Fabletics Only Pant vs. Lululemon ABC: Which one should you buy?

The Fabletics Only Pant and the Lululemon ABC Pant cater to very different needs, with the primary differentiators being price and material quality. The Only Pant from Fabletics is an affordable, trend-focused option ideal for workouts and budget-conscious shoppers, while the ABC Pant from Lululemon is a premium investment piece celebrated for its superior comfort, durability, and versatile style that transitions from the gym to daily life.

Here's everything you need to know about these two popular pants to decide which one is the right addition to your wardrobe.

Fabletics The Only Pant

The Fabletics Only Pant is a versatile activewear staple designed for performance, comfort, and style at an accessible price. Aimed at the modern consumer who wants functional gear for the gym that can also serve as casual athleisure, this pant emphasizes trendy details, a wide array of color options, and Fabletics' signature subscription-based value.

• What it is: A multi-purpose technical pant designed for workouts, lounging, and everyday activities, often featuring details like zip pockets and a comfortable waistband.
• Key features: Made with stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool and dry. Includes a secure waistband, multiple pockets for essentials, and a modern, tapered silhouette.
• Price: Around $79.95 for non-members, but significantly cheaper (often under $30) with a Fabletics VIP membership or introductory offers.
• Materials/Construction: Typically made from proprietary fabrics like MotionTech, which is designed for four-way stretch, durability, and a lightweight feel. Construction is solid for its price point but may not offer the longevity of premium alternatives.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers inclusive sizing from XS to 3X. The fit is generally praised, but some shoppers report occasional inconsistencies between different colors or batches.
• Pros: Highly affordable, especially for VIP members. Wide variety of trendy colors and styles. Versatile enough for the gym and casual outings. Inclusive sizing.
• Cons: Quality and durability may not stand up to years of intense wear. Sizing can be inconsistent at times. The best pricing requires a VIP membership subscription.

This pant is built for the budget-conscious shopper who values on-trend style and versatility for everyday workouts and athleisure wear.

Shop this product: fabletics.com/the-only-pant

Lululemon ABC Pant

The Lululemon ABC (short for "Anti-Ball Crushing") Pant is a landmark in men's apparel, celebrated for its perfect blend of technical performance and everyday style. Built with an ergonomic gusset that removes tension from the crotch area, it provides unparalleled freedom of movement and all-day comfort. It’s the kind of pant that looks just as good in a casual office setting as it does on a weekend hike.

• What it is: A premium, technical-fabric pant designed to offer the performance of athletic gear with the polished look of a pair of chinos or five-pocket pants.
• Key features: Features ABC engineering for maximum comfort and movement, four-way stretch, sweat-wicking abilities, and wrinkle-resistance. It also includes hidden pockets and reflective details for practical use.
• Price: $128
• Materials/Construction: Made with Lululemon's signature high-performance Warpstreme™ fabric, which is exceptionally soft, durable, breathable, and retains its shape wash after wash. The construction is meticulous, with reinforced seams for superior longevity.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for a precise, consistent, and flattering fit that runs true to size. Available in multiple lengths and fits (Classic, Slim, Relaxed) to suit different body types. Lululemon also offers complimentary hemming in stores.
• Pros: Best-in-class comfort and freedom of movement. High-quality, durable materials that last for years. Incredibly versatile - suitable for travel, work, and light activity. Classic, timeless style and an impeccable fit.
• Cons: High price point makes it an investment. Minimalist aesthetic may be too simple for those seeking bold designs. Fewer color options compared to Fabletics' seasonal rotations.

The Lululemon ABC Pant is an investment for those who prioritize timeless design, superior comfort, and long-lasting quality for both active and daily life.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/men-pants/ABC-Pant

Fabletics The Only Pant vs. Lululemon ABC Pant Comparison

Price & Value

The price gap is the most obvious difference. The Fabletics Only Pant offers incredible value at a retail price of about $80, which can drop below $30 with a VIP membership. This makes it a great choice for trying a new style or building out an activewear collection on a budget.

The Lululemon ABC Pant, at a firm $128, is a premium product. Its value isn't in promotional pricing but in its longevity, superior materials, and unmatched comfort. Many owners find that the cost-per-wear becomes very low over time because the pants hold up for years and see near-daily use.

Materials & Quality

Lululemon is in a league of its own here. The Warpstreme™ fabric in the ABC Pant is soft yet durable, wrinkle-resistant, and maintains its shape and color after countless washes. The stitching and construction are built to last. It feels noticeably more premium.

Fabletics' MotionTech fabric is impressive for its price point - offering good stretch and moisture-wicking properties. However, it doesn't quite match the softness, shape retention, or long-term durability of Warpstreme™. It's fully functional for tough workouts, but it may show signs of wear, like pilling or fading, sooner than Lululemon's offering.

Style & Aesthetics

Fabletics appeals to the fashion-forward consumer with a rotating lineup of trendy colors, prints, and designs. Their aesthetic is distinctly athletic and youthful. If you want variety and modern styles, Fabletics is a great choice.

Lululemon focuses on a minimalist, refined aesthetic that prioritizes function and versatility. The ABC Pant’s clean lines and neutral color palette allow it to blend seamlessly into almost any setting, from a coffee shop to a light hike to a casual office. It's designed to be a quiet, reliable cornerstone of a wardrobe rather than a statement piece.

Fit & Comfort

While the Fabletics Only Pant is comfortable, the Lululemon ABC Pant is truly engineered for it. The ABC gusset design provides an ergonomic fit that offers complete freedom of movement without any restriction, setting an industry standard for comfort. Sizing is also famously consistent at Lululemon.

Fabletics offers a great, comfortable fit for most people, but some reports suggest that sizing can sometimes vary, so you may need to try different sizes or risk an inconsistent experience between purchases.

Versatility

Both pants excel in versatility, but for different contexts. The Fabletics Only Pant is versatile within the world of workouts and casual athleisure looks. You can wear it for a gym session, then to run errands, and feel perfectly comfortable.

The Lululemon ABC Pant has broader lifestyle versatility. Because of its polished aesthetic and premium fabric, you can genuinely wear it for travel, on a casual date, or to a tech-industry job and not look out of place. It transitions between active and non-active life better than almost any other pant on the market.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both pants have excellent qualities, but they are built for distinctly different customer priorities and budgets.

Choose the Fabletics Only Pant if:

• You're on a budget and love finding a great deal.
• You want to build a collection of activewear in multiple trendy colors and styles.
• Your primary use will be for workouts, gym sessions, and casual athleisure outfits.
• You're comfortable with a VIP membership to get the best price.

Choose the Lululemon ABC Pant if:

• You prioritize comfort, long-term durability, and fabric quality above all else.
• You want a multi-functional item you can wear equally for travel, casual workdays, and daily errands.
• You prefer a timeless, minimalist aesthetic over seasonal trends.
• You're willing to invest more upfront for a superior quality piece that will last for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Fabletics Only Pant and Lululemon ABC Pant?

The main difference comes down to price vs. quality. The Fabletics Only Pant is an affordable, stylish activewear option, while the Lululemon ABC Pant is a premium, high-performance daily staple crafted with superior materials and an unmatched ergonomic fit for a much higher price.

Is the Lululemon ABC Pant worth the money?

For most people, yes. Its exceptional comfort, durability, and versatility make it a wardrobe workhorse that you can wear for years across all kinds of situations. If you value a low cost-per-wear and premium feel, it's a solid investment.

How does Fabletics sizing run for the Only Pant?

Fabletics offers inclusive sizing from XS to 3X. Generally, their pants fit true to size, but some customers have noted slight inconsistencies in fit between different colors or releases of the same style.

Which pant is better for working out?

While you can do light activity in the ABC Pant, the Fabletics Only Pant is often the better choice for intense workouts. Its design is more explicitly geared toward athletic performance, and at a lower price point, you may feel more comfortable putting it through demanding sessions in the gym.

Do you need a VIP membership to buy Fabletics pants?

No, you can buy products at their regular retail price without a membership. However, the VIP membership provides steep discounts (often over 50% off) and is the primary way that most shoppers purchase from Fabletics.

What does Lululemon's Warpstreme fabric feel like?

Warpstreme™ fabric is smooth to the touch and very lightweight. It balances softness with a technical, sweat-wicking feel and has a quick-drying property. It is famous for its four-way stretch and wrinkle-resistant nature that makes them great for travel and busy lifestyles alike.

Can you wear the Lululemon ABC pants to work?

Absolutely. The Lululemon ABC Pant's clean and minimalist design makes it a top choice at smart-casual or business-casual offices alike - especially among tech circles. They pair perfectly with a nice polo or casual button-down.

How do I care for these pants?

For both pants, it's best to follow the care instructions. To maximize longevity on tech fabrics used by both Fabletics and Lululemon, it's always best to machine wash them in cold water with similar colors and without using fabric softener. Line drying them or using a low temperature when you dry will prevent damage to the fabric's fine Lycra or Elastane strands and prevent them from prematurely losing their stretch or becoming matted and pilled.