As the summer comes to a close, I always find myself with the itch to refresh my wardrobe for the transitional weather, with a focus on comfort and versatility. And as work travel picks up, I need pieces that can go from cool mornings in New York to the warmer temps still holding strong in California, while being comfy on the cross-country plane ride. Even better would be items that help me play golf into the fall and get a workout in at home or the hotel gym with the right layers to meet any temp. Lucky for me, the Lululemon “We Made Too Much Section” has been refreshed in honor of the upcoming fall season, and it’s filled with versatile pieces that seamlessly mix and match with each other (and what’s already in my closet).
For you, dear reader, I have scoured the site to choose 15 incredible finds from the “We Made Too Much” section that I have personally worn, and even a few I will be purchasing before they are gone, to help us all transition into autumn like a pro. Every style in this easy-to-shop section features colors and fabrics that are consistent across each category (ranging from activewear and sweats to travel bags and outerwear), and you can dress up and down depending on how you combine each item. This makes them ideal for travel and whatever active (or leisure time) activity you need them for on your travels.
License to Train Short-sleeve Shirt
No matter where I go, I stash at least two of these quick-drying and sweat-wicking tees in my bag to make sure I have a simple and comfortable shirt to wear. They’re ready for a workout, a humid travel day, or even as an underlayer for a temperature-defying work outfit. With Lululemon’s patented Silverescent tech, the shirt can even be worn more than once and stay fresh if you need something to last between laundry days. It’s a staple and a must-have for any guy on the go.
New Venture Slim-fit Long-sleeve Shirt
The timelessness of an Oxford shirt combined with the modern tech that Lululemon is known for, what’s not to love? This versatile button-down can be worn untucked with jeans at the bar, under a blazer with trousers in the office, or even with the sleeves rolled up and a few buttons undone next to the pool to help you fit right in. I personally love that it’s sweat-wicking but looks like a proper cotton shirt, so you get all the comfort without sacrificing the structure and fit.
Evolution Short-sleeve Polo Shirt
I am a lifelong golfer and former caddy, so I call polos “golf shirts.” Lululemon is with me on this, as this top is “designed for golf” and is truly the platonic ideal of a shirt that can be worn on or off the course with style. It’s slim-fit and minimalist, sweat-wicking and cooling, and most importantly, stretchy for your swing or on that run to catch your flight when the TSA security line is longer than anticipated. I love the color too; it’s a nod to the fairways and greens with a contemporary hue to help it match with lighter-colored pants.
Commission Long-sleeve Shirt Pocket
An alternative to the slim-fit New Venture Shirt while retaining a modern style, the Commission Shirt is another classic from Lululemon. With a unique zippered breast pocket, and two subtly cool color options, this Oxford can be casual or more dressy depending on how you pair it. It’s also wrinkle-free and sweat-wicking so it can help you bridge the gap between unpacking from one trip and packing for the next.
License to Train Linerless Shorts 7-inch
Inseam lengths are tricky. As a taller guy, I think a 7-inch option is perfect, and these License To Train Shorts are my must-haves for any trip that I’m on. They are my pick for the gym, a run, or hot yoga, and that versatility helps even more when away from home and want to keep up my workout routine. With their dedicated phone sleeve and zippered pockets, they’re also fantastic for a morning walk to get coffee and a croissant in Paris or any other city with a must-have pastry waiting for you. The adjustable drawstring and abrasion-resistant fabric also help in that case too.
Pace Breaker Linerless Shorts 7-inch
For a simpler and more lightweight look and feel, Lululemon has its famous Pace Breaker Shorts in an assortment of trendy colors in the “We Made Too Much” section waiting for you. With a 7-inch inseam and a zipper pouch, these shorts are no frills but still have sweat-wicking and four-way stretch fabric to ensure they are comfortable no matter the activity. One of my favorite things about these shorts is how well they pack; roll them up to see just how little room they take up in your suitcase or carry-on.
Pool Shorts 5-inch Lined
One of the best things about hotels is their immediate access to pools and spas. Be ready for those opportunities with a pair of these amazingly comfortable and performance-based shorts that dry near-immediately once you hop out after a soak. Despite their short, 5-inch inseam, they have plenty of room for your thighs and glutes and fit generously no matter your body type. And the colors available are updated without being flashy. Even if you’re not a fan of liners in your bathing suits, I can attest that the mesh inside of these is comfortable and doesn’t chafe.
ABC Slim-Fit Trousers 34L WovenAir
Lululemon met the needs of so many men with the introduction of its ABC Pants and has continued to innovate the line to much acclaim. These slim-fit trousers are truly a dream to wear, and the WovenAir fabric makes them perfect travel pants. They are light but structured, sturdy but not stiff, and casual but not sloppy. I think they look best with a pair of espadrilles or loafers and no socks while sipping a cocktail in business class, but you could also dress them up for a client meeting if the boardroom is beckoning soon after arrival.
License to Train Joggers
When it comes to travel, you are often faced with varying temperatures and confined spaces. To be truly comfortable, you need something that can resist stains and scuffs while allowing for stretch and staying soft on your skin. These joggers, with their tapered cuffs and abrasion-resistant fabric, are first and foremost comfy, but secondly can really take anything anyone throws at them. I’ve been on extended hikes in these and they stand up to the elements, but most importantly they have braved long, claustrophobic crowds while waiting to board a layover flight or pick up my luggage from a very busy carousel.
Water-Repellent Pull-on Golf Pants
When you’re golfing at your home course, you may not mind a little inclement weather during your round. But when you’re traveling to golf, there is no way you’ll let some rain or wind stop you from finishing 18. These pants are a must-have for your travel bag for these situations; you can pull them on over your gear if you’re mid-round, or start with them on if the forecast is rough before you tee off. They are water-repellent yet breathable, and I personally love the green color and relaxed fit, which give you an elevated option that isn’t rubbery, baggy rain gear.
Twill Utility Jacket
There is a subtle art to layering for travel. You need your bases, then your overshirts, and then a smart jacket to tie it all together (better if it is stylish enough to be worn as a sports coat while featuring all the benefits of an outer shell). This utility jacket from Lululemon is just that — water-repellent and wrinkle-resistant but with the cut and design of a fashion-week-ready coat. Its relaxed fit and subtle coloring exude coolness for high-end dinners while its reinforced pockets and stretch protect you from the elements and your fellow travelers.
Smooth Spacer Classic-fit Pullover Hoodie
This sweatshirt is truly a Lululemon classic, from its timeless design to its next-level plushness that makes it perfect for any kind of situation on the go. I wear this on red-eye flights, sunrise workouts, and late-night lounges for all the same reasons: it’s soft inside and out, breathable, and temperature-regulating across the changing climates of your commute. Plus, it has the quick-dry, four-way stretch fabric with smartly designed pockets that you expect from Lululemon. Hood up or down, you’re flying and riding in unrivaled comfort with this piece.
Steady State Pullover Hoodie
For a little more warmth during the cooler months, the Steady State Hoodie is your best bet. An evolution of the aforementioned Smooth Spacer, it’s got a more modern look, warmer yet breathable fleece fabric, and looser fit. I actually keep one of these in my car because it’s the perfect layer for crisp nights around the fire pit or a tailgate when the sun goes down. And, it’s just as adept at keeping you comfortable and toasty for those early morning trips to the airport or quick runs from the ski chalet to the hot tub.
Textured Full-zip Hooded Jacket
A travel all-star, no one should head out on a fall trip without one of these jackets in their carry-on. It’s lightweight enough to add little to no bulk to your bag while protecting you from a surprise squall. A gem of a rain jacket that works in warm, humid storms and cold, blustery downpours, its water-resistant and wind-proof nylon keeps you dry and comfy when you’re on the go. Zippered vents and adjustable cinches and cuffs also allow it to meet your needs regardless of the situation. I even keep one in my golf bag.
Everywhere Backpack 22L Tech Canvas
Possibly my favorite item in the entire “We Made Too Much” section is this fan-favorite bag, which is available in some really unique colorways. This green and grey backpack is minimally designed but spacious — and impressively cut from the same water-repellant fabric as Lululemon’s rain pants, so it’s tough and dry — with the pockets you need for work and travel. A padded 16-inch laptop pocket, exterior water bottle sleeves, and a generous set of zippered compartments make it a perfect carry-on or personal item bag.