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

Aybl is a UK-based activewear brand known for its affordable, stylish, and trendy workout clothing, primarily targeting younger, budget-conscious consumers. Lululemon is a global premium brand recognized for its high-performance, technologically advanced fabrics and sophisticated aesthetic, commanding a much higher price point.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right activewear brand for your fitness goals and budget.

Aybl: The Affordable & Stylish Activewear Brand

Aybl has quickly become a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts looking for fashionable activewear that doesn't break the bank. Sold almost exclusively through its website, the brand focuses on trendy designs and functional fabrics, making it an excellent entry point for those building their workout wardrobe or anyone who enjoys mixing up their gym style regularly.

• Product mix: Aybl offers a complete range of women's activewear including leggings, sports bras, shorts, tops, and loungewear. Their aesthetic is modern and minimalistic, often featuring seamless designs and a color palette that mixes neutral tones with seasonal bold shades.
• Price point: This is Aybl's biggest advantage. Leggings are typically priced between $40-$60, with sports bras and tops often falling between $20-$40. It's an accessible alternative to premium market leaders.
• Quality: For its price, Aybl delivers solid quality. Their products commonly feature moisture-wicking properties and four-way stretch materials like nylon and elastane blends that offer good comfort and durability for most workouts.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing generally runs from XS to XXL. Most customer feedback indicates their items fit true to size, but it's always wise to consult their specific product size guides, especially for seamless collections which can have a more compressive fit.
• Sales: Aybl is known for frequent promotions, bundle deals, and significant seasonal sales events, allowing shoppers to get their already affordable pieces for even less.
• Return policy: Aybl offers a straightforward return policy, typically allowing returns within a specified period for a refund or exchange, making online purchases relatively risk-free.

Aybl is an excellent option for shoppers who prioritize trend-led styles and value, offering functional and stylish activewear at a very accessible price.

Shop Aybl: www.aybl.com

Lululemon: The Leader in Premium Performance Apparel

Lululemon has established itself as an industry icon, synonymous with high-quality, high-performance athletic apparel. The brand's focus on premium, proprietary fabrics and meticulous construction has earned it a loyal following among serious athletes, yoga practitioners, and those who simply want luxurious and durable athleisure wear for everyday life.

• Product mix: Known for its legendary yoga pants, Lululemon offers extensive collections for running, training, and casual wear. Their lineup includes leggings, shorts, sports bras, tops, jackets, and a growing selection of menswear and lifestyle accessories.
• Price point: Lululemon operates firmly in the premium category. Their famous Align and Wunder Train leggings typically range from $98 to $128, with sports bras and tops priced between $48 and $78.
• Technology/Innovation: The brand is famous for its proprietary fabrics. This includes the buttery-soft Nulu™ fabric for yoga, the fast-drying Everlux™ for intense training, and the original supportive Luon™ fabric.
• Sizing/Fit: Lululemon offers sizes from 0 to 20. Their sizing is exceptionally consistent, known for a second-skin feel that offers support and shape retention without restricting movement. Most items are designed to be form-fitting and run true to size.
• Shopping Experience: With a polished e-commerce site and beautiful physical stores offering personalized fittings and community events, Lululemon provides a premium shopping experience both online and off.
• Return policy: Lululemon offers a 30-day return policy for unworn merchandise with tags attached. They are also known for standing by their quality, often addressing performance issues outside the standard window.

Lululemon is an investment in unparalleled comfort, technical performance, and lasting quality, perfect for those who demand the most from their activewear.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Aybl vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

The most significant difference between the two brands is price. Aybl is built on accessibility, with leggings costing around $50. In contrast, Lululemon positions itself as a premium investment, with their most popular leggings easily costing twice as much at $98 or more.

While Aybl's frequent sales and bundle deals provide even greater value, Lululemon rarely holds sitewide sales, instead offering a consistent "We Made Too Much" section for marked-down items. For shoppers on a budget, Aybl is the clear winner. For those prioritizing long-term performance and willing to pay for it, Lululemon's price reflects its quality.

Quality & Materials

Lululemon's reputation is built on its materials science. Fabrics like Nulu and Everlux offer a distinct feel, durability, and a level of performance that is hard to match. They retain their shape, pill less over time, and provide tailored sensations like weightless softness or cool-to-the-touch compression depending on the intended activity.

Aybl's fabrics are functional and comfortable, using industry-standard nylon and elastane blends that wick sweat and stretch well. While they are very effective for general fitness activities, they do not have the same unique technical properties or the famously luxurious feel of Lululemon's proprietary materials. Lululemon leads in technical innovation and long-term durability, whereas Aybl offers excellent quality for its price point.

Style & Aesthetic

Aybl’s style is very current and trend-focused. They often feature seamless designs, ribbed textures, and contouring details that are popular on social media, appealing to a younger demographic. Their collections are functional but have a clear fashion-forward DNA.

Lululemon’s aesthetic is more timeless and refined. Their designs emphasize clean lines, subtle branding, and classic silhouettes that transition seamlessly from the studio to the street. The look is sophisticated and performance-driven, focusing on fit and fabric over temporary trends.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally run true to size, but they offer a different feel. Lululemon is known for its precise, 'like a glove' fit that conforms to the body, offering support and a flattering silhouette across its 0-20 size range. The fit is incredibly consistent across different styles.

Aybl offers a comfortable and compressive fit in its XS-XXL range. While generally reliable, an online-only model means it's essential to check the specific size chart for each product, as seamless items may fit more snugly than other collections.

Shopping Experience

Shopping with Aybl is a pure e-commerce experience. Their website is easy to navigate, with clear product information and visible customer reviews. It's a direct, fast, and digitally native approach suitable for shoppers comfortable with buying online.

Lululemon offers an omnichannel experience. You can shop on their highly polished website or visit a physical store for personalized service, fitting advice, and even complimentary hemming. This high-touch in-person option is a key part of the premium brand experience that's completely absent from Aybl.

Sustainability & Ethics

As a larger, more established company, Lululemon has a more comprehensive and publicly documented sustainability program. They publish yearly impact reports detailing their goals for using recycled materials, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring ethical manufacturing practices.

Aybl communicates a commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability but, as a younger and smaller brand, has less public information available about its supply chain and specific initiatives compared to its larger competitor.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your budget, priorities, and workout style. Both brands offer excellent products but serve very different needs.

Choose Aybl if:

• You're on a budget and want stylish, functional gym clothes without the premium price tag.
• You enjoy following fitness fashion trends and like to refresh your activewear collection often.
• You primarily do weight training, HIIT, or general fitness activities and want cute, durable sets.
• You love a good deal and prefer shopping online during promotional sales events.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You are a dedicated yogi, runner, or athlete who can feel the difference in high-performance fabrics.
• You view activewear as a long-term investment and prioritize durability, shape retention, and comfort.
• You prefer a timeless, sophisticated aesthetic that serves you both during workouts and in daily life.
• You value the ability to try on items in-store and appreciate services like free hemming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aybl or Lululemon cheaper?

Aybl is significantly cheaper than Lululemon. A full workout set from Aybl can often be purchased for less than the price of a single pair of leggings from Lululemon. Aybl is a budget-friendly brand, while Lululemon is a premium, high-end brand.

Which has better quality leggings?

Lululemon is recognized for its superior quality, with technologically advanced proprietary fabrics that offer unmatched durability, shape retention, and specific performance benefits. Aybl's leggings are good quality for their price point, made from standard performance materials, but they are not at the same premium level as Lululemon's.

Do both brands run true to size?

Yes, both brands are generally considered true to size. Lululemon is known for its highly consistent, form-fitting "second-skin" fit designed for performance. Aybl's sizing is also reliable, but it is recommended to check the size guide for each collection, particularly for seamless styles.

Can you buy Aybl in stores?

No, Aybl is a direct-to-consumer brand and is sold almost exclusively through its official website. This model helps keep their prices lower. Lululemon operates both a robust online store and a large network of physical retail locations worldwide.

Which brand is better for intense workouts like running or HIIT?

Lululemon is generally better for intense, high-impact workouts. Fabrics like their Everlux are specifically engineered to handle high sweat levels, dry quickly, and offer the necessary support and compression for activities like running, spinning, and studio classes.

How often are sales available?

Aybl runs sales, special promotions, and bundle deals frequently throughout the year. In contrast, Lululemon rarely holds sitewide sales, opting instead for a permanent "We Made Too Much" section where you can find discounted items.

Is Aybl a good Lululemon alternative?

For many shoppers, yes. If your top priority is achieving a stylish, on-trend look at the gym without spending over $100 on a pair of leggings, Aybl is an excellent and popular alternative that offers good functional quality.

What are their return policies like?

Aybl offers a standard return window for customers to send back unworn items. Lululemon also provides a 30-day return policy for unworn items and has the added convenience of allowing in-store returns, even on online purchases.