As someone running an activewear business at FuKi Gymwear, I often hear people ask:
“When did Lululemon get popular?”
The short answer: Lululemon became widely popular in the mid-2000s, when yoga shifted from a niche practice to a mainstream lifestyle and the brand positioned itself as the premium choice for stylish, technical yoga wear.
Below, I’ll share the key moments behind Lululemon’s rise and what new activewear brands can learn.
Lululemon was founded in 1998 in Vancouver, Canada by Chip Wilson.
It started as a small yoga studio that doubled as a design space, focusing on high-quality yoga pants and tops.
At first, the brand catered mainly to serious yoga practitioners, but its attention to technical fabrics and fit set the stage for bigger growth.
👉 Learn more on Lululemon Official.
Lululemon’s major popularity surge began around 2005 when:
By its 2010 IPO, Lululemon was recognized worldwide as a premium athleisure brand, not just a yoga label.
Proprietary fabrics like Luon and Nulu delivered stretch, durability, and comfort, turning yoga pants into everyday fashion.
Free in-store yoga classes and ambassador programs built a loyal, engaged community instead of relying on traditional advertising.
As yoga pants became daily wear, Lululemon capitalized on the athleisure movement, appealing to both fitness lovers and fashion-conscious consumers.
Lululemon stores felt like wellness spaces, with knowledgeable staff called educators rather than salespeople.
| Feature | Lululemon | Athleta | Alo Yoga |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1998, Vancouver | 1998, California (Gap Inc.) | 2007, Los Angeles |
| Price Range | $80 – $150 | $40 – $100 | $90 – $130 |
| Core Strength | Technical yoga & innovation | Eco-friendly & inclusive sizing | Streetwear + yoga lifestyle |
| Community Focus | Ambassador-led events | B Corp, sustainability | Celebrity & influencer power |
👉 Related read: Which Is Cheaper, Lululemon or Athleta?
From my perspective at FuKi Gymwear, Lululemon’s journey shows:
These lessons are vital for any startup hoping to stand out in a competitive activewear market.
At FuKi Gymwear, we help new and growing brands apply these lessons to their own collections:
With our support, you can build a community-driven, high-quality activewear brand just like Lululemon did—tailored to your own unique audience.
Q1: When did Lululemon become popular?
👉 Around 2005–2010, when yoga went mainstream and Lululemon expanded globally.
Q2: What made Lululemon famous?
Its premium fabrics, fit, and strong community marketing.
Q3: Is Lululemon only for yoga?
No. It now covers running, training, and everyday athleisure wear.
Q4: How can new brands compete?
By focusing on fabric innovation, lifestyle marketing, and sustainable production with OEM partners like FuKi Gymwear.
So, when did Lululemon get popular?
✅ Mid-2000s, when the global yoga and athleisure trend aligned with Lululemon’s premium, community-driven brand strategy.
For new entrepreneurs, the key insight is that great fabrics, smart marketing, and a wellness-driven culture can transform a small brand into a global powerhouse.
At FuKi Gymwear, we help brands launch custom activewear lines with low MOQ, eco fabrics, and private-label customization to replicate similar success.
👉 Ready to create your own premium activewear brand? Contact FuKi Gymwear.