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

Athleta offers versatile and sustainable running apparel with a focus on inclusive sizing at a more accessible price point, while Lululemon is a premium brand known for high-performance proprietary fabrics and a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Athleta emphasizes eco-friendly materials and designs that work for both workouts and casual wear, whereas Lululemon focuses on technical innovation for serious athletic performance.

Let's compare them to help you decide which brand has the right running gear for your style, goals, and budget.

Athleta: The Versatile & Inclusive Option

Owned by Gap Inc., Athleta is an athletic apparel brand committed to empowering women through functional, stylish activewear. Its pieces are designed to support a wide range of activities, with a special focus on running. The target customer is a woman who values sustainability, inclusivity, and comfortable gear that can transition from a morning run to running errands without missing a beat.

• Product mix: A broad selection of leggings, shorts, tops, sports bras, and jackets designed specifically for running. Many products feature practical details like pockets and reflective trims.
• Price point: Mid-range and more budget-friendly than its primary competitor. Expect to pay between $60 and $90 for a pair of running leggings.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes performance fabrics like their PowerRegen and VitaFree materials, with a strong emphasis on using sustainable, recycled polyester and nylon in their products. Garments are durable and comfortable for everyday use.
• Sizing/Fit: A major strength. Athleta offers one of the most inclusive size ranges in activewear, from XXS to 3X, with petite, regular, and tall inseams to ensure a great fit for more body types. Sizing is generally true to size.
• Sales: Holds seasonal sales and promotions more frequently, offering good opportunities to get high-quality gear at a discount.
• Return policy: Offers a generous 60-day return window for items that are unworn and unwashed with a tag attached.

Athleta is an excellent choice for runners who prioritize inclusive sizing, sustainable materials, and versatile pieces at a comfortable price point.

Shop Athleta: athleta.gap.com

Lululemon: The Premium Performance Leader

Lululemon is a premium athletic company that built its reputation on high-quality yoga wear before expanding to dominate the running scene. The brand is known for its innovative, proprietary fabrics and meticulous designs that are just as much a fashion statement as they are performance gear. Lululemon appeals to avid runners and fitness enthusiasts who see their workout clothes as an investment in quality and style.

• Product mix: Offers a specified collection of running gear for men and women, including leggings, shorts, tops, and bras engineered for different running conditions and sensations (e.g., weightless, secure, etc.).
• Price point: Premium pricing reflects its high-end positioning. Running leggings typically fall in the $98 to $128 range.
• Quality & Materials: Famous for its buttery-soft Nulu™ fabric and performance-driven Everlux™ fabric, which wicks sweat and dries incredibly fast. The construction is top-notch, leading to exceptional longevity with proper care.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing runs from 0-20. Lululemon gear is known for its consistent, compression-style fit that sculpts and supports. It generally runs true to size but is designed to be form-fitting.
• Sales: Sales are less frequent, with a permanent "We Made Too Much" section on their website offering discounts. Major events are rare.
• Return policy: Standard policy allows returns within 30 days for unworn and unwashed merchandise with tags attached.

Lululemon is aimed at the committed runner who wants cutting-edge fabric technology and a sleek, athletic silhouette and is willing to pay a premium for it.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Athleta vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

There's a clear price difference between the two brands. Lululemon occupies the premium space, with their popular running leggings like the Fast and Free tight usually priced around $128. A comparable running tight from Athleta, such as a pair from the Ultimate Stash collection, will typically cost about $89.

While both brands represent a considerable investment in workout apparel, Athleta consistently offers quality running clothing at a more accessible price. Furthermore, Athleta has more frequent and predictable sales events, making it the more budget-conscious choice.

Quality & Materials

Lululemon built its brand on superior fabric technology and continues to lead in this area. Their Everlux fabric, designed for high-sweat studio workouts, translates perfectly to running. It’s light, fast-drying, highly breathable, and offers a supportive feel. The garments are built to last through hundreds of workouts and washes, retaining their shape and performance qualities exceptionally well.

Athleta also produces high-quality apparel using performance-driven materials like their SuperSonic fabric made with recycled nylon. Their commitment to sustainability is a key differentiator, and the quality is excellent for the price point. However, seasoned athletes often find that Lululemon's fabrics offer a slight edge in feel and long-term durability under intense use.

Fit & Sizing

Fit is where Athleta shines for inclusivity. Offering sizes from XXS to 3X in many styles, plus petite, regular, and tall inseam lengths, Athleta makes it easier for more women to find a perfect fit. Their sizing is consistent and generally considered true to size.

Lululemon offers sizes 0-20 and is known for its signature flattering, compressive fit. For those who fit their sizing model well, the fit is precise and performance-enhancing. However, the lack of petite or tall inseams and a less extensive plus-size range can make it a tougher brand for certain body types to find the ideal fit.

Style & Aesthetic

Lululemon is known for a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Their designs often feature clean lines and a more monochromatic or muted color palette creating a polished, high-end look. It's a brand that's as much about the status and style as it is about the performance.

Athleta's style is more versatile and sporty-casual. They offer a wider array of bright colors and patterns, and their designs focus on functionality that can easily transition from a run to everyday activities. Many of their running tights and shorts feature more pockets and practical elements intended for all-day wear.

Sustainability & Ethics

Athleta makes sustainability a core part of its brand identity. As a Certified B Corporation, they meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. A large and growing percentage of their apparel is made from recycled and sustainable materials.

Lululemon has made significant improvements in its sustainability practices, incorporating more recycled fabrics and outlining goals for environmental impact reduction. However, Athleta's B Corp status and proactive messaging around these issues give it the decided edge for shoppers who make sustainability their top priority.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right brand for you depends entirely on what you value most in your running gear.

Choose Athleta if:

• You prioritize value and are looking for high-quality gear at a more moderate price.
• Inclusive sizing is important, and you need petite, tall, or plus-size options.
• You want running clothes that are versatile enough for casual, everyday wear.
• Sustainability and ethical manufacturing are top priorities in your purchasing decisions.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You are willing to invest in premium, high-performance fabrics that feel exceptional.
• You prefer a sleek, minimalist style with a compressive, athletic fit.
• Long-term durability is your main concern, and you see your running gear as an investment.
• The polished aesthetic and brand-name recognition appeal to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lululemon or Athleta more expensive?

Lululemon is consistently more expensive than Athleta across almost all product categories. Expect to pay about 30-40% more for key items like running leggings and sports bras at Lululemon compared to Athleta.

Which brand washes better?

Both brands produce durable clothing meant to withstand sweat and frequent washing. However, Lululemon's proprietary fabrics are famous for their remarkable resilience and ability to maintain their shape, color, and technical properties after many wash cycles, giving them a slight edge in longevity.

Which brand is better for plus-size runners?

Athleta is the clear winner for plus-size runners. They offer a much more extensive range of sizes, going up to 3X in many of their most popular running styles, ensuring a comfortable and functional fit for a wider variety of body types.

Does Athleta or Lululemon have better sales?

Athleta has better and more frequent sales. They hold regular seasonal sale events, and their loyalty program often provides members with additional discounts. Lululemon rarely has site-wide sales, offering year-round discounts only in its "We Made Too Much" section.

What are the return policies for Athleta and Lululemon?

Athleta has a more generous return policy, allowing returns of unworn merchandise within 60 days of purchase. Lululemon offers a 30-day window for returns on unworn and unwashed items.

Is Lululemon quality really worth the price for running?

For dedicated, high-mileage runners, many find Lululemon's quality to be worth the investment. The superior moisture-wicking, chafe-free construction, and incredible durability of fabrics like Everlux can make a noticeable difference in comfort and performance over time.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Athleta has a stronger and more central focus on sustainability. As a certified B Corporation, it adheres to strict standards of environmental and social responsibility and heavily promotes its use of recycled materials in its products.