Fabletics vs. LuLaRoe: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Fabletics is an activewear brand focused on stylish, high-performance apparel with a consistent fit, sold primarily through a monthly subscription model. In contrast, LuLaRoe is a direct-sales clothing brand known for its comfortable, casual wear featuring bold and unique patterns, sold through a network of independent consultants, which often leads to inconsistent quality and sizing.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right brand for your wardrobe and lifestyle.

Fabletics: The Stylish & Affordable Activewear Brand

Co-founded by actress Kate Hudson, Fabletics delivers trendy, gym-ready activewear that blends performance with modern style. The brand operates on a flexible subscription (VIP Membership) model, offering members significant discounts on high-quality leggings, sports bras, and loungewear. Their target customer is someone active who wants versatile clothing that works for a workout class, running errands, and relaxing at home.

• Product mix: Primarily performance-focused activewear and athleisure. The core offerings include squat-proof leggings with features like compression and moisture-wicking fabrics, matching sports bras, tops, jackets, and accessories.
• Price point: Affordable for members. A typical two-piece set costs around $49.95 with the VIP membership, with individual leggings ranging from $24 to $49. The pricing model is designed to encourage regular monthly purchases.
• Quality: Fabletics uses durable, performance-oriented fabrics designed to hold up during workouts. The materials are typically thick, offer four-way stretch, and feature reinforced seams for longevity.
• Fit & Sizing: Offers a wide and inclusive range from XXS to 3X. Sizing is known to be consistent and true-to-size, with detailed guides on their website to help find the perfect fit.
• Return policy: A customer-friendly 45-day window for returns or exchanges for VIP members, making it easy to try different styles risk-free.
• Sustainability: The brand is making efforts in sustainability, including collections made with recycled materials and a focus on more eco-friendly manufacturing practices.

Fabletics is the go-to for shoppers who want trendy, high-performance activewear with a consistent fit and reliable quality, all managed through a straightforward online subscription.

Shop Fabletics: fabletics.com

LuLaRoe: The Pattern-Focused Direct Sales Brand

LuLaRoe built its reputation on soft leggings and comfortable casual wear with bright, eye-catching, and often whimsical patterns. It operates on a direct sales (multi-level marketing) model, where independent "consultants" sell limited-run prints through social media groups and in-home parties. The brand's main appeal lies in its comfort, unique designs, and the community-based shopping experience.

• Product mix: Casual womenswear, including dresses, skirts, tops, and their famous leggings. The aesthetic is comfort-driven, with relaxed fits and styles often described as bohemian and eclectic.
• Price point: Generally affordable, with leggings typically sold for $25 to $35. Prices for other items like dresses or tops are similar, though final cost and promotions can vary between individual consultants.
• Quality: This is LuLaRoe's most contentious issue. While the fabrics are very soft, quality is notoriously inconsistent across batches and styles. Customers have often reported issues with pilling, thinning fabric, and seams coming apart after minimal wear.
• Fit & Sizing: While offering sizing from XXS to 3X, LuLaRoe is known for unpredictable fits. Sizing can vary wildly between different styles and even different patterns of the same item, making shopping online a gamble.
• Shopping experience: LuLaRoe fashion is not sold in stores or on a central website. Instead, you buy from individual consultants, which can create a fun, personable experience but also leads to variations in customer service.
• Return policy: Highly variable and depends entirely on the policy of the individual consultant you purchased from. There is no standardized brand-wide return policy for customers.

LuLaRoe is best for those who love bold, whimsical patterns for casual wear and enjoy the community aspect of shopping directly from consultants, but must be aware of inconsistencies in quality and sizing.

Shop LuLaRoe: lularoe.com

Fabletics vs. LuLaRoe Comparison

Price Comparison

Fabletics and LuLaRoe both operate in the affordable fashion space, but their pricing models are fundamentally different. Fabletics functions on a subscription basis - the $49.95 monthly VIP membership fee becomes a "Member Credit" you can spend on any outfit or item up to $80. This model leads to significant, consistent savings for regular shoppers.

LuLaRoe operates on a simpler direct-purchase model. A pair of their famous leggings costs around $25. While seemingly straightforward, prices and sales depend entirely on the individual consultant. Overall, Fabletics often provides better value for your money if you are looking for complete activewear sets and shop regularly, whereas LuLaRoe is suited for one-off casual purchases.

Quality & Materials

There is a stark difference in quality and purpose between the two brands. Fabletics focuses on performance materials designed for athletic activity. Their fabrics are moisture-wicking, compressive, squat-proof, and built to withstand repeated stress and washing. The quality control is consistent, meaning you know what to expect when you order.

LuLaRoe, on the other hand, prioritizes softness and comfort for everyday, non-athletic wear. Their clothing is made from stretchy polyester blends. However, the brand has faced extensive criticism for its highly inconsistent quality. Some items are durable while others may develop holes, tear at the seams, or pill after a single wash.

Style & Aesthetic

Fabletics offers a sleek, modern, and versatile aesthetic. Their designs align with current athleisure trends, using a mix of solid colors, subtle textures, and fashionable prints that can easily transition from the gym to daily life. The look is polished and functional.

LuLaRoe's style is defined by its loud, bold, and unique patterns. The designs are often playful, colorful, and eclectic, appealing to customers who want to express their personality and prioritize comfort with a bohemian feel. The limited availability of each print creates a "treasure hunt" shopping experience.

Fit & Sizing

Sizing predictability is a major differentiator. Fabletics offers highly consistent, true-to-size fits across their entire product line, from XXS to 3X. Their detailed sizing charts are reliable, making online ordering straightforward and dependable. The activewear is designed to fit snugly and support the body.

LuLaRoe's sizing is notoriously unpredictable. An item marked as a "medium" in one style or print may fit completely differently from a "medium" in another. This inconsistency forces many shoppers to rely on consultant advice or Facebook groups to determine the fit of a specific item, creating a frustrating and risky shopping process.

Shopping Experience

Shopping with Fabletics is a typical modern e-commerce experience. You browse their website, take a style quiz for personalized recommendations, and manage your subscription online. Customer service is centralized, and their 45-day return policy is clear and generous.

The LuLaRoe experience is completely different and community-based. Purchases are made through thousands of independent consultants via platforms like Facebook Live sales, private groups, or in-person events. While this can provide a personal connection, the level of service, return policy, and overall experience can vary dramatically from one consultant to another.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on what you're looking for in your clothing and shopping experience. Both brands cater to very different needs.

Choose Fabletics if:

• You need durable, functional activewear for yoga, running, or gym workouts.
• You prefer a sleek, modern, and versatile athleisure style.
• You value consistent, true-to-size fitting and reliable quality.
• You are comfortable with a subscription model in exchange for great discounts.

Choose LuLaRoe if:

• You're looking for comfortable, super-soft casual wear with fun and bold patterns.
• Comfort is your number one priority for everyday lounging or casual outfits.
• You enjoy the community and personal interaction of buying from an independent seller.
• You are willing to accept potential inconsistencies in quality and sizing for a unique design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fabletics or LuLaRoe cheaper?

Their price points are similar for individual items (a pair of leggings from either is about $25-$40), but the purchasing models differ. Fabletics' VIP membership offers significant discounts on matched sets, often making a full outfit more affordable than buying separate pieces from LuLaRoe.

Which has better quality, Fabletics or LuLaRoe?

Fabletics has significantly better and more consistent quality. Their apparel is designed as performance wear with durable materials. LuLaRoe is known for very soft fabric, but its quality is notoriously inconsistent, with many customers reporting durability issues.

How does the Fabletics VIP membership work?

For $49.95 per month, you get a "Member Credit" to purchase any outfit or item up to $80. You can also choose to "Skip the Month" by the 5th of each month, and you won't be charged. Any unused credits can be saved and spent later.

How do you buy LuLaRoe?

You can only buy LuLaRoe apparel through its network of independent consultants. Most sales happen in private Facebook groups where consultants showcase their inventory via live videos or photo albums.

Is LuLaRoe true to size?

No, one of the biggest complaints about LuLaRoe is its inconsistent sizing. The fit can vary dramatically between different styles and even different prints of the same style, making it difficult to find the right size without trying it on or getting advice from a consultant.

Is Fabletics clothing good for actual workouts?

Yes. Fabletics clothing is specifically designed for athletic activities. Key features include moisture-wicking fabrics, four-way stretch, and compression, making them well-suited for gym workouts, running, and yoga.

What is the controversy around LuLaRoe?

LuLaRoe has faced multiple lawsuits and widespread criticism regarding its business model, with many accusing it of being a pyramid scheme. Other complaints include pressuring consultants to carry excessive inventory and poor quality control, leading to defective products.

Can I return items to both brands?

Fabletics has a clear 45-day return and exchange policy for members. LuLaRoe's returns are not standardized, the policies are up to the individual consultant you purchase from, making returns much more difficult.