Counterfeit lululemon sports bras usually fail on three things: the inside tag, the fabric and the hardware. Here is how to check each, with style-specific tells for Energy Bra, Flow Y Bra, Free to Be Bra.
Check the inside tag first
Genuine lululemon uses crisp, heat-pressed inside tags (older pieces have sewn tags) with a fabric name that matches the style. Blurry printing, misspellings or a fabric name that does not belong to that style are immediate red flags.
Feel the fabric
Sports Bras from lululemon use specific fabrics: Energy Bra is Luxtreme; Flow Y Bra is Nulu; Free to Be Bra is Nulu; Like a Cloud Bra is Nulu. A counterfeit in the wrong fabric feels slippery, thin or stiff compared with the real thing.
Style-specific tells
Energy Bra: Removable cups are a slim perforated foam; band tag shows size and cup range (for example 6 B/C).
Flow Y Bra: Nulu feel with a narrow Y-back strap.
Free to Be Bra: Strap pattern matches lululemon's current product photos; cups are removable.
Like a Cloud Bra: Longline cut with wide straps and a smooth band.
How ThriftUp authenticates every piece
We check band elasticity, strap stitching and whether removable cups are present.
Any piece that fails a check is removed before grading. Buyers who find a non-authentic piece are covered by our claims policy.
Read next
- How to Spot Fake lululemon Tops & Tanks
- How to Price Used lululemon Jackets & Outerwear for Resale
- Grade A vs. Grade B lululemon Jackets & Outerwear: What to Expect
Pricing and fee figures are indicative and change; check current platform terms. ThriftUp is not affiliated with lululemon athletica.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy the stock discussed in this guide?
ThriftUp sells graded A/B pre-owned lululemon from 100 pieces; message us on WhatsApp with your quantity and categories.
How current is this guide?
Updated 2026-10-13. Resale prices and platform fees are reviewed regularly.