If there is any brand that has been awarded the title of Legend in its industry, it is undoubtedly Lululemon. The Canadian-turned-global label has firmly cemented its place as a leader in the world of activewear and gym gear.
From its humble beginnings back in 1998 as a yoga and Pilates-focused brand that has grown and expanded into the running, training, outdoor and lifestyle space, every new launch from Lululemon is anticipated with bated breath by its legion of super fans.
So, with the launch of their brand new Glow Up collection, they’re sure to garner a whole new set of shoppers as they focus on the world of strength training.
Chatting with Lululemon’s VP of Women’s Design, Melanie Anayiotos, she discusses the collections’ inspiration, innovative design, and tech details that are set to change the game.
‘More and more women are strength training. So, I think that was kind of the original inspiration. We’re just looking at the future of where fitness is going and it’s changing,’ she tells us. ‘They’re wanting more muscle building, and they’re seeing the benefits of that, and they’re liking the look of that.’
‘It’s really healthy, and it’s really empowering to feel strong.’
She also tells the story of when she used to surf—’not well,’ she admits—and the feeling she got from zipping up into a wetsuit—a feeling she wanted to recreate with this collection. ‘We design for people,’ she says, ‘but if I don’t want to wear it, how can I expect anyone else to wear it?’
The thicker material offers support and sculpting abilities while remaining lightweight and non-bulky during your workout. Using Ultralu fabric enhances that smoothing look and supportive feel—unlike the beloved Align line, which aims to create a ‘naked’ sensation. This collection ensures you stay focused on your weights and PBs, not what you’re wearing.
I had the chance to put the collection to the test during an intense, sweat-drenched HIIT session at London Soho’s Third Space gym. Admittedly, I walked in with some scepticism—folded waistbands and a seamless design often spell constant adjustments and slipping leggings. But to my surprise, my concerns were completely misplaced. I was genuinely shocked by just how much support these lightweight, slinky pieces delivered.
Melanie explains that the goal was to create a feeling of being ‘held in’ and supported, eliminating distractions so you can stay focused. ‘All of these classes are always in front of mirrors, and when you’re in the gym, you’re surrounded by them. There’s something about seeing yourself and feeling like the best version of yourself while you move—it just allows you to focus on the movement,’ she tells me.
She’s right—the Glow Up collection delivers that same zipped-up, ultra-snatched feel that a wetsuit provides. Yet it’s breathable, comfortable, and allows for full range of movement. It’s a capsule collection that consists of three pieces that act as a base for your strength training days, a seamless tank and two-length leggings to suit your needs, all available in four inspiring or versatile colourways.
The brand wanted to zero in on those who lean towards strength training after noticing a shift in the fitness industry.
‘Strength training, I think, is the biggest thing for women,’ she tells me when explaining why she wanted to focus on this space. ‘I think a lot of it comes down to research on longevity—people are more aware of their health now than ever before.
We want to stay fit and active for longer, and with all the new research on muscle building, it’s clear how crucial it is. Women lose muscle as they age, and maintaining it is so important for overall health.’
‘Show your strength and your power’
The launch of the collection coincides with the grand opening of the brand’s sparkling new flagship store on London’s Regent Street. When I arrive for a tour, there’s already a line of super fans stretching down the street, eager to experience the enormous 8,923 sq ft space and snag some freebies in celebration.
The first thing that strikes me is the sheer scale of the store, quickly followed by a sigh of relief when I spot some of the most realistic-looking mannequins I’ve ever seen, representing a range of shapes and sizes, all modelling the collection.
I’m already a fan of the Glow Up collection—the buttery soft fabric combined with surprisingly strong support makes for a gym ‘fit I’ll be reaching for again and again. And you can bet I’ll be heading back to the Regent Street store on my lunch break to grab more goodies (don’t tell my bank account).
The Glow Up collection is available online from £68 at lululemon.co.uk and the Regent Street store is open to consumers from today.
Shop Lululemon’s Glow Up Collection 2025
Glow Up™ Super-High-Rise Tight 25″
Glow Up™ Super-High-Rise Tight 28″
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Isabelle Knevett is the Fashion Features Editor at Women’s Health. With her keen insight into the worlds of both fashion and fitness, she explores their intersection to help women feel their best when they work out and do it in style. Transitioning from a career as a full-time dancer into the realms of fashion and media, she understands the importance of reliable activewear. Her work has been published across Marie Claire Australia, ELLE Australia, Australian Women’s Weekly, and more. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her in a dance class, or with her nose in a fashion mag.