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

Glyder offers contemporary, mid-range activewear with a focus on high-performance fabrics and sleek, minimalist designs, appealing to those who invest in durability. In contrast, Fabletics operates on a subscription-first model, providing trendy, vibrant, and size-inclusive activewear at a much more accessible price point. The core difference lies in their business model and aesthetic: Glyder is a premium, classic buy, while Fabletics is a budget-friendly way to build a large and colorful workout wardrobe.

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

Glyder: Contemporary Performance Activewear

Glyder is an activewear brand that blends modern design with functional performance features. It targets fashion-conscious consumers who want high-quality workout clothing that is both stylish and durable. The brand’s aesthetic leans toward sleek, sophisticated, and minimalist styles that are versatile enough for the gym, errands, and casual wear.

• Product mix: The collection focuses on sleek leggings, sports bras, tanks, and tops that combine function with fashion. Their clothing often incorporates details like mesh panels and flattering high-rise waistbands.
• Price point: Glyder sits in the mid-range price category. Expect to pay between $70-$100 for a pair of leggings and $40-$60 for a sports bra.
• Quality: The brand is known for using high-quality, squat-proof materials that are moisture-wicking and offer four-way stretch. The fabrics feel luxurious and are designed to hold up through intense workouts and repeated washing.
• Sizing/Fit: Glyder's clothing generally runs true to size with a consistent fit. The designs are meant to contour and flatter the body without being overly restrictive, offering sizes from XS to XL, with some styles going up to XXL.
• Style & Aesthetic: Think minimalist, modern, and understated. Glyder focuses on neutral and muted color palettes, making their pieces easy to mix and match.
• Return policy: Glyder offers a standard 30-day return policy for items in new, unworn condition.

For those who prioritize premium-feeling fabrics, durability, and a clean aesthetic, Glyder presents a strong argument as a go-to activewear investment.

Shop Glyder: glyder.com

Fabletics: Affordable, Trendy & Inclusive Gear

Co-founded by Kate Hudson, Fabletics has made a huge impact on the activewear market with its subscription-based VIP membership program. The brand is known for making trendy, stylish activewear accessible through affordable pricing and an incredibly inclusive size range. Fabletics targets a younger, fashion-forward demographic that loves variety, bold styles, and getting a great deal.

• Product mix: Fabletics offers a huge range of products, including leggings, sports bras, tops, joggers, and outerwear. They frequently release new collections with bold prints and on-trend colorways.
• Price point: Incredibly affordable with its VIP membership. Members can often get a complete two-piece outfit for around $50-$60, with individual leggings frequently priced between $25-$50. Non-member prices are higher.
• Quality: The quality is good for the price, especially their signature PowerHold and Motion365 fabrics. While some older, lower-priced items may be less durable than premium brands, their overall quality has improved significantly over the years.
• Sizing/Fit: A major strength for Fabletics is its commitment to inclusivity, with most items available in sizes XXS to 4X. Sizing generally runs true, though fit can sometimes vary between different fabrics and styles.
• Shopping Experience: Primarily online through its VIP membership program, which offers deep discounts. Fabletics has also opened dozens of physical stores across the U.S. for an in-person shopping option.
• Return policy: Fabletics offers a flexible return and exchange policy within 90 days for VIP members, making it easy to find the perfect fit.

Fabletics is the clear choice for shoppers who want trendy, colorful workout clothes at a budget-friendly price, with one of the most inclusive size ranges on the market.

Shop Fabletics: fabletics.com

Glyder vs. Fabletics Comparison

Price Comparison

There's a significant price difference between the two brands. A pair of Glyder leggings will typically cost between $70 and $100. They position themselves as a mid-tier activewear investment, you're paying for premium material and design longevity.

Fabletics is famously budget-friendly, but its best pricing is locked behind its "VIP Membership." With a membership, you can score two-piece outfits for under $60, and their frequent sales offer leggings as low as $25. Without the membership, prices are comparable to other mid-range brands, but the value is clearly intended for members. For sheer affordability and quantity, Fabletics is the winner.

Quality & Materials

Glyder holds an edge in fabric quality and construction. Their materials often feel more luxurious, compressive, and are consistently squat-proof and durable over the long term. Their focus is on performance-first fabrics that endure demanding workouts and frequent washing without pilling or losing shape.

Fabletics offers impressive quality for its price, especially with their signature PowerHold fabric, which is highly compressive and flattering. While their pieces are perfectly suitable for most workouts, the longevity might not match Glyder's on every item. Fabletics prioritizes trend and variety, while Glyder prioritizes lifetime performance.

Style & Aesthetic

The styles are geared toward two different customers. Glyder is for the minimalist who appreciates sophisticated, timeless activewear. Their collections feature clean lines, subtle details like mesh inserts, and a more muted or neutral color palette. It's a versatile look that transitions well from the studio to the street.

Fabletics is for the fashion-forward maximalist. Their collections are defined by bold prints, bright colors, cutouts, and of-the-moment trends. If you want your activewear to make a statement and love having a wide variety of eye-catching options, Fabletics is your brand.

Fit & Sizing

Glyder offers consistent, true-to-size fits designed for athletic performance, typically in sizes ranging from XS to XL or XXL. The fit is designed to conform to and support your body through movement.

Fabletics is a leader in inclusive sizing. With sizes from XXS to 4X, they cater to a much broader range of body types. While the sizing is generally true, the fit can sometimes differ slightly between various collections and fabric types due to the sheer volume of styles they produce.

Sustainability & Ethics

Neither brand is a clear sustainability champion, but both are making progress. Glyder has started to incorporate more eco-friendly fabrics and processes into its production, though transparency is still limited. As a smaller brand, its shifts can be more nimble.

Fabletics has also taken steps toward sustainability by using recycled materials in some products and committing to more responsible sourcing. However, as a fast-fashion business model built on frequent new releases presents inherent challenges to sustainability.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands deliver great activewear, but for entirely different priorities. Your choice will come down to a balance of budget, style, and performance expectations.

Choose Glyder if:

• You prefer a minimalist, sleek, and timeless aesthetic with muted colorways.
• You're willing to invest more in high-performance fabrics that offer superior durability.
• You practice high-intensity workouts and need clothing that is consistently squat-proof and supportive.
• Building a capsule wardrobe with versatile, long-lasting pieces is your main goal.

Choose Fabletics if:

• You're on a budget and love getting new activewear at a significant discount.
• You want your workout clothes to be bold, colorful, trendy, and expressive.
• Finding apparel in an inclusive size range from XXS to 4X is a top priority for you.
• You enjoy the variety of a subscription service that drops new collections every month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Glyder or Fabletics cheaper?

Fabletics is significantly cheaper, especially if you subscribe to their VIP Membership program. With the membership, you can often buy a complete outfit for less than the price of a single pair of leggings from Glyder.

Which has better quality leggings?

Glyder generally has better quality leggings in terms of fabric feel and long-term durability. Their materials are focused on performance and longevity. However, Fabletics offers excellent quality for its low price point, particularly with their technical fabrics like PowerHold and Motion365.

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

Glyder is often preferred for more intense workouts. Its emphasis on supportive, moisture-wicking, and durable fabrics make it a reliable choice for high-impact activities where performance and material longevity are essential.

Does Glyder or Fabletics have more sizes?

Fabletics offers a far more inclusive size range, with most of their apparel available in sizes from XXS to 4X. Glyder's sizing is more traditional, typically running from XS to XL or XXL.

Do Fabletics leggings run true to size?

For the most part, Fabletics leggings run true to size. However, because they offer so many styles in different fabrics, some customers find it helpful to read reviews for specific items to see if a style runs small or large.

Are Glyder leggings squat-proof?

Yes, Glyder is known for creating high-quality, squat-proof leggings. This is a key feature of their performance-focused design, ensuring coverage and confidence during any workout.

Do you need a subscription to shop at Fabletics?

No, you do not need a subscription. You can shop at Fabletics as a regular guest, but you won't get the VIP pricing, which offers the most significant savings. Guest prices are comparable to other mid-range brands.

Which brand is better for casual wear or athleisure?

Both brands are excellent for athleisure. Your choice depends on your personal style. Glyder offers a more minimalist, sophisticated look, while Fabletics provides more expressive, trendy options with a wider array of styles like joggers, hoodies, and jackets.