Lululemon 90 Degree Leggings vs. 90 Degree Leggings: What's the difference?

A quick search reveals a common confusion: are Lululemon leggings and 90 Degree leggings connected? The simple answer is no - they are two entirely different brands at opposite ends of the price spectrum. Lululemon is a premium activewear brand famous for its proprietary fabrics and technical designs with a price tag around $98, while 90 Degree by Reflex is a wildly popular, budget-friendly alternative often found on Amazon for about $25.

Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide whether to invest in the luxury brand or opt for the value-driven dupe.

Lululemon Leggings

Lululemon has built its reputation on creating high-performance, exceptionally comfortable athletic apparel. Their leggings, particularly styles like the Align and Wunder Train, are known for their signature fabrics that offer a luxurious, "second-skin" feel. The brand focuses on meticulous engineering, from the placement of seams to the precise blend of fibers, to create a product that supports intense activity while delivering a famously flattering fit.

• What it is: Premium, high-performance leggings designed for yoga, running, training, and everyday wear, known for their proprietary fabric technology.
• Key features: Signature fabrics like buttery-soft Nulu&trade, (for Align leggings) and slick, quick-drying Luxtreme&trade,. They feature high-rise waistbands, incredible four-way stretch, and a barely-there feel.
• Price: $98 - $128
• Materials/Construction: Proprietary blends of nylon and Lycra®, elastane crafted for specific softness, compression, and sweat-wicking properties. Flatlock seams prevent chafing.
• Sizing/Fit: Renowned for a consistent and true-to-size fit, available in sizes 0-20. Most styles come in multiple inseam lengths (e.g., 25", 28", 31") to suit different heights.
• Pros: Unmatched comfort and fabric feel. Excellent durability and shape retention over years of use. Flattering, contoured fit. Wide variety of style and color options.
• Cons: High price point. Many popular styles (like Align) lack side pockets. The soft Nulu&trade, fabric can be prone to pilling if not cared for properly.

These leggings are for the person who sees activewear as an investment in performance and long-term quality and prioritizes a premium fabric feel above all else.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/c/womens-leggings

90 Degree by Reflex Leggings

90 Degree by Reflex has carved out a massive following by offering style, comfort, and functionality at an incredibly accessible price. Often called one of the best Lululemon "dupes," their leggings have become an internet favorite, praised for being exceptionally soft and comfortable for daily wear. While they don't use proprietary high-tech fabrics, they deliver impressive quality and features - like spacious side pockets - that have won over budget-conscious shoppers.

• What it is: A highly popular and affordable brand of active and loungewear leggings praised for their value, comfort, and functionality.
• Key features: Very soft polyester/spandex blend fabric. Most styles feature high waistbands for tummy control and deep, functional side pockets perfect for a phone.
• Price: $25 - $40
• Materials/Construction: Typically made from a blend of polyester and spandex. The construction is solid for the price, aiming for comfort and stretch.
• Sizing/Fit: Available in a good range of sizes (XS-XL+). The sizing is generally true but can sometimes be less consistent across colors and styles compared to premium brands.
• Pros: Astonishingly affordable price. Surprisingly comfortable and soft. Plentiful styles with functional side pockets. Widely available on Amazon and other retailers.
• Cons: Fabric is less durable and more prone to pilling and losing shape over time. Not as breathable or sweat-wicking for high-intensity workouts. The fit and feel aren't as refined or compressive as Lululemon's.

This brand is perfect for anyone seeking comfortable, functional leggings for everyday life, light workouts, or lounging without a hefty price tag.

Shop this product: amazon.com/stores/90DegreeByReflex

Lululemon Leggings vs. 90 Degree Leggings Comparison

Price & Value

This is the most significant difference between the two. A single pair of Lululemon leggings ($98+) can cost four times as much as a pair of 90 Degree leggings (~$25). Lululemon's value comes from its longevity, performance fabric, and premium fit - it's an investment piece intended to last for years.

90 Degree's value proposition is pure accessibility. You can buy multiple pairs in different colors for the price of one Lululemon pair, making them a fantastic option for building a versatile wardrobe on a budget. If your leggings see a lot of casual wear and tear, the lower replacement cost is a huge benefit.

Materials & Feel

Lululemon’s proprietary fabrics are its key differentiator. The Nulu&trade, fabric used in the Align collection is famously buttery-soft, lightweight, and stretchy, feeling almost like you're wearing nothing. Other fabrics like Luxtreme&trade, and Everlux&trade, are engineered for sweat-wicking and cool-to-the-touch sensations during intense workouts.

90 Degree leggings feel very soft and comfortable, but it's a difference you can feel. Their polyester/spandex blend is less "technical" - it's not as weightless, breathable, or uniquely textured as Lululemon's offerings. For lounging and daily errands, it's perfectly comfortable, but during a hot yoga class or long run, you'll notice Lululemon's superior moisture control.

Features & Functionality

Functionally, 90 Degree often has an edge with its pocket design. The majority of their popular styles come with deep side pockets that can easily hold a large smartphone, which is a highly practical feature for everyday life. Many of Lululemon's most popular styles, like the original Align Pant, only have a small, hidden pocket in the waistband for a key or card.

Lululemon has since introduced styles with pockets, but they often come at an even higher price point. For sheer daily convenience, 90 Degree often wins.

Durability & Longevity

Lululemon leggings are built to last. With proper care (washing in cold water and hanging to dry), they can hold their shape, color, and compression for years without significant pilling or stretching out. The investment pays off over the lifespan of the garment.

90 Degree leggings are less resilient. They are more likely to start pilling, especially between the thighs, after several months of frequent washing and wear. While excellent for their price, they simply don't have the same long-term durability as their premium counterpart.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice depends entirely on your budget, priorities, and how you plan to use your leggings.

Choose Lululemon leggings if:

• You prioritize the feel of high-end, technical fabrics and see leggings as an investment.
• You want performance gear that holds up perfectly during intense and sweaty workouts.
• A consistent, precisely engineered and flattering fit is your top priority.
• Longevity is critical, and you're willing to pay more for a product that will last for years.

Choose 90 Degree leggings if:

• You are on a budget and want incredible bang for your buck.
• You want multiple comfortable leggings for daily wear, lounging, and errands.
• Functional side pockets that can hold your phone are a must-have feature for you.
• Your primary activities are light workouts, walking, or casual everyday use rather than high-performance training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are 90 Degree leggings made by Lululemon?

No. This is a common point of confusion. Lululemon is an independent premium brand, and 90 Degree by Reflex is a separate, budget-friendly brand. They are not affiliated in any way.

What's the main difference between Lululemon and 90 Degree leggings?

The main differences are price and fabric quality. Lululemon uses proprietary, high-performance fabrics and costs around $98-$128, while 90 Degree uses a standard poly/spandex blend and costs around $25.

Which brand is better for working out?

For intense, sweaty workouts like running, hot yoga, or HIIT, Lululemon's superior sweat-wicking, breathability, and reliable compression make it the better choice. For lower-impact activities like walking, weightlifting, or casual wear, 90 Degree leggings are more than sufficient.

Do 90 Degree leggings pill?

Yes, 90 Degree leggings are more prone to pilling over time than Lululemon leggings, particularly in high-friction areas. Lululemon's Nulu™ fabric can also pill, but generally less so when cared for properly.

Are Lululemon leggings worth the price?

For many, yes. If you value exceptional comfort, durability, and a fit that lasts for years, the high price is justified. However, if your budget is a primary concern, the value offered by brands like 90 Degree by Reflex is unbeatable.

Do 90 Degree leggings have pockets?

Yes, one of the most popular features of 90 Degree by Reflex leggings is that many of their best-selling styles come with deep, functional side pockets that can hold a phone.

How do 90 Degree leggings fit compared to Lululemon?

Lululemon offers a more consistent and engineered fit across their entire size and style range. 90 Degree leggings generally run true to size and offer a comfortable, high-waisted fit, but sizing can sometimes vary slightly between different styles or even colors.

Where can I buy 90 Degree by Reflex leggings?

90 Degree leggings are most popularly sold online through retailers like Amazon, as well as on their own website and in department stores like Nordstrom Rack and T.J. Maxx.