science matters

With the launch of its next generation of pants, Lululemon has introduced a novel approach to fit: engineered sensation. Fuelled by the motto “No pain, no gain,” the Canadian retailer has developed four new styles that provide varying degrees of compression, including a totally relaxed fit for everyday wear and a super-tight legging for added tension. While medical-grade compression is not part of the equation, sports psychology

is: The goal of the different sensations is to drive performance. “There are a lot of technologies that we just say no to because they’re

not rooted in longevity,” explains Antonia Lamartino, director of future concepts for the

brand. “It’s easy just to say that innovation comes out of a lab, but the craftsmanship and design that go into the structure of the pants [really matter].” No detail was spared in the formula for each of the new styles: Designs were put through a gamut of body-motion assessments, and fabrics were wash, sweat and colour tested. Here’s proof that when it comes to looking good and feeling good, science matters (from $88, lululemon.com). n