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

Fabletics is a subscription-based activewear brand known for its trendy, fashion-forward designs and inclusive sizing, often at a mid-range price. In contrast, Popfit is a more budget-friendly option focused on functional, minimalist staples without a subscription model, appealing to shoppers who prioritize value and performance over seasonal trends.

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

Fabletics: Stylish & Subscription-Based Activewear

Co-founded by Kate Hudson, Fabletics blends fashion with fitness, offering stylish and high-quality workout clothing primarily through its flexible VIP membership. Their target customer is someone who wants trendy, coordinated outfits for the gym and beyond, and who enjoys the perks of a subscription service, including personalized monthly selections and significant discounts.

• Product mix: A wide array of leggings, sports bras, tops, jackets, and accessories. They also offer coordinated sets and an extensive range of athleisure wear perfect for a post-workout brunch or running errands.
• Price point: Most leggings are priced between $30 and $50 for VIP members. While retail prices are higher, a majority of shoppers use the membership to access deeper discounts and promotions.
• Quality: Known for its signature sculpting fabrics like PowerHold and Motion365, which offer compression, moisture-wicking properties, and a durable feel suitable for high-intensity workouts and daily wear.
• Sizing/Fit: Highly inclusive, offering sizes from XXS to 4X. Fabletics is generally true to size, with detailed guides to help you find the correct fit for different fabric compressions.
• Rewards program: The VIP membership is the core of their model. Members pay a monthly fee (which becomes a shopping credit) to access discounts of 20-50%, early access to new collections, and free shipping.
• Return policy: Offers a flexible 45-day window for returns and exchanges.

Fabletics is best for shoppers who want a constant stream of new, fashionable activewear and appreciate the convenience and savings a membership offers.

Shop Fabletics: fabletics.com

Popfit: Functional Fitness Apparel for Less

Popfit has built its reputation on providing functional, durable, and stylish activewear at highly accessible prices. The brand appeals to budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts who need reliable gear without committing to a subscription. Their aesthetic is more minimalist and classic, focusing on versatile pieces that perform well during any workout.

• Product mix: Concentrates on workout essentials like leggings, shorts, sports bras, and tank tops. Their leggings are especially popular for featuring deep, functional side pockets.
• Price point: Very budget-friendly, with most leggings priced between $20 and $40. They frequently run bundle deals and promotions, offering excellent value.
• Quality: Popfit uses moisture-wicking, four-way stretch fabric that is both comfortable and durable enough for various activities. The construction ensures that apparel holds up well to frequent washing and wearing.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers sizes from XS to XXL. Popfit is known to have a reliable, true-to-size fit with clear measurement charts on their website.
• Shopping experience: A straightforward online store with no subscription requirements. The website is easy to navigate, and checkout is simple and quick.
• Return policy: Maintains a customer-friendly return and exchange policy, though specifics can vary.

Popfit is an excellent choice for individuals seeking dependable, no-frills activewear that combines performance with affordability.

Shop Popfit: popfit.com

Fabletics vs. Popfit Comparison

Price Comparison

There's a clear difference in pricing strategy. Popfit is the more affordable option, with leggings consistently falling in the $20-$40 range. Their focus is on delivering good quality at a low price point, making them an excellent choice for anyone on a tight budget or just building out their activewear wardrobe.

Fabletics is priced higher, around $30-$50 for leggings, but this cost is offset by their VIP membership discounts. The value of Fabletics depends on your commitment to the membership, for regular shoppers, the savings can be substantial. For a one-off purchase, Popfit is almost always the cheaper choice.

Quality & Materials

Both brands deliver solid quality for their price points. Fabletics often has a more premium feel, utilizing specialized compression fabrics like PowerHold that offer excellent sculpting and support during high-impact activities. Their finishing and construction feel substantial and are built to last.

Popfit prioritizes core functionality with durable, four-way stretch, and moisture-wicking materials. While their fabrics might not have the same compressive or sculpting technology as Fabletics, they provide great comfort, flexibility, and longevity for everyday workouts. Popfit leggings are well-regarded for not being see-through, a key concern in affordable activewear.

Style & Aesthetic

Fabletics is all about trends. They release new collections monthly, often featuring bold prints, bright colors, and fashionable silhouettes that align with current athleisure and streetwear styles. If you want your gym outfits to be as stylish as your everyday clothes, Fabletics has a huge variety of options.

Popfit takes a more timeless approach. Their designs are sleek, modern, and often feature solid colors or subtle patterns. The aesthetic is minimalist and functional, designed to appeal to a broad audience who prefers classic workout gear over fast-fashion trends.

Fit & Sizing

Fabletics is a leader in inclusive sizing, with a range that extends from XXS to 4X across most of its products. This makes them a more accessible brand for a wider array of body types. Their fit is consistent and generally true to size.

Popfit offers a standard size range, typically from XS to XXL. While not as extensive as Fabletics, their sizing is reliable and their website provides clear guides to help shoppers choose the right size. For shoppers who fall within this range, Popfit is a dependable option.

Shopping Experience

The Fabletics experience revolves around its VIP membership. The site and app offer personalized recommendations and make it easy to manage your monthly "skip" or shop for new credits. This model is perfect for those who enjoy curated suggestions and shop frequently.

Popfit offers a traditional e-commerce experience. It is simple, direct, and free of any recurring commitment. This is ideal for shoppers who prefer to buy items as needed without the pressure of a monthly subscription deadline.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both companies are making progress in sustainability. Popfit often highlights its commitment to ethical sourcing and the use of recycled materials in some of its products, with a relatively transparent approach praised by eco-conscious consumers.

Fabletics has also taken steps toward sustainability, such as launching an eco-conscious collection and aiming to reduce waste. However, their supply chain transparency is not always as clear, though they are actively working to improve in this area.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right brand depends on what you value most in activewear. Both offer quality products but are geared toward different types of shoppers.

Choose Fabletics if:

• You view activewear as part of your personal style and love keeping up with trends.
• You work out frequently and are willing to join a membership to save money on regular purchases.
• You need a broad, inclusive size range that goes up to 4X.
• You enjoy the convenience of coordinated sets and one-stop shopping for complete outfits.

Choose Popfit if:

• You prioritize budget and want functional, reliable gear without breaking the bank.
• You prefer minimalist, classic workout clothes over bold, seasonal trends.
• You dislike subscription models and want to buy activewear only when you need it.
• You value deep pockets in your leggings for stashing your phone and keys.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fabletics or Popfit cheaper?

Popfit is consistently cheaper for a single purchase, with leggings typically priced between $20-$40. Fabletics is more expensive at retail, but its VIP membership offers significant discounts that can bring its prices closer to Popfit's range for frequent shoppers.

Which brand has better quality leggings?

Fabletics generally has a more premium feel, with high-compression, sculpting fabrics and thicker construction. However, Popfit offers excellent functional quality for its price, with durable, comfortable, and opaque materials that stand up to tough workouts.

Do you have to have a subscription for Fabletics?

No, you can buy Fabletics items at their full retail price without a VIP membership. However, the business is built around its membership model, which provides access to significant discounts, making it the more popular way to shop.

Is Popfit a subscription service?

No, Popfit operates as a traditional online retailer. There are no monthly charges or membership requirements to purchase their products.

Which brand offers more sizes?

Fabletics is the clear winner for size inclusivity, offering a range from XXS to 4X. Popfit's range is more standard, typically spanning from XS to XXL.

Which brand is better for intense workouts like running or HIIT?

Both brands make apparel suitable for intense workouts. Fabletics' high-compression fabrics offer excellent support for high-impact activities. Popfit's lightweight, moisture-wicking materials provide great comfort and flexibility, making it a solid choice as well.

What are the return policies?

Fabletics has a generous 45-day return and exchange window for its members. Popfit’s return policy is also customer-friendly, though the exact timeframe can vary, so it's best to check their current policy at the time of purchase.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Both brands are improving their sustainability practices. Popfit is often noted for its clearer communication about ethical sourcing and the use of recycled materials, which may appeal more to shoppers who prioritize supply chain transparency.