There’s a reason Lululemon’s Scuba hoodie has been a cult favorite for the better part of a… decade. It’s thick, warm, and somehow survives a hundred trips through the dryer looking bizarrely new. It’s also loved by 13 year olds and 60+ year olds alike. So.
Lululemon recently announced it was “evolving” the fleece to feel lighter (?! it was already perfect!!!)… so someone had to test this newness for science. (That someone was me. Hi.)
Lululemon Scuba Fleece: What’s Changed (And Is It Still Worth the Price?)
hoodie (M) | joggers (M regular)
The fabric: The original Scuba was known for its heft: it’s a dense, structured fleece that felt a little more like outerwear than loungewear. The new Scuba Evolve is about the same, except for the waffle knit (a little thinner than I expected).
The durability: This was always Lululemon’s best selling point for an investment lounge piece (or really great gift). After many washes, my pieces held their color and hardly pilled for years. No color fading nor shrinking – and I always just throw them into the washer & dryer haphazardly.
The price: The joggers and straight-leg pants run $118, and the hoodies cost more; $128-$148. That said, they’re worth it. Some go on sale in their We Made Too Much section pretty often, but at full price I’m still really happy.
The fit: Lululemon has leaned hard into oversized styles, and some pieces still use combined sizing (XS/S, M/L). I’m almost always a medium in tops & bottoms. I break down sizing for every piece below.
1. Lululemon Scuba Evolve Oversized Half-Zip Hoodie
This is the piece Lululemon is putting front and center for fall, and it’s great (especially in this gorgeous mahogany chocolate color). The oversized cut sits right below my waist in a decidedly un-frumpy way. The sleeves are a good, long length (with thumbholes!).
hoodie (M) | pants (M) | shoes
I grabbed my usual medium and I’d say it’s a perfect oversized fit for me. If you don’t want the slouchier fit, you can probably size down comfortably (tho I always prefer it roomier for layering and overall silhouette). I can’t tell a difference between their new material and the old. Still very much in love with it!
2. Lululemon Scuba Evolve Oversized Full-Zip Hoodie
hoodie (M) | joggers (M regular) | shoes
The oversized cut of the full-zip is full-length and still slightly oversized on me, which works well with any rise of pant. The weight is *perfect* (I had a tank underneath) and I’m always a sucker for those thumbholes.
hoodie (M) | pants (M) | shoes
BTW, the hoods on these bad boys are BIG (see top collage). I love it though – great for pulling on over a beanie come winter. This “True Navy” is beautiful – I threw it on with my favorite silky pants and actually loved it?! Would go really well with most washes of jeans, too.
SIZE NOTES: I’m in a medium and the oversized fit is just big enough to feel like sleeker loungewear without being baggy.
3. Lululemon Scuba Oversized Full-Zip Hoodie in Waffle
hoodie (M/L) | joggers (M regular)
The waffle knit is smooth on the inside and textured on the outside, so it looks a little more elevated and feels lighter on your shoulders than the regular knit. I’d say it’s ideal for the in-between days when a heavy fleece is a bit overkill. It still has all the classic Scuba details (thumbholes, front pockets with a card sleeve, a zipper garage so the zip doesn’t rub your chin), but in a textured, lighter weight.
Shana has an entire review dedicated to this, too.
hoodie (M/L) | joggers (M regular) | shoes
My only qualm with this piece is that the grey doesn’t match up perfectly with the grey of the Scuba jogger (Heathered Core Ultra Light Grey). I hate when this happens!!! It is a reeeeally subtle difference, I’ll admit – but I always compare closely when wearing a matching set. The joggers should match the non-waffle version of the half-zip, though.
SIZE NOTES: Just slightly more oversized than TTS if you’re a true medium, TTS if you’re a large. Less roomy than the non-waffle versions.
4. Lululemon Scuba Evolve Oversized Jogger
hoodie (M) | joggers (M regular) | shoes
These are the everyday, never-take-them-off sweats. The relaxed leg and gathered ankle make them look intentional and not, well, like ugly old sweatpants haha. They’re soooo freaking cozy, you guys. I love a jogger style specifically for wearing with easy shoes in the summer/fall (flip flops are elite) AND trekking to the yoga studio in snow in the winter.
hoodie (M/L) | joggers (M regular) | shoes
The rise is quite high (above my waist – I’m 5’6″ and have a shorter one) so I like to roll mine. Just seeing that they have a short option! I’ve never bought Short before but maybe I try now?
SIZE NOTES: Slightly oversized & long. Waist is TTS.
5. Lululemon Scuba Evolve Straight-Leg Pant
hoodie (M) | pants (M) | shoes
The straight leg is a more grown-up take on sweatpants, IMO. It’s the pair I’d wear on a flight, run errands in & pair with a sweater instead of a hoodie. The rise and length are both perfect. It’s the Scuba Jogger’s chicer older sister.
hoodie (M) | pants (M) | shoes
Such a chic piece of loungewear that I wouldn’t mind living in all fall & winter long (especially in this very forgiving color). Again, I’m 5’6″ and these are a great full-length without dragging on the ground.
SIZE NOTES: TTS. Sits a little high on the waist but not enough to consider them high-rise.
Hope this helps your Scuba purchasing!!
Xox, Abby (@abbycheeka on Instagram)
