The second the weather turns crisp, I basically live in a half zip. Leggings for school drop off, over a tank after a workout, jeans and sneakers for a coffee run. It’s the easiest way to look put together when you’re really just comfy. The Lululemon Scuba is the hoodie that made this a fall uniform, but at $128 and up it adds up fast, especially if you want more than one color. So I went hunting for the best Lululemon Scuba alternative picks, and a few of them start at $14. Yes, really.
I found 8 soft, fleecy half zips and full zips from Walmart, Amazon and Target that give you that same relaxed, polished feel for way less. I’m also sharing what to look for, because the right one really depends on your body, your budget and how you’ll actually wear it.
Why Everyone Loves the Lululemon Scuba
The Scuba has been a cult favorite for years, and honestly, I get it. The brushed cotton fleece is cozy without being bulky, and the shape works on almost everyone. It’s the little details that make it:
- A funnel neck or hood that keeps your neck warm and looks polished zipped up or open.
- Half zip or full zip styles, including the popular oversized half zip.
- Handy pockets for your phone, keys and lip balm.
- Thumbholes on the cuffs, which are so nice on chilly mornings.
- A slightly cropped, relaxed fit that pairs perfectly with high waisted leggings.
For reference, the original Lululemon Scuba Evolve Oversized Half-Zip Hoodie is $128 right now. It’s gorgeous! But the picks below get you really close for a lot less.
What to Look for in a Lululemon Scuba Alternative
Before you hit add to cart, think about how you’ll wear it most. Here’s what I look at:
- Fabric: Look for a brushed fleece or cotton blend that’s soft on the inside. Scuba knit gives you a smooth, structured look, while polar fleece and sherpa feel cozier but more casual.
- Weight: Midweight is the sweet spot. Too thin and it looks like a basic sweatshirt, too thick and it feels bulky under a coat.
- Neckline: A funnel neck or tall stand collar is the detail that makes a hoodie read as Scuba inspired.
- Length: Cropped styles look best with high waisted leggings, while longer hems are great if you like more coverage.
- Fit and reviews: Many of these run oversized on purpose, so check the size chart and read reviews with photos for the real fit and color.
The 8 Best Lululemon Scuba Alternatives
Avia Women’s Quarter-Zip ScubaKnit Pullover
Walmart, $14
If you want the closest look for the least money, this is the one I’d grab first. It’s a smooth scuba knit with a stand up quarter zip collar, and it has thousands of happy reviews. It comes in regular and plus sizes, so you could get two colors and still spend under $30.
Best for: the best overall value.
Avia Women’s ScubaKnit Cropped Zip Hoodie
Walmart, $14
Love the full zip Scuba? This cropped version is such a sweet find. The scuba knit has nice structure, the cropped length is perfect with high waisted leggings, and the hood gives it that sporty, off duty vibe.
Best for: a cropped full zip hoodie on a tight budget.
Avia Women’s Fleece Full Zip Hoodie
Walmart, $16.68
This one’s softer and cozier than the scuba knit picks, so think of it as your weekend and errands hoodie. Reviewers rave about how warm it’s for the price, and the classic full zip layers easily under a puffer vest.
Best for: cozy, everyday warmth under $20.
AUTOMET Womens Half Zip Fleece Pullover
Amazon, $26.99
This is one of the most popular half zips on Amazon, with thousands of reviews. It’s cropped and relaxed with a stand collar and soft fleece, and it comes in so many of the neutrals and pastels everyone’s wearing right now.
Best for: the most color options.
PRETTYGARDEN Womens Half Zip Oversized Fleece Hoodie
Amazon, $38.99
If the oversized half zip Scuba is on your wish list, start here. It’s roomy and slouchy with a hood and a front pocket, and the fleece is plush without feeling heavy. Size down if you want it a little closer to the body.
Best for: the oversized half zip look.
CRZ YOGA Fleece Lined Half Zip Sweatshirt
Amazon, $48
CRZ YOGA is known for great activewear for less, and this half zip feels like a real step up from the budget picks. It’s a midweight cotton blend with a fleece lining and a funnel neck, and that funnel neck is what makes it look the most like the original.
Best for: the closest fabric and funnel neck.
CRZ YOGA Womens Fleece Full Zip Hoodie with Thumb Holes
Amazon, $48
This full zip has the little touches people love about the Scuba, like thumbholes and a fitted, flattering shape. It’s soft, holds its shape in the wash, and looks polished enough for jeans, not just leggings.
Best for: the full zip Scuba hoodie look.
All In Motion Women’s Active Comfort 1/2 Zip Pullover Sweatshirt
Target, $25
Target’s All In Motion line is always worth a peek, and this half zip is a good one. Mock neck, dropped shoulders, ribbed edges and a lightweight fleece with a little stretch. Plus it comes in XS to 4X.
Best for: a lighter half zip for layering and travel.
How to Style Your Lululemon Scuba Alternative
These work for so much more than the gym. A few of my favorite ways to wear them:
- Classic athleisure: high waisted leggings, crew socks and white sneakers.
- Weekend casual: straight leg jeans, a baseball cap and a belt bag worn crossbody.
- Travel day: matching joggers, slip on sneakers and a big tote.
- Cold weather layers: add a puffer vest or a long wool coat on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is similar to the Lululemon Scuba?
Half zip and full zip hoodies made from brushed fleece or scuba knit, with a funnel neck or stand collar, look the most similar. Avia at Walmart, AUTOMET and CRZ YOGA on Amazon, and All In Motion at Target all make great options for much less.
Is the Lululemon Scuba worth the price?
It’s really well made and lasts for years, so if you’ll wear it constantly, it can be worth it. If you want the look in a few colors, or you’re not sure the style is for you, a cheaper alternative is an easy way to try it first.
Does Walmart have a Lululemon Scuba look alike?
Yes. Walmart’s Avia brand has a ScubaKnit quarter zip pullover and a ScubaKnit cropped zip hoodie, both around $14, plus a cozy fleece full zip hoodie for under $20.
Do Lululemon Scuba hoodies run big?
The oversized styles are meant to fit loose, so a lot of people size down. Several of the alternatives above run roomy too, so check each size chart and the reviews before you order.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend $128 to get the Scuba look this fall. If I had to pick: the Avia Quarter-Zip ScubaKnit Pullover from Walmart for the best value, the PRETTYGARDEN oversized half zip for that slouchy fit, and the CRZ YOGA fleece lined half zip for the closest fabric. Fair warning, you’re going to want to live in it all season.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you purchase after clicking through the link.
Shop More Lululemon Inspired Look Alikes
Love a cozy athleisure look? Don’t miss my Lululemon Align leggings alternatives to pair with your new half zip, and my Lululemon belt bag alternatives for the perfect finishing touch.
