- Lululemon's Down For It All Jacket is ideal for cold-weather running, jogging, hiking, and any other exercise you plan on doing outside this winter.
- For $198, I consider it an investment piece — it's a versatile jacket I can wear 24/7, thanks to its chic design.
- Stuffed with 85% grey goose down and 15% grey goose feathers, it's warm and cozy, especially when it starts snowing mid-run.
As a single mom who likes to exercise and stay active year-round, I admit, I don't always have time to drive to the gym or take a class. But that doesn't mean I throw in the towel. After all, running outside is free and something I can always fit into my day.
However, if you're like me, a runner, hiking enthusiast, someone who walks her golden retriever approximately 3 miles a day, you know the average hoody isn't going to keep you warm in colder months and the puffer you reserve for snow days is too bulky to work out in and will cause you to overheat.
Finding a jacket that doesn't restrict your stride on a run isn't easy — except I found one I love and plan to live in it all winter long when I'm striving to break a sweat and get my heart rate up outdoors.
The Lululemon Down For It All Jacket is true to its name: It's down for it all.
I first set eyes on the jacket at my son's soccer game where another mom was wearing one in dark adobe, which is a plum color. I loved the fitted style, plus the standing collar gave the athleisure jacket a chic streetwear look.
Having noticed the small Lululemon logo on the lower back, I hopped online to find it. I own a lot of Lululemon leggings, and they are second-skin comfortable and extremely durable, so I had high hopes for the jacket, too.
Design
The Down For It All Jacket is made from a blend of nylon, polyester, Lycra, and elastane that's water-resistant, and 700-fill-power goose down locks in heat on the coldest of days.
Horizontal stitching covers the bodice and back of the jacket, the shoulder to forearm area creates an arrow design, ending at the elbow, that drops into a solid sleeve and gathers at the wrist. The jacket features a fashionable standing collar when zipped up.
Featuring four-way stretch and tech fleece, it's nonconstricting. The jacket gently cinches at the waist. The zipper pockets contain a hidden pouch for your smartphone, keys, lip balm, and tissues. Plus, the jacket has reflective details on the logo, cuff, and side should you want to take a nighttime run or walk. A lot of my workouts are after the sun goes down. Just ask my dog. (As a note of caution: Always bring a flashlight on a night walk).
I opted for the classic black color since it matches all of my activewear, whether solid or prints. Plus, the majority of my wardrobe is black. The jacket is available in six other colors.
My favorite feature is the built-in thumbholes that blanket part of my hand and still allow for all-finger access. I can comfortably wear gloves while utilizing the thumbhole design.
Fit and sizing
Lululemon's Down For It All Jacket is available in sizes 0 to 14. At 5-foot-3 and 135-ish pounds, I ordered a size 8, and it fits true to size. However, if you plan to wear a sweatshirt underneath it, you should size up by one size. I wear loose short- or long-sleeve tops on runs, and since the jacket keeps me warm when I'm on the move, I don't feel the need to layer.
Function
When I first got ahold of the jacket, it felt really light like a windbreaker, so I wondered if it would actually keep me warm. I slid my arms in, poking my thumbs through the holes.
The lightweight material allowed me to run and move my arms with ease. Unlike my go-to hoody or fleece I tend to run in, the jacket kept me cozy, sealing in heat but not in an overwhelming way. I was able to focus on breaking my 2-mile time rather than the jacket's seams.
Even better, the jacket doesn't look like classic activewear, so I pair it with jeans and wear it to my son's soccer games or when I'm out and about running errands. And since it's water-resistant, I wear it on rainy and snow days, too, even when I'm not exercising.
I've been wearing this jacket since September, and it looks and feels brand new, plus it's easy to clean and freshen up. I just throw it in the washing machine on cold and hang it to dry.
The bottom line
Whether I'm out running on the track or just running errands, this jacket makes me feel put together. It doesn't look like straightforward gym attire, so I can wear it all day, and when I can multi-purpose a piece of clothing, I am sold. The Down For It All Jacket is durable, functional, and fashionable. It has everything I want in athleisure and streetwear, and I especially love the tailored fit.
Pros: Available in 7 colors, lightweight but warm, doesn't look like traditional activewear, easy to wash
Cons: I love the thumbhole design, but wish it were lined with fleece and offered more coverage to keep my hands toasty