Lululemon to launch Ventscape run vest

Lululemon (LULU) has introduced the Ventscape PrimaLoft ThermoPlume+ Run Vest, a new product innovation designed for cold-weather running. The vest was unveiled on 6 November 2026 during the 2026 China International Import Expo. It is intended to keep runners thermally comfortable throughout an entire run by balancing warmth and breathability. A global launch is scheduled to begin in December 2026, and the vest is priced at £249.

The Ventscape vest is positioned as a solution for outdoor runners facing fluctuating temperatures in colder months. Its construction is aimed at helping runners feel warm enough to handle falling temperatures without becoming overheated by the end of a run. The design emphasizes maintaining comfort from start to finish so that runners can focus on their activity rather than adjusting layers.

The vest’s performance is based on a specific ratio of insulation to mesh, intended to respond to a runner’s movement and effort. PrimaLoft’s ThermoPlume insulation uses synthetic fibre clusters and plumes that mimic down feathers while maintaining insulating properties when wet. This insulation is coupled with mesh fabric that allows heat to be released through vents, creating what Lululemon describes as breathable warmth. The balance of insulation and ventilation is central to how the vest manages body temperature.

To refine the product, Lululemon used modeling and simulation to identify an optimal combination of mesh and fill configurations. Thermal mannequin testing was used to assess insulation performance in windy conditions at simulated running paces. These methods were intended to validate the vest’s thermal behavior under realistic running scenarios, particularly in challenging weather.

Development of the Ventscape vest involved significant testing and iteration. The product went through more than 200 prototypes before passing its testing phase. Testing spanned over 250 hours and 2,500 km of running, including both lab and outdoor trials. These efforts focused on validating performance, comfort and fit in real-world and controlled environments.

Feedback from wear tests informed adjustments such as the fit of the vest and details like neck height. The testing process was used to ensure the vest could maintain thermal comfort across different intensities and weather conditions. This iterative approach underpinned the final design that is now being prepared for global release.

Lululemon’s community of ambassadors played a central role in shaping the Ventscape vest from concept to final product. Ambassadors shared how they wanted to feel while running outside and participated in wear-testing prototypes. Their insights were used to guide decisions on fit, comfort and functional details of the vest.

Named ambassadors involved in testing include Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, US ultra-runner Leah Yingling and Olympic runner Nikki Hiltz. Their real-world use of the prototypes provided feedback on performance across different disciplines and conditions. This ambassador input, combined with lab-based research, contributed to the final configuration that will be offered when the vest launches globally starting December 2026.