Fabletics Franchise vs. Fundamental Shorts: Which one should you buy?

The choice between Fabletics and Fundamental Shorts comes down to a clear difference in priorities: Fabletics excels at delivering trendy, versatile, and highly affordable activewear ideal for everyday workouts and athleisure style. In contrast, Fundamental Shorts focuses on minimalist-designed, high-performance gear built with technical fabrics for durability and intense activity.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide whether fashion-forward affordability or technical performance is the right fit for your needs.

Fabletics Shorts

Fabletics is a major player in the activewear market, known for its subscription model that offers stylish and budget-friendly workout clothes. Their shorts collection is a perfect example of their ethos, blending current fashion trends with functional designs suitable for the gym, errands, and casual lounging.

• What it is: Fashion-forward and affordable activewear shorts, often available through a flexible membership model that provides significant discounts.
• Key features: Trendy designs, bold colors and patterns, high-rise cuts, inclusive sizing, and new collections released monthly.
• Price: Typically $20 - $50, with VIP members often getting shorts for much less.
• Materials/Construction: Generally made from synthetic blends of polyester, elastane, and nylon that prioritize softness, moisture-wicking properties, and ample stretch.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a wide and inclusive size range from XS to 3X. The fit is generally true to size, though some high-waisted or compressive styles may fit more snugly.
• Pros: Highly affordable with membership pricing. Wide variety of trendy styles, colors, and patterns. Versatile enough for both working out and casual wear. Very inclusive sizing.
• Cons: Quality and durability can be less consistent than premium brands, especially for intense activities. The subscription model can be a hassle for those who prefer to shop less frequently.

This brand is perfect for someone who loves to refresh their activewear wardrobe often with stylish, on-trend pieces and prioritizes affordability and versatility for moderate workouts and daily life.

Shop this product: fabletics.com/shorts

Fundamental Shorts

Fundamental Shorts is a specialized brand that zeroes in on creating high-performance, durable shorts for serious athletes and outdoor adventurers. Their approach is function over fashion, employing technical fabrics and reinforced construction to build gear that withstands rigorous use while maintaining a clean, minimalist look.

• What it is: High-performance shorts designed with technical fabrics for activities like running, training, and outdoor sports.
• Key features: Moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabrics, four-way stretch, reinforced stitching, and a focus on practical, minimalist designs.
• Price: Generally $40 - $70, reflecting their premium materials and construction.
• Materials/Construction: Utilizes advanced technical fabrics, often including recycled polyester blends, designed for superior durability, breathability, and long-term performance.
• Sizing/Fit: Available in sizes from XS to XXL, with a consistent fit designed to be secure and comfortable during intense movement without being restrictive.
• Pros: Exceptional durability and longevity. High-performance materials suitable for intense training. Strong focus on sustainability and ethical manufacturing. Timeless, minimalist aesthetic.
• Cons: Higher price point compared to fashion-focused brands. Limited variety in colors and styles. Less suited for those seeking trendy, fashion-forward activewear.

Ideal for the dedicated athlete or outdoor enthusiast who needs reliable, long-lasting shorts and is willing to invest in superior quality and technical performance.

Shop this product: fundamentalsohorts.com

Fabletics Shorts vs. Fundamental Shorts Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

When it comes to style, the two brands are worlds apart. Fabletics embraces fast-fashion principles, releasing monthly collections enhanced with bright colors, bold patterns, and trendy silhouettes like high-waisted cuts and flattering seams. Their aesthetic is vibrant, modern, and designed to make a statement, perfect for those who want their workout gear to be as stylish as their everyday wardrobe.

Fundamental Shorts, on the other hand, lives up to its name with a simple, functional aesthetic. Their designs are minimalist, typically offered in a palette of neutral colors like black, grey, and navy. The focus is on clean lines and a performance-driven look that won't go out of style. This approach appeals to athletes who prefer understated, high-quality gear that prioritizes function above all else.

Quality & Materials

Fundamental Shorts has a clear edge in performance-oriented quality. They use technical fabrics chosen for specific properties like moisture management, breathability, and four-way stretch. Reinforced stitching and durable construction mean these shorts are built to endure countless miles on the trail or intense sessions in the gym, offering fantastic long-term value.

Fabletics uses good quality synthetic fabrics that are soft, comfortable, and sufficient for moderate workouts like yoga, pilates, or weight training. However, they are not engineered for the same level of abuse as technical athletic apparel. With intense, long-term use, some customers find the fabric may pill or the seams may wear faster than premium performance brands.

Price & Value

Fabletics is the more affordable option, especially for their VIP members. With shorts often priced between $20 and $50 and frequent sales, they offer excellent value for those building an activewear collection on a budget. The value proposition is centered around getting trendy styles at a low cost.

Fundamental Shorts are priced higher, generally between $40 and $70. The investment pays off in durability and performance. If you're an athlete who wears through clothes quickly, paying more for a pair of shorts that will last for years instead of a single season provides better long-term value and less waste.

Sustainability & Ethics

While Fabletics has taken steps towards sustainability, such as incorporating recycled materials, its business model aligns with the faster pace of fashion. This often raises questions about supply chain transparency common to large-scale apparel brands.

Fundamental Shorts incorporates sustainability into its core mission. By focusing on durable products that don't need frequent replacement and using sustainable or recycled materials, they promote conscious consumption. They are typically more transparent about their manufacturing processes, which appeals to environmentally aware buyers.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer great shorts, but they serve fundamentally different customers and purposes.

Choose Fabletics if:

• You view your activewear as part of your overall fashion-forward wardrobe.
• You're looking for affordable prices and love the idea of a VIP membership with deep discounts.
• Your activities are generally low-to-moderate intensity, like yoga, gym workouts, or walking.
• You enjoy having a wide variety of fun colors, patterns, and trendy styles.

Choose Fundamental Shorts if:

• Durability and high-performance are your main priorities in activewear.
• You're an avid runner, HIIT enthusiast, or an outdoor adventurer who needs gear to keep up.
• You prefer a timeless, minimalist aesthetic and invest in pieces that will last for years.
• You are concerned with ethical manufacturing and sustainable materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Fabletics and Fundamental Shorts?

The core difference is purpose. Fabletics designs stylish, affordable activewear for everyday fitness and athleisure. Fundamental Shorts creates high-performance, durable gear specifically for serious athletes and rigorous activity.

Which brand is more expensive?

Fundamental Shorts has a higher upfront price per pair, typically retailing between $40-$70. While Fabletics shorts are cheaper, the best prices are locked behind a monthly VIP membership.

Are Fabletics shorts good for running?

Fabletics shorts are fine for casual jogs or treadmill runs. However, for serious runners who need advanced features like anti-chafe construction, optimal moisture management, and supreme durability, a performance brand like Fundamental Shorts is the better choice.

How does the Fabletics membership work?

The Fabletics VIP membership charges a monthly fee, which becomes a promotional credit you can spend on any item. Members get exclusive access to lower prices and new collections. You can also choose to "skip the month" to avoid being charged.

Are Fundamental Shorts true to size?

Yes, Fundamental Shorts generally run true to size, with a focus on a secure and functional fit designed for athletic movement. They provide detailed sizing charts to help you find the perfect fit.

Can I buy from Fabletics without a membership?

Yes, you can purchase from Fabletics as a guest, but you'll pay the higher, non-member price for all items.

Which shorts last longer?

Fundamental Shorts are engineered for longevity. Their use of technical fabrics and reinforced construction means they are built to withstand significantly more wear and tear than more fashion-oriented activewear.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Fundamental Shorts generally has a stronger emphasis on sustainability. Their focus on durability reduces consumption, and they are more transparent about using recycled materials and ethical production methods.