As a commerce editor who spends all day hands-on testing products, I’m no stranger to a little friendly competition. That’s why I love comparing best-selling activewear from similar brands and seeing how they really stack up. For the last few weeks, I’ve been wear-testing two viral jackets—Lululemon’s Define jacket and the Alo Ignite Airlift jacket—and I’m finally ready to weigh in on which one is actually worth wearing for your next workout class or walk.
With its buttery-soft fabric and waist-defining silhouette, the Lululemon Define Jacket once reigned supreme as the internet’s (and Nicole Kidman’s) zip-up of choice. Until last year, when Alo dropped the Ignite Airlift Jacket—a remarkably similar silhouette. Both jackets strike the perfect balance between activewear and streetwear, but at $128 and $148 apiece, they’re certainly a splurge.
So, which one should you put your hard earned cash towards? I spent weeks testing both styles in workout sessions and lounge settings, then evaluated each one based on fit, comfort, and performance. Keep reading to find out which zip-up jacket deserves a spot in your workout wardrobe.
Lululemon Define vs. Alo Ignite Jacket: Key Differences
Popularized for its curve-defining fit, the Lululemon Define Jacket has remained a bestseller for over a decade. It’s made from the same stretchy, brushed fabric as the brand’s equally viral Align leggings, and it features clever details like built-in hand covers (more on that later), zipper pockets, and a zip tie that doubles as a hair elastic in a pinch. It’s even available in a few different silhouettes, including a cropped version and a hooded version, but I opted for the classic full-length style.
Similarly, Alo’s Ignite jacket is inspired by the shiny, compressive fabric of the brand’s popular Airlift leggingsand features a fitted yet stretchy silhouette. True to Alo’s “studio-to-street” ethos, it offers a scuba-style construction in a trendy, cropped cut. Plus, it’s equipped with thumbholes and concealed zipper pockets. The Ignite is designed for year-round wear, but it also comes in a Winter Warm style with brushed fabric, should you prefer a cozier feel.
Lululemon Define Jacket
Alo Airlift Ignite Jacket
There are a few key features that set these two jackets apart from one another. The first is price: Lululemon’s costs $128, while Alo’s is slightly pricier at $148. Plus, Lululemon currently comes in 17 colors at the time of publishing, while Alo is available in just two: black and a limited-edition red. After testing both jackets myself, I noticed even more discrepancies in fit, fabric, and performance:
Fit and design
Both jackets feature a fitted silhouette, and I found that both ran slightly small. I have a larger chest and typically wear a size 6, so I opted for an 8 in Lululemon’s version and a medium in Alo’s.
As soon as I zipped up Lululemon’s Define Jacket, I immediately understood the TikTok hype. It hits mid-hip on my 5’5” frame, and I love how the contoured seams help it fit snugly while leaving ample room for my chest and hips. The jacket is equipped with a few clever details, like zipper pockets and thumbholes. My absolute favorite feature is the “cuffins,” or built-in hand covers—there’s a hidden panel around each wrist that can wrap around your hand like a mitten. On chilly mornings when I forget to pack a pair of gloves, I’ll be thanking Lululemon for this genius design.
Lululemon Define Jacket
Lululemon Define Jacket
Meanwhile, the Alo Ignite jacket is definitely more cropped—it falls just below my belly button. I have a longer torso, so I found it a bit too short for my liking. It’s also slim-cut, but it doesn’t have as many contoured seams as Lululemon’s version, so you don’t get the same contoured effect. However, I found that the Ignite jacket looked a lot sleeker than the Define jacket, so it won’t look bulky if you layer it beneath a heavier coat. It also has handy features like thumbholes and zipper pockets, but I found that the pockets were less functional since they’re smaller and sit just below my chest.
Alo Airlift Ignite Jacket
Alo Airlift Ignite Jacket
Fabric
Similar to our legging showdown, these jackets have completely different fabrics. Lululemon’s Nulu fabric is brushed for that signature “buttery soft” feel, while Alo’s Airlift fabric is sleek—almost slippery—with a distinctly shiny finish. As a cat mom, I found that Alo’s jacket did a better job of repelling pet hair, and Lululemon’s Nulu fabric tends to be more prone to pilling.
I found that the Lululemon Define jacket was significantly thicker and comfier than Alo’s Ignite rendition. I could see the outline of my sports bra through the Ignite jacket, which was disappointing for the price point, while the Define jacket smoothed out any lines. Lululemon’s cozier, thicker fabric is great for staying toasty during the colder months, while Alo’s has a more lightweight, breathable feel that suits spring and summer weather.
Lululemon and Alo jackets side-by-side.
Performance
I wore both of these jackets during my cardio warm-up session, and unsurprisingly, I heated up a lot faster in Lululemon’s thicker fabric. Personally, I found it too warm to wear during my weightlifting session, but the Alo Ignite’s lightweight build felt more breathable. I plan to wear the Define jacket to keep me warm on my walks to the gym, but I might reach for the Ignite for an extra layer while working out.
How I tested Lululemon Define vs. Alo Airlift jackets
As a commerce editor with more than four years of experience in hands-on testing, I’m dedicated to helping readers decide which products are actually worth the investment. For this review, I tested the Lululemon Define Jacket against the Alo Airlift Ignite jacket for two weeks, and analyzed them based on fit, fabric, and overall function.
The bottom line
Both of these jackets have a lot to offer in terms of style and function, but personally, I prefer Lululemon’s Define jacket. The contoured, elongated silhouette gave me the waist-defining look I was hoping for, and I love how it comes in a variety of colors that I can mix and match with my existing Lululemon gear. Plus, the soft Nulu fabric feels more comfortable on my skin. I intend to wear my zip-up jacket for low-intensity activities like walking to the gym, traveling, and going on coffee runs, so I don’t mind that the brushed fabric is less durable.
However, if you have a shorter torso or want a zip-up jacket that can withstand high-impact activities like running, then Alo’s Ignite jacket might be more your speed. The $20 price difference is pretty negligible on a $100+ jacket, so it all comes down to your unique needs and style preferences.
Shop the Lululemon Define Jacket
Shop the Alo Ignite Jacket
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