Calia vs. Fabletics: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

While both Calia and Fabletics were co-founded by Kate Hudson, they serve different activewear needs. Calia specializes in timeless, minimalist designs made with high-quality, durable materials at a mid-range price point. Fabletics, on the other hand, operates on a subscription-based model that delivers trendy, budget-friendly styles in a broad and inclusive size range.

Let's compare everything you need to know to choose the right activewear brand for your style, budget, and workout routine.

Calia: The Minimalist & Versatile Activewear Brand

Calia focuses on versatile, high-performance pieces that effortlessly transition from a Spin class to running errands. The brand targets women who value quality craftsmanship and understated style, offering well-constructed basics that can be a core part of an active wardrobe for years. With its focus on longevity over fast fashion, Calia represents a solid investment in comfort and function.

• Product mix: A curated collection of activewear including leggings, sports bras, tanks, jackets, and accessories designed for gym, yoga, and everyday life.
• Price point: Mid-range, with leggings typically around $70 and sports bras costing about $50. The pricing reflects a greater emphasis on premium fabrics and durable construction.
• Quality & Materials: Calia uses high-quality performance fabrics with four-way stretch and moisture-wicking properties. Garments feature squat-proof designs and flatlock seams that ensure they withstand intense workouts and frequent washing.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing runs true to size and is offered in XS to XL. The fit is designed to be compressive yet comfortable, providing support without feeling restrictive.
• Return policy: Standard 30-day return policy for items in their original condition, making it easy to find your perfect fit online.
• Style & Aesthetic: The brand's style is modern, minimalist, and sleek. Collections feature neutral color palettes and subtle branding, prioritizing timeless silhouettes over passing trends.

Calia is best for those who prioritize long-lasting quality and chic, minimalist designs for both workouts and casual wear.

Shop Calia: caliastudio.com

Fabletics: The Trendy & Subscription-Based Brand

Fabletics disrupted the activewear market with its affordable, subscription-based model and fresh, fashion-forward designs. It caters to a younger, trend-conscious audience that enjoys experimenting with bold colors and patterns without breaking the bank. With a strong focus on body positivity, Fabletics offers one of the most inclusive size ranges in the activewear industry.

• Product mix: A massive selection of leggings, sports bras, tops, outerwear, and accessories. New collections are released monthly, keeping the offerings timely and on-trend.
• Price point: Very budget-friendly, especially with the VIP membership. Members can snag leggings for as low as $25, and two-piece sets are a signature deal. Non-member prices are higher but still competitive.
• Quality & Materials: The quality is good for the price point, using standard polyester and elastane performance blends. While durable enough for regular use, some pieces might not have the same longevity or high-end feel as Calia's.
• Sizing/Fit: Extremely inclusive, offering sizes from XXS to 4X. Fit can sometimes be inconsistent between different styles, so reading product reviews is helpful.
• Membership Model: The VIP membership is central to the Fabletics experience, unlocking deep discounts and personalized outfit recommendations. You can skip any month free of charge, which is a key feature of purchasing.
• Style & Aesthetic: Fashion-forward, colorful, and bold. Fabletics is known for eye-catching prints, vibrant hues, and unique details that make a statement in and out of the gym.

Fabletics is the ideal choice for budget-conscious shoppers who love trendy styles, frequent deals, and an inclusive size range.

Shop Fabletics: fabletics.com

Calia vs. Fabletics Comparison

Price Comparison

The biggest difference between the two brands is price and purchasing model. Calia operates like a traditional retailer with mid-market pricing, you can expect to pay around $70 for a quality pair of leggings. The value is in the longevity and quality of each piece.

Fabletics is built around its VIP membership, which provides significant discounts. While non-members can shop, members get access to popular intro offers (like 2 pairs of leggings for $24) and routine discounts. This makes Fabletics the clear winner for shoppers focused on affordability and building a larger activewear wardrobe for less.

Quality & Materials

Calia places a premium on material quality and construction. The fabrics feel soft yet durable, offering excellent compression and squat-proof opacity that holds up over time. Their choice of materials and construction techniques are intended for longevity.

Fabletics provides good quality for its price, using moisture-wicking fabrics that perform well during workouts. However, when compared directly to Calia, the materials may feel slightly less premium, and some users note that elasticity can fade with extensive use. If your top priority is durability for intense, daily workouts, Calia has the edge.

Style & Aesthetic

Choosing between these two brands often comes down to personal style. Calia's aesthetic is sophisticated and minimalist. Its designs feature clean lines, neutral tones, and subtle details, making its pieces incredibly versatile for gym-to-street wear. They feel timeless and elegant.

Fabletics is all about fun, current trends. The brand is known for vibrant colors, bold patterns, and of-the-moment details like cutouts and mesh panels. With new collections dropping monthly, it’s perfect for those who want to express themselves and keep their workout wardrobe fresh and exciting.

Fit & Sizing

Calia is reliable, with a true-to-size fit across its XS-XL range. Their designs offer a supportive, body-hugging fit that provides compression without being overly restrictive. It’s a dependable choice for those who fall within a standard size range.

Fabletics excels in inclusivity, offering an impressive size range from XXS to 4X that serves a variety of body types. While sizing is generally consistent, the sheer number of styles means you may find slight variations. Checking user reviews on a specific product is a smart move to ensure the perfect fit.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, your decision depends on what you value most in activewear. Both brands offer great products but cater to different priorities.

Choose Calia if:

• You prefer high-quality, durable fabrics that are built to last.
• Your style is more minimalist, classic, and understated.
• You want versatile pieces that look equally good during a workout or on a coffee run.
• You prefer a straightforward, non-subscription shopping experience.

Choose Fabletics if:

• You are on a budget and love finding great deals on activewear.
• You enjoy bold, trendy styles with vibrant colors and patterns.
• You value or require access to an inclusive size range like XXS-4X.
• You like the idea of a membership that offers personalized recommendations and discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Calia or Fabletics cheaper?

Fabletics is significantly cheaper, especially for VIP members who take advantage of intro offers and monthly credits. Calia is priced higher, reflecting its focus on more premium materials and classic designs built for longevity.

Are Calia and Fabletics owned by the same person?

Both brands were co-founded by actress Kate Hudson, which is a common point of confusion. However, they are two separate and distinct companies. Calia focuses on quality and versatility, while Fabletics is built on a subscription model for trendy, affordable styles.

Which has better quality, Calia or Fabletics?

Calia is generally recognized as having higher-quality materials and more durable construction. Their leggings and bras are designed to last for years, whereas Fabletics prioritizes affordability and trendiness, which can sometimes come at the expense of long-term durability.

How does Calia sizing run?

Calia sizing is very consistent and runs true to size. They offer a standard range from XS to XL, and shoppers can confidently order their usual size.

Is Fabletics sizing accurate?

Fabletics offers a highly inclusive size range from XXS to 4X. Sizing is mostly consistent, but due to the vast number of different styles released each month, it's a good practice to read customer reviews for specific items to determine if a piece runs small, large, or true to size.

Which brand is better for Lululemon alternatives?

Because of its focus on trend-driven designs at an affordable price, Fabletics is more often seen as an alternative to pricier brands like Lululemon. While the quality isn't directly comparable, Fabletics offers a similar stylish aesthetic for a fraction of the cost.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Calia places a stronger emphasis on sustainable practices, often using eco-friendly and recycled fabrics in its manufacturing. Fabletics is making progress in sustainability, but as a brand with a faster production cycle, Calia currently has a clearer focus on environmental responsibility.