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

Fabletics is built on a subscription model offering trendy, fashion-forward activewear at an affordable price, making it a great choice for athleisure and light workouts. In contrast, Under Armour focuses on high-performance athletic gear with innovative fabric technology, targeting serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts who prioritize durability and function over style.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right activewear brand for your fitness goals and budget.

Fabletics: The Trendy & Affordable Athleisure Brand

Founded in 2013, Fabletics is a popular activewear brand known for its stylish designs and accessible subscription model. It targets a modern, style-conscious audience that wants versatile apparel for the gym, errands, and casual outings. Its VIP membership program is a key feature, offering significant discounts and exclusive collections to its members.

• Product mix: A wide range of leggings, sports bras, tops, jackets, and accessories for women, men, and kids. Their collections are known for blending performance features with contemporary fashion trends.
• Price point: Very affordable, especially with the VIP membership. Leggings are typically priced between $25-$50 and sports bras range from $15-$35.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes signature fabrics like PowerForm and PowerHold that offer four-way stretch, moisture-wicking capabilities, and good shape retention. Quality is focused on comfort and style for everyday wear and moderate exercise.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers inclusive sizing typically ranging from XS to 3X. Most items run true to size, making it a reliable choice for a broad range of body types.
• Shopping Experience: Primarily driven by its online VIP membership, which provides personalized styling recommendations and member-exclusive pricing. Customers have the option to "skip" months to avoid being charged.

Fabletics is the perfect choice for shoppers who want trend-driven activewear at a low price without needing advanced technical features for intense training.

Shop Fabletics: fabletics.com

Under Armour: The Performance & Innovation Specialist

Established in 1996, Under Armour is a global sportswear brand dedicated to making athletes better through high-performance gear. The brand is known for its fabric innovations and functional designs that cater to serious athletes and those committed to intense training. Their focus is squarely on durability, technical superiority, and helping users perform their best in any condition.

• Product mix: Specializes in performance apparel, including compression gear, running shoes, training shorts and tops, and outdoor clothing.
• Price point: Mid-range to premium, reflecting its focus on technology and quality. Leggings typically cost $40-$80 and sports bras are priced between $25-$50.
• Technology/Innovation: A leader in fabric technology. Innovations like moisture-wicking HeatGear for hot conditions, insulating ColdGear for the cold, and UA Storm waterproof technology are central to their brand identity.
• Quality & Materials: Known for superior durability and high-performance feel. Fabrics are engineered to withstand rigorous activity, manage moisture effectively, and last for years.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a wide size range, typically from XS to 4X, that generally runs true to size. Their "performance fit" means some compression items are intentionally snug, while loose-fit items offer more room.

Under Armour provides durable, high-tech gear for dedicated athletes who are willing to invest in apparel that directly supports their performance goals.

Shop Under Armour: underarmour.com

Fabletics vs. Under Armour Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference in pricing between the two brands. Fabletics is significantly more affordable, especially through its VIP membership program, where a pair of high-quality leggings can often be purchased for around $25-$30. This model makes building a versatile activewear wardrobe accessible on a budget.

Under Armour positions itself in the mid to premium market. A comparable pair of leggings can cost anywhere from $50 to $80. While they run sales and have an outlet section, the standard pricing reflects an investment in proprietary fabric technologies and a construction designed for long-term, high-intensity use. If budget is your primary concern, Fabletics is the clear winner.

Quality & Materials

Quality depends on your priorities. Fabletics offers good quality for the price, using comfortable and stylish materials like PowerHold, which provides gentle compression and a flattering fit for yoga or gym sessions. However, the materials are aimed more at comfort and style than extreme durability under high-abrasion activities.

Under Armour is the category leader in materials designed for athletic performance. Fabrics like HeatGear wick sweat and keep you cool, while ColdGear provides warmth without bulk. Their apparel is built to endure countless training sessions and washes, making it a more durable and long-lasting choice for serious athletes.

Style & Aesthetic

The brands' styles are worlds apart. Fabletics embraces trends, offering collections with bold patterns, vibrant colors, and unique cutouts. Their aesthetic is firmly in the athleisure space, creating pieces that transition smoothly from a workout to a coffee run.

Under Armour favors a more functional, performance-oriented aesthetic. Designs are often sleek and minimalist, with a focus on ergonomics and utility. While they offer various colors, their core look is a testament to serious athletic purpose rather than fashion.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands do an excellent job with inclusivity, and their sizing is generally reliable and true to size. Fabletics is well-known for offering sizes from XS to 3X, with a fit designed to flatter a variety of body types in a general-wear context.

Under Armour also offers an extensive size range, often up to 4X, but its fit is more sport-specific. Compression gear is meant to be very tight, while "loose fitting" training tops are cut to allow for maximum movement. It’s important to read the fit description on each Under Armour product to get what you need for your specific sport.

Sustainability & Ethics

Neither brand is primarily known for its sustainable practices, but both are making progress. Fabletics has introduced initiatives like using more recycled materials and eco-friendly packaging. However, their fast-fashion model of frequent new collections presents sustainability challenges.

Under Armour, as a larger global company, participates in broader initiatives like the Better Cotton Initiative and has committed to reducing its environmental impact in its supply chain. They provide a bit more transparency about their manufacturing efforts, but like many large sportswear brands, they still have work to do.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer great products, but they cater to very different needs. Your choice depends on your activity level, personal style, and budget.

Choose Fabletics if:

• You're on a budget and love a good deal through a membership program.
• You want trendy, stylish activewear with bold colors and patterns.
• You need versatile clothes that work for light workouts, yoga, and everyday casual wear.
• Building a large, affordable collection of athleisure is your priority.

Choose Under Armour if:

• You are a serious athlete who engages in high-intensity training, running, or specific sports.
• You prioritize durability, moisture-wicking technology, and performance features over style.
• You need gear that can handle intense conditions, like heat, cold, or rain.
• You are willing to invest more for high-tech apparel that will last a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fabletics or Under Armour cheaper?

Fabletics is significantly cheaper, particularly if you are a VIP Member. The membership provides exclusive access to new collections at a lower price point and often includes 2-for-1 deals, making it the more budget-friendly option.

Which brand has better quality?

For athletic performance and durability, Under Armour has superior quality. Their investment in fabric technology and construction designed for intense use makes their gear more resilient. Fabletics offers good quality for its price, focusing on comfort and style for less demanding activities.

How does the Fabletics VIP membership work?

The VIP membership is a flexible subscription. Each month, you're charged a member credit which you can use to buy any outfit or item up to $80. You also have the choice to "Skip the Month" by the 5th of each month, and you will not be charged.

Is Under Armour good for running?

Yes, Under Armour is excellent for running. They offer a wide range of running shoes and apparel with technologies designed to manage sweat, support muscles, and remain comfortable over long distances.

Is Fabletics durable enough for intense workouts?

Fabletics can be suitable for moderate gym workouts, yoga, and group fitness classes. However, for extremely high-intensity training, heavy weightlifting, or endurance sports, Under Armour's more durable construction is often a better choice.

Which brand is better for casual, everyday wear?

Fabletics excels in casual, everyday athleisure. Their trend-focused designs, comfortable fabrics, and stylish cuts are perfect for wearing outside the gym.

Do both brands offer inclusive sizing?

Yes, both Fabletics and Under Armour offer inclusive sizing. Fabletics typically provides XS-3X, and Under Armour offers a range up to 3X or 4X, catering to a diverse range of athletes and body types.

Can I buy Fabletics clothing without a membership?

Yes, you can purchase clothing from Fabletics at standard retail prices without signing up for the VIP membership, but the cost will be significantly higher.