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

Fabletics is built on an affordable, subscription-based model offering trendy and colorful activewear, while Lululemon is a premium brand focused on high-performance, durable fabrics and a minimalist aesthetic at a much higher price point. Fabletics prioritizes accessible fashion and size inclusivity, whereas Lululemon is known for its technical materials and reputation as a long-term investment for serious fitness enthusiasts.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right activewear for your needs.

Fabletics: The Accessible & Trendy Activewear Brand

Founded in 2013, Fabletics burst onto the activewear scene with a unique VIP membership model that makes stylish workout gear accessible to a wide audience. The brand focuses on delivering fashion-forward designs, bright colors, and inclusive sizing, making it a go-to for those who want on-trend activewear for gym sessions and everyday casual wear without a hefty price tag.

• Product mix: A wide range of leggings, sports bras, tops, and outerwear. Collections are updated frequently to reflect current fashion trends, often featuring bold patterns and vibrant color palettes.
• Price point: Very affordable, with most items priced between $30 and $80. The VIP membership offers significant discounts, often promoting 2-for-$24 legging deals for new members.
• Quality: The quality is good for the price, primarily using polyester and spandex blends that offer comfort and stretch. While suitable for casual workouts and daily wear, they may not offer the same long-term durability as premium competitors.
• Rewards program: The core of the business is the VIP membership. For a monthly fee (which converts to a shopping credit), members get up to 50% off retail prices, early access to new arrivals, and special promotions.
• Fit &, Sizing: Highly inclusive, with sizes ranging from XXS to 4X. Fabletics is a strong choice for those who need a broader range of sizes than what many traditional activewear brands offer.
• Return policy: A flexible 90-day return window for exchanges or store credit, making it easy to try different sizes and styles.

Fabletics is ideal for shoppers on a budget who love expressing themselves with trendy, colorful styles and benefit from a broad, inclusive size range.

Shop Fabletics: fabletics.com

Lululemon: The Premium Performance Leader

Since 1998, Lululemon has set the standard for premium athleisure wear, blending technical performance with a sleek, minimalist style. Revered for its proprietary fabrics and exceptional construction, the brand targets serious athletes and style-conscious consumers who view activewear as an investment. Lululemon is built on quality, durability, and a strong community focus.

• Product mix: Specializes in high-performance leggings, sports bras, tops, and jackets for yoga, running, and training. Also offers an expanded line of casual wear, accessories, and personal care items.
• Price point: Positioned at the luxury end of the market, with leggings typically ranging from $98 to $128 and most tops from $60 to $100.
• Quality: This is where Lululemon shines. Proprietary fabrics like the buttery-soft Nulu&trade, (for Align&trade, pants) and the supportive Luxtreme&trade, offer unmatched feel, moisture-wicking properties, and shape retention that stands up to years of use.
• Fit &, Sizing: Offers sizes from 0 to 14, with some styles going up to size 20. Known for a precise, "held-in" athletic fit that is consistent and reliable across its core product lines.
• Sales: Full-price sales are rare. Discounts are typically found in the "We Made Too Much" section, which serves as their year-round clearance area.
• Sustainability: The brand is highly focused on sustainability, with clear goals for using recycled materials, reducing water usage, and ensuring an ethical supply chain.

Lululemon is the choice for those who demand the highest quality and performance from their gear and are willing to pay a premium for materials and craftsmanship that last.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Fabletics vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

The price difference is the most significant distinction between the two brands. A typical pair of Fabletics leggings costs around $50-$80 at regular price, but VIP members often get them for much less with credits and sales. It's common for new members to sign up with a 2-for-$24 deal, making the entry point extremely low.

Lululemon's leggings start at $98 and can go up to $150 or more for specialized styles. While the upfront cost is high, many customers justify it as a long-term investment due to the product's extended lifespan. For shoppers on a tight budget or those looking to build a large activewear wardrobe quickly, Fabletics is the clear winner on price.

Quality & Materials

Lululemon is unmatched in fabric innovation. Materials like Nulu&trade,, Luon&trade,, and Everlux&trade, are custom-engineered for specific activities, offering properties like four-way stretch, sweat-wicking capabilities, and incredible softness that feel distinct from anything else on the market. The stitching is reinforced, seams are flat, and the attention to detail ensures pieces retain their shape and performance wash after wash.

Fabletics uses good-quality polyester and nylon blends that are comfortable and functional for most activities. Fabrics like their signature PowerHold®, and Motion365®, provide compression and flexibility. However, they generally don't have the same buttery-soft feel or advanced technical properties as Lululemon's materials, and some customers report issues like pilling or loss of compression over time. For feel and longevity, Lululemon has a decided advantage.

Style & Aesthetic

The brands' styles cater to two different tastes. Fabletics is all about bold, trendy looks. They release new collections monthly with bright colors, eye-catching patterns, and cut-outs that align with current fashion trends. It’s perfect for someone who sees activewear as a form of self-expression and enjoys having many options to choose from.

Lululemon's aesthetic is minimalist, sleek, and timeless. They focus on solid, often muted colors and classic silhouettes that are versatile enough to wear from a yoga class to running errands. Their designs prioritize function and clean lines, creating an athletic and refined look that doesn't go out of style.

Fit & Sizing

Fabletics champions inclusivity with its extensive XXS-4X size range, making it one of the most accessible activewear brands available. This broad offering ensures that people of many different body types can find a comfortable and flattering fit. The fit is generally comfortable and less compressive than Lululemon's, geared toward both fitness and lounging.

Lululemon has improved its range in recent years, now offering sizes 0-20 in popular styles. Their sizing is known to be very precise, designed to hug the body and offer support during high-impact movement. It often fits smaller than other brands, so checking the size guide is essential. While Fabletics wins on the breadth of its size range, Lululemon offers a more technical, performance-oriented fit.

Shopping Experience

Fabletics operates primarily on a flexible subscription model. Signing up as a VIP offers the best prices, but it requires you to "Skip the Month" by the 5th of each month if you don't want to be charged. While this system offers great value, it can be a hassle for those who prefer not to manage a recurring subscription.

Lululemon offers a traditional retail experience. You can buy what you want, when you want, both online and in their well-designed physical stores. Shopping at Lululemon often feels like a premium experience, with knowledgeable staff and community events like in-store yoga classes that build strong brand loyalty.

Sustainability & Ethics

Lululemon has invested heavily in its sustainability initiatives. They have published clear goals regarding their use of sustainable materials, water and energy reduction, and creating a more circular product lifecycle. They publish annual impact reports, providing transparency on their progress.

Fabletics has also taken steps toward sustainability, such as incorporating recycled materials and operating carbon-neutral fulfillment centers. However, their sustainability efforts and reporting are currently less comprehensive and transparent than Lululemon's.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on your budget, priorities, and personal style. Both brands produce quality activewear, but they serve different customers.

Choose Fabletics if:

• You're on a budget and love getting a good deal on activewear.
• You want a wide variety of trendy, colorful, and bold styles to refresh your wardrobe often.
• Inclusive sizing is important to you, and you need options beyond the standard 0-14 range.
• You enjoy a subscription model that delivers new products and discounts regularly.

Choose Lululemon if:

• Performance, durability, and fabric technology are your top priorities.
• You are willing to invest in high-quality items that will last for years.
• Your personal style is more minimalist, timeless, and you prefer solid colors over bold patterns.
• You value a brand's commitment to sustainability and ethical production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fabletics or Lululemon cheaper?

Fabletics is significantly cheaper than Lululemon. With its VIP membership, you can often get a complete outfit for less than the price of a single pair of Lululemon leggings.

Which leggings have better quality?

Lululemon leggings are widely considered to be of higher quality due to their proprietary technical fabrics, superior construction, and long-term durability. Fabletics offers good quality for its price point, but Lululemon's products are designed to withstand more intense use over a longer period.

Can I shop at Fabletics without a membership?

Yes, you can purchase items from Fabletics at full retail price without a VIP membership. However, the prices are considerably higher, and most of their well-known deals are exclusive to members.

Does Lululemon ever go on sale?

Lululemon rarely has site-wide sales. The best way to find discounted items is in their "We Made Too Much" section online, which is their year-round clearance page featuring items with limited sizing and colors.

Which brand is better for high-intensity workouts?

For high-intensity workouts like running or HIIT, Lululemon is generally the better option. Their fabrics are engineered for optimal sweat-wicking, support, and breathability, providing a performance advantage that is crucial during strenuous activity.

Which brand is more size-inclusive?

Fabletics is more size-inclusive, offering a standard size range of XXS to 4X. Lululemon has been expanding its range but typically offers sizes from 0 to 20, which is less broad than Fabletics.

How flexible is the Fabletics VIP membership?

The Fabletics VIP membership is quite flexible. Each month, you have until the 5th to either make a purchase or "Skip the Month" to avoid being charged. If you don't skip and are charged the monthly fee, it becomes a shopping credit you can use at any time.

What is Lululemon's return policy?

Lululemon accepts returns on unworn and unwashed merchandise with tags attached within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. Items from the "We Made Too Much" section are typically final sale.