Danskin Leggings vs. Lululemon: Which brand should you buy?

Danskin offers highly affordable, simple leggings ideal for casual wear and low-impact activity, with prices typically under $25. In contrast, Lululemon is a premium brand known for its high-performance technical fabrics, superior fit, and modern aesthetic, with leggings consistently priced around $98-$128.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right activewear brand for your needs.

Danskin: The Affordable Athleisure Essential

Danskin is a legacy activewear brand with deep roots in dance and fitness apparel, offering accessible and functional leggings for decades. The brand targets a broad audience, from students to casual gym-goers, who want comfortable and reliable basics without a high price tag. Danskin's designs are straightforward and practical, focusing on everyday comfort over high-tech performance features.

• Product mix: Primarily leggings, tights, and dancewear with simple, functional designs in basic colors.
• Price point: Extremely budget-friendly, with leggings typically sold for $10 to $25. They are widely available at mass retailers like Walmart and Amazon.
• Quality: Made from standard polyester, spandex, and cotton blends designed for comfort. While functional for light activity, they may show wear faster than premium options with frequent, intense use.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to run true to size, though fit can vary slightly between styles. Sizing is generally limited, spanning from XS to XL.

Danskin excels at providing simple, comfortable leggings at a very low price, making it an excellent choice for casual wear, errands, or light exercise.

Shop Danskin: danskin.com

Lululemon: The Leader in Premium Activewear

Lululemon is a premium athletic brand that established itself as a market leader with its innovative, high-quality yoga wear. It is famous for its signature leggings that offer an exceptional fit, feel, and durability. The brand targets active individuals who prioritize performance and style, and who are willing to invest in activewear that lasts and looks great both in and out of the gym.

• Product mix: A wide range of leggings, sports bras, tops, and accessories for yoga, running, training, and casual wear. Known for its versatile, modern aesthetic.
• Price point: A premium price point, with most leggings priced between $98 and $128.
• Technology/Innovation: Utilizes proprietary high-performance fabrics like the buttery-soft Nulu™ and sweat-wicking Everlux™, engineered for specific activities and sensations.
• Quality: Superior construction with flatlock seams to prevent chafing and materials that offer excellent stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and shape retention over time.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for its consistent, body-contouring fit. It offers a broad size range from 0 to 20 to ensure a precise, supportive feel.

Lululemon's commitment to high-performance fabrics, perfect fit, and stylish designs makes its leggings a worthwhile investment for serious athletes and fashion-conscious consumers.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Danskin vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

The most significant difference between Danskin and Lululemon is the price. Danskin is firmly in the budget category, with leggings available for as low as $10-$25. This makes them accessible to almost anyone, especially those buying multiple pairs or not wanting to spend much on workout clothes.

Lululemon operates in the premium market, with their iconic Align and Wunder Train leggings costing between $98 and $128. The higher price reflects the advanced materials, research and development, and brand positioning. While the upfront cost is steep, many users find the durability justifies the price over time.

Quality & Materials

Danskin leggings are typically made from basic polyester, spandex, and cotton-blend fabrics. They are comfortable for lounging and everyday tasks but lack the technical features needed for intense workouts. They are less durable and may lose shape or pill after repeated washing and high-impact activity.

Lululemon's reputation is built on its proprietary fabrics. Nulu™ fabric feels famously buttery-soft and weightless, ideal for yoga, while Everlux™ is engineered to dry quickly during sweaty studio sessions. The construction is meticulous, with reinforced seams and four-way stretch that supports movement while retaining its shape for years.

Style & Aesthetic

Danskin’s aesthetic is functional and simple. They focus on core silhouettes and solid, basic colors like black, grey, and navy. Their designs are timeless but not trend-focused, making them a safe choice for those who prefer understated, no-frills activewear.

Lululemon offers a sleek, modern, and versatile style. Their leggings feature flattering high-rise waistbands, a variety of lengths, and are released in a steady stream of trendy seasonal colors and patterns. They are designed to be worn for both fitness and fashion, transitioning easily from a morning workout to an afternoon coffee run.

Fit & Sizing

Danskin leggings offer a standard fit and are generally sold in sizes XS-XL. While typically true to size, the fit can be less precise and may not provide the compression or body-contouring feel of more technical leggings.

Lululemon is known for its exceptional fit. With a numerical sizing system from 0-20, customers can find a much more tailored and precise fit. Their leggings are designed to sculpt and support the body, providing light compression that feels both secure and comfortable without being restrictive.

Shopping Experience

Danskin products are primarily found in mass-market retailers like Walmart and on Amazon, making them extremely easy to find and buy. The shopping experience is straightforward and focused on convenience and value.

Lululemon offers a premium shopping experience through its own retail stores and website. Stores are staffed by knowledgeable "educators" who can help with sizing and activity recommendations. The online experience is detailed, with comprehensive fit guides and customer reviews for each product.

Sustainability & Ethics

While Danskin does not heavily promote its sustainability initiatives, its focus remains on providing affordable products to the mass market. Their transparency regarding manufacturing and sourcing is limited.

Lululemon has made public commitments to improving its sustainability and ethical practices. They publish annual impact reports and have goals related to using sustainable materials, reducing water usage, and ensuring fair labor conditions in their supply chain.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands serve their customers well, but the right choice depends entirely on your budget, activity level, and personal priorities.

Choose Danskin if:

• You are on a tight budget and want leggings for under $30.
• You need comfortable pants for lounging, walking, or running errands.
• You perform low-impact workouts and don't require technical features like sweat-wicking or compression.
• You value convenience and prefer to shop at mass retailers like Walmart.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You prioritize performance, durability, and a second-skin feel for activities like yoga, running, and high-intensity training.
• You are willing to invest in long-lasting activewear that maintains its shape and quality.
• A precise, body-contouring fit and consistent sizing are important to you.
• You appreciate a modern, sleek aesthetic with a wide variety of trendy colors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Danskin or Lululemon cheaper?

Danskin is significantly cheaper. You can typically buy four or five pairs of Danskin leggings for the price of a single pair of Lululemon leggings.

Which leggings have better quality?

Lululemon leggings are in a different class of quality. Their proprietary technical fabrics, advanced construction, and durability are far superior to the basic materials used in Danskin leggings.

Do Danskin leggings run true to size?

Danskin leggings generally run true to size, but since they are sold through various retailers, the fit can sometimes be inconsistent between different styles. It's always best to check the specific size chart if available.

Is Lululemon worth the high price?

For many fitness enthusiasts and people who wear leggings daily, Lululemon is worth the price. The long-term durability, consistent fit, and exceptional comfort often justify the initial investment, as they do not need to be replaced as often.

Which brand is better for high-intensity workouts?

Lululemon is the clear winner for high-intensity workouts. Fabrics like Everlux are specifically designed to handle sweat and dry quickly, while the compressive fit provides support during intense movement.

Where are Danskin leggings sold?

Danskin leggings are primarily sold at mass-market retailers such as Walmart and Amazon, as well as on their own website.

Which brand holds up better in the wash?

Lululemon leggings are known to hold their shape, color, and softness exceptionally well through many washes, provided you follow the care instructions (wash cold, lay flat to dry). Danskin's simpler fabric blends are more prone to pilling or losing shape over time.

What is Danskin best known for?

Danskin has a long history and is best known for providing affordable and accessible dancewear, tights, and leggings suitable for casual wear and everyday activities.