Lululemon Criticized for Managing See-Through Leggings Controversy

Lululemon is currently under heavy criticism for its handling of the contentious Get Low collection of leggings and shorts. This controversy has raised concerns over whether the global brand is losing its touch in the activewear market.

Lululemon’s Get Low Collection Controversy

In January 2026, the company launched the Get Low range, which included tights, shorts, and a tank top intended for training purposes. However, customers quickly voiced their concerns about the products being excessively sheer.

Customer Complaints

• Many users reported that the leggings were not “squat proof,” leading to visibility of underwear.
• A Reddit user, claiming to be a company educator, highlighted the leggings’ transparency during squats and bends.
• Another commentator criticized the approval process, questioning how insufficient testing allowed such a flaw to reach the sales floor.

Following a wave of negative feedback, Lululemon paused all online sales of this range in the U.S. on January 20, aiming to reassess customer feedback. Just three days later, the products were reintroduced online with updated guidance on wearing suggestions, which included recommendations to size up and choose appropriate underwear.

Concerns Over Quality Control

Former founder Chip Wilson expressed his disapproval of the situation, branding the paused sales as an “operational failure.” He emphasized that the brand has seemingly drifted away from its core values, attributing this to the current board’s inexperience in creative enterprises and lack of focus on product quality.

Market Impact

Lululemon, valued at approximately $22.6 billion and listed on the NASDAQ, has seen a significant drop in its market value, losing nearly half in just a year. The company’s stock fell by 6.5% following the suspension of the Get Low leggings.

Previous Issues

Interestingly, this is not Lululemon’s first instance of product failure. In mid-2024, they faced backlash for the Breezethrough leggings, which prompted a recall due to discomfort and unflattering designs.

Conclusion

While the Get Low collection is still available in physical U.S. stores and online in Australia, it remains to be seen how Lululemon will address the ongoing concerns from customers about product testing and quality assurance. As the brand navigates this backlash, the focus remains on restoring its reputation and leadership in the technical apparel space.