Hey Nuts vs. Lululemon: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Hey Nuts provides trendy, fashion-forward activewear at an affordable, mid-range price point, targeting a younger audience that values modern style. In contrast, Lululemon is a premium performance brand known for its innovative, high-quality proprietary fabrics, superior durability, and timeless, minimalist aesthetic suited for serious athletes and lasting investment.

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

Hey Nuts: The Trendy & Affordable Activewear Brand

Hey Nuts is a modern activewear brand creating stylish and functional pieces that move easily from the gym to daily life. It appeals to a younger, fashion-conscious demographic (typically 18-35) looking for high-quality alternatives to luxury brands without the steep price tag. The brand emphasizes comfort, inclusive sizing, and bold, contemporary designs.

• Product mix: Their core offerings include a wide range of leggings, sports bras, joggers, and matching athleisure sets designed for workouts and casual wear.
• Price point: Most items fall between $50 and $120. Leggings are typically in the $60-$80 range, making the brand an accessible mid-range option.
• Quality & Materials: Products are made from quality moisture-wicking and stretchy fabrics that hold up well for regular active use. They also incorporate recycled materials into some collections.
• Sizing/Fit: Hey Nuts promotes body positivity with a broad and inclusive size range. Their styles generally run true to size, but the fit can sometimes vary between their more trend-driven designs.
• Sustainability: The brand takes an eco-conscious approach by using recycled fabrics in some lines and adhering to ethical manufacturing practices.

Hey Nuts is an excellent choice for shoppers seeking stylish, budget-friendly activewear with a modern aesthetic and inclusive approach.

Shop Hey Nuts: heynuts.com

Lululemon: The Leader in Premium Performance Apparel

Lululemon is a global leader in the premium athletic apparel market, famous for setting the standard in performance, comfort, and innovative fabric technology. Founded in 1998, the brand built its reputation on exceptionally crafted yoga and running gear that combines function with a sleek, minimalist style. Their target customer is typically aged 25-45 and willing to invest in high-quality, long-lasting activewear.

• Product mix: Lululemon offers a complete range of athletic apparel, from their iconic leggings and sports bras to running shorts, jackets, and everyday athleisure pieces.
• Price point: As a premium brand, prices range from $80 to over $200 for most items. For example, their bestselling Align leggings are priced around $98.
• Quality & Materials: The brand is renowned for durability, supported by superior construction and innovative fabrics that withstand intense workouts and frequent washing.
• Technology/Innovation: Lululemon engineers its own proprietary fabrics like Nulu (buttery-soft for yoga) and Everlux (fast-drying for high-intensity training), which offer unparalleled stretch, shape retention, and a "second-skin" feel.
• Sizing/Fit: With highly consistent sizing and an excellent fit across all products, Lululemon receives praise for its flattering, contouring designs. They offer a great range of sizes, including tall and petite options.
• Sustainability: Lululemon invests heavily in sustainability through responsible sourcing, recycling programs, and publicly reporting on their environmental impact.

Lululemon is the clear choice for those who prioritize fabric innovation, precise fit, and long-term durability in their performance apparel and are willing to pay a premium for it.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Hey Nuts vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a significant price difference between the two brands. Hey Nuts positions itself as an affordable yet quality alternative, with leggings costing between $60 and $80. This makes their full lineup accessible for shoppers building a workout wardrobe without a huge financial commitment.

Lululemon operates in the premium tier, where leggings start around $98 and can go much higher. While you're paying more, the cost reflects the investment in proprietary fabric technology, high-end construction, and a brand reputation for longevity. For those prioritizing value, Hey Nuts offers the better price point, for those prioritizing long-term performance, Lululemon's cost is often justified.

Quality & Materials

Lululemon is the industry benchmark for material quality. Their patented fabrics like Nulu and Luon are engineered for specific activities, offering exceptional softness, compression, breathability, and durability that few others can match. Their products are built to endure years of use and washing, which is a primary reason for their loyal customer base.

Hey Nuts uses high-quality, comfortable, and moisture-wicking materials that are perfectly suitable for most workouts and daily wear. While their fabrics are durable and well-made, they don't feature the same level of technical innovation or unique "feel" as Lululemon's signature materials. For peak performance and longevity, Lululemon has the edge.

Style & Aesthetic

The two brands appeal to different style preferences. Hey Nuts embraces a youthful, trendy aesthetic with bold color choices, modern cuts, and fashionable prints. Their designs are for someone who wants their activewear to make a statement and aligns with current fashion trends.

Lululemon focuses on a timeless, minimalist, and sophisticated look. Their color palettes are generally more subdued, and branding is minimal, creating versatile pieces that can be worn for years without feeling dated. If you prefer classic style, choose Lululemon, if you're drawn to trendy designs, Hey Nuts is your brand.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands prioritize an inclusive range of sizes. Lululemon is known for its exceptionally consistent fit. Their products offer excellent contouring and compression, creating a sculpted, "held-in" feel that is both flattering and functional. Their availability of tall and petite sizing provides a more customized fit for more body types.

Hey Nuts also offers a great fit that generally runs true to size. As their styles are more fashion-driven, the fit can sometimes differ slightly from one design to another. Shoppers praise their comfortable and inclusive approach, making them a reliable choice for finding flattering activewear.

Sustainability & Ethics

Lululemon has more established and comprehensive sustainability programs, publishing detailed reports on its environmental goals, responsible sourcing, and recycling initiatives. Their scale allows for larger investments in transparent and ethical manufacturing practices.

Hey Nuts is also committed to positive change, incorporating recycled fabrics into its products and championing ethical production. However, their initiatives are less extensive and not as publicly detailed as Lululemon's. For eco-conscious shoppers who deeply research brand practices, Lululemon provides more transparency and larger-scale initiatives.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your personal priorities: budget, style, and performance needs.

Choose Hey Nuts if:

• You're on a budget and want stylish, functional activewear at excellent value.
• You love trendy designs, bold colors, and an overall youthful aesthetic.
• You want comfortable, versatile pieces for moderate workouts and casual athleisure wear.
• Discovering fashion-forward alternatives to luxury brands is important to you.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You are investing in high-performance apparel that needs to withstand intense, frequent workouts.
• You prioritize innovative fabric technology, a superior "second-skin" feel, and long-term durability.
• You prefer a timeless, minimalist style that emphasizes function and fit.
• You are willing to pay a premium for unparalleled quality and brand reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hey Nuts or Lululemon cheaper?

Hey Nuts is significantly cheaper than Lululemon. Most leggings from Hey Nuts are in the $60-$80 range, while Lululemon's signature styles start at around $98 and go up from there, making Hey Nuts the more budget-friendly option.

Which brand has better quality?

Lululemon is widely recognized for superior quality due to its proprietary high-performance fabrics, advanced construction techniques, and exceptional durability. While Hey Nuts offers good quality products for its price point, Lululemon is positioned as a premium brand built to last for years of intense use.

Is Lululemon worth the money?

For many, yes. The high price tag reflects an investment in long-lasting materials, an exceptional and consistent fit, and proprietary fabric technology that enhances comfort and performance. If you are a serious athlete or wear activewear very frequently, the cost can be justified by its durability.

Which brand is better for yoga?

Lululemon's Align pants, made with its buttery-soft Nulu fabric, are considered the gold standard for yoga. However, Hey Nuts also offers very comfortable, flexible, and high-quality leggings that are great for yoga practice, especially if you prefer trendier styles.

Are Hey Nuts leggings a good alternative to Lululemon?

Yes, Hey Nuts leggings are an excellent alternative if your priorities are style and affordability. They offer a comfortable fit and trendy design at a much lower price. However, they don't fully replicate the unique fabric feel and high-performance engineering of Lululemon.

Do Hey Nuts clothes run true to size?

Yes, Hey Nuts items generally run true to size. Because some of their collections are more fashion-focused, it's always helpful to check the specific size guide for each product to ensure the best fit.

Do both brands offer inclusive sizing?

Yes, both Hey Nuts and Lululemon are committed to inclusivity and offer a wide range of sizes. Lululemon has a slight advantage with specific tall and petite inseam options, which can provide a more tailored fit for some people.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Lululemon has more comprehensive and publicly documented sustainability initiatives, including detailed environmental impact reports and recycling programs. While Hey Nuts incorporates eco-friendly choices like recycled materials, Lululemon's efforts are more extensive and transparent.