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.

Nico was teaching a yoga class downtown, so while we waited for him to arrive we scoped out which angle to shoot from in the lovely new YYoga studio.

Chloe gave us a demo of the yoga wall, which involves strapping yourself in and using gravity to see the world from a different viewpoint. I can't wait to go back and hang upside down. Who wants to come with me?!

Nico's shorts also used the extra time to finish drying in the sun. (p.s.: lululemon products last longer when they never get to know the dryer. Read more about how to care for your lululemon here.)

Not pictured: we asked Nico to hold Astavakrasana for several minutes (with a few breaks) as Pat shot different angles to make sure we had a compelling photo for the home page. After already teaching a couple of classes earlier in the day and then shooting this video for an hour or two, this was not the easiest request, but Nico kept smiling, even in his tenth Astavaskrasana.

In the end, we chose this photo of both Nico and Chloe demonstrating Astavakrasana. As they say, two Astavakrasanas are better than one.

Thank you so much to Nico, Chloe, and YYoga for sharing your practice and studio with us.

• Watch the final video
• View more photos

We would love your feedback on our first Try This video. How can we make it even better next time? Which poses, sequences, or concepts would you like to see covered? Leave us a comment below!

Notice anything different about our site today? Based on feedback from our guests and employees, we've renamed the Loot section to something that more accurately describes what it contains. Online guests, say hi to We Made Too Much, the section of our website formerly known as Loot.

Has anything changed about this section, other than the name? Nope. So why change it? Our new name is a more accurate representation of the items that are in this section. We're not perfect - we actually made too much of certain items. When you decide how much of a certain style or colour or size to make, you're always estimating, even if you have facts to back up your decisions. Sometimes we overestimate.

So, welcome to the evolution of Loot: We Made Too Much.

Gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they are big, sometimes they are small, and sometimes, they don’t appear to be gifts at all.

What is feedback? At one time in my life, I asked that exact question. From my experience in both giving and receiving feedback, and what I've learned from different training programs at lululemon, here's what I've gathered:

Feedback is a tool to assist the recipient (and the provider!) in becoming great. It consists of a series of words, spoken together, and delivered in the moment the feedback is conceived. Feedback is spoken with candor (frankness, openness, and sincerity) and is not a personal attack.

Feedback is a gift.

Too often, we are fearful of giving feedback, as we are fearful of what the recipients are going to think about us. We are scared, as perhaps we are going to appear mean. We are nervous, as we are not sure how the recipient is going to take it.

Well, guess what?

Feedback isn't about us. It's all about the receiver. So take a deep breath, do others a favour, and give them feedback.

It truly is the ultimate gift.

Who are you giving the gift of feedback to?

After receiving feedback from lots of athletes in the fit rooms about the Ta Ta Tamer II, I wanted to share a blog post about its fit and function. However, since my tatas are pretty tame to begin with, I turned to fellow educator, Caroline, for her expertise on the matter. Here’s what Caroline had to say about her experience:

As a tata-blessed athlete, I've grown used to double-layering my sports bras in order to adequately support and cover my favorite ladies. When the Ta Ta Tamer II hit Evanston, I had my doubts about the ability of this single sports bra to overcome the power of two sports bras. However, since I am committed to doing one thing a day that scares me, I agreed to put the Ta Ta Tamer II to the ultimate test.

Above: Caroline, wearing her usual sports bra combination.

After hardcore workouts with two of my favorite Evanston trainers, I am delighted to report that not only did the Ta Ta Tamer II work its magic, but it actually outperformed my (now retired) regimen of layering my sports bras.

Above: Practicing yoga in a Cool Racerback, thanks to the TT2’s new cross-back strap option.

Why I Love This: Ta Ta Tamer II

• Without compromising support, the TT2 creates shape instead of smashing down my chest. I do have two of them, after all.
• Thanks to luxtreme and a mesh panel in the front, the TT2 has inherent moisture wicking properties, keeping me cool and dry in the areas where I sweat the most.
• The option to criss-cross the straps in back gives added support, takes the weight off my shoulders, and makes it possible to wear the TT2 under racerback-style tanks.
• I never thought I’d be able to say it, but there was a moment doing my boxing workout that I actually forgot I had boobs!

Above: Caroline practicing a few combinations with Bo from UltFit in Evanston.

Finally. Comfort, coverage, and support from a single sports bra!

TaTa for now,
Caroline

*Please note: Criss-crossing the straps is a new feature on the newer Ta Ta Tamers that will be hitting your local stores later this season.

To learn more about the TTT, pop into your local store or take a peek at our online one: http://shop.lululemon.com/store/productdetails

Above: Susie and Robyn are personal trainers at Elite Fitness for Women!

The greatest part of my job is connecting with different athletes in my community. With a range of gym-goers, yogis, runners and sports fanatics, a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm is waiting to be discovered.

Many active people decide to take their passion for fitness and sport to the next level by making it their profession. Personal trainers, fitness class leaders and yoga instructors are just a few that come to mind. Besides being an expert in their chosen industry, these individuals are keen in finding the perfect garment to play hard and sweat hard in.

As a community leader, I love listening to what instructors in my store as well as at the studios have to say:

"I wish you carried those crops all year around – they're great for outdoor and indoor training with my clients."

"This pocket would be better for running if it was lower on the jacket."

"I love the higher neck on this top when I teach spin! Does it come in more colours?"

We know it's not always a lovefest with our garments. We also know that we can’t get better without our athletes' positive and constructive feedback. Our research and development team members help us everyday in creating components for people to live a longer, healthier and more fun life.

Besides helping bring design feedback to life, our R&D team partnerships allow for instructors to broaden their health and fitness community through in store classes and demonstrations.

You might see them teaching at your nearest lululemon's Sunday morning yoga class. You might see them sweating hard while they lead you into the 59th minute of your hardcore spin class. You may even see them looking back at you in the mirror everyday! If you're interested in becoming part of our R&D team, visit your local store or click here for more information.

When I started wearing lululemon clothes, I thought of them as mostly running and yoga apparel. Since beginning working here last year - low and behold - I have discovered some gems for cycling wear.

The run line is an ideal match for spinners and cyclers. The moisture-wicking, flat-seemed garments often include either Silverescent (anti-stink/anti-static) or quick dry and zip or back pockets.

I put our clothes to the test.

The Carlsbad store hosted a private yoga and shopping event with the San Diego Velo Bellas cycling group.

I rode with them before yoga and showed off the Run: Activa Vest and Flow Y Bra, explaining that I was testing the garments for cycling efficiency. While not wind resistant, the back zipper pocket fits my camera and cell phone, and the back pocket of the Spin Babe shorts fits chapstick and my lens cloth. I could have fit Gu, gum and my car key if I wanted to, but it fit in my bike's seat bag.

Jackie, my riding buddy, exclaimed that of course the vest worked - she didn't realize it wasn't a "real" cycling vest.

After the ride, we hosted yoga for the Bellas and invited them to a private shopping event in exchange for design feedback.

After a few months of testing our products in various saddles, here are the winners (please note, not all are currently available in stores):

- Spin Babe Short - have worn spinning and cycling. Lightly padded in the bum.
- Tri Babe Short - see above, plus more moisture wicking
- Run: Sprint Singlet - wore this in a triathlon
- Run: Activa Vest - wore this on a 2 hr ride
- Run: Power Crop - spin class
- Persist Jacket - to/fro bike rides and races
- Hot Yoga Bra - triathlon
- Flow Y Bra - spinning and cycling
- Brisk Run Arm Warmers - made for cold-weather running - and ideal as cycling sleeves.

That being said, lululemon is not best in the world at making cycling gear - yet. The more feedback you give us via our blog, Facebook, twitter, online, and at the store level, the more the designers will hear it and implement changes.

What else have you worn spinning or cycling and loved?