Lululemon’s Align franchise made yoga tights fashionable—now it’s reinventing them again
A decade ago, the idea of wearing activewear to run errands or head to the office was nearly unthinkable. Today, yoga tights are as essential as a favourite pair of jeans—and much of that cultural shift can be credited to Lululemon’s now-iconic Align pant.
When Lululemon introduced the Align franchise in 2015, it didn’t simply release another pair of yoga tights—it redefined the category. Prioritising comfort over compression and sensation over performance metrics, Align helped usher in a new era of athleisure. Beyond its buttery-soft Nulu™ fabric, the original design is distinguished by a second-skin feel, thanks in part to a signature V-shaped back seam that took 12 iterations to perfect.
Now, as the Align franchise marks its 10th anniversary, Lululemon introduces Align No Line™. Available in timeless shades including Black, Allspice, True Navy and Espresso, the latest design features a seamless front construction—underscoring the brand’s ongoing innovation and attentiveness to the evolving needs of its community.
Tatler speaks to Antonia Iamartino, Lululemon’s senior director of franchise and product innovations as well as the creative force behind Align, to explore how a single design catalysed a global activewear revolution.
In case you missed it: Is Hong Kong ready to talk about sexual health?
Lululemon ambassador Kazuha stars in Align campaign (Photo: Lululemon)
Congratulations on 10 years of Align. What has surprised you most about how consumers have embraced the franchise? From completing yoga teacher training and skydiving to embracing motherhood and running after little ones, it’s inspiring to see how Align has supported people through diverse and powerful moments. As a design team, we’re always driven by the opportunity to meet our guests’ unmet needs. Knowing that something we created has helped people feel their best—whether in everyday routines or life-changing milestones—is both humbling and energising.
Align pioneered a new category in athleisure. What does this legacy represent to you personally?Leading the creation of Align remains one of the most fulfilling milestones of my career. Align was born from a clear unmet need. It combined deep research, fabric innovation and purposeful design to deliver the next-to-nothing sensation sought by yogis. The fact that it became a benchmark for how athletic apparel should feel—and a daily wardrobe staple—cements its legacy.
Lululemon Align No Line™ tights in Allspice (Photo: Lululemon)
Lululemon Align No Line™ tights in True Navy (Photo: Lululemon)
Lululemon Align No Line™ tights in Espresso (Photo: Lululemon)
Lululemon Align No Line™ tights in Black (Photo: Lululemon)
Tell us about Align No Line™. How does it evolve the franchise?To mark Align’s 10th anniversary, we’re launching Align No Line™—a new version without a front-rise seam. The result is a smoother, more streamlined silhouette that our guests have long been asking for. It’s a fresh take on the franchise’s signature barely-there feel.
What were the design challenges in developing Align No Line™?The front seam plays a key structural role in shaping and support, so removing it meant re-engineering the entire construction. We invested the time to ensure the final design retained Align’s signature sensation and performance standards while delivering the updated look our guests wanted.
How do you hope customers feel in Align No Line™?Align No Line™ expands the options available to our guests, empowering them to feel their best. It offers the smooth, on-trend silhouette they’ve been asking for, elevating the confidence and ease with which they move—from the studio to the street, and everything in between.
Lululemon ambassador Kazuha stars in Align campaign (Photo: Lululemon)
The athleisure space has evolved dramatically since 2015. What’s next?Lululemon has spent over 25 years designing with women at the forefront. It’s exciting to see women now expect—and receive—performance apparel that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or style.
We’re continually pushing boundaries in fabric innovation, exploring new materials and silhouettes that enhance how clothing supports daily movement. As daily life becomes more dynamic and wellness-focused, the line between activewear and fashion continues to blur. The future lies in pieces that fuse function, form and intention—empowering women to move freely and feel confident throughout their day.
After two decades with Lululemon, what excites you most about the brand’s direction?Lululemon has always designed for real life—how people move and live, in the studio and beyond. That’s what makes our work both dynamic and inspiring. There’s always opportunity to develop new raw materials, explore fresh silhouettes and solve emerging needs.
In addition to evolving new products, we’re also focused on refreshing icons. The Align franchise remains a key part of that. From the new Align No Line™ High Rise Pant to the flowing Align Palazzo Pant in seasonal prints and colours, we’re celebrating our design legacy while looking firmly ahead.
NOW READ
Korean skincare make-up hybrids: best multitasking K-beauty products for glass skin
Digital detox tips: 9 simple ways to declutter your mind and escape digital chaos
From trauma release coaches to energy chefs: 6 ways the wellness elite are redefining detox