Free People vs. FP Movement: What's the difference?

Free People is a bohemian-inspired fashion brand known for its flowy dresses, intricate details, and vintage aesthetic, while FP Movement is its activewear sub-brand focused on functional, stylish apparel for yoga, running, and the gym. The primary difference is their purpose: Free People designs everyday fashion, from jeans to event dresses, whereas FP Movement creates performance-oriented clothing specifically for an active lifestyle, often at a more accessible price point.

Let's look at everything you need to know to choose the right line for your wardrobe.

Free People: The Bohemian-Chic Fashion Mainstay

Free People is a retail brand that caters to a free-spirited, artistic customer who loves unique, vintage-inspired pieces. It is known for a distinct boho-chic look that combines femininity with a relaxed, eclectic sensibility. The brand appeals to those looking for clothing that feels personal and expressive, steering clear of mainstream fast-fashion trends.

• Product mix: A wide range of women's apparel including dresses, sweaters, denim, outerwear, intimates, accessories, and shoes. The collections are defined by romantic details, flowy silhouettes, and artisanal touches like embroidery and lace.
• Price point: Positioned in a mid-range to premium category. Basics may start around $50, but sweaters and dresses commonly range from $100 to over $300, particularly for more detailed or high-quality material pieces.
• Quality & Materials: The focus is on tactile, high-quality fabrics like cotton, linen, silk blends, and specialty knits. Pieces are designed for their unique look and feel, emphasizing craftsmanship over pure athletic function.
• Style & Aesthetic: The core look is undeniably bohemian, romantic, and vintage. Think floral prints, earthy tones, oversized knits, and flowy maxi dresses perfect for casual wear, festivals, or relaxed social gatherings.
• Sizing/Fit: Garments often feature a relaxed, oversized, or flowy fit. Many shoppers find that the sizing runs large, and it is common to size down for a more structured look.

Free People is the ideal choice for building a unique, fashion-forward wardrobe with artisanal pieces that stand out.

Shop Free People: freepeople.com

FP Movement: The Stylish & Functional Activewear Line

FP Movement is Free People's activewear line, created for women who want to maintain a stylish look while working out and running errands. It blends the brand’s signature free-spirited aesthetic with the technical features required for athletic performance. The line is designed to be versatile, easily transitioning from a yoga class to a coffee run.

• Product mix: Apparel specifically designed for activities like yoga, running, hiking, and studio workouts. This includes high-performance leggings, sports bras, tank tops, jackets, and all-in-one workout onesies.
• Price point: Generally more affordable than the mainline collection, with most items falling between $30 and $100. This makes it more accessible for building a functional workout wardrobe.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes performance-oriented fabrics such as nylon, spandex, and recycled polyester blends. These materials are chosen for their moisture-wicking properties, breathability, stretch, and durability for athletic activity.
• Style & Aesthetic: Modern, sporty, and youthful, but with a clear connection to the Free People ethos. Expect bold colors, unique patterns, cut-out details, and sleek silhouettes that meet current athleisure trends.
• Sizing/Fit: Designed to be more form-fitting and supportive for workouts. The sizing typically runs true to size to provide a secure, comfortable fit during movement.

FP Movement is perfect for those who want functional, fashion-forward activewear that doesn't sacrifice performance for style.

Shop FP Movement: freepeople.com/fp-movement

Free People vs. FP Movement Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear price distinction between the two lines. Free People positions itself as a higher-end fashion brand, where a sweater can easily cost $150 and a dress can exceed $300. You are paying for intricate design, unique fabrics, and a distinct fashion statement.

In contrast, FP Movement is priced more competitively within the athleisure market. Leggings typically hover around $80-$100 and sports bras are often in the $50-$70 range. This makes it a more accessible option for building out a collection of workout essentials.

Quality & Materials

The brands' different purposes dictate their material choices. Free People uses delicate, expressive materials for its fashion pieces, like crochet knits, soft cotton gauze, silk velvets, and high-quality linen. The focus is on texture, drape, and visual appeal, which sometimes requires more delicate care.

FP Movement prioritizes technical performance. Its clothing is made from durable, modern fabrics engineered to stretch, wick sweat, and withstand repeated washing and intense physical activity. While still high-quality for activewear, the materials serve a functional purpose first and a fashion purpose second.

Style & Aesthetic

While both lines share a bohemian-adjacent spirit, their aesthetics are distinct. Free People’s style is romantic, artistic, and often has a vintage or retro feel. It is about creating entire outfits and expressing a personality through clothing, with layers, unique silhouettes, and feminine details.

FP Movement has a more modern, energetic, and streamlined look. The style is centered around athleisure trends - sleek matching sets, bright colorways, and functional designs with stylish-yet-sporty cutouts. It has the Free People vibe, but translated into a language of fitness and movement.

Fit & Sizing

Fit is one of the most important differentiators for shoppers. Free People is known for its intentionally oversized and relaxed fits. Flowy tops, slouchy sweaters, and wide-leg pants are common, and many customers size down to achieve a less voluminous silhouette.

FP Movement offers a much more standard, true-to-size fit. Activewear like leggings and sports bras are designed to be compressive and snug for support, while layers like pullovers have a comfortable, but not excessively oversized, feel. You can generally order your typical size with confidence.

Sustainability & Ethics

As divisions of the same parent company, both Free People and FP Movement adhere to the same corporate sustainability goals. The fashion line has initiatives focused on using eco-friendly fabrics and ethical sourcing. Over in activewear, FP Movement prominently features collections made from recycled or eco-conscious performance materials, appealing directly to environmentally-aware fitness enthusiasts.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, these two lines are not competitors but complements, serving distinct needs within a single brand universe.

Choose Free People if:

• You're shopping for non-activewear like dresses, designer jeans, jackets, or blouses.
• Your personal style is bohemian, vintage-inspired, or romantic.
• You are looking for a statement piece for a festival, vacation, or special event.
• You appreciate unique details, artisanal craftsmanship, and high-quality natural fabrics.

Choose FP Movement if:

• You need functional, high-performance clothing for workouts, yoga, or running.
• You prefer an athleisure look for everyday wear and want stylish leggings, tops, and sets.
• You want clothing with technical features like moisture-wicking and four-way stretch.
• You love the Free People brand aesthetic but are looking for more affordable, comfortable options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FP Movement the same as Free People?

Not exactly. FP Movement is the official activewear line of Free People. Think of it as a specialized sub-brand under the main Free People umbrella, focusing exclusively on sportswear and athleisure.

Is Free People or FP Movement more expensive?

Free People is significantly more expensive. Its ready-to-wear fashion pieces often cost two to three times as much as the activewear items offered by FP Movement, which are priced competitively with other popular athleisure brands.

Does FP Movement run true to size?

Yes, FP Movement generally runs true to size. Its items are designed for a supportive, contoured fit appropriate for physical activity. Free People, on the other hand, is known for running large with intentionally oversized and relaxed fits.

What is FP Movement known for?

FP Movement is best known for its stylish and highly popular workout onesies (like the Good Karma Onesie), uniquely stylish leggings, and versatile activewear sets that look great both in and out of the gym.

What is Free People known for?

Free People is famous for its bohemian dresses, intricate embroidered tops, oversized cozy sweaters, and wide-leg pants. The brand excels at creating effortless, romantic looks with a vintage feel.

Can you return FP Movement clothing to a Free People store?

Yes. Since they are part of the same company and sold in the same stores and on the same website, you can return FP Movement items to any Free People store following their standard return policy.

Is FP Movement good quality for working out?

Yes, FP Movement clothing is made with high-quality, technical performance fabrics designed for athletic activities. The materials offer stretch, support, and moisture-wicking properties suitable for intense workouts.

Which is better for everyday casual wear?

Both can be great for casual wear, depending on your style. If your casual look is oriented around fashion tops, jeans, and dresses, Free People is the better choice. If your casual style leans towards leggings, hoodies, and an athleisure vibe, then FP Movement is perfect for you.