How to Score Lululemon, Alo, and Other Premium Athletic Wear on Serious Discount
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Premium athletic wear like Lululemon and Alo Yoga isn’t cheap—leggings routinely top $100, sports bras push $60, and hoodies can eclipse $150. But you don’t have to pay full price. With the right timing, tools, and insider tricks, you can build a high-end workout wardrobe for 30-70 % off. Here’s the exact playbook I use (and that thousands of savvy shoppers swear by).
1. Master the Brand’s Own Outlet Channels
Lululemon “We Made Too Much” (WMTM)
- Where: Lululemon.com → “Sale” (desktop) or “We Made Too Much” (app).
- Discount depth: 30-70 % off final sale items.
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Pro moves:
- Filter by size first—popular sizes (4-8) vanish in minutes.
- Check Thursday 6 PM ET; that’s when the biggest drop usually hits.
- Use the WMTM Chrome extension or Lulu Alert Telegram bots for push notifications.
- Add to “Wishlist” before items hit WMTM; they auto-migrate when discounted.
Alo Yoga “Sale” Tab
- Where: Aloyoga.com → “Sale” (up to 40 % off, sometimes 70 % during flash events).
- Pro moves:
2. Third-Party Discount Retailers (The Hidden Goldmines)
| Retailer | Typical Discount | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nordstrom Rack | 50-70 % | Lululemon, Alo, Varley | In-store “clear the rack” events = extra 25 % off red tags |
| Saks Off 5th | 60-80 % | Alo, Beyond Yoga | Use code FREESHIP; returns in-store |
| Rue La La | 40-70 % | Alo boutiques (24-48 h flash) | Free to join; invite friends for $10 credit |
| The Outnet | 60-75 % | Alo, Michi, Live The Process | Luxury focus; final sale |
Hack: Set Google Alerts for "Lululemon site:nordstromrack.com" or "Alo site:saksoff5th.com" to catch restocks.
3. Secondhand & Resale (Near-New for Pennies)
| Platform | Avg. Savings | Best For | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poshmark | 60-80 % | Gently used Lululemon Aligns, Alo Airlift | Search “NWT” (new with tags) + size; bundle 3+ items for 10-30 % off |
| Mercari | 55-75 % | Alo bras, Lululemon Define jackets | Use “Buy Now” filter under $50; offers encouraged |
| ThredUp | 70-90 % | Bulk Lululemon | “Gooseberry” search = rare pastel colors; $10 off first order |
| eBay | 50-70 % | Deadstock older colors | Sort by “Newly Listed” + sniper tools like Gixen |
Authentication tip: Lululemon tags have a holographic thread; Alo has tiny lotus stitching inside waistbands. Ask for close-ups.
4. Timing Hacks & Seasonal Calendars
| Event | When | Expected Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Black Friday (Lululemon) | Day after Thanksgiving | Rare 50 % off select WMTM + gift card promos |
| Boxing Week | Dec 26–31 | Alo: 40 % off sitewide + extra 20 % off sale |
| Post-Christmas Flash | Dec 27–28 | Nordstrom Rack: extra 25 % off clearance |
| End-of-Season (Feb & Aug) | Last week of month | Saks Off 5th: 70-80 % off winter/summer collections |
| Alo Sample Sale (LA/NY) | Pop-ups announced on IG | 70-90 % off; follow @aloyoga |
5. Stackable Codes, Cashback & Credit Cards
- Rakuten / Honey → 2-12 % cashback (changes quarterly).
- Capital One Shopping → auto-applies coupons + price tracking.
- Lululemon Healthcare/Military → 15 % off full-price (verify via SheerID).
- Alo Student/Teacher → 20 % off via UNiDAYS.
- Chase Offers / Amex Offers → periodic $20 back on $100 at Alo.
6. The “Restock Sniping” Toolkit
- Distill.io or Page Monitor Chrome extension → alerts when size restocks.
- Incognito + VPN → bypass regional price differences (Alo EU sometimes cheaper).
- Multiple devices → one on app, one on desktop during drops.
7. Bonus: Dupes That Punch Above Their Price
If you miss the deal, these look 90 % like the real thing for 20 % of the cost:
| Dupe | Original | Where |
|---|---|---|
| CRZ Yoga Butterluxe | Lululemon Align | Amazon ($26) |
| Colorfulkoala Dreamlux | Lululemon Wunder Train | Amazon ($25) |
| Queenieke Leggings | Alo Airlift | Amazon ($30) |
| 90 Degree by Reflex | Lululemon Define Jacket | Amazon ($40) |
Final Checklist Before You Checkout
- Is it final sale? (WMTM, Saks Off 5th)
- Check return policy (Poshmark = buyer pays return shipping).
- Screenshot the listing (resale disputes).
- Use PayPal or a cashback credit card for buyer protection.
Start with the Lululemon WMTM drop every Thursday, set your alerts, and within a month you’ll have a rotation of Aligns and Airlifts that cost less than one full-price pair.
Happy hunting—your wallet (and glutes) will thank you.
Drop your best score in the comments; I’m always hunting for new hacks.