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

Bearbottom offers comfortable, everyday activewear at an affordable price with a focus on inclusive sizing, while Lululemon is a premium brand known for its high-performance proprietary fabrics, athletic-focused fit, and significantly higher price point. Bearbottom targets budget-conscious shoppers who prioritize comfort and a casual aesthetic, whereas Lululemon caters to fitness enthusiasts and those willing to invest in superior durability and technical features.

Let's break down the key differences to help you decide which activewear brand is right for you.

Bearbottom: Affordable & Comfortable Activewear

Bearbottom has emerged as a popular direct-to-consumer brand by focusing on creating exceptionally comfortable and affordable activewear. They cater to a customer who wants versatile pieces for lounging, errands, and light workouts without the premium price tag. The brand emphasizes a relaxed feel and inclusive sizing, making it a go-to for shoppers who value everyday comfort and accessibility.

• Product mix: A focused collection of men's and women's apparel including leggings, joggers, shorts, and t-shirts. The collection is designed for versatility, easily transitioning from a low-impact workout to casual daily wear.
• Price point: Mid-range and highly competitive. Leggings are typically priced between $30-$50 and joggers from $40-$60, offering a significant saving compared to premium brands.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes soft and durable blends of nylon, polyester, and spandex. The materials prioritize comfort and a pleasant feel against the skin over high-tech performance features.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for offering inclusive sizing, with many products available in XS to 3X. The fit is generally relaxed and true to size, designed to accommodate a wider range of body types comfortably.
• Sustainability: The brand often highlights its use of eco-friendly fabrics and ethical manufacturing partnerships, appealing to consumers conscious of their environmental impact.

Bearbottom is an excellent choice for anyone seeking soft, dependable, and affordable activewear focused on comfort for everyday life.

Shop Bearbottom: bearbottomclothing.com

Lululemon: The Leader in Premium Performance Apparel

Lululemon is a globally recognized leader in premium athletic apparel, setting the standard for technical quality, fit, and style. The brand built its reputation on innovative fabrics and designs that truly perform during a workout, which has translated into a loyal following among serious athletes and style-conscious consumers. Their pieces are designed to be a long-term investment in quality and performance.

• Product mix: An extensive range including leggings, sports bras, tops, jackets, accessories, and a popular men's line. Signature items like the buttery-soft Align Leggings and versatile ABC Pants are industry icons.
• Price point: Premium. Leggings typically cost between $98 and $128, with outerwear and specialized gear often exceeding $200.
• Quality & Materials: The brand’s primary differentiator. Its proprietary fabrics like Nulu™ (for yoga), Luon™, and Everlux™ (for high-sweat training) offer unparalleled stretch, sweat-wicking properties, and durability.
• Innovation: Continuously develops and patents new fabric technologies designed to specifically address the needs of different activities, from running to yoga.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for a consistent, body-contouring fit that is tailored for athletic movement. Sizing generally runs from 0-20 (XXS to XXL) and is typically true to size.
• Sustainability: Operates multiple initiatives, including the "Like New" resale program and increasing use of recycled and sustainable materials throughout its supply chain.

Lululemon is ideal for those who require high-performance apparel for their workouts and are willing to pay a premium for exceptional feel, fit, and durability.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Bearbottom vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

The price difference between Bearbottom and Lululemon is the most significant factor for most shoppers. Bearbottom makes high-quality activewear accessible, with a pair of leggings costing around $30-$50. You can often purchase a full outfit from Bearbottom for less than the price of a single pair of leggings from Lululemon.

Lululemon operates firmly in the premium category with its leggings starting at $98 and going up. This price reflects their investment in proprietary fabric technology, extensive research and development, and a strong brand reputation. While Bearbottom provides outstanding value upfront, Lululemon's durability means the cost-per-wear can be very low over several years of use.

Quality & Materials

Lululemon’s main strength is its collection of unique, high-performance fabrics. Their buttery-soft Nulu™ fabric, used in the Align collection, is famous for its weightless, second-skin feel, perfect for yoga. For training, Everlux™ wicks sweat and dries exceptionally fast. These fabrics maintain their shape, compression, and softness through years of washes and workouts.

Bearbottom uses comfortable and durable blends of nylon, polyester, and spandex that are soft and flexible. While they don't have the specialized technical properties of Lululemon's fabrics, they are great for everyday activities, lounging, and light exercises. They provide excellent comfort for their price but may not offer the same longevity or performance feel during intense activities.

Style & Aesthetic

Lululemon has a sleek, streamlined, and modern aesthetic. Their designs are often minimalist, with subtle branding, allowing the fit and fabric to be the main features. They pair sophisticated, athletic design with trend-aware color palettes, making their pieces feel stylish both inside and outside the gym.

Bearbottom’s style is more relaxed, casual, and comfort-driven. The aesthetic favors simple designs in neutral and muted tones that prioritize everyday wearability. Their look is less about high-performance edge and more about approachable, all-day comfort.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally run true to size, but their fit philosophies differ. Lululemon’s fit is athletic and body-contouring, designed to support muscles during movement. It can feel compressive and quite fitted, depending on the activewear line.

Bearbottom focuses on a more relaxed and comfortable fit tailored for a wider variety of body shapes. As a brand that prioritizes inclusivity, its offering up to 3X in many styles makes it an accessible choice for a broader customer base.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both companies are making positive efforts in sustainability. Lululemon, being a larger corporation, has established programs like its "Like New" trade-in system and detailed public reports on material sources and environmental impact. They use recycled materials in many products and have numerous recognizable certifications.

Bearbottom's sustainability initiatives are core to its brand identity, focusing on eco-friendly fabrics and ethical manufacturing partners. As a smaller brand, their efforts are currently less certified but are central to their mission of providing conscientious clothing.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer great products, but they specialize in serving different needs and budgets.

Choose Bearbottom if:

• You are shopping on a budget but still want quality, comfortable activewear.
• Your priority is all-day comfort for lounging, errands, and casual wear.
• You prefer a more relaxed and forgiving fit over a compressive one.
• You value inclusive sizing options and a laid-back D2C brand experience.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You are willing to invest in high-performance apparel for specific athletic pursuits.
• The feel of advanced, proprietary fabrics is important to you.
• You prefer a sleek, body-contouring fit that will last for years.
• You engage in intense workouts and require maximum durability and sweat-wicking technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bearbottom or Lululemon cheaper?

Bearbottom is significantly cheaper than Lululemon. Their leggings are typically half the price, if not less, than a pair from Lululemon, making them a much more budget-friendly option.

Which brand has better quality?

This depends on how you define quality. Lululemon has superior quality in terms of technical fabric performance, athletic construction, and long-term durability, justifying its higher price. Bearbottom offers excellent quality for its price point, with a focus on softness and everyday comfort.

How does Bearbottom sizing compare to Lululemon?

Bearbottom has a more inclusive size range, often up to 3X, and provides a relaxed, comfortable fit. Lululemon offers a more tailored, athletic fit and their sizing is consistent but more body-hugging. Both brands are generally considered true to size.

Are Bearbottom leggings as good as Lululemon?

For casual wear, lounging, and light activity, Bearbottom leggings are an excellent and comfortable alternative at a fraction of the cost. For high-intensity workouts, marathons, or for anyone who values the specific feel of fabrics like Nulu™ or Everlux™, Lululemon's leggings are superior in technology and performance.

Which brand is better for working out?

For intense workouts such as running, HIIT, and heavy training, Lululemon is the better option due to its sweat-wicking technology and supportive, durable materials. For low-impact activities like walking, stretching, or yoga, Bearbottom provides more than enough comfort and functionality.

Do Bearbottom and Lululemon both offer men's clothing?

Yes, both brands have extensive and popular men's clothing lines, including joggers, shorts, t-shirts and more.

What are Lululemon’s most popular products?

Lululemon is most famous for its Align Leggings, known for their ultra-soft, weightless Nulu™ fabric, and their men's ABC (Anti-Ball Crushing) Pants, celebrated for flexible comfort in an everyday-wear package.

Are both brands sustainable?

Yes, both brands have a focus on sustainability. Lululemon runs recognized programs such as its resale initiative and invests in using certified recycled materials. Bearbottom places emphasis on eco-friendly fabrics and ethical production as a core part of its smaller brand identity.