Fabletics vs. Sweaty Betty: Which brand should you buy?

Fabletics offers trendy, affordable activewear centered around a flexible subscription model, making it a go-to for shoppers who want fashionable styles without a big investment. In contrast, Sweaty Betty is a premium British brand focused on high-performance, durable apparel, positioning itself as a luxury option for those who prioritize quality and sophisticated design for their workouts.

Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which activewear brand better suits your style, budget, and fitness needs.

Fabletics: Stylish & Accessible Activewear

Co-founded by actress Kate Hudson, Fabletics disrupted the activewear market with its membership model that provides stylish and accessible workout clothes. The brand targets those who love fashion-forward designs, bright colors, and bold patterns for their gym sessions and everyday athleisure wear. With a strong emphasis on inclusivity, Fabletics offers a wide range of sizes to fit many body types.

• Product mix: A broad selection of leggings, sports bras, tops, jackets, and matching sets. Known for their signature PowerHold and PowerForm fabrics that provide support and compression for various workouts.
• Price point: Very affordable, especially for members. Leggings typically cost between $25-$50, and sports bras are around $15-$40, with frequent promotions and member-exclusive deals.
• Quality: The quality is good for the price point, suitable for moderate workouts and casual wear. While materials are comfortable and functional, they may not offer the same longevity as more premium brands after heavy use and washing.
• Style & Aesthetic: Designs are youthful, vibrant, and always on-trend. Expect a constant refresh of new patterns, bold colors, and seasonal collections.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is inclusive, running from XS to 3X. Most items fit true to size, but it's wise to check customer reviews on specific styles as consistency can sometimes vary.
• Shopping Experience: Primarily an online operation centered around a monthly VIP membership that offers significant discounts. While flexible, some shoppers find the need to "skip the month" a bit cumbersome to manage.

Fabletics is an excellent choice for building a versatile activewear wardrobe on a budget, offering trendy looks that perform well for gym workouts and daily errands alike.

Shop Fabletics: fabletics.com

Sweaty Betty: Premium Performance & Sophisticated Style

The UK-based company has a mission to empower women through fitness and has established itself as an upscale leader in the activewear space, blending high performance with a refined aesthetic. The collections focus on activity-specific designs for running, yoga, and swimming constructed with technical fabrics that are made to maintain shape. Their products are made to last and justify their premium price.

• Product mix: A thoughtfully developed line including their popular Power Leggings, Zero Gravity running shorts, and supportive tops built for high-impact activities.
• Price point: Prices are in the higher tier, putting it in the investment category of their target shoppers. The high prices are consistent with their product offerings, like durability and luxury materials.
• Quality: Sweaty Betty's products are known to last and continue their support. Made with long-lasting quality, the fabric is designed to be sweat-wicking to keep skin cool while contouring to shape bodies and hold through multiple washes over time.
• Style & Aesthetic: The brand is described as both chic and contemporary, with designs that can be worn beyond an average workout or daily errands. Neutral or monochromatic tones with subtle pops of color give the brand more wear outside of intense workout sessions.
• Sizing/Fit: Their leggings range from XS to XXL, known for being true to their sizing. Their leggings offer a precise bum-sculpting feel with the support of light compression and a 4-way stretch fabric that's breathable.
• Sustainability: The Sweaty Betty Foundation takes extra steps in developing their product and brand mission with various sustainable goals. By partnering in charitable programs like Baby2Baby and donating pre-loved activewear, the company maintains its commitment to sustainability.

Sweaty Betty is perfect for shoppers looking to add style and sustainability to their performance wear, making it ideal for a collection of workout looks without compromising on luxury.

Shop Sweaty Betty: sweatybetty.com

Fabletics vs. Sweaty Betty Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference in pricing between these two brands. Fabletics is built on affordability, with leggings often available for under $50 and frequent two-for-$24 member deals. Their subscription model is designed to make trendy activewear accessible to a broad audience.

Sweaty Betty operates in a premium market. A single pair of their iconic Power Leggings costs around $100. The brand justifies its prices with high-quality technical fabrics, superior construction, and long-term durability. This is a brand for someone ready to invest in long-lasting performance gear.

Quality & Materials

Sweaty Betty has a distinct edge in quality and materials. They use premium fabrics designed for technical performance, offering excellent moisture-wicking properties, four-way stretch, and a durable finish that holds up after countless wears and washes. You can feel the quality in the construction, with reinforced seams and thoughtful fits.

Fabletics offers impressive quality for its price. Their signature fabrics, like PowerHold, provide good compression and support for most workouts. However, they may not have the same longevity or high-end feel as Sweaty Betty's materials and are better suited for moderate use rather than intense, daily training.

Style & Aesthetic

Their styles appeal to different tastes. Fabletics is all about fun, vibrancy, and popular trends. Their collections are full of eye-catching prints, bold colors, and frequent collaborations that keep their assortment looking new and exciting. It's for the person who loves changing up their workout look often and staying current.

Sweaty Betty has a more timeless and refined aesthetic. Their look is sleek, minimalist, and versatile, often using sophisticated color palettes and subtle patterns. Products can easily transition from the studio to the street, appealing to those who want fashionable activewear that feels elegant and put-together.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands do an excellent job with inclusive sizing. Fabletics offers sizes from XS to 3X catering to a wide variety of body types. While the general fit is true to size for most women, some styles can vary slightly depending on certain designs and fabrics. Their detailed style quizzes and reviews can provide insight into style variations.

Sweaty Betty is celebrated for its excellent, consistent fit, especially their leggings. Their fabrics are engineered with precision ensuring that each cut supports the body perfectly, without slipping or discomfort. Their sizing is a core design element, ensuring each product has a fit as durable as its design.

Sustainability & Ethics

Sustainability is increasingly important to consumers, and active brands are responding. Sweaty Betty has responded by being more intentional with its charity-driven model, The Sweaty Betty Foundation, and by using ethically sourced materials in their design process.

Fabletics has also made recent efforts, pledging 100% recyclable packaging by 2025 and offering more sustainable styles. The brand plans on providing updates on its commitment and impact throughout its production cycle.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your personal priorities for activewear. Both brands are strong contenders but excel in different ways.

Choose Fabletics if:

• You are on a budget and love getting fashionable workout sets for a reasonable price.
• Your style leans towards trendy, featuring bold and eye-catching designs.
• You love building a large, varied collection of activewear without overspending.
• Your workout needs cater to moderate activities like gym training and yoga, as well as everyday styling outfits.

Choose Sweaty Betty if:

• You are ready to invest in premium activewear made with high-quality, sustainable materials.
• Your style is chic and contemporary, favoring subtle tones and monochromatic styles both in and out of the gym.
• Your active outfits consist of high-performance wear that's well-made and durable for intense workouts.
• Sustainability plays a significant role in your decision-making, alongside a positive ethical brand impact.