Aerie vs. Lululemon: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Aerie focuses on affordable, comfortable loungewear and casual activewear with a strong emphasis on body positivity and inclusive sizing, making it ideal for everyday wear. In contrast, Lululemon is a premium athletic brand known for its high-performance, technical fabrics and minimalist aesthetic, designed for serious workouts and consumers willing to invest in durability.

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

Aerie: The Champion of Comfort & Inclusivity

Aerie, owned by American Eagle Outfitters, has become a go-to for those who prioritize comfort without breaking the bank. The brand targets a younger audience seeking stylish, cozy, and versatile basics, from lingerie to leggings. Their entire marketing approach is built on self-expression, confidence, and inclusivity, which resonates strongly with shoppers looking for a more relaxed and positive brand experience.

• Product mix: A broad range of bras, underwear, loungewear, sleepwear, and casual activewear. The activewear line includes leggings, joggers, and workout tops made with soft, comfortable materials suited for low-impact activities and everyday life.
• Price point: Highly accessible, with most items falling between $10 and $50. Aerie is also known for its frequent sales, promotions, and bundle deals that offer excellent value.
• Quality: The fabrics are geared towards comfort and softness. While well-made for casual use and lounging, they may not offer the same longevity or performance for intense daily workouts as more technical brands.
• Sizing/Fit: Aerie champions inclusive sizing, typically offering XS-XXL and a growing selection of plus sizes. The fit is generally true to size with a focus on relaxed and comfortable silhouettes.
• Style & Aesthetic: The brand's look is casual, cozy, and cheerful. Expect to see lots of pastel colors, playful prints, and relaxed fits perfect for a comfortable day at home or running errands.
• Sustainability: Aerie promotes sustainability by using recycled materials in its products and supporting ethical manufacturing.

Aerie is the ideal choice for shoppers seeking affordable and comfortable activewear and loungewear perfect for everyday life, light exercise, and supporting a body-positive message.

Shop Aerie: ae.com/aerie

Lululemon: The Leader in Performance Activewear

Lululemon has built its empire on technical innovation and a premium brand identity. It's the destination for dedicated athletes and fitness enthusiasts who value performance, durability, and a sleek, modern aesthetic. The brand invests heavily in developing proprietary fabrics that solve common workout problems like sweat, restrictive movement, and retaining shape over time.

• Product mix: A focused collection of high-performance leggings, sports bras, tops, shorts, and outerwear designed for specific activities like yoga, running, and training. They also offer a popular line of casual wear that carries the same premium feel.
• Price point: Positioned in the high-end range, with leggings typically running $98 to $128 and sports bras costing $48 to $68. Prices reflect the investment in fabric technology and quality construction.
• Quality & Technology: This is where Lululemon shines. Its proprietary fabrics like buttery-soft Nulu™ (for Align leggings) and supportive, sweat-wicking Luon™ set the industry standard for both comfort and performance.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing ranges from 0 to 20. The fit is true to size but designed for an athletic, compressive feel, especially in performance leggings. This can feel snug for those accustomed to a more relaxed fit.
• Style & Aesthetic: Lululemon’s style is minimalist, sophisticated, and athletic. The aesthetic favors monochromatic color schemes, subtle branding, and clean lines that transition seamlessly from the gym to streetwear.
• Sustainability: The brand is committed to reducing environmental impact through initiatives like their "Like New" resale program, which extends the life of their gear, alongside efforts in responsible material sourcing.

Lululemon excels in creating high-quality, durable activewear for those who take their workouts seriously and see their gear as a long-term investment in their performance.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Aerie vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

The price gap between Aerie and Lululemon is the most significant differentiator. Aerie brings activewear to the masses with leggings often priced between $25 and $50, with frequent sales making them even more affordable. It’s easy to assemble a full workout outfit for less than the price of a single pair of Lululemon leggings.

Lululemon occupies the premium space, with its most popular leggings costing around $98 and new styles easily exceeding $128. Shoppers are paying for the brand's extensive research and development into technical fabrics, durability, and a brand status. While the upfront cost is high, many customers see it as an investment, as the pieces are designed to last for years of rigorous use.

Quality & Materials

Lululemon’s reputation is built on superior materials. Fabrics like Everlux™ and Nulu™ offer exceptional moisture-wicking, four-way stretch, and shape retention that stand up to countless high-intensity workouts and washes. The construction is meticulous, with flat seams that prevent chafing and engineering designed to support muscles during movement.

Aerie’s fabrics prioritize softness and comfort for everyday living. Their leggings and joggers are exceptionally cozy, making them perfect for lounging, travel, or light activities like walking or stretching. While the quality is good for its price point, the materials are not designed to endure the same level of stress, sweat, and abrasion as Lululemon’s technical gear.

Style & Aesthetic

Aerie has a fun, youthful, and approachable style. Their collections feature a mix of bright colors, trendy prints, and relaxed silhouettes like flared leggings and oversized sweatshirts. The aesthetic is all about comfort and casual self-expression.

Lululemon’s aesthetic is sleek, athletic, and sophisticated. Its designs are much more minimalist, focusing on clean lines, flattering seams, and a mostly muted or monochrome color palette. It’s an understated style that has become a status symbol for a health-conscious lifestyle, easily worn from a spin class to grabbing coffee.

Fit & Sizing

Aerie is a leader in inclusive sizing and body-positive marketing. Offering a range from XXS to XXL, their goal is to make everyone feel comfortable and confident. The fit is generally more relaxed and forgiving compared to performance-oriented activewear.

Lululemon offers numerical sizing from 0 to 20, designed to create a second-skin fit that supports performance. This often means a compressive and snug feeling, which is ideal for holding everything in place during a hard workout. While true to size, some may prefer to size up if they want a less constrictive fit.

Shopping Experience

Shopping at Aerie feels welcoming and relaxed. Their website is easy to navigate, and promotions are always front and center. The experience is low-pressure and focuses on finding a comfortable fit.

Lululemon provides a premium shopping experience. Their flagship stores, often called "Lemonades," are staffed with knowledgeable associates about their products, technology, and fit for various activities like yoga, training, and more, helping customers choose the perfect gear. Their website features detailed product descriptions and size guides to ensure a confident choice.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice depends entirely on your lifestyle, budget, and activity level. Both brands are excellent, but they serve very different shoppers.

• Choose Aerie if:
• You’re on a budget and love a good sale. You can often get more for your money at Aerie with frequent promotions.
• Comfort is your number one priority, and you need something for lounging and light workouts.
• You value inclusive sizing and a body-positive brand philosophy.
• Your style is casual, playful, and you want pops of color in your wardrobe.
• Choose Lululemon if:
• You take workouts seriously and need high-performance gear that lasts through heavy use and training.
• You’re willing to invest in stylish, durable activewear.
• You prefer a sleek, minimal style that transitions smoothly from gym to street.
• You want the benefits of advanced fabric technology like moisture-wicking, support, and compression.