The Lululemon logo is one of the most recognizable marks in activewear. What started as a niche yoga brand in Vancouver is now alongside giants like Nike and Under Armour—and the logo is a big part of that. From shopping bags to streetwear statements, the red circle is shorthand for quality and lifestyle. In this post we’ll dive into how the logo was created, why it works and if it still fits the brand today.
Looking to build an identity that lasts? Rabbit is a logo design agency that helps brands create a lasting logo.
The Origin of the Lululemon Logo
Lululemon opened its doors in 1998 in Vancouver, starting as a space that blended daytime apparel design with evening yoga sessions. The brand name was chosen because it sounded “North American” to international audiences. Interestingly the iconic symbol wasn’t created for “Lululemon” at all—it was originally a logo for a rejected name: Athletically Hip.
Instead of starting over the brand adapted the stylized “A” symbol and built the identity around it. Over time this abstract shape—often compared to the Greek letter omega—evolved into the face of Lululemon’s brand. Despite updates to the marketing and typefaces the logo symbol has remained virtually unchanged since the beginning.
What Type of Logo Is the Lululemon Logo
The Lululemon logo is a combination mark logo, made up of two parts: a symbol and a wordmark. What makes this combination work so well is that both elements can stand alone.
The red circle stands alone on everything from leggings to zipper pulls, while the lowercase text mark reinforces the brand in digital and print formats. This flexibility is a big reason why the Lululemon logo feels so cohesive across storefronts, packaging and digital content.
Design Elements and Symbolism
Every part of the Lululemon design has been refined:
-
Symbol: The stylized “A” was originally linked to Athletically Hip, now it’s a bold and abstract icon. Its shape is often interpreted as the Greek letter omega, giving it a distinctive form without spelling anything directly.
-
Typography: The wordmark uses a lowercase, modern sans-serif font. It’s clean, calm and friendly—much like the yoga focused lifestyle it represents.
-
Color: Red on white or black gives high contrast and visibility. It’s vibrant but grounded.
-
Shape: The circle is compact, balanced and adaptable. It fits on physical products and mobile screens.
Together these elements create a brand image that feels active yet elevated—functional but fashionable.
Does the Lululemon Logo Work in Small Sizes?
Yes. One of the best things about the Lululemon design is how well it scales.
The circular symbol is recognizable even without the text. You’ll see it on the back of leggings, stitched into jacket collars, printed on keychains and used across digital avatars. Because it doesn’t rely on text or language it works across cultures and screen sizes.
It’s a great example of how an abstract symbol can be a flexible design asset for physical and digital products.
Brand Recognition & Global Impact
Their logo doesn’t just show up in studios—it shows up everywhere. From shopping districts to airports the red-and-white symbol has become part of the fashion landscape, especially in urban and fitness focused markets.
In a recognition test of 50 people 45 correctly identified the Lululemon, with the highest awareness among women 18-40. Many associated it not only with athleticwear but with quality, lifestyle and personal identity.
This level of recognition puts Lululemon in a rare category. It’s not just a functional fitness brand—it’s a cultural signal.
How Lululemon Logo Compares to Competitors
Nike
Nike’s Swoosh is one of the world’s most iconic pictorial logos. It represents movement and speed with a single curved shape. Compared to Lululemon the Swoosh has broader global reach—but Lululemon’s symbol holds its own in the premium fitness space.
Alo Yoga
Alo Yoga uses a minimalist wordmark with no icon. While this gives it a modern feel it lacks the instant recognition of the Lululemon circle. Alo’s branding is clean but less distinct in physical retail.
Under Armour
Under Armour uses a monogram logo built from overlapping “U” and “A” shapes. It’s bold and aggressive, speaks more to performance than mindfulness. Lululemon feels more balanced and design driven.
Gymshark
Gymshark uses a bold wordmark with a stylized shark head symbol, a combination mark. It’s modern, youth focused and digital driven. Compared to Lululemon Gymshark leans more into high performance, Lululemon into calm, wellness and lifestyle branding.
Should They Change It?
No.
The Lululemon design is abstract, adaptable and part of the brand DNA. It works across all platforms and product formats—digital, physical or experiential. Any change would risk losing the cultural recognition it has built.
Even as they expand into menswear, accessories and global markets the current logo serves every part of the brand well.
Conclusion
The Lululemon logo shows you don’t need a literal image to make an impact. Its abstract design is simple, scalable and recognisable—things every good logo should be. Over time it’s become a cultural symbol not just a brand mark.
For designers and brand strategists Lululemon is a lesson: when your logo reflects your brand purpose and shows up consistently even a simple symbol can become iconic.
