Fabletics vs. Athleta Leggings: Which one should you buy?

The core difference between Fabletics and Athleta leggings comes down to affordability and style versus performance and sustainability. Fabletics offers trendy, budget-friendly leggings through a membership model, focusing on bold patterns and new collections. Athleta, a certified B-corp, provides premium, minimalist, and highly durable leggings made from sustainable materials at a higher price point.

Here’s a clear comparison to help you decide which activewear brand is the right fit for your closet and priorities.

Fabletics Leggings

Co-founded by Kate Hudson, Fabletics is an activewear brand built on a subscription model that delivers trendy, stylish workout gear at accessible prices. It appeals to a fashion-forward audience that wants fun, vibrant leggings for everything from gym sessions to casual wear without a major financial commitment.

• What it is: Stylish, affordable leggings and activewear sold primarily through a flexible monthly membership that provides significant discounts.
• Key features: Bold prints, eye-catching colorways, innovative sculpting fabrics like PowerHold and Motion365, and frequent new collection drops.
• Price: Typically $25–$50 for VIP members, which is a substantial discount from the retail prices listed on the site.
• Materials/Construction: Leggings are made from synthetic blends like their signature PowerForm fabric, designed for good compression and stretch. While comfortable for workouts, they may not offer the same longevity as premium-priced alternatives.
• Sizing/Fit: An inclusive size range from XS to 3X. Fabletics leggings are known for a snug, compressive fit with supportive high waistbands that flatter a variety of body types.
• Pros: Highly affordable with membership pricing. Wide variety of trendy, colorful, and unique styles. New collections are released often. Very inclusive sizing.
• Cons: Quality is good for the price but may not hold up to years of intense use. The subscription model requires you to "skip" each month if you don't want to be charged. A primary focus on being a fast-fashion activewear brand.

This brand perfectly suits shoppers who prioritize trendy styles and affordability, allowing them to build a large and varied activewear wardrobe on a budget.

Shop this product: fabletics.com/shop/women/leggings

Athleta Leggings

Owned by Gap Inc., Athleta is a premium activewear brand focused on high-quality, sustainable, and versatile apparel. Athleta targets active women who want performance-driven leggings that are just as suitable for a yoga class as they are for running errands, all while committing to ethical manufacturing and eco-friendly materials.

• What it is: High-performance leggings designed for durability, comfort, and a polished, understated aesthetic.
• Key features: Minimalist and timeless designs, moisture-wicking properties, four-way stretch, and compression. Many styles are made from sustainable materials like recycled polyester.
• Price: Generally priced from $60 to $120, reflecting the premium fabrics and construction.
• Materials/Construction: Leggings feature high-performance, eco-friendly fabrics like recycled polyester, nylon, and Lycra. Fabrics are chosen for their durability, breathability, and long-term shape retention, making them a lasting investment.
• Sizing/Fit: An excellent and inclusive size range from XXS to 3X, with tall, regular, and petite options. Their leggings offer a supportive yet comfortable fit designed to move with you without slipping or pinching.
• Pros: Superior quality and durability for long-term wear. Strong focus on sustainability and ethical production. Timeless, versatile style that transitions outside the gym. Excellent performance for intense workouts.
• Cons: A significantly higher price point. Fewer bold, trendy patterns compared to Fabletics. The style might be too understated for those who prefer eye-catching designs.

Ideal for consumers willing to invest in high-quality, long-lasting gear and for whom sustainability and minimalist style are key purchasing factors.

Shop this product: athleta.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=1023724

Fabletics vs. Athleta Leggings Comparison

Price & Value

There is a clear difference in price between the two brands. Fabletics is a budget-friendly option, with member pricing often half of what you would pay for a similar item at Athleta. This makes it easy to acquire multiple pairs and styles. The subscription model provides consistent value if you shop for activewear regularly.

Athleta leggings are an investment. Their price reflects higher-quality and more sustainable materials, superior durability, and a focus on long-term performance. While the upfront cost is higher, a single pair of Athleta leggings may outlast several pairs from a fast-fashion competitor, providing better value over time for those who prioritize longevity.

Quality & Materials

Athleta has the edge on quality and materials. The brand uses robust, high-performance fabrics like recycled nylon and Lycra blends known for their excellent shape retention, breathability, and moisture-wicking capabilities. This construction ensures they hold up well through countless intense workouts and washes.

Fabletics uses comfortable, stretchy synthetic fabrics that perform well for everyday activities and moderate workouts. However, they are not primarily designed as long-term performance gear. Users sometimes report that the fabric's compression or color may fade faster than in premium-priced alternatives.

Style & Aesthetic

The brands' styles cater to two different preferences. Fabletics is known for being bold and trendy, releasing a constant stream of new collections with vibrant prints, trendy cuts like cutouts and mesh panels, and bright colorways. It's the go-to for anyone who wants their workout gear to make a fashion statement.

Athleta leans into a minimalist, sophisticated aesthetic. Their collections feature more neutral tones, solid colors, and classic designs that don't go out of style. The look is versatile and function-focused, easily transitioning from a yoga studio to a coffee shop without looking out of place.

Sustainability & Ethics

Athleta is a clear leader in this area. As a certified B Corporation, the company is legally required to consider the impact of its decisions on its workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. A large portion of their apparel is made from sustainable materials like recycled polyester, and they are transparent about their supply chain.

Fabletics operates more like a fast-fashion brand, prioritizing new styles and affordability. While they have introduced some collections with recycled materials, sustainability is not a central component of their brand identity in the same way it is for Athleta.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between these two popular brands ultimately comes down to your personal priorities: budget, style, and values.

Choose Fabletics if:

• You're shopping on a tighter budget and love a good deal.
• You enjoy having a large rotation of trendy, colorful, and fun workout clothes.
• You want to update your activewear wardrobe with new styles frequently.
• You don't mind a subscription-based shopping model to get the best prices.

Choose Athleta if:

• You are willing to invest in high-quality items that will last for years.
• Sustainability and ethical manufacturing are important factors in your purchasing decisions.
• You prefer a timeless, minimalist style that you can wear for both workouts and everyday life.
• You need performance fabrics that can stand up to high-intensity training.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Fabletics and Athleta?

The main difference is their business model and priorities. Fabletics is a fast-fashion activewear brand focused on providing trendy styles at affordable prices through a subscription. Athleta is a premium, sustainability-focused brand that creates high-quality, durable, minimalist apparel for performance and lifestyle wear.

Which leggings are more affordable?

Fabletics leggings are significantly more affordable, especially for members, typically costing between $25 and $50. Athleta leggings are a premium product, costing between $60 and $120.

Which brand is better for intense workouts?

Athleta is generally better for intense workouts due to its high-performance, moisture-wicking, and extremely durable fabrics. They are specifically engineered for performance activities like running, HIIT, and training.

Are Fabletics and Athleta true to size?

Both brands are generally considered true to size. They offer detailed size charts on their websites to help you find the perfect fit, and Athleta offers tall, regular, and petite options for many styles.

Do I need a membership to shop at Fabletics?

You can shop at Fabletics as a guest, but you'll pay a much higher retail price. The significant discounts and "2 for $24 leggings" deals are exclusively for their VIP Members. The membership can be skipped each month at no charge.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Athleta is the more sustainable brand. As a certified B-Corp, it focuses on using recycled materials, ethical production practices, and supply chain transparency.

Can I wear Athleta leggings for things other than working out?

Absolutely. Athleta designs much of its apparel with versatility in mind. The clean, minimalist aesthetic makes their leggings easy to style for casual wear, errands, and travel.

Which brand has better quality leggings?

Athleta has better overall quality. Their focus on premium materials and durable construction means their leggings are designed to withstand years of use and maintain their shape, color, and performance features over time.