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

Lululemon is a global leader in high-performance athletic apparel, known for its extensively researched technical fabrics and classic, versatile designs. In contrast, Alala is a luxury activewear brand focused on fashion-forward, trend-conscious styles that blend high-performance features with a modern, street-style aesthetic, often at a higher price point.

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

Alala: The Fashion-Forward Luxury Activewear

Alala is a premium activewear brand that caters to women seeking sleek, stylish workout apparel that transitions easily from the gym to daily life. Founded in 2012, Alala combines modern aesthetics with innovative fabrics to create confidence-boosting pieces. Their defining look involves bold color blocking, minimalist silhouettes, and high-quality construction for a sophisticated, athletic style.

• Product mix: A focused collection of leggings, sports bras, tops, and jackets that combine performance with contemporary fashion. Their designs often feature unique textures and strategic cutouts ideal for both working out and going out.
• Price point: Luxury positioning with pieces typically ranging from $80 to $200. Their popular Eclipse leggings are around $135, reflecting the premium fabrics and design focus.
• Quality &, Materials: Uses high-quality technical fabrics offering four-way stretch, moisture-wicking, and compression. The feel is often soft and smooth with a fashion-oriented finish.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Trend-conscious and modern. This is activewear designed to be seen, featuring bold color combinations and a sophisticated vibe that makes it perfect for streetwear.
• Fit &, Sizing: Generally true to size, although some of their more compressive styles may feel a bit snug. The fit is dialed in for a sleek, flattering silhouette.
• Return policy: A 14-day window for returns and exchanges.

Alala is the top choice for shoppers who view activewear as part of their fashion wardrobe and are willing to invest in unique, high-quality designs that stand out.

Shop Alala: alala.com

Lululemon: The Leader in High-Performance Activewear

Since its founding in 1998, Lululemon has become a dominant force in athletic apparel, built on a reputation for innovative fabrics and an impeccably consistent fit. Primarily designed for yoga, running, and training, the brand's aesthetic combines sporty function with a clean, modern look that appeals to a massive global audience, from dedicated athletes to casual wearers.

• Product mix: Extensive range includes leggings, bras, tops, shorts, jackets, accessories, and footwear for men and women. Their leggings are famously sorted by fabric feel, such as the buttery-soft Align made with Nulu™ fabric and Wunder Train made with sweat-wicking Everlux™.
• Price point: Premium pricing, but with a broader range than Alala. Most items fall between $60 and $150, with their most popular leggings retailing for $98–$128.
• Quality &, Materials: Famous for proprietary technical fabrics like Luon, Luxtreme, and Everlux that are extensively tested for performance, stretch-retention, and durability.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Sporty, sleek, and timeless. The designs feature clean lines, subtle branding, and versatile color palettes that make them suitable for almost any occasion.
• Fit &, Sizing: Known for its consistent, true-to-size fit. Lululemon offers detailed size guides and a range from sizes 0-20, ensuring a flattering, body-hugging fit that stays in place.
• Return policy: A flexible 30-day return window for unworn items with tags attached.

Lululemon excels at creating reliable, high-performance gear with a classic look, extensive fabric technology, and a fit that has built a loyal following.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Alala vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

Both brands are positioned in the premium market, but there are clear differences. Lululemon offers more accessible entry points, with popular leggings like the Aligns priced at $98. They also have a large "We Made Too Much" section that works as a permanent sale.

Alala's pricing is firmly in the luxury tier, with leggings often starting around $135 and many items costing between $150 and $200. The cost reflects its boutique approach, limited-edition designs, and focus on blending high fashion with performance. For shoppers who prioritize value and frequent promotions, Lululemon is the clearer choice. For those seeking premium, exclusive designs, Alala's higher price may be justified.

Quality &, Materials

Lululemon's reputation is built on its materials science. Fabrics like Luxtreme and Everlux are results of years of R&,D, designed to handle sweat, retain shape, and endure countless workouts and washes. The construction is consistently excellent, with flatlock seams to reduce chafing and thoughtful design details built for movement.

Alala also uses top-tier technical materials that offer excellent performance. Their fabrics often have a uniquely soft or sleek hand-feel that gives their pieces a more luxurious, fashion-forward sensibility. While both brands produce incredibly durable activewear, Lululemon’s investment in fabric innovation gives it a slight edge for consumers focused purely on athletic performance.

Style &, Aesthetic

This is the biggest differentiator between the two. Lululemon has mastered a versatile, sporty-sleek look with subtle branding and classic silhouettes. Its apparel is designed to perform well and look good without making a loud fashion statement, which is why it appeals to such a broad audience.

Alala, on the other hand, is a fashion brand first. Its activewear features modern, minimalist lines fused with on-trend details like bold color blocking and strategically placed mesh. Alala's pieces are statement-makers designed for the consumer who wants their gym clothes to harmoniously merge with their stylish streetwear wardrobe.

Fit &, Sizing

Lululemon is renowned for its consistent, true-to-size fit across its extensive range. Millions of customers trust that a size 6 in one style of leggings will fit similarly to another. Their garments are designed to flatter and support, hugging the body without feeling restrictive.

Alala also offers a true-to-size fit, but consumers sometimes note that styles with higher compression can run slightly small. Its sizing is tailored to achieve a very sleek, fashion-conscious silhouette. While both brands offer excellent fits, new Alala customers may want to double-check size charts for their more compressive items.

Shopping Experience

Lululemon offers a complete retail experience with hundreds of physical stores worldwide, providing a community hub with in-store classes and events. Their website is easy to navigate, with detailed product information, customer reviews, and a generous 30-day return policy.

Alala’s business is more digitally focused, creating a high-end online boutique experience through its website. It is also available in select high-end department stores but has a very limited physical presence. Its 14-day return window is less flexible than Lululemon’s.

Sustainability &, Ethics

Both brands are committed to improving their environmental impact. As a larger company, Lululemon has more extensive publicly stated goals, including using more recycled materials, reducing its carbon footprint, and a resale program called "Like New" to promote circularity.

Alala demonstrates its commitment by incorporating eco-friendly fabrics into its collections and working with responsible manufacturing partners. While its sustainability roadmap is less comprehensive than Lululemon's, it reflects the growing importance of ethical production in the luxury space.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right brand really depends on what you value most in your activewear. Both produce excellent products, but they serve different needs.

Choose Alala if:

• You want activewear that feels like high fashion and seamlessly transitions to streetwear.
• You prioritize unique, trend-setting designs with bold color blocking and modern silhouettes.
• You are looking for luxury fabrics with a sleek, sophisticated feel.
• You're willing to invest more for exclusive, high-style pieces that stand out.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You need reliable, high-performance gear built to withstand intense training.
• You prefer a classic, versatile aesthetic that is both functional and timeless.
• A consistent, flattering fit backed by years of development is your top priority.
• You enjoy a wide selection of products, a vibrant brand community, and more accessible prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alala or Lululemon more expensive?

Alala is generally more expensive. For example, Alala leggings typically cost between $135 and $200, while Lululemon's most popular styles are priced between $98 and $128, making Lululemon the more budget-friendly premium option.

Which brand has better quality leggings?

Both offer exceptional quality. Lululemon is known for its proprietary performance fabrics like Everlux™, which are rigorously tested for durability and sweat-wicking. Alala focuses on high-quality materials with a more luxurious, fashion-oriented feel. For pure athletic performance, Lululemon often has an edge, for a blend of style and technical function, Alala is superb.

What is the sizing like for Alala compared to Lululemon?

Lululemon is trusted for its consistent, true-to-size fit. Alala also runs true to size, but some of its styles with more compression can feel a bit snug, so you may consider sizing up if you are between sizes in those specific items.

Is Alala activewear good for high-intensity workouts?

Yes, Alala uses high-performance fabrics with compression and moisture-wicking properties, making it suitable for most workouts. However, many athletes prefer Lululemon's purpose-built fabrics specifically engineered for high-intensity training environments.

Which brand is better for everyday wear?

This depends on your personal style. Lululemon's versatile and classic designs make its pieces incredibly popular for everyday athleisure. Alala is specifically designed to double as stylish streetwear, so it's a fantastic option for someone with a more fashion-forward, modern aesthetic.

What are the return policies for Alala and Lululemon?

Lululemon has a more generous return policy, offering a 30-day window for returns on unworn items. Alala provides a shorter 14-day return window.

Do Alala or Lululemon have sales?

Yes, both do. Lululemon has a consistent sale section called "We Made Too Much" on its website. Alala offers seasonal sales and promotions, which can be a great time to purchase its higher-priced items.

Where can I buy Alala apparel?

Alala is primarily sold through its official website, alala.com. You can also find it at select luxury retailers and high-end department stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, but its physical retail presence is very limited.