will be harder for people to talk to them.

As for the clothes sizes I don’t want to wade into that debate too much except to say sporty clothes look good on sporty people. Use stores like lululemon as a reward like residenceLayabout and reward the fact that you have lost weight with better clothes. Don’t bring down such a good message by complaining that they don’t make athletic clothes big enough for non-athletic people-wear clothing appropriate for your body.

Great message Laura!

/end comment

Comment by Ben — February 11, 2011 @ 7:36 pm

PS: I wear my LuLuLemons only to yoga class where they are so much better than what I had been wearing. I go to yoga class 2-3 times a week. In the 3 yrs I have been doing yoga, the % of people wearing LLL has increased dramatically. It is time for a greater selection in larger sizes.

Comment by Ginger — April 9, 2011 @ 10:15 am

Being from Vancouver, I hold a warm spot for lulu lemon and was pleased when it expanded into the US where I now live. Being a size 14 and 5’10″ I have always been ignored and sneered at by lulu lemon staff (in both countries) when I browse. My 13 year old daughter is 5’6″ and now in women’s sizes and I recently bought her a pair of yoga pants for a long trip to Europe. It was funny how walking into a store with the “right” size customer in tow changed the sales clerks’ attitudes. Now they pay attention to me as the mom with a “right” sized person to buy for. My daughter doesn’t realize that I don’t fit into lulu lemon or that I have been ignored for so many years. I didn’t realize how unwelcome I felt in lulu lemon until I saw how the attitudes changed when I had her in tow.

Comment by Margie — August 11, 2011 @ 10:07 am

sooo – lulu lemon no longer carries sizes 14 and 16 . . . good thing I bought a pair of pants when they did.

How can they possibly think that this is a “good” decision – were they making too much money?

grrrr

Comment by taisha — November 30, 2011 @ 6:00 pm

I’m an avid kayaker and cyclist. My body can bike 100 miles in seven hours. While I see some of your items might be useful to me in my active life, I will never fit into size 12 tops as I have kayaker shoulders and wear a 36F bra. Mike can go stuff himself in a juicer if he thinks that my breasts are “rolls of unattractive fat” … except nobody likes hate juice.

Comment by forsythia — January 23, 2012 @ 1:55 pm

I’m a size 12 in Lulu clothes, and I find THEIR size 12 to be more generous than some other size 12s out there. I’m 5’8, size 36GG, and in the high 180-low 190 range after gaining a LOT of weight while pregnant recently. My local store only carries most things up to size 10, even if they’re made in size 12. So, I just don’t go to the store. I don’t hate my body, by any means, but I’m able to recognize that it needs improvement – and not because I’m not able to fit into Lulu clothes, but because I’m not close enough to my optimal health and weight. Also, I understand that being healthy is NOT just about exercise, but about maintaining a healthy weight – and THAT happens with DIET. Ask any doctor about this pesky little number called “BMI” and see what she/he says.

I just don’t understand the outrage about not offering plus sizes. If you don’t fit in the clothes, why are you so desperate to buy them? Lulu is a privately owned company that can make whatever sizes they please, and you are a paying customer who can spend your money wherever they DO make your size. It’s not Lulu’s responsibility to manufacture clothing for every size imaginable. Most brands of any type of clothing in regular sizes go up to 12, at most. Try boycotting more brownies and less clothing companies. Americans are not only overweight in staggering numbers, but self-righteous about it too. Keep working, keep loving your body, and buy clothes that DO FIT YOU! Regardless of size, humility and work ethic are always more attractive than entitlement!

Comment by Margaret — March 15, 2012 @ 2:23 pm

Lulu lemon size 12 I found to be big. I normally wear size 14-16. I have a short torso, very wide hips and large thighs. I usually have to go a size up so pants fit my thighs. I’m 5’7, 175 pounds and I’m fit. I run and bike. When I went to the store the lady said I looked like a size 8. I told her the last time I was that size was when I was 15 years old and I’m 28 now.. To be honest the lulu lemon size 10 fit me perfectly. I believe they are made big so I think any who normally wears size 14 to 16 should try the size 12. I’ve seen women larger then myself wearing lulu lemon… It never hurts to go in a try it on just to see.

Comment by Dawn — April 17, 2012 @ 12:22 pm

This is no different than couture only going to 8-10…, I fit in the 12′s but have not always…
The only problem is I only buy online now, as I spend about $3-4k/year here & still get so-so service when in the store!

Comment by Deborah — July 3, 2012 @ 4:08 am

Lululemon should realize that all of their competitiors carry larger sizes and some plus sizes. They could make so much more money if they only opened up their minds to what size real women are. I am a proud healthy, fit, curvy size 16 women. I just shop at other stores because they carry my size. Oh yeah, and I spend a lot of money on clothes. Wake up smell the coffee!

Comment by Shirley — July 10, 2012 @ 7:18 am

Beautifully written post… love the concept of embracing your body, letting go of shame, etc… However, this sentiment is just not in keeping with Lululemon’s truth. Many of the comments reflect my concerns… As a health-minded woman who is on the road to a fit body, I have been constantly discouraged by Lululemon’s restrictive size range… If all bodies (fit, or getting fit!) are beautiful, and should be celebrated free of shame, then why not make clothes that fit more of us?? Having said that, I wear Lululemon almost daily… it’s great quality, etc… It would just be great if the size range was expanded to include size 14 & 16. I can almost guarantee profits would SKYROCKET!

Comment by Nancy — December 28, 2012 @ 12:02 pm

I agree with the other comments about sizing. Why only go up to size 12 and the more I look most things only go to a 10. Also this seems only to be an issue with the women’s section as the men’s go to a XXL. Lululemon needs to take a serious look at their sizing.

Comment by Kate — March 14, 2013 @ 9:33 pm

Just wanted to leave a comment here to let gals know. I am a typical size 14 pant and fit everything in lulu in a 12. It is a body skimming fit but everything is extremely flattering. I’ve just lost 35 pounds and can say that lots of the lulu competitors don’t have anything that’s larger in their lines either for anyone above size 12. I never thought twice about this because it truly is just the hard truth for plus size glas. So as I continue to strive for weight loss, I am very proud to put on my lululemon. I get what these athletic companies are trying to say now that I am more physically fit. It’s time for us all to get active amd practice a healthy well-being inside and out.

Comment by Lulufan — May 12, 2013 @ 4:38 am