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

Chubbies offers fun, vibrant, and affordable casualwear for a laid-back lifestyle, while Lululemon is a premium athletic apparel brand focused on high-performance technical fabrics and a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. The key difference lies in purpose and price: Chubbies is for casual comfort and expression on a budget, whereas Lululemon is an investment in durable, versatile gear for workouts and elevated daily wear.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right brand for your wardrobe and activities.

Chubbies: The Weekend Wardrobe Warriors

Chubbies is known for its fun-loving, retro-inspired aesthetic that celebrates the weekend. Their target customer is someone who's looking for comfortable, easy-to-wear clothing with a lot of personality, from bold-patterned swim trunks to casual shorts perfect for a barbecue. The brand's identity is built around humor, comfort, and a carefree attitude, making it a go-to for casual men's fashion.

• Product mix: Primarily known for their shorts with shorter inseams (around 5.5"), Chubbies also offers swim trunks, casual t-shirts, polos, loungewear, and quirky accessories. Their collections are often colorful and feature playful patterns.
• Price point: Very accessible and budget-friendly. A pair of their signature shorts costs around $40-$50, with swim trunks around $60 and t-shirts starting at $20.
• Quality & Materials: Products are made from comfortable cotton and polyester blends designed for casual wear and durability. While not engineered for high-intensity workouts, they hold up well for day-to-day activities and lounging.
• Sizing/Fit: Garments generally run true to size with a relaxed, comfortable fit that isn't restrictive. Sizing is straightforward, typically ranging from XS to XXL.
• Sales: Chubbies frequently runs sales and promotions on their website, making their already affordable clothing even more accessible.
• Return policy: The brand offers a straightforward return process, typically allowing returns within a set period as long as items are unworn and have tags attached.

Chubbies is the clear choice for anyone who prioritizes fun, casual style and affordability for their leisure time, without needing technical athletic features.

Shop Chubbies: chubbiesshorts.com

Lululemon: The Premium Performance Innovator

Lululemon has built its global reputation on technical athletic apparel that seamlessly blends performance with fashion. Best known for an almost cult-like following for its yoga pants, the brand now offers a full range of high-quality activewear for men and women. Their customers are typically active individuals who value fabric innovation, durability, and a minimalist style that works both in and out of the gym.

• Product mix: Extensive range including leggings, shorts, sports bras, yoga mats, running tops, jackets, and a popular line of athleisure wear called "On The Move" for everyday comfort.
• Price point: Positioned in the premium category. Leggings typically cost $100-$150, while men's shorts range from $50-$80. You're paying for fabric technology and longevity.
• Quality & Materials: This is Lululemon's biggest strength. They use proprietary fabrics like silky-soft Nulu™ (for Align pants) and sweat-wicking Luon™ that offer stretch, shape retention, and durability through countless workouts and washes.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to be true to size but with a tailored, athletic fit designed for movement. Some items can fit snugly. They offer a great range of sizes and lengths, including options for petite and tall customers, to ensure a precise fit.
• Sales: Sales are rare. The main way to get a discount is through their "We Made Too Much" section, which is their version of a sale page for overstocked items.
• Return policy: Lululemon has a flexible return policy, usually within 30 days, emphasizing customer satisfaction and product quality.

Lululemon offers superior, versatile clothing engineered for performance and comfort, making it ideal for those who see their activewear as a long-term investment.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Chubbies vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a significant price difference between the two brands. Chubbies is the clear winner for shoppers on a budget. With shorts priced around $40-$50, their entire product line is positioned as affordable casualwear. They also run frequent promotions, making it easy to grab a deal.

Lululemon operates in a premium price bracket. Their leggings and shorts can be two to three times the price of similar items from Chubbies. The justification for the higher cost is the investment in proprietary fabric technology, high-quality construction, and durability. While Chubbies offers better immediate value, Lululemon is designed to last longer and perform better during physical activity.

Quality & Materials

Lululemon has a clear edge in quality and materials. Their innovative fabrics like Nulu™, Luxtreme™, and Luon™ are engineered for specific activities, offering properties like four-way stretch, moisture-wicking, and breathability. The construction is top-notch, with reinforced seams designed to withstand intense workouts.

Chubbies uses comfortable and durable materials like cotton and polyester blends, perfectly suitable for what they are designed for: casual, everyday wear. Their clothing is well-made for its price point but isn't meant to compete with Lululemon on a technical performance level. For lounging and low-key activities, Chubbies' quality is more than adequate.

Style & Aesthetic

The brands' styles are worlds apart. Chubbies has a loud, bold, and playful aesthetic inspired by retro "weekend" culture. Think bright colors, funky patterns, humorous graphic tees, and a generally relaxed, fun-loving vibe. It's clothing designed to stand out and not be taken too seriously.

Lululemon’s aesthetic is sleek, minimalist, and modern. Their color palettes are often more subdued and neutral, projecting a more sophisticated and polished look. Their simple designs make their pieces highly versatile, capable of being worn to the gym, running errands, or even in casual work environments.

Fit & Sizing

Chubbies offers a relaxed and straightforward fit. Their shorts and shirts are designed for comfort, not athletic compression, so they run true to size in a very forgiving way. The focus is on ease of wear for a wide range of body types within its standard sizing (XS-XXL).

Lululemon provides a much more tailored and precise fit. Because their clothing is designed for performance, it fits closer to the body to allow for a full range of motion without getting in the way. They provide detailed size guides and offer a wider variety of sizes, including different inseam lengths for pants and shorts, to help customers find that perfect, almost custom-like fit.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands are taking steps toward more sustainable practices, but Lululemon's initiatives are more developed and central to its corporate identity. Lululemon heavily invests in sustainable materials, ethical manufacturing, and publishes detailed reports on its environmental impact and goals.

Chubbies has made some positive changes, such as using recycled materials in certain products and offering eco-friendly packaging. However, sustainability is less of a core marketing pillar compared to its focus on fun and affordability.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands excel in their specific niches, so your best choice depends entirely on your needs, budget, and style.

Choose Chubbies if:

• You're looking for fun, casual, and comfortable shorts for weekends, vacations, or lounging.
• You have a bold style and love bright colors and eye-catching patterns.
• Budget is a top priority, and you want great style for under $50.
• You need clothing for barbecues, beach days, or casual get-togethers, not intense workouts.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You need high-performance apparel for yoga, running, training, or other athletic activities.
• You are willing to invest in high-quality fabrics that are extremely durable and comfortable.
• You prefer a minimalist, sleek, and modern aesthetic that transitions well from the gym to the street.
• A precise, tailored fit is important to you for both comfort and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chubbies or Lululemon cheaper?

Chubbies is significantly cheaper. Their shorts are typically priced around $40-$50, whereas Lululemon shorts can range from $50 to over $80. For nearly every product category, Chubbies is the more budget-friendly option.

Which brand is better for working out?

Lululemon is unequivocally better for working out. Their technical, moisture-wicking fabrics and performance-oriented fit are specifically designed for physical activity. Chubbies' clothing is made for casual comfort and is not ideal for intense exercise.

How do Chubbies shorts fit?

Chubbies shorts are famous for their shorter inseam (usually 5.5 inches) and relaxed fit. They generally run true to size and are designed to be comfortable and non-restrictive for casual wear.

Is Lululemon worth the money?

For those who are active and value longevity, Lululemon is often considered worth the investment. Their apparel is known to last for years, maintain its shape and feel, and perform exceptionally well during workouts, making the high cost-per-wear value quite good.

What is Chubbies best known for?

Chubbies is best known for kickstarting the trend of shorter-inseam men's shorts. Their brand is built on a fun, "weekend" vibe with bold patterns and extreme comfort at its core.

Does Lululemon run small?

Lululemon apparel generally runs true to size, but its fit is athletic and tailored to the body. Some find it snug compared to more relaxed brands. It's always a good idea to check the specific size guide for each item before purchasing.

Which brand is better for swimming?

Both brands offer swim trunks, but their styles differ. Chubbies' swim trunks are known for their vibrant and fun patterns, making them a popular choice for beach days and pool parties. Lululemon's swim offerings are performance-focused, with streamlined designs and quick-drying fabric suitable for more athletic swimming.

Can you wear Lululemon casually?

Yes, absolutely. A huge part of Lululemon's appeal is that its sleek, minimalist aesthetic makes it perfect for athleisure looks. Their pants, joggers, and shorts are commonly worn for everyday activities far beyond the gym.