Lululemon Stops Leggings Line After Complaints

Lululemon has removed its newly launched $98 Breezethrough leggings from its website and app following a wave of negative reviews and customer complaints regarding the design of the V-shaped back seam. This seam, which extends from the seat to the lower back, has drawn criticism for being unflattering, with some customers likening it to a "whale tail" effect. The company, known for its premium athleisure wear, has faced significant challenges this year, with its stock plummeting 50%, including a 16% drop in just the past month. Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly negative, with many expressing dissatisfaction on platforms like Reddit and TikTok. One reviewer noted, “What’s really weird actually with these ones is the back seam,” while another mentioned returning the leggings due to the unappealing design. The leggings, launched on July 9, were marketed as innovative with lightweight and quick-drying fabric, but the backlash suggests a disconnect between the product's design and customer expectations. JP Morgan analyst Matthew Boss highlighted that the leggings received an average rating of 3.1 stars out of 5 based on 112 reviews, with the back seam frequently cited as a primary complaint. This customer feedback prompted Lululemon's decision to withdraw the product, leading Boss to revise his revenue and profit growth expectations for the company. The incident comes at a precarious time for Lululemon, which has long been a leader in the high-end athleisure market. Earlier this year, the brand acknowledged missing sales opportunities due to a lack of color variety in its leggings, further complicating its current challenges.