Fabletics SculptKnit vs. PowerHold: Which one should you buy?

The main difference between Fabletics SculptKnit leggings and their signature PowerHold leggings comes down to feel and function. SculptKnit uses a seamless, body-contouring knit fabric that provides a gentle, smoothing compression perfect for everyday style and lower-impact workouts. In contrast, PowerHold is a high-compression fabric designed with maximum support for intense training, offering a locked-in feel that stays put during high-impact activities.

Here’s a complete look at both fabric technologies from Fabletics to help you decide which is best for your workout and wardrobe.

Fabletics SculptKnit Leggings

Fabletics SculptKnit is all about creating a sleek, sculpted silhouette. Crafted from a seamless knit material, these leggings hug your body like a second skin, providing light to medium compression that smooths and shapes without feeling restrictive. The fabric is often praised for its comfort and versatility, making it a go-to for athleisure looks and less intense exercise.

• What it is: A seamless knit fabric known for its body-contouring, stylish, and comfortable fit.
• Key features: Seamless construction to reduce chafing, moisture-wicking and breathable material, and a flattering fit that enhances curves.
• Price: Typically $60 to $80 and can be found for $30-$50 with a VIP membership or during sales.
• Materials/Construction: A blend of nylon and elastane woven into a flexible knit that stretches and moves with you.
• Sizing/Fit: Runs true to size for a snug but comfortable, "second-skin" fit. Its high stretch adapts well to different body shapes.
• Pros: Extremely flattering and smoothing aesthetic, seamless design is very comfortable, stylish enough for gym-to-street wear, breathable for low-impact activities.
• Cons: Offers less compression and support for intense workouts, knit fabric may be less durable and more prone to snags than PowerHold.

These leggings are for anyone who prioritizes a fashionable, smoothing fit that feels as good as it looks, perfect for yoga, barre, or running errands.

Shop this product: fabletics.com/products/HIGHWAISTED-SCULPTKNIT-LEGGING

Fabletics PowerHold Leggings

PowerHold is Fabletics' original, signature high-performance fabric. Engineered for maximum compression and support, it gives you a "held-in" sensation that supports your muscles and stays put no matter how much you move. It’s thicker, more durable, and designed to perform under pressure during high-intensity training sessions.

• What it is: A high-compression performance fabric designed for maximum muscle support in medium to high-impact workouts.
• Key features: Maximum "locked-in" compression, squat-proof coverage, chafe-resistant flatlock seams, and exceptional durability.
• Price: Generally $60 to $80 but often drops to $30-$50 for members during sale events.
• Materials/Construction: A durable blend of 88% Polyamide and 12% Elastane that provides strong compression and excellent shape retention. Features reinforced seams built for intense activity.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size, but the high compression makes it feel very snug and secure. Some may prefer to size up for a slightly less restrictive fit.
• Pros: Excellent muscle support reduces fatigue, stays securely in place during HIIT and running, extremely durable fabric, guaranteed squat-proof.
• Cons: High compression can feel restrictive for all-day wear, thicker material is less breathable than SculptKnit, has less of a fashion-forward athleisure feel.

This is the go-to fabric for serious athletes and gym enthusiasts who need leggings that can keep up with their toughest workouts without slipping or becoming sheer.

Shop this product: fabletics.com/products/HIGHWAISTED-POWERHOLD-LEGGING

Fabletics SculptKnit vs. PowerHold Comparison

Feel & Compression

The difference in feel is the most immediate distinction between these two fabrics. The SculptKnit material is softer with a gentle compression that smooths and shapes. It’s designed for comfort and flexibility, feeling close to a second skin without intense restriction.

In contrast, PowerHold provides a very firm, locked-in sensation. The compression is much higher, designed to support your muscles and stay firmly in place during dynamic movements like squats, jumps, and sprints. You feel supported and secure, but the compression is immediately noticeable.

Style & Versatility

SculptKnit easily wins in the style department. Its seamless construction and body-contouring fit lend themselves perfectly to athleisure outfits. A pair of SculptKnit leggings and an oversized sweater look just as great for brunch as they do in the yoga studio.

PowerHold has a decidedly more athletic appearance. Often featuring functional details like mesh panels, pockets, or more pronounced seams, it looks like performance activewear. While still stylish, its first job is function, making it more suited to the gym environment than casual all-day wear.

Performance & Activity Type

Your choice should be guided heavily by how you plan to move. SculptKnit excels in low-impact activities like yoga, Pilates, barre, or daily walks. Its moisture-wicking properties and breathability are suitable for these workouts, but the lower compression may not feel sufficient for intense action.

PowerHold is engineered specifically for medium-to-high impact training. It's the ideal choice for HIIT, CrossFit, weightlifting, and running. The high compression offers muscle support to reduce vibration and potential fatigue, and the fabric’s durability ensures it remains squat-proof and securely in place throughout your workout.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both fabrics offer excellent quality for their intended purpose, so the best choice depends entirely on your needs.

Choose Fabletics SculptKnit if:

• You prioritize comfort and a flattering, smoothing silhouette above all else.
• You want leggings that are versatile enough for brunch, errands, and yoga class.
• You prefer a seamless design without restrictive compression.
• Your workouts are typically low-impact like Pilates, walking, or stretching.

Choose Fabletics PowerHold if:

• You need maximum support and compression during intense, high-impact workouts.
• You do a lot of squatting, jumping, or running and want your leggings to stay locked in place.
• Durability and worry-free squat-proof coverage are your top priorities.
• You prefer the secure, "held-in" feeling of a high-compression fabric when you exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between SculptKnit and PowerHold?

The main difference is compression and function. SculptKnit offers gentle, shaping compression in a seamless, comfortable fabric ideal for style and low-impact workouts. PowerHold provides maximum, supportive compression in a durable fabric designed for high-impact performance training.

Is SculptKnit or PowerHold better for running?

PowerHold is significantly better for running. Its high compression supports muscles and prevents the waistband from slipping down, which is essential during high-impact movement. SculptKnit may not offer enough support or stability for an intense run.

Are Fabletics leggings true to size?

Generally, yes. However, due to its high compression, a PowerHold legging may feel tighter than a SculptKnit one in the same size. If you are between sizes or prefer a slightly less compressive fit in PowerHold, you should consider sizing up.

Is SculptKnit squat-proof?

SculptKnit is generally opaque and considered squat-proof by most users, especially in darker colors. However, because it's a knit fabric, its opacity can depend on the degree of stretch. PowerHold leggings are made from a denser material engineered specifically to guarantee 100% squat-proof coverage.

Which fabric is more comfortable for all-day wear?

SculptKnit leggings are far more comfortable for all-day wear due to their softer feel, flexible knit structure, and lower compression feeling.

How do you wash Fabletics leggings?

To preserve their elasticity and shape, it’s recommended to machine wash both types of leggings in cold water inside out and hang them to dry or tumble dry on low to avoid damaging the fibers, especially the elastane.

Does a Fabletics VIP Membership make these leggings cheaper?

Yes, with a Fabletics VIP Membership, you typically receive large discounts on most products, with prices for leggings often dropping to $30-$50 a pair or more.

Which fabric is more flattering?

The fabrics are flattering in different ways. SculptKnit is often praised for its smoothing and body-contouring effect that hugs curves, making it popular for an athleisure look. PowerHold is renowned for its ability to sculpt and create a streamlined, athletic silhouette.