There are many great ways to ensure you’re protecting the planet — on Earth Day and every other day as well. Whether that’s recycling, using grocery tote bags, opting for glass over plastic, composting, or eating fresh produce from your garden or your local farmer’s market.
Another significant way to reduce waste and impact is wearing second-hand clothing. The resale market has come a long way from the days of digging in dingy thrift shops. In fact, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce highlights that resale is one of the fastest-growing retail segments and is expected to grow 16 times faster than non-resale over the next four years.
So, it should be no surprise that lululemon, the athletic clothing juggernaut with a loyal fanbase, launched its own Earth-friendly program. As of April 2022, lululemon’s Like New program lets shoppers trade in and re-sell any gently used lululemon items.
While we’re big fans of the brand’s “We Made Too Much” section but now you can get lululemon gear for even less.
The Like New program is now available nationwide at 394 stores (excluding outlets) and is easy to use. The concept is simple: customers can exchange gently used pieces in-store and receive an e-gift card to buy other previously owned apparel online or brand-new pieces — no receipt needed. Later, the brand will post the item(s) on its online resale shop for someone else to enjoy.
“Like New is one of lululemon’s commitments to help restore the environment. It lengthens the lifecycle of our gear that’s built to be reused and recycled,” the Like New landing page reads. “We also are on track to make 100% of our products with sustainable materials by 2030, and as of 2021, we’re sourcing 100% renewable electricity for our owned and operated facilities.”
If you’re interested in buying pre-loved lululemon gear, going straight to the retailer on the Like New website is the way to go. If you love a piece online but it’s unavailable in your size, opt-in to email notifications so you know when your size is yours for the taking immediately. The website updates daily!
lululemon Like New women’s pants
Find fan favorites in the Like New women’s pants section, including Wunder Under crops, high-rise joggers, Align crops, Wunder train items, Fast and Free tights and much more.
lululemon Like New men’s shirts
Snag men’s shirt styles like the Surge warm half-zip, polo shirts, Drysense training half-zips, The Fundamental T-shirts, crew necks and more.
lululemon Like New women’s jackets
Enjoy incredible discounts in the women’s lululemon Like New jacket section on bombers, trench coats, vests, windbreakers, packable jackets, and more. Who knows, maybe you’ll spot a crisp Define jacket!
lululemon Like New bags
If you’ve had your eye on a lululemon Everywhere belt bag for quite some time, you may be able to snag one at a discount in the Like New bag section. Other styles you may spot include the Go Getter Bag, the Define backpack, various crossbody bags and more.
lululemon Like New women’s dresses
Warm weather is just around the corner! Stock up on a handful of new-to-you lululemon dresses, including styles like the Court Crush dress, T-shirt dresses, midi dresses, the Picnic Play Dress, and more.
How does lululemon Like New work?
- Go to your local store and trade in any gently used pieces you’re ready to part with.
- A store employee will review your gear, and if accepted, you will receive an e-gift card immediately to your email for future use.
- Use your gift card to buy new lululemon clothes in-store or online.
- The gear you re-sold will be professionally cleaned, categorized, stamped with the Like New logo and uploaded to the Like New resale website.
- Your gear will go to a new home and find new life in someone else’s closet.
- The entire 100% of the profits from your order go back to lululemon’s sustainability initiatives.
What you need to know
- You can purchase lululemon Like New items outright. If you’re not interested in parting with any of your lululemon gear, head straight to the Like New website and buy whatever your heart desires with a credit or debit card.
- Items must be in good condition to be accepted during the trade-in process: no pills, rips, or stains.
- As of now, intimates, swimsuits, yoga props, and self-care products are not eligible for a trade-in.
- Re-sold tank tops, shirts, shorts, and skirts will each get a $5 credit, while hoodies, sweaters, pants, crops, leggings, dresses, and bags will earn you a $10 credit each. For outwear, you’ll receive a credit of $25 each.
- Shoppers are free to keep or donate any unaccepted items through lululemon’s textile recycling partner, Debrand.
Another significant benefit to the Like New program is that die-hard lululemon shoppers can now get their hands on hard-to-get pieces (what the brand calls “Mixed Styles”) that may have sold out years ago.
How to shop for rare or discontinued items
Any items noted as “Mixed Styles” are either rare, discontinued or one-of-a-few items you won’t be able to find anywhere else. You can locate them when shopping in Like New product categories (women’s and men’s shirts, for example), or there is a section dedicated to rare pieces under the Mixed Styles tab.
How to navigate the Like New website
Just like the lululemon site, Like New’s online platform is just as easy to use. Plenty of filters (size, color, collection, style, etc.) allow shoppers to get to the items they’re interested in quickly. You can choose between “good as new” and “gently used” items, which can range in price but start as low as just $4. As the name suggests, good as new items are flawless, whereas gently used items may have a few minor signs of wear. These imperfections will be expressly noted on the product page. Examples include “faint unthreading on inner thighs” or “minor fading on multiple locations.”
Overall, Like New is a big win for everyone involved and an incredible luxury experience compared to many other resale options. You know you’re getting the best care and quality for your recycled lululemon items, helping the planet, the brand, and your closet.
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