90 Degree by Reflex vs. Lululemon: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

90 Degree by Reflex offers functional, stylish, and high-quality activewear at a budget-friendly price point, with most leggings falling in the $30-$50 range. Lululemon operates in the premium athleisure space, known for its proprietary high-performance fabrics, superior fit, and a significantly higher price tag, with leggings costing $98-$128.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right activewear brand for your wallet and workout style.

90 Degree by Reflex: The Affordable Performance Activewear

90 Degree by Reflex is a go-to brand for budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on quality and performance. The brand focuses on creating durable, comfortable, and versatile activewear, making their collections perfect for everything from high-intensity gym sessions to running errands. Their customer is looking for reliable gear that performs well and looks good without the premium cost.

• Product mix: A comprehensive collection of activewear including leggings, shorts, sports bras, tops, and jackets with modern, sleek, and generally minimalistic designs.
• Price point: Very accessible for most shoppers. Leggings are typically priced between $30 and $50, and sports bras are usually $20 to $40.
• Quality: The brand uses durable materials with performance features like moisture-wicking and four-way stretch. While excellent for the price, the fabrics may not have the same long-term shape retention as more expensive alternatives after frequent, rigorous use.
• Sizing/Fit: Garments generally run true to size and offer good compression. Sizing is inclusive, ranging from XS to 3X.
• Shopping Experience: Primarily sold online through its brand website and major retailers like Amazon, providing a straightforward and easy purchasing process.

90 Degree by Reflex delivers outstanding value, making high-performance activewear accessible for almost any budget.

Shop 90 Degree by Reflex: 90degreebyreflex.com

Lululemon: The Premium Athleisure Innovator

Lululemon is a globally recognized leader in the premium activewear market, celebrated for blending technical innovation with a sleek, fashion-forward aesthetic. The brand has built a loyal following by creating products that seamlessly transition from the yoga studio to daily life. Their customer is willing to invest in superior fabrics, an impeccable fit, and designs that offer exceptional comfort and longevity.

• Product mix: An extensive range of women's and men's apparel for yoga, running, training, and casual wear. Their lineup includes their famous leggings, sports bras, outerwear, and accessories.
• Price point: Premium and represents a significant investment. Leggings generally range from $98 to $128, while sports bras cost between $58 and $78.
• Quality: A defining feature of the brand. They are known for proprietary fabrics like the buttery-soft Nulu™ and the supportive Luon®, which provide exceptional feel, performance, and durability that lasts for years.
• Sizing/Fit: Lululemon is known for its excellent, body-contouring fit. It offers a wide range of sizes, including petite and tall options, to ensure a tailored feel.
• Sustainability: The company is public about its sustainability initiatives, focusing on responsible material sourcing and reducing its environmental footprint.

Lululemon is the clear choice for those seeking investment activewear pieces that offer unmatched comfort, durability, and a polished, fashionable look.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

90 Degree by Reflex vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

The most significant difference between the two brands is price. A pair of leggings from 90 Degree by Reflex will typically cost you between $30 and $50. In contrast, a similar item from Lululemon will be priced between $98 and $128, often more than double.

For shoppers building an activewear wardrobe from scratch or wanting multiple outfits without a massive investment, 90 Degree by Reflex offers far better value upfront. Lululemon positions itself as an aspirational brand, and its pricing reflects the research, proprietary fabrics, and premium brand experience involved in its products.

Quality & Materials

Lululemon's reputation is built on its innovative, high-quality fabrics. Materials like Nulu™ feel incredibly soft and weightless, ideal for yoga, while Luxtreme™ offers cool, smooth support for running and training. These fabrics are engineered to hold their shape, resist pilling, and maintain their color saturation over years of use and washing.

90 Degree by Reflex uses quality performance fabrics that are moisture-wicking, compressive, and opaque. While durable and perfectly functional for daily workouts, they generally don't have the same luxuriously soft hand-feel or long-term shape retention as Lululemon's engineered materials. For serious athletes or those who wear activewear daily, the longevity of Lululemon may justify the higher cost.

Style & Aesthetic

Both brands favor a modern, clean aesthetic, but Lululemon is more trend-focused. It frequently releases new colors, patterns, and fashion-forward silhouettes that blur the line between activewear and streetwear. The designs are often minimalist but feel highly considered and polished.

90 Degree by Reflex focuses on timeless, functional designs. Their collections feature more classic silhouettes and staple colors, prioritizing wearability and performance over the latest fashion trends. Their pieces are easy to mix and match and serve as an excellent foundation for any activewear wardrobe.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands offer inclusive sizing and consistent fits. Lululemon excels in creating a sculpted, "held-in" feel with garments that contour to the body. Their size range also includes specific options for taller or shorter individuals, which provides a more customized fit.

90 Degree by Reflex provides a comfortable, true-to-size fit with good compression. Their size range is broad, stretching up to 3X, making them an accessible option for a wide variety of body types who want reliable, standardized sizing.

Sustainability & Ethics

For shoppers conscious of environmental impact, Lululemon is more transparent. The company publishes annual reports on its sustainability goals, ethical sourcing, and efforts to reduce waste and carbon emissions. Though not perfect, the brand is actively working to improve its practices.

90 Degree by Reflex provides very limited public information regarding its sustainability or ethical manufacturing initiatives. Its primary focus remains on affordability and performance.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your personal priorities and budget. Both brands deliver on their core promises but serve very different customers.

Choose 90 Degree by Reflex if:

• You are shopping on a tight budget or want to buy multiple workout outfits.
• You need reliable, functional gear for everyday workouts at the gym, on runs, or at home.
• You prioritize value and performance over brand name recognition.
• You're just starting your fitness journey and want quality starter pieces without a major financial commitment.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You consider activewear an investment and prioritize longevity and durability.
• You desire a superior, "barely there" feel from fabrics engineered for ultimate comfort.
• You want versatile pieces that work equally well for high-performance exercise and stylish casual wear.
• Supporting brands with publicly stated sustainability goals is important to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 90 Degree by Reflex or Lululemon cheaper?

90 Degree by Reflex is significantly more affordable. Their leggings are typically priced between $30-$50, while Lululemon leggings start at $98 and can go up to $128 or more.

Which has better quality leggings?

While 90 Degree by Reflex offers excellent quality for its price, Lululemon is widely recognized for having superior quality. Its proprietary fabrics like Nulu™ and Luon® offer unmatched softness, durability, and shape retention over years of wear.

Does 90 Degree by Reflex run true to size?

Yes, 90 Degree by Reflex is known for running true to size, making online ordering straightforward. Their broad size range from XS to 3X is also a major plus for finding the right fit.

Is Lululemon worth the money?

For many, yes. If you prioritize long-lasting durability, exceptional comfort, and a premium fit, Lululemon pieces can last for many years, making the cost-per-wear justifiable. They are investment pieces for those who practically live in activewear.

Where can I buy 90 Degree by Reflex?

90 Degree by Reflex is primarily sold online through its official website and on Amazon. Some department stores and off-price retailers may also carry their products.

What is so special about Lululemon's Nulu fabric?

Nulu™ is Lululemon's patented fabric used in its famous Align collection. It is known for being incredibly soft, lightweight, and offering four-way stretch, creating a "buttery-soft" and weightless sensation that is ideal for yoga and everyday wear.

Are both brands squat proof?

Both brands generally offer squat-proof leggings made from opaque fabrics. However, Lululemon built its reputation on this feature, particularly in its training-focused lines, and may provide more consistent opacity across all styles.

Which brand is better for high-impact workouts?

Lululemon often has an edge for high-impact training due to its lineup of highly compressive and supportive fabrics like Luxtreme™, designed specifically for running and intense gym workouts. Look for styles in their "Train" category for maximum support.