Athleta vs. Lululemon: Which brand is better? [2026]

Athleta is best known for its versatile and inclusive activewear that blends performance with everyday style at a more accessible price point, with a strong focus on sustainability. Lululemon positions itself as a premium brand focused on high-performance, innovative fabrics and a sleek, trend-forward aesthetic, generally at a higher cost.

Let's compare everything you need to know to choose the right activewear for your closet and your workout.

Athleta: Versatile, Inclusive &, Sustainable Activewear

Owned by Gap Inc., Athleta designs performance wear for women with a mission centered on empowerment and versatility. Their clothing is made for a wide range of activities, from yoga and running to commuting and travel, appealing to active women who want stylish, functional pieces that feel comfortable all day long. A major focus for the brand is inclusivity and sustainability, reflected in their size range and use of recycled materials.

• Product mix: A comprehensive collection including leggings, sports bras, tops, jackets, swimwear, and accessories designed for training, yoga, running, and casual wear.
• Price point: Mid-range and accessible, with most items priced between $50 and $150. It’s a great option for high-quality gear without the luxury price tag.
• Quality &, Materials: Uses durable performance fabrics like recycled polyester and nylon blends that are both soft and functional. A significant portion of their collection is made with sustainable materials.
• Sizing/Fit: One of the most inclusive brands in the market, offering sizes from XXS to 3X. Fit is generally comfortable, though it can sometimes be inconsistent between different styles.
• Sales: Holds frequent sales events and offers regular promotions, making their activewear even more affordable.
• Return policy: Offers free returns up to 60 days after purchase, allowing you plenty of time to decide if a piece is right for you.
• Sustainability: As a certified B Corporation, Athleta places a strong emphasis on eco-friendly practices, recycled fabrics, and ethical manufacturing.

Athleta excels in providing stylish, comfortable, and sustainable activewear with an inclusive size range, perfect for those who value versatility and affordability.

Shop Athleta: athleta.com

Lululemon: Premium Performance & Innovation

Lululemon is a Canadian brand that defined the luxury activewear space, starting with its famous yoga pants. Today, it offers a wide range of athletic apparel known for technical innovation, impeccable fit, and a minimalist, modern aesthetic. The brand appeals to dedicated fitness enthusiasts and fashion-conscious individuals who are willing to invest in high-performance materials and construction that will last for years.

• Product mix: An extensive selection of leggings, sports bras, tops, jackets, and accessories for yoga, running, training, and casual wear. They have also expanded into personal care items.
• Price point: Positioned in the premium to luxury category, with prices typically ranging from $70 to $200. Popular leggings often cost between $98 and $128.
• Technology/Innovation: Lululemon is famous for its proprietary fabrics like the buttery-soft Nulu™ (for Align pants), sleek Luxtreme™, and fast-drying Everlux™, each engineered for a specific feel and activity.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for a consistent, body-hugging fit that sculpts and supports. Sizing is often described as true-to-size, though their range is less expansive than Athleta's.
• Sales: Major sales are infrequent, though they have a "We Made Too Much" section with markdowns. This strategy maintains their premium brand image.
• Return policy: Lululemon has a 30-day return policy for items that are unworn and unwashed with tags still attached. They are also known for standing by their product quality.

Lululemon is the go-to for shoppers seeking technically advanced fabrics, a dependable performance fit, and a sophisticated athletic style.

Shop Lululemon: lululemon.com

Athleta vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear price difference between the two brands. Athleta offers a much more accessible price point. You can often find their popular leggings for around $98, but frequent sales can drop that price significantly. Athleta's regular promotional events and discount codes make it a strong choice for those who want quality without paying a premium.

Lululemon's pricing reflects its luxury status. Its iconic Align Pant starts at $98, with other technical styles costing as much as $128 or more. Lululemon rarely goes on sale, instead offering a consistent "We Made Too Much" section for marked-down items. If you're on a budget, Athleta is the clear winner, if you see athletic wear as a long-term investment, Lululemon's price point may be justified for you.

Quality & Materials

Both brands produce high-quality activewear, but their material-focused philosophies differ. Lululemon built its reputation on proprietary, innovative fabrics that are engineered for specific sensations and activities. The buttery softness of Nulu™, the compressive feel of Luxtreme™, and the moisture-wicking properties of Everlux™ give Lululemon a distinct advantage in technical performance and feel. This focus on fabric innovation often translates to excellent durability, especially during intense workouts.

Athleta’s fabrics are also high-performance and durable, with a heavy emphasis on sustainability. They use materials like recycled polyester blends that are soft, supportive, and comfortable. While their fabrics are excellent for most activities, they are often compared to Lululemon's materials rather than being seen as setting the industry standard. For casual wear and moderate exercise, Athleta's quality is fantastic, for specialized performance, many athletes prefer Lululemon.

Product Selection & Style

The brands' styles are similar from a distance but cater to slightly different tastes. Athleta's aesthetic is modern, vibrant, and versatile. Their designs easily transition from a yoga class to running errands or meeting a friend for coffee. They offer a wider variety of colors and patterns, embodying a style that is both functional and expressive for everyday life.

Lululemon has a more sleek, sophisticated, and trend-focused look. Their color palettes are often more minimal and muted, with clean lines and subtle branding that communicate a premium feel. Lululemon's pieces often have a more fashion-forward edge, pairing perfectly with both workout gear and high-end casual wear.

Fit & Sizing

Fit is a crucial factor, and here the brands have different strengths. Athleta is a leader in inclusivity, offering an expansive size range from XXS to 3X in many of its key styles. This commitment makes finding a comfortable fit possible for a much wider range of body types. While the vast majority find the fit excellent, some customers note slight sizing inconsistencies across different product lines.

Lululemon is prized for its consistent and reliable sizing. Their fit is often described as compressive and sculpting, designed to hug the body in a flattering way. Once you know your size in one style of Lululemon leggings, you will likely be the same size in others. However, their standard size range is not as inclusive as Athleta's.

Sustainability & Ethics

Sustainability has become a key consideration for many shoppers. Athleta makes this a core part of its brand identity. As a certified B Corp, they are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, the community, and the environment. They extensively use recycled materials like polyester from post-consumer plastic bottles and are transparent about their goals.

Lululemon is also making significant strides in sustainability, outlining goals for reducing carbon emissions, using sustainable materials, and ensuring fair labor practices. While they are actively working on these initiatives, it is a more prominent part of Athleta’s branding and marketing message.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on your priorities, as both brands create excellent activewear for different needs.

Choose Athleta if:

• You're looking for versatile pieces that work for workouts and everyday life.
• You value inclusive sizing and want a wide range of options, including plus sizes.
• Sustainability and ethical manufacturing are top factors in your purchasing decisions.
• You appreciate a good sale and want high-quality gear at a more accessible price point.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You want the highest level of performance from technically innovative and proprietary fabrics.
• A specific, consistent, body-hugging fit is your top priority.
• You view your activewear as an investment and are willing to pay a premium for durability.
• Your style is sleek and trend-forward, and you prefer a more minimalist aesthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Athleta or Lululemon cheaper?

Athleta is significantly cheaper than Lululemon. Not only is its everyday pricing lower, but Athleta also runs frequent sales and promotions, while Lululemon discounts are rare and less substantial.

Which brand has better quality leggings?

Both offer excellent quality, but "better" depends on your needs. Lululemon's proprietary fabrics like Nulu™ and Everlux™ are often considered superior for their unique feel and specific performance benefits. Athleta's leggings are extremely durable, comfortable, and a better value for the price.

Does Athleta or Lululemon have better sizing?

Athleta is more inclusive, offering sizes up to 3X. Lululemon has a more standard range but is known for its highly consistent fit across all its styles. If you require plus sizes, Athleta is the definite choice. If you want a predictable, sculpting fit, Lululemon is very reliable.

Are Athleta leggings as good as Lululemon?

Athleta leggings are an excellent alternative to Lululemon, especially for their price. Many consider Athleta's Powervita™ fabric to be very similar to Lululemon's Nulu™ fabric in softness and comfort. For intense activity and longevity, many devoted users feel Lululemon still has an edge.

Which brand is better for yoga?

Lululemon was originally created for yoga, and its Align collection made with Nulu™ fabric is iconic for its "naked" sensation and flexibility. However, Athleta's Salutation Stash tights in Powervita™ fabric are a very popular competitor offering similar softness and support, often with convenient pockets.

Which is more sustainable?

Both brands have publicly stated sustainability goals, but it is a much more central part of Athleta's brand identity. As a certified B Corporation, Athleta is held to high standards of social and environmental performance, and a large percentage of its products are made with recycled materials.

Does Athleta have a rewards program?

Yes, Athleta is part of Gap Inc.'s rewards program, which includes Old Navy, Gap, and Banana Republic. You can earn points on purchases at all four stores that convert into cash discounts, making it a valuable loyalty program.

Which brand goes on sale more?

Athleta has far more sales and promotions than Lululemon. You can almost always find a sale section on their website, and they offer seasonal discounts and promotions regularly, whereas Lululemon sale items are typically limited to their "We Made Too Much" section.