Lululemon Instill vs. Invigorate: Which one should you buy?

The Lululemon Instill and Invigorate leggings are designed for very different purposes, primarily distinguished by their fabric. The Instill collection is made with soft, flexible fabrics like Luon or Nulu for low-impact activities and all-day comfort, while the Invigorate collection features compressive, technical Everlux fabric intended for high-intensity training where moisture management and support are key.

Here’s everything you need to know about these two Lululemon lines to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Lululemon Instill Collection

The Lululemon Instill line is designed to feel like a comfortable, supportive second skin. It prioritizes softness and flexibility, making it a great choice for yoga and everyday wear. The minimalist aesthetic and muted color palette target wearers looking for a seamless transition from a light workout to daily errands without sacrificing comfort or style.

• What it is: A line of activewear, primarily leggings, prioritizing comfort and flexibility for everyday wear and low-impact activities.
• Key features: Crafted from soft, breathable fabrics like Nulu or Luon with excellent stretch for unrestricted movement. The design is pared-back and simple for maximum versatility.
• Price: Pieces generally range from $50–$120.
• Materials/Construction: Built with fabrics known for their buttery-soft feel and four-way stretch. While durable for casual use, they aren't engineered for high-friction, intense workouts.
• Sizing/Fit: A more relaxed, comfortable fit compared to Lululemon's performance lines. Sizing is true-to-size but offers a more forgiving and less compressive feeling.
• Pros: Superior comfort for all-day wear. Soft, breathable material. A versatile, timeless style that works for the studio and the street. Less restrictive fit.
• Cons: Not ideal for high-impact cardio or intense training. Softer fabrics can be less durable under high-friction conditions. Less compressive support.

This collection suits anyone who values comfort and versatility over technical performance, making it perfect for light yoga, errands, or lounging.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/products/instill-collection

Lululemon Invigorate Collection

The Lululemon Invigorate collection is engineered specifically for movement and high-intensity workouts. Its core feature is the use of Everlux fabric, which is highly technical, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying, designed to keep you cool and supported during the toughest training sessions. With a snug, compressive fit and a sleek athletic look, this line is performance-first.

• What it is: Performance activewear, starring leggings and bras, made for high-impact activities like running and training.
• Key features: Made with technical Everlux fabric, which dries quickly and wicks sweat efficiently. Built with added support and a compressive fit for intense activity. Typically includes side pockets and a continuous drawcord.
• Price: Prices range from $50–$130, often slightly higher than everyday lines due to the technical materials used.
• Materials/Construction: Durable, high-performance Everlux fabric is designed to withstand intense, high-sweat environments and frequent washing without losing its shape or support.
• Sizing/Fit: Provides a snug, compressive fit that hugs your body. Sizing is true-to-size, but it will feel much tighter and more supportive than lines like the Instill.
• Pros: Excellent sweat-wicking and quick-drying properties. Durable construction lasts through tough workouts. Supportive, compressive fit is great for high-impact activities. Modern, athletic aesthetic.
• Cons: Compressive fit might feel too restrictive for casual or a day of lounging. Fabric is not as soft or cozy as those from the Instill line. Can be slightly more expensive.

This line is for anyone who needs their activewear to perform during intense gym sessions, runs, or HIIT classes and values moisture management and support.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/products/invigorate-collection

Lululemon Instill vs. Invigorate: Comparison

Materials & Feel

The most significant difference between the Instill and Invigorate lines is the fabric. Instill is made with buttery-soft materials like Nulu, similar to what's used in the famous Lululemon Align. It feels gentle, flexible, and exceptionally comfortable against the skin, making it great for everyday wear and lounging.

Invigorate, in contrast, uses Lululemon’s technical Everlux fabric. This material is designed for performance - it feels slick, cool to the touch on the inside and soft on the outside, and is engineered to wick away moisture and dry very fast. While comfortable for activity, its primary purpose is managing sweat during intense workouts, not all-day cozy comfort.

Fit & Sizing

The fit of each collection aligns with its intended use. The Lululemon Invigorate has a snug, compressive fit designed to hold you in and support your muscles during training. It should feel hugged and secure. While it is true-to-size, that size will provide noticeable compression.

The Instill line offers a much more relaxed and forgiving fit. It provides gentle support without feeling restrictive, designed to move with you comfortably during light activities or daily living. It runs true-to-size and is meant to feel like a gentle second-skin.

Activity & Versatility

This is where the distinction becomes clearest. The Invigorate is built for high-impact, high-sweat activities like running, spinning, and HIIT workouts. The moisture-wicking Everlux fabric is a key performance feature that helps keep you dry and comfortable during strenuous exercise. Its durability is a major plus for athletes.

The Lululemon Instill is much more suited for low-impact workouts like yoga, pilates, or just for a day on the town. It’s an athleisure powerhouse, easily transitioning from a walk to lunch. Wearing Instill leggings for an intense run wouldn't be ideal, as the softer fabric isn’t designed for high levels of sweat or friction and might not offer enough support.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both products excel in their intended roles, so your choice depends entirely on how you plan to use them.

Choose the Lululemon Instill if:

• You want an exceptionally soft and comfortable pair of leggings for everyday wear.
• Your activities are mostly low-impact like yoga, walking, or pilates.
• You prioritize a flexible, non-restrictive fit for all-day comfort.
• You're seeking a versatile piece that functions both for light workouts and casual outfits.

Choose the Lululemon Invigorate if:

• You participate in high-impact, sweaty workouts like running, HIIT, or spin classes.
• You need fabric that dries quickly and keeps you cool during intense activity.
• You prefer a snug, compressive fit that supports your muscles.
• You value performance features and durability for frequent, rigorous training sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Lululemon Instill and Invigorate?

The primary difference is the fabric and its intended use. Instill uses soft, flexible materials ideal for comfort and low-impact activity, while Invigorate uses technical Everlux fabric that's quick-drying and supportive for high-impact workouts.

Is Lululemon Invigorate good for running?

Yes, the Invigorate collection is excellent for running. Its compressive fit provides muscle support, and the sweat-wicking Everlux fabric keeps you dry and comfortable over long distances or during intense speedwork.

Which is softer, Instill or Invigorate?

The Lululemon Instill is significantly softer. It is made from materials like Nulu or Luon, which are known for their buttery-soft feel and are designed for everyday comfort.

Do Invigorate leggings run true to size?

Yes, Invigorate leggings are considered true-to-size. However, keep in mind they are designed for a tight, compressive fit. If you are between sizes or prefer a looser feel, you could size up, but most find their usual size provides the intended support.

Can I wear Invigorate leggings for casual wear?

You can, but they may not be the most comfortable option for lounging. The compressive nature of the Everlux fabric is designed for athletic performance rather than all-day relaxation. An Instill or Align legging would be a more comfortable choice for casual wear.

Which line is more expensive?

The pricing for both lines is quite similar, falling within Lululemon's premium price range. However, Invigorate pieces can sometimes be slightly more expensive due to their technical fabric and performance-oriented construction.

Is the Lululemon Instill line squat-proof?

Yes, when fitted correctly, leggings from the Lululemon Instill line are designed to be squat-proof, offering good coverage and opacity during movements like squats in a yoga or pilates class.

How does Invigorate compare to the Align legging?

Invigorate is the technical, high-performance option, whereas the Align legging (made from Nulu fabric like the Instill) is designed for unparalleled softness and comfort, mainly for yoga and lounging. If you need leggings for intense training, choose Invigorate, for low-impact comfort, choose Align or Instill.