Hey Jo Leggings vs. Lululemon: Which brand is better? [2026]

Hey Jo offers trendy, colorful leggings at an affordable price point, making fashion-forward activewear accessible, while Lululemon is a premium brand known for its high-performance fabrics, minimalist aesthetic, and significantly higher prices. The key differentiators are Hey Jo’s budget-friendly approach and vibrant designs versus Lululemon's focus on technical innovation, durability, and a luxury brand experience.

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

Hey Jo: The Vibrant & Affordable Activewear Brand

Hey Jo is a contemporary activewear brand that targets women seeking stylish, comfortable, and affordable options for both workouts and casual wear. The brand stands out with its bold, playful prints and a strong emphasis on inclusive sizing, offering a refreshing and accessible alternative in the athleisure market. Their customer is typically younger and trend-conscious, wanting to express personality through their workout gear without spending a fortune.

• Product mix: Primarily high-waisted and seamless leggings, coordinating sports bras, and matching activewear sets.
• Price point: Very accessible, with most leggings falling in the $20 to $50 range, making it easy to build a versatile activewear collection on a budget.
• Quality: Made from standard polyester, spandex, and nylon blends, Hey Jo leggings offer good comfort and durability for casual wear, yoga, and light workouts but are not designed for intense, high-impact training.
• Sizing/Fit: Focuses on inclusive sizing, typically available from XS to 3X. Some shoppers report that certain styles can run a bit small, so it's wise to consult their size guide before purchasing.
• Style/Aesthetic: Known for being bright, bold, and fun. Expect eye-catching prints, vibrant colors, and trendy designs that transition easily from the gym to daily activities.

Hey Jo is the ideal choice for shoppers who want fashionable, comfortable activewear for everyday life without the premium price tag.

Shop Hey Jo: heyjostore.com

Lululemon: The Leader in High-Performance Activewear

Lululemon is a global leader in the premium activewear space, recognized for superior fabric technology, exceptional fit, and a strong community-focused brand. Their products are designed for performance, targeting active individuals who are willing to invest in high-quality gear that lasts. Signature products like the buttery-soft Align leggings and the durable Wunder Train tights have built a loyal following among yogis, runners, and fitness enthusiasts.

• Product mix: Extensive range of leggings, sports bras, tops, jackets, and accessories for women and men, covering everything from yoga to running and training.
• Price point: Positioned at the premium end of the market. A typical pair of Lululemon leggings costs between $98 and $148.
• Quality: Exceptional durability is a brand hallmark. Reinforced stitching and high-quality construction mean their pieces hold up to years of high-intensity workouts and frequent washing.
• Technology/Innovation: Famous for its proprietary fabrics like Nulu™ (for the Align collection), Luon™ (the original), and Everlux™ (fast-drying for intense training). Each fabric is engineered for a specific feel and performance outcome.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for a consistent, true-to-size fit. Available in sizes 0-20, though most core styles go up to a 14. Detailed size charts help ensure a great fit.
• Style/Aesthetic: Tends to be minimalist, sleek, and versatile. The focus is on clean lines and sophisticated, often muted color palettes that are timeless and easy to style.

Lululemon excels in creating high-performance, long-lasting activewear for those who view it as a functional investment.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Hey Jo vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

The most significant difference between these two brands is the price. Hey Jo leggings are squarely in the budget-friendly category, ranging from $20 to $50. For the price of one pair of Lululemon leggings, you could purchase three or four pairs from Hey Jo.

Lululemon operates in the premium market, with leggings starting at $98 and going up to $148 or more for specialized styles. While the upfront cost is high, many customers feel the investment is justified by the product's longevity and performance.

Quality & Materials

Lululemon's reputation is built on its innovative, proprietary fabrics. Materials like Nulu™ feel weightless and buttery-soft, while Everlux™ is engineered to wick away sweat and dry incredibly fast during intense workouts. The stitching is reinforced and the construction is designed to withstand years of wear, making it a reliable choice for serious athletes.

Hey Jo uses more standard activewear materials, typically blends of polyester and spandex. These fabrics offer good comfort and stretch for everyday activities and low-impact fitness like yoga or walking. However, they lack the advanced moisture-wicking properties and compressive technology found in Lululemon gear and may not hold up as well over time with intense use.

Fit & Sizing

Lululemon is known for its excellent and consistent fit. Once you find your size, you can typically buy across different styles with confidence. Their sizing generally runs from 0-20, which is standard but not as inclusive as some newer brands.

Hey Jo champions inclusive sizing, often offering sizes from XS up to 3X. This makes the brand a better option for a wider range of body types. While the brand aims for a comfortable, flattering fit, some customers note that sizing can be slightly inconsistent between styles, so reading reviews and the size guide is a good precautionary step.

Style & Aesthetic

The stylistic approaches of the two brands are worlds apart. Hey Jo is fun, youthful, and trendy. Its collections are filled with vibrant colors, seasonal patterns, and bold prints that make a statement. It’s for the person who sees their activewear as another way to express their personal style.

Lululemon’s aesthetic is more subtle, minimalist, and timeless. They primarily use solid, versatile colors and focus on creating sleek silhouettes that contour the body. Its look is understated and sophisticated, appealing to those who prefer performance-focused gear that can just as easily be worn with a sweater and boots.

Shopping Experience

Lululemon provides a premium retail experience, whether in their well-designed physical stores or on their user-friendly website. In-store staff are trained as "educators" to help with fitting and product recommendations. Their online platform features detailed product info, fabric guides, and abundant customer reviews.

As a primarily online brand, Hey Jo offers a more straightforward e-commerce experience. The website is easy to navigate, with a focus on visuals and quick purchasing. While it lacks the personalized touch of a Lululemon store, customer service is generally responsive for an online retailer.

Sustainability & Ethics

Lululemon has established clear public goals around sustainability, including using more eco-friendly materials, reducing their carbon footprint, and ensuring supply chain transparency. They have programs like "Lululemon Like New" for trade-ins and resale, demonstrating a commitment to circularity.

Hey Jo's sustainability efforts are not a main focus of their branding. As a brand competing on price, it is less likely they have the resources or margin to invest heavily in sustainable materials or transparent supply chains to the same extent as Lululemon.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands serve their audiences well, but who they cater to is very different.

Choose Hey Jo if:

• You're shopping on a budget and love a good deal.
• You enjoy wearing bright colors, fun patterns, and trendy styles.
• Your primary need is for comfortable leggings for casual wear, errands, or low-impact exercise.
• You value inclusive sizing that extends beyond standard ranges.

Choose Lululemon if:

• Performance, fabric technology, and durability are your top priorities.
• You engage in high-intensity training, running, or serious yoga sessions and need gear that can keep up.
• You prefer a minimalist, versatile style that will look good for years.
• You are willing to invest in premium apparel that offers long-term value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hey Jo or Lululemon cheaper?

Hey Jo is significantly cheaper. Their leggings typically cost between $20-$50, whereas Lululemon leggings are priced between $98-$148.

Are Hey Jo leggings good quality?

Hey Jo leggings offer good quality for their price point. They are well-suited for casual wear, lounging, and light exercises. However, they do not match the high-performance materials and advanced durability of premium brands like Lululemon.

Are Lululemon leggings worth the price?

For many people, yes. The high price tag reflects advanced fabric technologies, durable construction, and an excellent fit that holds its shape over years of use and washing. If you are very active and wear your leggings frequently for intense workouts, the investment is often worth it.

Which brand has better sizing?

Lululemon offers highly consistent, true-to-size fits that customers rely on. Hey Jo offers a more inclusive size range (up to 3X in many styles), making it accessible to a broader audience, though consistency can sometimes vary between products.

Which brand is better for running and high-intensity workouts?

Lululemon is the clear winner for running and high-intensity training. Its proprietary fabrics are engineered for sweat-wicking, breathability, and support, which are crucial for performance activities.

Are Hey Jo leggings squat-proof?

This can vary by style and color. Lighter-colored or thinner leggings from budget-friendly brands are more likely to become sheer when stretched. It's always a good idea to check product reviews for feedback on specific styles.

Does Lululemon ever go on sale?

Yes. Lululemon doesn't have traditional sales, but their website features a permanent "We Made Too Much" section where you can find products at a discount. These items are often final sale.

Which brand is more stylish?

Style is subjective. If your style is bold, colorful, and trendy, you will likely prefer Hey Jo. If you prefer a minimalist, sleek, and timeless aesthetic, Lululemon will be more your speed.