Abi and Joseph vs. Lululemon: Which brand should you buy? [2026 updated]

Abi and Joseph offers versatile, fashion-forward activewear with a strong focus on sustainability and minimalist style, often at a more accessible price point. In contrast, Lululemon is a global performance leader known for its proprietary technical fabrics, athletic-focused designs, and a higher premium price backed by exceptional durability.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right activewear brand for your needs.

Abi and Joseph: The Sustainable & Stylish Choice

Abi and Joseph is a contemporary activewear brand that masterfully blends modern, chic design with functional performance. Their collection is designed for individuals who want pieces that transition flawlessly from a yoga class to a coffee meeting. The brand appeals to eco-conscious shoppers and urban professionals who appreciate quality construction, minimalist aesthetics, and ethical manufacturing practices.

• Product mix: A focused range of leggings, sports bras, joggers, hoodies, and tanks. The designs are typically sleek, modern, and versatile, making them easy to mix and match for both fitness and leisure.
• Price point: Sits in the mid-range to premium segment, with most items falling between $80 and $200. Core leggings and tops are usually priced around $100-$150.
• Quality & Materials: The brand emphasizes high-quality, sustainable fabrics, including recycled polyester and organic cotton. The construction is durable with a comfortable, luxe feel suitable for everyday wear.
• Style & Aesthetic: Features a minimalist, sleek, and understated look. Collections favor neutral tones, clean lines, and subtle branding, perfect for a polished and refined athleisure style.
• Fit & Sizing: Generally runs true to size with a comfortable yet secure fit. The brand provides detailed online sizing guides to help ensure a great fit without heavy compression.
• Sustainability & Ethics: This is a core part of the brand's identity. They prioritize using recycled fabrics, ethical manufacturing processes, and transparent supply chains.

Abi and Joseph is the ideal choice for shoppers seeking elegant, eco-conscious activewear that looks just as good on the street as it does in the studio, all at a competitive premium price.

Shop Abi and Joseph: abiandjoseph.com

Lululemon: The Leader in Performance & Innovation

As a global giant in athletic apparel, Lululemon has earned its reputation through cutting-edge fabric technology, an impeccable fit, and a powerful community-driven culture. Starting with yoga wear, the brand now dominates the market for running gear, training apparel, and general athleisure, serving customers who demand both high performance and modern style from their activewear.

• Product mix: Extensive offerings include performance leggings, sports bras, shorts, tops, and outerwear. Lululemon also sells a wide range of accessories, from yoga mats and bags to hats and personal care products.
• Price point: Positioned as a premium brand, with apparel ranging from $80 to $250. This higher cost is often justified by the brand's reputation for long-lasting quality and technical features.
• Technology & Innovation: Famous for proprietary fabrics like the buttery-soft Nulu™ (used in Align™ pants), moisture-wicking Luon™, and compression-focused Everlux™. These textiles are engineered for specific activities, providing superior stretch, breathability, and feel.
• Quality & Materials: Renowned for its exceptional durability. Products feature reinforced seams and technical materials designed to withstand years of washes and intense workouts.
• Style & Aesthetic: Modern, sleek, and often trend-driven. While classic neutrals are always available, Lululemon is known for its wide palette of seasonal colors and bold patterns.
• Fit & Sizing: Lululemon offers precise, performance-oriented fits. Many styles are compressive and may run snug, so some shoppers size up. The brand offers an inclusive range of sizes to accommodate various body types.

Lululemon is the preferred brand for serious athletes and loyal followers who are willing to invest in technically advanced gear that delivers on performance, durability, and style.

Shop Lululemon: lululemon.com

Abi and Joseph vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a noticeable price difference between the two brands. Abi and Joseph generally lives in an $80-$200 range, offering a more accessible entry into the premium activewear market. For instance, their core leggings sit comfortably between $100 and $150.

Lululemon's pricing is firmly in the premium category, with most items between $80-$250 and some reaching over $300. The value proposition for each is different: Abi and Joseph offers stylish, sustainable pieces at a competitive price, while a Lululemon purchase is seen as a long-term investment in technical gear.

Quality & Materials

Both brands deliver exceptional quality, but their material focus differs. Abi and Joseph prioritizes sustainable and comfortable fabrics like recycled polyester and organic cotton, giving their pieces a soft, luxe feel that is perfect for lower-impact activities and all-day wear.

Lululemon's claim to fame is its portfolio of proprietary technical fabrics. Materials like Nulu™ feel weightless and buttery soft, while Everlux™ is engineered to handle intense sweat during the toughest workouts. If your primary need is fabric technology that enhances athletic performance, Lululemon has a distinct advantage.

Product Selection & Style

Abi and Joseph's aesthetic is minimalist, chic, and refined. Their collections are cohesive, favoring neutral colors and clean silhouettes that create a timeless, polished look. This makes their apparel incredibly versatile for wear outside of a workout setting.

Lululemon offers a much broader selection and a more athletic, trend-focused style. They release a wide array of colors and patterns each season, catering to customers who want to make a statement. While they offer classic designs, their overall feel is more vibrant and performance-oriented.

Fit & Sizing

Abi and Joseph provides a more relaxed, true-to-size fit that is both comfortable and flattering, ideal for those who prefer less compression. Their online size charts are reliable and easy to follow.

Lululemon is known for its precise, body-contouring fits that often feel compressive. This is intentional for providing support during high-impact activity. Because of this, some customers find certain styles run small and choose to size up for comfort. Their commitment to providing a wide range of sizes is a major plus.

Sustainability & Ethics

Sustainability is a central pillar of the Abi and Joseph brand identity. They are very transparent about their use of recycled materials, eco-friendly packaging, and ethical manufacturing partners. For the environmentally conscious shopper, their commitment is a major draw.

Lululemon has made significant commitments to sustainability and ethical sourcing, including outlining goals in their annual impact reports. While they are taking clear steps to reduce their environmental footprint, sustainability feels more integrated into the very DNA of the Abi and Joseph brand.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both of these brands deliver excellent quality, but they cater to slightly different priorities.

Choose Abi and Joseph if:

• You prioritize wearing clothing from sustainable and ethically minded brands.
• You prefer a minimalist, polished, and understated style that blends seamlessly from the gym to daily life.
• You want premium quality and stylish design at a slightly more affordable price point.
• You like activewear that offers a comfortable, true-to-size fit without intense compression.

Choose Lululemon if:

• Your top concern is high-performance gear with technical fabrics for intense workouts like running, yoga, or Crossfit.
• You love a wide selection of vibrant colors, seasonal patterns, and trend-driven designs.
• You view your activewear as a long-term investment and are willing to pay more for proven durability.
• You value a precise, body-hugging fit that provides support and compression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Abi and Joseph or Lululemon more expensive?

Lululemon is generally more expensive. While both are premium brands, Abi and Joseph provides a more accessible luxury option, with its prices typically falling below Lululemon's comparable items.

Which brand is better for yoga?

Lululemon was born from yoga culture, and its Align™ pants, made with Nulu™ fabric, are considered by many to be the gold standard. However, Abi and Joseph's comfortable fits and soft, flexible materials make their apparel an excellent and stylish choice for yoga as well.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Abi and Joseph places sustainability at the core of its business, making it a stronger choice for shoppers prioritizing eco-conscious practices. While Lululemon is actively improving its environmental impact, it's a foundational element of the Abi and Joseph brand.

Do Abi and Joseph leggings run true to size?

Yes, Abi and Joseph leggings are known for offering a consistent, true-to-size fit. Their styles are designed for comfort and are less compressive than many of Lululemon's performance-oriented leggings.

Is Lululemon quality worth the price?

For most customers, yes. Lululemon's high price point is justified by its proprietary technical fabrics and exceptional durability. Their items often last for many years with proper care, making them a worthwhile long-term investment.

Can I wear Abi and Joseph outside the gym?

Absolutely. This is a key part of their design philosophy. Abi and Joseph's minimalist and chic aesthetic is specifically created to be versatile enough for workouts, errands, travel, and casual social outings.

Does Lululemon ever have sales?

Lululemon rarely has traditional sales events. However, their "We Made Too Much" section on their website offers discounted items from past seasons.

Whose style is more classic and timeless?

Abi and Joseph's focus on neutral colors, clean lines, and minimalist design gives their collection a more classic and timeless feel. Lululemon tends to be more trend-driven, with frequent new colors and patterns released seasonally.