Fabletics vs. Mandala Scrubs: Which brand should you buy?

Fabletics offers trendy, versatile activewear and athleisure designed for general fitness and everyday style, operating on a popular subscription-based model. In contrast, Mandala Scrubs is a specialized brand exclusively focused on creating durable, comfortable, and expressive scrubs for healthcare professionals with fun, artistic designs.

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

Fabletics: The Stylish and Affordable Activewear

Co-founded by actress Kate Hudson, Fabletics is an activewear brand focused on offering fashionable and affordable workout apparel. The brand's core demographic includes budget-conscious shoppers who want stylish, functional clothing that works for both the gym and casual wear. Fabletics is best known for its VIP membership model, which provides significant discounts and personalized monthly outfit recommendations.

• Product mix: A wide range of activewear including leggings, sports bras, tops, jackets, and accessories. The brand has also expanded into footwear and men's apparel, creating a one-stop-shop for athleisure.
• Price point: Mid-range, with most items priced between $30 and $80. The real value comes from the VIP membership, which often drops the price of a complete 2-piece outfit to around $59.95.
• Quality: Fabletics uses performance fabrics like polyester and elastane blends that offer good stretch, durability, and moisture-wicking capabilities suitable for most workouts.
• Sizing/Fit: Highly inclusive, with sizes ranging from XXS to 4X. Most items run true to size, and the brand provides detailed fit guides and customer reviews to help find the perfect fit.
• Style: Designs are on-trend, featuring bold colors, modern patterns, and flattering cuts. The aesthetic is sporty-chic, made to be seen both in and out of the fitness studio.
• Sustainability: The company uses recycled materials in some of its products and has made public commitments to improving its eco-friendly manufacturing processes.

Fabletics is ideal for anyone seeking stylish, versatile activewear at an accessible price point, particularly those who appreciate the convenience and savings of a subscription service.

Shop Fabletics: fabletics.com

Mandala Scrubs: The Expressive and Functional Medical Wear

Mandala Scrubs is a niche apparel brand dedicated to serving healthcare professionals. It stands out in the medical apparel industry by combining high-performance functionality with vibrant, artistic designs that allow workers to express their personality. The brand focuses on creating scrubs that are durable enough for long, active shifts while prioritizing comfort and style.

• Product mix: Exclusively medical scrubs, including jogger pants, straight-leg pants, and V-neck tops in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
• Price point: Mid-range for medical wear, with sets typically costing between $40 and $70. The pricing is straightforward, without a subscription model.
• Quality: Mandala uses lightweight, breathable, and durable polyester-spandex blends. The fabrics are engineered to withstand frequent heavy-duty washing while remaining comfortable, colorfast, and wrinkle-resistant.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a wide fit range from petite to plus sizes, with a focus on comfortable and ergonomic fits that allow for a full range of motion.
• Style: The brand’s identity is built on its expressive and fun aesthetic. From solid jewel tones to dynamic, artistic prints, Mandala offers a fashionable alternative to traditional, boring scrubs.
• Return policy: Mandala provides a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, allowing customers to return or exchange items that don't meet their expectations.

Mandala Scrubs are the perfect choice for medical workers who want functional, long-lasting workwear that doesn't sacrifice personal style or comfort.

Shop Mandala Scrubs: mandalascrubs.com

Fabletics vs. Mandala Scrubs Comparison

Price Comparison

Fabletics positions itself as an affordable activewear option, especially for its VIP members. While individual items range from $30 to $80, the subscription model offers complete outfits for about $60, and frequent sales provide even deeper discounts. This makes it an excellent value for building an activewear wardrobe.

Mandala Scrubs is also considered mid-range, but within the specialized market of medical apparel. A complete scrub set will cost between $40 and $70. While it may seem comparable, Mandala's pricing model is more traditional, without the subscription-based discounts Fabletics offers. Overall, Fabletics provides more opportunities for savings.

Quality & Materials

Both brands prioritize quality, but their materials are engineered for completely different purposes. Fabletics uses comfortable, stretchy performance fabrics designed for flexibility and sweat-wicking during workouts. They hold up well to regular activity and washing.

Mandala's fabrics are built for endurance in a demanding clinical environment. They feature lightweight polyester/spandex blends designed to be antimicrobial, withstand stains, and endure high-temperature laundry cycles without fading or shrinking. While Fabletics fabrics are great for the gym, Mandala’s material is superior for a specialized healthcare setting.

Style & Aesthetic

Style is a key differentiator. Fabletics focuses on trendy, sporty-chic athleisure that looks good during a yoga class or while running errands. Their collections feature bold solids, contemporary patterns, and modern silhouettes that align with current fitness fashion trends.

Mandala's aesthetic is fun, expressive, and joyful within a professional context. Their vibrant colors and unique, artistic prints offer a distinct way for healthcare workers to show personality. While both are stylish, Fabletics is versatile for everyday life, whereas Mandala’s fashion is purpose-built for the workplace.

Fit & Sizing

Both Fabletics and Mandala Scrubs are committed to inclusive sizing. Fabletics offers a broad range from XXS to 4X, and their products generally fit true to size. They cater to a variety of body types with different inseam lengths and compression levels.

Mandala also covers a wide spectrum from petite to plus sizes. Their fit is more focused on ergonomic comfort - meaning it’s designed to allow for bending, stretching, and constant movement without restricting the wearer during a 12-hour shift. The fit is practical and functional above all else.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down entirely to your lifestyle and professional needs. Both brands deliver quality and style, but they aren't interchangeable.

Choose Fabletics if:

• You're looking for fashionable, versatile activewear for workouts and daily life.
• You want to build an athleisure wardrobe affordably and appreciate a subscription model.
• You prioritize features like high-compression fabrics, multiple inseam options, and on-trend designs.
• You want a wide variety of product types, including leggings, tops, jackets, and accessories.

Choose Mandala Scrubs if:

• You're a healthcare professional who needs durable and functional workwear.
• You want to express your personality with unique, colorful, and artistic scrub designs.
• You need your work clothes to be stain-resistant, breathable, and able to withstand frequent, industrial-strength washing.
• You prefer buying specialized work apparel from a dedicated expert brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Fabletics and Mandala Scrubs competitors?

No, not directly. Fabletics sells general activewear to the public, while Mandala Scrubs is a niche brand specifically for medical professionals. They operate in two entirely different apparel markets.

Which brand is cheaper?

For an individual item, Fabletics often ends up being cheaper due to its frequent sales and the substantial discounts offered through its VIP membership program.

Can I wear Fabletics leggings as scrubs?

It's not recommended. Fabletics apparel isn't designed for a clinical environment. They lack the necessary pocket utility, fluid resistance, and durability to withstand the demands of healthcare work and sterilization processes.

Which brand has better quality?

Both brands offer excellent quality for their designed purpose. Mandala Scrubs have higher durability for withstanding constant washing and harsh conditions. Fabletics offers premium-feeling activewear with features like compression and moisture-wicking technology at an affordable price.

Do both brands offer inclusive sizing?

Yes, both Fabletics and Mandala Scrubs are known for their inclusive size ranges, catering to a wide variety of body types from petite and XXS to plus sizes and 4X.

What is the Fabletics subscription model?

The Fabletics VIP Membership is a flexible subscription where you're charged $59.95 each month. This charge becomes a shopping credit you can use to buy any 2-piece outfit or item. You can choose to skip any month by the 5th and you will not be charged.

Does Mandala Scrubs have a subscription service?

No, Mandala Scrubs operates on a traditional e-commerce model where you purchase items directly without any recurring membership or subscription.

What are the return policies?

Fabletics has a generous 45-day window for returns and exchanges. Mandala Scrubs offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee for their products.