Lululemon’s new maxi dress goes viral — Why TikTok can’t stop talking about its design and price

A recently launched multi-functional dress by Canadian athleisure brand Lululemon has sparked widespread online discourse, earning both praise and skepticism for its design, cost, and viral appeal. The Lululemon dress in question — a two-in-one maxi that functions as both a strapless dress and ankle-length skirt — has already sold out in nearly all sizes and colours, save for one extra-large option in Light Ivory.

Social media platforms, especially TikTok, have been abuzz with reactions, polarising netizens between those hailing the dress as a wardrobe essential and others questioning the hype over what they see as a basic garment, as mentioned in a report by USA Today.

A Dress That Doubles as a Skirt

The Lululemon 2-in-1 Maxi Dress, priced at $148 (approximately ₹12,300), is marketed as a versatile wardrobe item that adapts between a maxi skirt and a strapless dress. This minimalistic piece is offered in solid hues and made from the company’s signature athletic fabric.

Available online through Lululemon’s official website, the garment has already experienced a surge in demand, leading to near-total unavailability across sizes and shades.

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Despite its simple silhouette, the garment’s dual function has drawn significant attention, becoming the latest fashion item to gain traction through influencer-led promotion, as per a report by USA Today.

TikTok Weighs In: From Obsession to Opposition

Content creator Chantalissa, whose video reviewing the dress garnered over 83,000 views as of June 3, praised the product for its elegance and wearability. “I actually feel like a princess in it. It’s so beautiful, so flowy. I’m obsessed,” she shared, highlighting how the piece quickly made it from viral feed to wardrobe must-have.

However, not all users shared the same enthusiasm. Dasie, another popular TikTok user, expressed confusion over the frenzy. “Is this just for the label?” she asked. “You could walk into Walmart and get a cuter dress than that.” Her comment, though couched with disclaimers of “no hate,” reflects the growing tension between brand loyalty and affordability.

Is It a “Thneed”? Internet Debates Versatility

The dress has also found itself entangled in a pop culture debate. Online users began labelling it a "thneed" — a term coined from Dr. Seuss' The Lorax to describe a versatile, multifunctional item deemed essential. While the Lululemon dress is being lauded by some for its adaptability, critics argue it lacks the true transformative essence of a thneed.

TikTok user Rachael, popularly known as "The Thneed Girl," refuted the categorization. “It’s just going from being worn down at the hip to up at the chest. It’s not transforming like a thneed really needs to do,” she said, offering a tongue-in-cheek literary critique.

A Viral Trend or Another Branded Obsession?

As fashion discourse continues to unfold on digital platforms, the Lululemon dress has become emblematic of wider debates: consumerism, brand-driven hype, and evolving definitions of value in modern wardrobes. While the company has yet to comment on restocking details, shoppers can sign up on the official website for alerts regarding new inventory.

Whether this Lululemon dress remains a fleeting trend or earns its place as a staple in closets remains to be seen. For now, it is clear that the brand has successfully captured the internet’s attention again.

FAQs

What is the Lululemon dress that’s gone viral?

It’s a multi-functional, two-in-one maxi dress that can be worn as both a strapless dress and an ankle-length skirt. Made from athletic fabric, it’s priced at $148 (approx. ₹12,300).

Why is the Lululemon dress trending on TikTok?

TikTok influencers, like Chantalissa, praised the dress’s elegance and versatility. Her video received over 83,000 views, fueling the dress’s popularity and prompting a surge in online demand.