Espresso vs. French Press Lululemon: What's the difference?

Choosing between Lululemon and Athleta comes down to a few key priorities. Lululemon is known for its buttery-soft, high-performance fabrics, minimalist designs, and premium price point, making it a go-to for those who value cutting-edge material and activewear feel. Athleta, a B Corp owned by Gap Inc., competes with a strong focus on inclusive sizing (from XXS to 3X), sustainability, and versatile styles that work for a broader range of activities and budgets.

Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which activewear brand best fits your workouts, style, and values.

Lululemon

Lululemon is a premium activewear brand famous for its innovative fabrics and sleek, performance-driven designs. Originally gaining a cult following in the yoga community, the brand now offers high-quality apparel for running, training, and everyday life. Its aesthetic is modern and minimalist, with a reputation for creating apparel that feels as good as it looks.

• What it is: High-end athletic and athleisure wear known for proprietary fabrics and a minimalist style.
• Key features: Signature fabrics like Nulu™ (used in Align™ leggings), Luon™, and Everlux™ are known for their softness, sweat-wicking properties, and four-way stretch.
• Price: Premium pricing. Leggings typically range from $98 to $148, with tops and bras from $50 to $80.
• Materials/Construction: Focus on high-tech, durable materials designed for specific activities, providing excellent shape retention and a weightless feel.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers sizes from 0 to 14, with some styles extending up to size 20. Sizing is generally consistent but some find it runs slightly smaller than other brands.
• Pros: Unmatched fabric feel, especially the Nulu™ fabric. Excellent performance for high-intensity workouts. Strong brand recognition and designs that last for years. Minimalist aesthetic works well for both training and street style.
• Cons: Higher price point can be a barrier. Sizing is less inclusive compared to competitors. The brand has faced criticism in the past regarding its marketing and sustainability practices.

Lululemon is ideal for the dedicated fitness enthusiast who prioritizes fabric innovation and a sleek aesthetic and is willing to invest in premium, high-performance gear.

Shop this brand: shop.lululemon.com

Athleta

Athleta is an activewear brand focused on empowering women through inclusive sizing, versatile designs, and a strong commitment to sustainability. As a certified B Corporation, Athleta appeals to conscious consumers who want stylish, high-quality gear for a wide range of activities, from yoga and hiking to running errands. Their aesthetic is approachable and functional, often incorporating bold colors and patterns.

• What it is: Versatile and sustainable activewear for women and girls, with options for travel, training, and casual wear.
• Key features: Emphasis on inclusive sizing (XXS-3X, plus petite and tall). Many products are made from recycled or sustainable materials. Highly versatile pieces designed to transition between workout and everyday activities.
• Price: Mid-range to premium. Leggings are generally priced between $60 and $98, with tops costing $30 to $60.
• Materials/Construction: Uses high-quality performance materials like their Powervita™ fabric, often compared to Lululemon's Nulu. Many garments are made with recycled polyester and other eco-friendly fabrics.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for its wide range of sizes that cater to many different body types. Fit is generally true to size and forgiving.
• Pros: Much more inclusive size range than most activewear brands. Strong commitment to sustainability and ethical production. More affordable price point than Lululemon. The clothing is very versatile for many uses.
• Cons: While high-quality, the fabrics might not feel quite as luxurious or technical as Lululemon's top-tier options. Aesthetics can be less sleek and more functional or colorful.

Athleta works best for active women who value inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and versatile activewear at a more accessible price.

Shop this brand: athleta.gap.com

Lululemon vs. Athleta Comparison

Quality & Materials

Both Lululemon and Athleta offer excellent quality, but their strengths differ. Lululemon is renowned for its proprietary fabrics. The Nulu™ fabric of its Align leggings is a standout for its weightless, buttery-soft feel that's perfect for yoga. Other fabrics, like Everlux™, are engineered for fast drying during high-intensity workouts. This material innovation is core to Lululemon's brand identity and justifies its premium price for many.

Athleta also produces high-quality, durable activewear. Its Powervita™ fabric (used in the Elation tight) is soft, supportive, and often compared to Lululemon's Nulu. However, Athleta's primary material differentiator is sustainability. A significant portion of its collection uses recycled polyester and other eco-conscious materials without sacrificing performance. While Lululemon fans might point to a superior tactile feel, Athleta stands firm on durability and ethical sourcing.

Fit & Sizing

This is where Athleta has a clear advantage. The brand is committed to body positivity and inclusivity, offering an extensive size range of XXS to 3X, along with options for petite, regular, and tall inseams. This thoughtful sizing ensures that a wider variety of women can find a comfortable and effective fit.

Lululemon has expanded its sizing in recent years, now offering sizes 0-20 in popular styles, but it still doesn't match Athleta's comprehensive range. Lululemon's fit is often described as compressive and sleek, which some love for its locked-in feel during workouts. However, shoppers often find they need to size up compared to their usual size in other brands.

Style & Aesthetic

Lululemon’s aesthetic is distinctly minimalist, modern, and sleek. They favor solid, often muted, colorways and subtle branding. This "less is more" approach creates a versatile look that transitions easily from the gym to errands, appealing to those with a contemporary fashion sense. Their designs are clean and often defined by technical seamwork and a body-hugging fit.

Athleta's style is more approachable, functional, and versatile. While they offer core neutrals, they're also known for incorporating brighter colors, patterns, and more relaxed fits. Their pieces are designed to support a lifestyle - from hiking, to commuting, to grabbing coffee - making them extremely wearable for more than just workouts. The look feels less about pure athletic performance and more about an active, balanced life.

Price & Value

Lululemon is positioned as a luxury activewear brand, and its prices reflect that. A pair of their flagship leggings often starts at $98 and goes up from there. For many shoppers, the value is in the unmatched feel of the fabric and the durability that leads to years of wear. If you prioritize performance and feel, the investment can feel worthwhile.

Athleta offers a slightly more accessible price point. Their popular leggings typically range from $60 to $98, offering a great alternative without a massive drop-off in quality. When you factor in their commitment to sustainability and inclusive sizing, Athleta presents outstanding value, especially for shoppers who prioritize those aspects.

Sustainability & Ethics

Athleta leads in this category by a wide margin. As a B Corp, the company is legally required to consider the impact of its decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, the community, and the environment. They use a high percentage of recycled materials and are transparent about their goals for water savings and fair-trade factories.

Lululemon has made public commitments to improving its environmental footprint and social impact, but it started later and is still catching up. While a good start, they don't have the deep-rooted mission of sustainability that defines the Athleta brand.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands produce excellent activewear, but they serve different priorities.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You prioritize a specific fabric feel - especially the buttery-soft, 'barely there' sensation of Nulu.
• You want high-performance gear designed for intense training and technical excellence.
• You prefer a sleek, minimalist, and modern aesthetic.
• You're willing to invest a premium price for what you consider to be top-tier quality and feel.

Choose Athleta if:

• Inclusive sizing is important to you, and you want options from XXS to 3X plus Tall and Petite fits.
• Sustainability and ethical manufacturing are key factors in your purchasing decisions.
• You want versatile, comfortable activewear that's suitable for workouts, travel, and casual life.
• You're looking for great quality and performance at a slightly more accessible price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Lululemon and Athleta?

The main difference is their focus. Lululemon focuses on technical fabric innovation and a premium, minimalist aesthetic. Athleta focuses on inclusive sizing and sustainability while offering versatile, high-quality activewear at a slightly lower price.

Is Lululemon higher quality than Athleta?

This is subjective. Lululemon's fabrics, like Nulu and Everlux, are often considered unmatched in their specific feel and performance for certain activities. However, Athleta produces highly durable, well-constructed activewear that holds up exceptionally well. The quality is comparable, but the materials have different strengths.

Does Athleta run true to size? What about Lululemon?

Athleta generally runs true to size and offers a forgiving fit. Lululemon also has consistent sizing, but many customers find they need to size up, especially in leggings, for a comfortable fit.

Which brand is more expensive?

Lululemon is consistently more expensive. Their core leggings usually start at $98, while Athleta's comparable styles are often in the $60-$98 range. Both brands have sales, but Lululemon's base prices are higher.

Which is better for yoga?

Both are great for yoga. Many yoga practitioners are loyal to Lululemon's Align leggings for their incredibly soft, weightless feel that moves with you. However, Athleta's Elation Tights are often cited as a close, more affordable, and inclusive alternative that provides excellent comfort and support.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Athleta is the clear leader in sustainability. As a certified B Corporation, it makes its commitment to environmental and ethical practices a core part of its mission, using recycled materials extensively and partnering with Fair Trade certified factories.

What is Athleta’s version of the Lululemon Align leggings?

The Athleta Elation Tight is considered the closest alternative to the Lululemon Align. Both are made from a super-soft, supportive fabric (Powervita™ for Athleta, Nulu™ for Lululemon) and are favorites for yoga and studio activities.

How do their return policies compare?

Both companies have customer-friendly return policies. Generally, they accept returns of unworn and unwashed merchandise within a set period. However, policies can change, so it's always best to check their official websites - Lululemon and Athleta - for the most current information before purchasing.