Fabletics Fundamental vs. The One: Which one should you buy?

Discover whether Fabletics Fundamental or The One leggings suit your style. Compare affordability, fit, and fabric for your ideal activewear choice.
Spencer Lanoue
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Spencer Lanoue
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The Fabletics Fundamental collection offers a wide range of affordable, everyday activewear, while The One leggings are a specific, premium style known for superior fit, a streamlined aesthetic, and high-performance PowerForm fabric. The Fundamental line prioritizes variety and budget, whereas The One is a focused investment in a single, high-quality, versatile piece made to last.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide between these two popular activewear options from Fabletics.

Fabletics Fundamental

The Fundamental collection serves as the core of Fabletics’s activewear offerings, providing reliable and stylish basics for a wide range of activities. This line is designed for the budget-conscious shopper who wants variety without a high price tag, featuring everything from classic black leggings to sports bras and tops in timely colors and prints.

  • What it is: A broad collection of essential activewear pieces, including leggings, tops, and sports bras known for affordability and stylistic variety.
  • Key features: Wide array of styles, colors, and prints, moisture-wicking and stretch properties, available in inclusive sizing.
  • Price: $25 - $50, with prices often lower for Fabletics VIP members.
  • Materials/Construction: Made from a variety of durable fabrics including their standard PowerForm, focused on everyday comfort and performance.
  • Sizing/Fit: Offers an extensive size range from XXS to 4X. Fit is generally true to size but can vary slightly between different styles and fabrics within the collection.
  • Pros: Highly affordable, especially with a membership. Huge selection of colors and trendy designs. Inclusive sizing accommodates many body types. Great for building an activewear wardrobe on a budget.
  • Cons: Fabric and construction may not feel as premium as The One. Fit consistency can vary across different pieces in the collection. May not offer the same longevity or high-impact support as more specialized styles.

This collection is ideal for those who prioritize variety and affordability for casual workouts, athleisure, and everyday wear.

Shop this product: www.fabletics.com/collections/fundamental

Fabletics The One Leggings

The One Legging is a flagship style from Fabletics, crafted to be the ultimate go-to legging for versatility, support, and a flattering fit. Known for its seamless construction and high-performance fabric, it’s designed to transition from high-impact workouts to running errands, offering a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that enhances the body’s natural shape.

  • What it is: A premium, high-rise legging style designed for comfort, support, and versatility during any activity.
  • Key features: Signature PowerForm fabric, high-rise waist, squat-proof design, seamless construction, and a body-contouring fit.
  • Price: Around $60 - $80, regularly available at a discount with VIP membership benefits.
  • Materials/Construction: Made with Fabletics's proprietary PowerForm fabric, which provides excellent stretch, compression, shape retention, and breathability for high-impact activities.
  • Sizing/Fit: Consistently true to size with a supportive, high-rise waist. The compressive fabric contours to the body, and some customers size down for an even snugger, more compressive fit.
  • Pros: Superior fabric quality that feels supportive and durable. Consistently flattering and squat-proof fit. Extremely versatile for workouts and daily life. Holds its shape and color well over time.
  • Cons: A higher price point compared to Fundamental pieces. Less variety in colors and prints.

A perfect choice for those who want to invest in a versatile, high-quality legging with an exceptional fit for both performance and style.

Shop this product: www.fabletics.com/products/the-one

Fabletics Fundamental vs. The One Comparison

Quality & Materials

The most distinct difference lies in the fabric. The One Legging is made from Fabletics’s signature PowerForm fabric, which offers a higher level of compression, stretch, and shape retention. It's designed to be squat-proof and withstand intense workouts, giving it a more premium and durable feel.

The Fundamental collection uses a variety of reliable materials that are comfortable and functional for everyday activities. While durable, they may not offer the same high-performance compression or longevity as the specialized fabric in The One.

Fit & Sizing

Both collections offer inclusive sizing, usually ranging from XXS to 4X. Fabletics is known for this commitment. However, the fit experience differs.

The One legging is praised for its consistent, body-contouring fit that supports and flatters. Its high-rise waist and compressive material create a sleek silhouette that stays put. The Fundamental line, being a broad collection of different styles, can have more fit variations. While generally true to size, the fit of one Fundamental legging might feel slightly different from another due to fabric and cut differences.

Style & Aesthetic

If variety is your goal, the Fundamental collection is the clear winner. It’s Fabletics’s playground for on-trend colors, playful prints, and different cuts and styles. You can build a diverse activewear wardrobe with many coordinating options.

The One focuses on a more modern, streamlined, and minimalist look. It comes in a range of core and seasonal solid colors, positioning itself as a foundational piece meant to be worn with anything. Its aesthetic is less about trendy prints and more about a perfect, versatile silhouette.

Price & Value

The Fundamental pieces are significantly more affordable, typically priced between $25 and $50. They offer great entry-level value, especially for shoppers using Fabletics's VIP membership.

The One leggings have a higher retail price, often around $60-$80, placing them in the premium activewear category. However, their superior durability, better fit, and versatility often mean better long-term value. You might buy fewer pairs, but the quality justifies the cost for those who prioritize performance and longevity.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both collections serve different needs, but choosing is easier when you know your priorities.

Choose the Fabletics Fundamental collection if:

  • You're shopping on a tighter budget and want the best price.
  • You want to build a large activewear wardrobe with lots of colors and prints.
  • You primarily need clothes for low-impact workouts, casual wear, or running errands.
  • You enjoy trying new styles and trends without a big financial commitment.

Choose The One Leggings if:

  • You prioritize a perfect, supportive, and flattering fit above all else.
  • You need reliable, squat-proof leggings for high-impact activities like running or HIIT.
  • You prefer investing in a few high-quality, long-lasting pieces over having many options.
  • You want a versatile pair of leggings that seamlessly transitions from the gym to everyday life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Fabletics Fundamental and The One?

The main difference is focus. The Fundamental line is a broad collection focused on affordability and variety, offering many styles of activewear. The One is a specific, premium legging style focused on superior fit, high-performance fabric, and versatility.

Are Fabletics The One leggings worth the money?

For most people, yes. They are worth the investment if you value a consistent, flattering fit, high-quality compressive fabric, and a versatile legging that holds up during intense workouts and frequent washing. Their durability offers great long-term value.

Which is better for high-impact workouts like HIIT or running?

The One is the better choice for high-impact workouts. Its signature PowerForm fabric provides more support, compression, and is designed to be squat-proof and stay in place during intense movement.

Are both collections true to size?

Yes, both generally run true to size and offer an inclusive range from XXS to 4X. However, The One is known for its highly consistent fit, whereas the fit of Fundamental pieces can vary slightly depending on the specific product's style and material.

Are all Fabletics leggings squat-proof?

Not necessarily. The One Legging is specifically marketed and designed to be squat-proof. Within the Fundamental collection, quality can vary, and while many are opaque, certain lighter colors or styles might be less reliable during deep squats.

What is Fabletics PowerForm fabric?

PowerForm is one of Fabletics's signature fabrics. It's known for its medium-to-high compression, breathability, quick-drying properties, and ability to retain its shape after many wears and washes. It’s the material used in The One leggings.

Do I need a Fabletics VIP membership to buy these?

No, you can purchase from Fabletics as a guest, but the prices will be higher. The VIP membership offers significant discounts, making both Fundamental and The One pieces more affordable. Members agree to shop or "skip the month" to avoid a monthly charge.