lululemon is proud to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Align™ – the iconic franchise that changed the game in women’s athletic apparel. First introduced in 2015 as a single pair of stretchy yoga tights, Align quickly became a wardrobe staple around the world. Today, the global franchise has evolved into a $1B business and includes a wide variety of styles — including tops, skirts, shorts, dresses, bras, bodysuits, in addition to bottoms – all known for their unmatched buttery-soft feel.
The uniqueness of the Align franchise begins with its proprietary fabric and the company’s Science of Feel™ product creation methodology, focused on the combination of fabric and design construction to engineer a particular sensation that solves for the unmet needs of guests. lululemon heard from yogis that they were seeking a sensory experience during their practice that felt unrestricted, light and free. They wanted to feel like they were wearing nothing at all.
To deliver this ideal feel state, lululemon spent 18 months developing Nulu™ – a revolutionary fabric created by the company with a four-way stretch, made to feel weightless and completely free to move without distraction. Guest feedback has played a critical role in the development of Align from the beginning and continues to drive every step of the design process.
“We design for movement, for emotion – for the space where form meets feeling. This is how we engineer products that look and feel so good, our guests never want to take them off,” said Antonia Iamartino, Senior Director of Franchise Innovations, Research and Product Innovations at lululemon. “10 years ago, nothing like Align existed – and today, you can see its influence everywhere.”
To mark the 10-year anniversary of Align, the company is introducing the Align No Line™ High-Rise Pant – a new take on the tight that started it all. Featuring a seamless front rise, this new option delivers the smooth and streamlined look lululemon guests have been waiting for.
To celebrate this moment with lululemon’s guests and communities, the company is hosting an Ambassador-led series of immersive events across the globe designed to bring people together through the joy of movement. Events kicked off with a dusk-till-dawn yoga festival where 5,000 guests enjoyed activities such as sound baths and meditation at the Beijing Historic Worker’s Stadium. Additional highlights include a roller rink takeover featuring live performances at BottleRock in Napa Valley and in London, lululemon will host several sessions featuring programming surrounding music, movement, and wellbeing.
lululemon has also launched a global Align campaign featuring a dynamic cast of daring women and lululemon Ambassadors who challenge conventions in their professional and personal lives. This campaign not only commemorates the evolution of Align over the past decade, but also introduces three new Ambassadors including, multiplatinum-selling singer and songwriter, Kelsea Ballerini, member of K-pop group LE SSERAFIM, KAZUHA, and comedian and podcaster, Hannah Berner, who join a broader collective of inspiring trailblazers:
- Callie Gullickson – Peloton instructor
- Charm La’Donna – Award-winning choreographer
- Sanchia Legister – Movement educator
- Suni Lee – Six-time Olympic Medalist
The lasting impact of the Align franchise is a testament to its intentional innovation, delivering high performance and high style products that meet guests’ evolving needs – including the recently launched Align Palazzo Pant, High-Rise Skirt and Notched Neck Tank.
The Align No Line™ High-Rise Pant launches online at lululemon.com and in stores on May 13th.