Fabletics Lined vs. Unlined: What's the difference?

Lined activewear from Fabletics features an integrated fabric layer for enhanced coverage and support, making it ideal for high-impact workouts where you want zero sheerness and a secure feel. Unlined styles, on the other hand, offer a single layer of fabric, prioritizing a lightweight, breathable feel with greater flexibility for activities like yoga or simply for everyday comfort.

Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Fabletics option for your workout and lifestyle.

Fabletics Lined Activewear

Fabletics' lined activewear is engineered for performance and peace of mind. By incorporating an extra layer of fabric, these pieces offer superior opacity and a more compressive, held-in sensation. This makes them a go-to choice for intense training sessions, from heavy squats to high-intensity interval training, where confidence in your gear is non-negotiable.

• What it is: Activewear, typically leggings and shorts, with a built-in secondary layer of fabric for added coverage, support, and opacity.
• Key features: Enhanced squat-proof coverage, a more compressive and supportive fit, and a secure feel during high-impact movements.
• Price: Often slightly higher in price due to the additional material and construction involved.
• Materials/Construction: The lining is typically crafted from moisture-wicking, breathable performance fabric that complements the outer layer.
• Pros: Provides maximum confidence in opacity (fully squat-proof). Delivers enhanced support and compression. Feels secure and locked-in during intense exercise. Offers additional warmth for cooler weather workouts.
• Cons: Can feel warmer and less breathable in hot conditions. The extra layer adds slight thickness compared to unlined styles. May feel too restrictive for low-impact flow-based activities.

This style is perfect for anyone prioritizing coverage and support for high-impact activities like running, CrossFit, or weightlifting.

Shop this product: fabletics.com/products/activewear--bottoms

Fabletics Unlined Activewear

Fabletics' unlined activewear is all about a lightweight, 'second-skin' experience with maximum freedom of movement. Constructed from a single layer of fabric, these pieces are designed to be ultra-breathable and flexible. They are ideal for activities where you value comfort and a non-restrictive fit, such as yoga, Pilates, or comfortable all-day wear.

• What it is: Activewear made from a single layer of high-performance fabric without any additional lining.
• Key features: Lightweight and highly breathable construction, flexible fit for unrestricted movement, and a softer, less compressive feel.
• Price: Tends to be the standard price point, sometimes more affordable than lined versions.
• Materials/Construction: Often made from Fabletics’ signature soft and smooth fabrics that stretch and move with your body.
• Pros: Superior breathability makes it ideal for hot weather or intense cardio. Lightweight and flexible for a barely-there feeling. More comfortable for casual, all-day wear and lounging.
• Cons: May not be fully opaque depending on the color and fabric, potentially becoming sheer when stretched. Offers less compression and support for high-impact activities. Can show sweat marks more prominently.

Go for this option if your priority is breathability and flexibility for low-impact workouts, hot yoga, or everyday athleisure comfort.

Shop this product: fabletics.com/products/activewear--bottoms

Fabletics Lined vs. Unlined Comparison

Coverage & Opacity

This is the most significant differentiator. Lined activewear from Fabletics is the clear winner for opacity. The additional fabric layer ensures that leggings and shorts remain completely non-sheer, even during deep squats or forward folds. This provides total confidence and eliminates any worry about undergarments showing through.

Unlined activewear, while often made from high-quality, dense fabric, can still carry a risk of sheerness, particularly in lighter colors or when the material is stretched to its limit. If being "squat-proof" is your number one priority, the lined option is the most reliable choice.

Support & Compression

Lined styles generally offer a higher level of compression and support. The two layers of fabric work together to create a snug, locked-in fit that holds you in and smooths your shape. This is beneficial for high-impact activities like running or plyometrics, where muscle support can help reduce fatigue and improve performance.

Unlined activewear provides a gentler, less restrictive fit. It moves more freely with your body and offers light to medium compression, perfect for activities that demand a full range of motion like yoga or dance. The choice comes down to personal preference: do you prefer a secure, held-in feel or a flexible, second-skin experience?

Breathability & Comfort

Unlined activewear excels in breathability. The single layer of fabric allows for better airflow, helping you stay cool and dry, especially during sweaty workouts or in warm climates. The lightweight construction also adds to the overall comfort, making unlined pieces ideal for long-term wear, whether for a workout or a day of running errands.

Lined styles, due to their dual-layer construction, are inherently less breathable and can trap more heat. While the inner layer is designed to be moisture-wicking, it can still feel warmer than its unlined counterpart. For comfort centered around security, lined is great, for comfort centered around a light and airy feel, unlined wins.

Ideal Activities & Versatility

Your choice of activity heavily influences which option is better. Lined activewear is built for performance in high-intensity settings: HIIT, CrossFit, running, and heavy lifting. The support and opacity provide the function and confidence needed for these demanding workouts.

Unlined activewear is more versatile. It shines in low-impact workouts like Pilates, yoga, and barre, as well as being a perfect choice for walking, lounging, and general everyday wear. If you’re looking for a single pair of leggings that can comfortably transition from a coffee run to a light workout, an unlined style is often the more practical option.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both options serve a distinct purpose in an activewear wardrobe, so the right choice depends entirely on your needs.

Choose Lined if:

• Your primary workouts are high-impact, like HIIT, running, or weightlifting.
• You want absolute assurance that your leggings are 100% squat-proof and opaque.
• You prefer a snug, compressive fit that offers maximum support.
• You often work out in cooler environments and appreciate a little extra warmth.

Choose Unlined if:

• You prioritize flexibility and freedom of movement for activities like yoga or Pilates.
• You want the most breathable, lightweight option available, especially for hot weather.
• Your activewear doubles as everyday loungewear and comfort is key.
• You prefer a gentle, barely-there feel over a highly compressive fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Fabletics lined and unlined leggings?

The core difference is construction. Lined leggings have an extra interior fabric layer for maximum opacity and support, while unlined leggings are a single fabric layer designed for a lightweight, breathable, and flexible feel.

Are Fabletics unlined leggings see-through?

This depends on the specific fabric and color. Many Fabletics unlined leggings offer excellent coverage, especially in darker colors. However, for guaranteed opacity, especially when stretching, lined leggings are the safest bet.

Which type is better for running?

Lined activewear is generally better for running due to the increased support and compression, which can help stabilize muscles during high-impact movement. The secure fit also ensures they stay in place.

Which type is better for yoga?

Unlined activewear is usually preferred for yoga. Its lightweight, flexible construction allows for a full range of motion and superior breathability during a sweaty Vinyasa flow, without feeling restrictive.

Do lined leggings feel bulky?

While they are thicker than unlined styles, Fabletics designs its lined leggings to feel supportive and smoothing, not bulky. The fit is engineered to be sleek and performance-oriented.

Does the lining affect the fit or the size I should choose?

You should generally stick with your true size. However, be aware that a lined style will feel more compressive and snug than an unlined one in the same size due to the extra layer of fabric.

Is there a price difference between lined and unlined styles?

Yes, lined styles often cost slightly more than their unlined counterparts. The price increase accounts for the additional materials and more complex construction.

Which style is more versatile for everyday wear?

Unlined leggings are typically more versatile for everyday wear. Their supreme comfort, flexibility, and lightweight feel make them an easy choice for lounging, running errands, or casual outfits.