KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 — My right arm brushed against a rack of workout tops while my left nearly swiped the guy next to me, who was just as intent on getting his uttkatanasa right without hitting any part of me.

Yoga instructor Jean Michele Lee from Manasa Yoga was putting us through the paces of a Vinyasa session at what could have been any one of many classes available at Bangsar’s Telawi area, except this was no regular yoga class. First, it’s free; secondly, it was held inside the Lululemon Athletica showroom that opened just weeks ago, on October 28. The space marks the Canadian brand’s debut in Malaysia, and continues its expanding presence in Asia that started in Singapore and covers Hong Kong, Korea, and Shanghai, China.

The first Lululemon showroom in Kuala Lumpur is located in Bangsar’s Telawi area

For the unfamiliar, the name may understandably conjure up images of a fun, girly label that’s more whimsical than workout friendly. Its candy-esque moniker aside, Lululemon Athletica is a brand that fitness enthusiasts take seriously for the superb quality of their smartly functioning clothing that marries sophisticated fabric technology with sharp aesthetic appeal. To date, Lululemon has over 200 physical outlets as well as a number of online stores; Malaysian shoppers enjoy free shipping from Lululemon Hong Kong’s e-shop at www.lululemon.com.hk .

Founded in 1998 in Vancouver, where it is headquartered, the brand’s initial focus was on yoga gear and they have since expanded to include technical apparel for men and women that cater to practically all ‘sweat pursuits’, as they call it. Accessories like mats, towels, water bottles, backpacks and headwear complete the products range while yoga classes, like the one I attended, is part of their showroom offerings. It’s also a reflection of the brand’s ethos that has been established since their first outlet opened in Vancouver’s Kitsilano area in 2000. Combining retail space with a yoga studio, they didn’t just sell clothes or taught asanas; founder Dennis Wilson conceived it as a hub where people could gather to glean inspiration and information on healthy living.

Lululemon was founded in Vancouver, and now has more than 200 stores in more than 100 locations

Lululemon doesn’t just sell clothes, they want to encourage a healthy lifestyle

That continues to be the aim at their showrooms, one of two categories of Lululemon outlets, with stores being the other one. What’s the difference between the two? “Showrooms are smaller, operate on shorter hours, and carry more of the brand’s core products in signature colours. Stores, on the other hand, focus on retail and carry a wider range of merchandise, including seasonal specials,” explained Nicole Leong, the key person at Lululemon Athletica Malaysia, who carries the unique title of Community Connector – which explains an important aspect of the showrooms. “Beyond selling products, our aim is to engage with and play an active role in the local and fitness community.”

The Kuala Lumpur showroom opens only four days a week, but Nicole and her team don’t rest on their laurels on the other days. Instead, they actively seek to meet and build relationships with members of the community, and make it a point to try out various fitness centres and classes. Class fees are expensed to the company, and staff are not to purchase training packages even if those give more bang for the buck as the idea is to support as many fitness operators as possible.

Lululemon’s mission is to elevate the world from mediocrity to greatness (left). Breathable tops and reversible running shorts in a variety of prints (right)

Bangsar, said Nicole, was ideal for the brand’s first showroom in Malaysia as it’s centrally located and equally as accessible from the city as the suburbs. More importantly, the lively neighbourhood is a constant hive of fitness goings-on, thanks to the presence of countless yoga studios, gyms and health centres. Having free in-store yoga classes that are open to all thus not only fits the brand well but also the locale.

“This is the third yoga class we’ve had here and it’s been full house each time,” Nicole revealed as we sat down for a chat at the cosy lounging area where guests (their preferred term for customers) can relax while reading magazines, or do a spot of colouring – adult colouring books and colouring pencils are provided. The yoga class had ended about half an hour ago and the showroom had been returned to its usual layout, with clothing racks and a display table filling up the space that had earlier fit some 20 yoga practitioners and our mats.

All Lululemon Athletica showrooms worldwide have a similar concept, in that the space is easily adaptable for hosting classes, which are not limited to yoga but includes other community-driven activities. At the same time, no two stores or showrooms are alike. Showroom managers are given the freedom to shape and define the running of their respective outlet — from opening hours to what classes to offer — as they see befitting their location or audience.

Flow Y Bra IV, one of many designs available from their sports bras line

Free To Be Wild Bra is one of many options of sports bras for active women

In the weeks to come, the Bangsar showroom will embark on a holiday campaign based on the brand’s ‘Fuel Happiness’ list of 35 ways that have been scientifically proven to boost one’s contentment. Events have been planned that relate to each item on that list, and will kick off with meditation sessions organised in collaboration with health food cafe and wellness centre, Organica Lifestyle.

Clearly, Lululemon is one brand that doesn’t just walk the talk but goes the extra mile to realise their mission to “elevate the world from mediocrity to greatness”, and provide you with the tools you need to get there. That includes, of course, apparel that enable you to get the most of your ‘sweat pursuits’. The range is comprehensive and includes what they term ‘no sweat’ and ‘post-sweat’ pieces, that is, apparel for getting to and from your workout such as jackets and multi-style shawls. Prices stretch from RM65 to RM618.

As you sift through the racks, what stands out the most is the amount of thought and technology that go into every item. Each comes with a “why we made this” tag that explains its function, design sensibility, fabric type and technology. Among them are Luon and Luxtreme, both of which feature four-way stretch and sweat-wicking capabilities, while Silverescent very helpfully keeps odour at bay by inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

The Align Pant feels ‘Naked’ on the skin and has been described as buttery soft

Don’t know where to begin? Let the showroom staff take you through and help you decide. Known as Educators, that’s exactly what their role is – to impart their intimate knowledge of the brand’s products and functions, and find you the best fit.

Start at the Pant Wall, where a selection of leggings are categorised by emotions rather than cut or length. How do you like to feel in your workout pants — Naked, Hugged, Held In, Tight, or Relaxed? The latter meets the ‘no sweat’ or ‘post-sweat’ needs, while Tight is compression wear. Held In tucks it all in and Hugged gives a comfortable fit. Naked, as the name hints at, glides on like a second skin that you’d want to keep on.

You can experience that with the Align Pant, made of satiny smooth Nulu fabric that’s been aptly described as “buttery soft”. Another must-try is their Wunder Under Pant Full-On Luon, a bestseller that constantly tops the list of the fitness world’s best ‘little black dress’.

The men’s range feature non-chafing materials and anti-stink technology

Jean Lee of Manasa Yoga leading the Vinyasa class at Lululemon’s showroom

Pair your choice of pants with a selection of tops, from racerback tanks (with or without shelf bras) to long-sleeved pullovers, that showcase details that are as impressive as the technology. The Swiftly range, for example, has mesh venting to encourage airflow to areas where we are prone to sweat more, so it’s highly breathable and very practical for our weather. Sewn onto the inside of the hems are encouraging phrases such as “Set your goals. Do it now”. Many of the pants have hidden pockets in the waistbands, and all apparel are machine washable. Lululemon also offers complimentary hemming services for pants — unless it will affect the design or technical feature.

For ladies, the sports bra collection comes in three levels of support and a variety of cuts, colours, prints, and details that will please every woman. The well-endowed will appreciate the heavy support line, which are designed like regular bras but with the necessary coverage and adequate lift. Yoga mats come in three variants, with the thickest at 5 millimetres (it’s also reversible, and ideal for home use) while the thinnest, a mere 1 millimetre and known as the Unmat, is meant to be laid over soft surfaces like carpets. There are super absorbent microfiber towels in two sizes, to mop up your sweat or used as a non-slip layer over your yoga mat.

Just as interesting is the men’s collection, where pants are often dressy enough to be worn outside of training. Most articles are fitted with the Silverescent ‘anti-stink’ technology and are constructed of materials that promise not to chafe the skin. Some feature reflective stitching and details that make them ideal for night outdoor sports, and then there’s the 5-Year Basic Tee made of Vitasea fabric that is guaranteed to stay in shape for that long.

The brand’s manifesto is emblazoned across their shopping bags (left). Highly absorbent microfibre towels (right)

The must-buy piece is the ABC (Anti-Ball Crushing) pants, with a wide-panelled gusset and four-way stretch fabric, and enough room to allow the family jewels to breathe. A big hit since they were made available earlier this year, pushing the brand’s sales up by 16 percent, it has garnered flattering reviews such as “These pants hug me in the right places”.

There’s certainly a lot to look into and think about when shopping at Lululemon, and don’t be shy about taking your time. “We can tell you all about our products and technology, but you have to try it for yourself to know,” Nicole reasoned. “We encourage guests to try all they want, it’s ok if you don’t end up buying.”

If you hang around the showroom long enough, chances are, you will meet fans of the brand who used to buy online and are all too happy to be able to shop in person now — and will rave to you all about their favourite pieces. “One guy walked in, looked at our range of men’s pants, and said he has them in more colours than we do!” Nicole revealed.

Lounge at the relaxation area and dabble in some colouring if you want

Lululemon started out as a yoga wear brand but has since expanded to include all ‘sweat pursuits’

Indeed, it is hard not to be drawn into the Lululemon world, especially after you experience the tactile sensation of their high-tech fabrics and understand how each trademarked technology can boost your fitness performance. When you eventually walk out of the showroom with a Lululemon Athletica bag, emblazoned with empowering statements that make up their manifesto, on your shoulder you know you’ve taken one step towards that greatness they urge you to aspire to.

Lululemon Athletica

20 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur

Tel +603 2280 0332

Opens 1pm-7pm, Wed-Fri; 11.30am-5.30pm, Sat; closed Sun-Tue

Follow them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/lululemonKualaLumpur/) and Instagram (@lululemonmy) for updates on their free yoga classes and other community activities. Upcoming Lululemon Athletica is partnering with Amazin’ Graze and Organica Lifestyle for Pop-Up Yoga + Live DJ at APW, Bangsar on November 28, 9.30am-11am. Get your tickets at popupyoga.peatix.com or email hello@amazingraze.co

Vivian Chong’s search for the perfect sports bra ended at Lululemon Athletica; read about her other pursuits — fitness and otherwise — at thisbunnyhops.com