Fabletics PowerHold vs. PowerForm: What's the difference?

The core difference between Fabletics PowerHold and PowerForm fabrics lies in compression versus comfort. PowerHold is a high-compression, sculpting fabric designed for intense workouts, offering maximum support and a secure, "held-in" feel. PowerForm is a softer, more flexible fabric with light compression, engineered for all-day comfort, low-impact activities, and everyday athleisure.

Here's everything you need to know about these two popular fabrics to choose the right one for your active life.

Fabletics PowerHold

PowerHold is Fabletics's signature performance fabric, built for your toughest workouts. It delivers maximum compression to sculpt and support your body, making it a favorite for high-impact activities where muscle stability and a secure fit are essential. The material is dense and has a sleek finish that creates a smooth silhouette.

• What it is: A high-compression performance fabric line designed for high-impact workouts like running, HIIT, and weight training.
• Key features: Maximum compression for a sculpting, "held-in" fit, a high-rise waist for excellent tummy control, moisture-wicking properties, and durable construction designed to keep its shape.
• Price: Typically around $70-$90, positioning it as a premium performance option.
• Materials/Construction: A blend of polyester and elastane that offers robust stretch, recovery, and durability for intense activity.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size but feels very snug and compressive. If you are between sizes or prefer a less restrictive fit, consider sizing up. It is available in sizes XS-3X.
• Pros: Excellent muscle support and stabilization, provides a flattering sculpted look, durable material withstands frequent, intense use, not see-through.
• Cons: High compression can feel restrictive for casual wear or lounging, higher price point, may feel too intense for low-impact workouts like yoga.

This is the fabric for serious athletes who need leggings that work as hard as they do and want maximum support and sculpting during their workouts.

Shop this product: fabletics.com/powerhold-collection

Fabletics PowerForm

PowerForm is Fabletics's answer to everyday performance and comfort. This fabric is designed with a softer, lighter feel and more gentle compression, making it incredibly versatile. It's meant for everything from a yoga class to running errands, providing light support without sacrificing the flexibility and breathability needed for all-day wear.

• What it is: A soft, flexible legging fabric with light compression, ideal for low to medium-impact activities and everyday athleisure.
• Key features: Smooth and lightweight feel, gentle compression for comfort, high-rise waistband for moderate tummy control, excellent stretch, and recovery.
• Price: Generally priced between $50-$70, making it a more accessible choice.
• Materials/Construction: A blend of polyester, elastane, and sometimes nylon that prioritizes comfort and breathability over maximum compression.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size with a comfortable, gently supportive feel. Follow your regular size for an intended fit. Available in sizes XS-3X.
• Pros: Extremely comfortable for all-day wear, versatile for workouts and casual settings, more affordable, breathable and lightweight.
• Cons: Less supportive for high-impact activities, doesn't offer the same sculpting "held-in" feel as PowerHold, may not feel secure enough for intense running or HIIT.

Perfect for those who prioritize comfort and versatility in their activewear, wanting a legging that can handle a yoga class and a coffee run with equal ease.

Shop this product: fabletics.com/powerform-collection

PowerHold vs. PowerForm Comparison

Fabric & Feel

The most immediate difference between PowerHold and PowerForm is how they feel. PowerHold has a dense, compressive texture that feels substantial and secure against the skin. It’s designed to actively sculpt and support your muscles, creating a sleek, smooth silhouette. The finish is engineered for performance, prioritizing support over softness.

In contrast, PowerForm is noticeably softer and more lightweight. The fabric feels smooth and buttery, emphasizing freedom of movement and next-to-skin comfort. It offers gentle compression that lightly hugs the body without feeling restrictive, making it ideal for bending, stretching, and extended wear.

Performance & Support

When it comes to performance, the fabrics serve very different purposes. PowerHold shines during high-impact activities. Its maximum compression stabilizes muscles, which can help reduce fatigue during intense sprints, jumps, or heavy lifts. The shaping technology and secure waistband mean you won't have to worry about your leggings slipping or sliding down.

PowerForm is better suited for low to medium-impact exercise. The flexible fabric and lighter compression are perfect for the range of motion required in yoga and pilates. While it offers enough support in the high-rise waistband to stay put during a light jog or gym session, it lacks the intense muscle stabilization needed for more demanding activities.

Fit & Sizing

Both fabrics are offered in a wide size range from XS to 3X and are considered true to size by Fabletics. However, the fit experience is quite different. PowerHold's high-compression nature means it will feel very snug, which is intentional. If you are between sizes or simply dislike a highly compressive feel, you might prefer to size up for slightly more room. PowerForm has a more standard, forgiving fit. It should fit comfortably in your usual size without feeling constricting.

Price & Value

PowerHold is priced as a premium performance fabric, typically retailing between $70 and $90. For athletes who demand durability and high-level support from their gear, the price reflects the advanced construction. PowerForm is more affordably priced, usually between $50 and $70. Its value comes from its versatility - it’s a multi-purpose legging that serves for both fitness and lifestyle wear, offering great comfort for the price.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both fabrics are excellent, but they cater to very different needs and preferences.

Choose Fabletics PowerHold if:

• You primarily do high-impact workouts like HIIT, CrossFit, or running.
• You love a compressive, "held-in" feeling that sculpts and supports.
• You want maximum tummy control and confidence that your leggings will stay put.
• You prioritize performance and durability over a super-soft feel for casual wear.

Choose Fabletics PowerForm if:

• You prioritize all-day comfort and a soft, lightweight fabric.
• Your activities are mainly yoga, pilates, walking, or light gym work.
• You want versatile leggings that you can wear for a workout and then out for errands.
• You prefer a less restrictive fit with gentle support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between PowerHold and PowerForm?

The primary difference is compression and intended use. PowerHold offers maximum compression for high-impact workouts and a sculpting fit. PowerForm offers light compression for low-impact activities and all-day comfort with a softer feel.

Which Fabletics fabric is better for running?

PowerHold is much better for running. Its high compression provides crucial muscle support and ensures the leggings stay securely in place during high-impact movement.

Which fabric is best for squats and weightlifting?

PowerHold is the superior choice for squats and weightlifting. The compressive fabric offers stability and is completely opaque, giving you the confidence to move through your full range of motion.

Is Fabletics PowerForm see-through?

When you purchase the correct size, PowerForm is designed to be opaque. Its purpose as a yoga and low-impact fabric means it accommodates stretching and bending without becoming sheer.

Do PowerHold leggings run small?

PowerHold leggings run true to size, but they are designed to be extremely snug. This compressive fit can feel tight initially, so if you are between sizes or dislike that feeling, you might prefer sizing up.

Is PowerForm good for everyday casual wear?

Absolutely. PowerForm was designed with versatility in mind. Its soft feel and comfortable fit make it perfect for athleisure, lounging, and running errands.

Which fabric offers more tummy control?

PowerHold offers more significant tummy control due to its maximum-compression fabric and highly structured, wide waistband. While PowerForm has a high-rise waist, its support is much gentler.

How should I care for my Fabletics leggings?

To extend the life of both fabrics, it's best to wash them in cold water with similar colors and lay them flat or hang them to dry. Avoid using fabric softener, as it can break down the performance fibers.