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

Unlike many athletic shorts that feel similar, Fabletics shorts are designed for style, affordability, and everyday versatility, making them a great fit for casual gym-goers and athleisure fans. In contrast, Takeover Shorts are purpose-built for high-performance training, utilizing technical fabrics and a durable construction aimed at serious athletes who need their gear to withstand intense workouts.

Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which brand's shorts belong in your workout wardrobe.

Fabletics Shorts

Fabletics Shorts are designed to bridge the gap between function and fashion, offering trendy, comfortable, and affordable options for a wide range of activities. They are best known for their accessible price point, especially through the brand's signature VIP membership, and a vast collection of styles, colors, and patterns that cater to modern athleisure trends.

• What it is: Stylish and affordable activewear shorts for women and men, suitable for general fitness activities like gym workouts, yoga, and casual wear.
• Key features: Wide variety of designs from bold patterns to minimalist basics, inclusive sizing, and moderate-performance fabrics.
• Price: $25 - $50 (VIP Members often see significant discounts).
• Materials/Construction: Typically made from synthetic blends like polyester and elastane, offering good stretch and comfort for most workouts.
• Sizing/Fit: Accommodates diverse body types with a broad size range from XS to 3X. The fit is generally true to size and designed to be comfortable and flattering.
• Pros: Highly affordable, especially with discounts. Huge variety of trendy styles and colors. Inclusive sizing caters to many different body shapes. Versatile enough for both the gym and everyday errands.
• Cons: Materials may not hold up to extremely intense or frequent training. The subscription-based model can be a downside for those who prefer one-off purchases. Less focus on technical performance features.

This brand is ideal for the fashion-conscious fitness enthusiast who wants functional, stylish, and budget-friendly shorts for moderate workouts and daily wear.

Shop this product: fabletics.com

Takeover Shorts

Takeover Shorts are engineered exclusively for performance. They cater to dedicated athletes, runners, and fitness enthusiasts who require durable, technical apparel that enhances their training. The brand prioritizes function over fashion, using advanced materials and a streamlined design to deliver on comfort, mobility, and longevity during intense physical activity.

• What it is: High-performance athletic shorts built for demanding workouts, running, and competitive sports.
• Key features: Technical moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabrics, reinforced seams, secure pockets, and a functional, minimalist aesthetic.
• Price: $40 - $70.
• Materials/Construction: Utilizes high-performance technical fabrics like nylon and specialized polyester blends known for their durability and lightweight feel. Construction features flatlock stitching to prevent chafing.
• Sizing/Fit: Offered in standard sizes from S to XL with a performance-oriented, sometimes snug fit. Precise measurements are provided to ensure an accurate, athletic fit.
• Pros: Excellent durability for high-impact activities. Superior moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties. Lightweight and built for unrestricted movement. Minimalist design is timeless and focused on function.
• Cons: Higher price point. Limited range of styles and colors compared to Fabletics. Sizing range is less inclusive.

Perfect for the serious athlete who values long-lasting and functional gear that can withstand the rigors of intense training sessions.

Shop this product: takeover.com

Fabletics Shorts vs. Takeover Shorts Comparison

Price & Value

The most immediate difference is price. A pair of Fabletics shorts typically costs between $25 and $50, with VIP membership deals often bringing that price down even further. This makes them an excellent value for someone building a workout wardrobe or who enjoys having a variety of styles on rotation.

Takeover shorts are positioned as a premium investment, with prices ranging from $40 to $70. The higher cost reflects their use of advanced technical materials and more durable construction, offering long-term value for athletes who put their gear through demanding conditions regularly.

Quality & Materials

Fabletics uses reliable synthetic blends that are comfortable, stretchy, and suitable for general exercise. The quality is solid for the price and holds up well for moderate use, like yoga, weightlifting, or group fitness classes. However, they may show wear more quickly under the strain of daily, high-intensity workouts.

Takeover uses high-performance fabrics engineered specifically for athletic activity. These materials excel at wicking sweat, drying quickly, and resisting wear and tear from friction and frequent washing. With features like reinforced seams and flatlock stitching, they are built to last through intense training cycles.

Style & Aesthetic

If style is your priority, Fabletics is the clear winner. The brand follows fashion trends closely, offering a huge assortment of colors, vibrant patterns, and modern designs. Their goal is to create activewear that looks just as good during a coffee run as it does in the spin studio.

Takeover favors a minimalist and utilitarian aesthetic. Their shorts come in a more limited palette of solid, often neutral colors with subtle branding. The focus is entirely on performance, resulting in a clean, timeless look that appeals to athletes who prioritize function over fleeting trends.

Fit & Sizing

Fabletics is known for its inclusive sizing, typically offering a range from XS to 3X. The fit is generally true to size and designed to be flattering and comfortable on a wide variety of body types. Their stretchy fabrics offer a good degree of flexibility in fit.

Takeover provides a more standard S-XL size range and a more athletic, sometimes compressive fit. Because their shorts are designed for performance, getting the sizing right is crucial for mobility and comfort. The brand provides detailed size charts to help customers find that perfect, snug-but-not-tight fit.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, both brands offer great products, but they serve very different needs and priorities.

Choose Fabletics Shorts if:

• You're looking for stylish, trendy activewear on a budget.
• You need versatile shorts for moderate-intensity workouts, errands, and casual wear.
• You enjoy having a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from.
• You value an inclusive size range that caters to many body types.

Choose Takeover Shorts if:

• You're a serious athlete, runner, or CrossFitter who needs high-performance gear.
• Durability and advanced fabric technology are your top priorities.
• You prefer a minimalist, function-focused aesthetic.
• You are willing to invest more for a product that will withstand intense and frequent use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Fabletics and Takeover shorts?

The main difference lies in their target audience and design philosophy. Fabletics is a fashion-forward "athleisure" brand offering affordable, stylish shorts for everyday workouts and casual wear. Takeover is a performance-focused brand that creates technically advanced, durable shorts for serious athletes.

Which brand is more expensive?

Takeover Shorts are generally more expensive, with prices between $40-$70 per pair. Fabletics shorts are more affordable, typically priced from $25-$50, with member discounts often available.

Are Fabletics shorts good for running?

Fabletics shorts are suitable for casual jogging or light running, but for serious or long-distance runners, a technical short from a brand like Takeover would be a better choice due to superior moisture-wicking and anti-chafe construction.

Can I buy Fabletics clothing without a membership?

Yes, you can shop at Fabletics as a "Guest" and pay the standard retail price. The VIP membership program is optional but offers significant discounts (typically 20-50% off) for a monthly fee that is converted into a store credit.

Which brand is better for casual wear?

Fabletics is definitely the better choice for casual wear. Their wide range of trendy styles and comfortable designs makes their shorts perfect for integrating into your everyday wardrobe for errands, lounging, or social outings.

How does the sizing compare between the two brands?

Fabletics runs true to size and offers a very inclusive range from XS to 3X. Takeover shorts also run true to size but have a more limited S-XL range and a snugger, athletic fit designed for performance without excess fabric.

What are Takeover shorts made from?

Takeover shorts are made from high-performance technical fabrics like specialized polyester and nylon blends. These materials are chosen for their durability, lightweight, four-way stretch, and superior moisture-wicking capabilities.

Which brand of shorts is more durable?

Takeover shorts are built for durability and are the more robust option. Their focus on high-performance materials and reinforced construction means they are specifically designed to hold up to intense, repeated use and frequent washing.