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

Kirkland Signature, Costco's private label, offers functional and extremely affordable activewear for shoppers prioritizing value, while Lululemon is a premium activewear brand famous for its innovative, high-performance fabrics, stylish designs, and significantly higher price point. The core difference lies in their approach: Kirkland provides everyday basics focused on low cost and practicality, whereas Lululemon delivers a luxury experience with cutting-edge materials and a fashion-forward aesthetic.

Let's break down everything you need to know to decide if you should save with Kirkland or invest in Lululemon.

Kirkland Signature: The Value-Focused Essential

Kirkland Signature is Costco’s in-house brand, offering dependable quality at unbeatable prices. In the world of activewear, Kirkland appeals to budget-conscious shoppers who need reliable, no-frills gear for everyday activities and moderate workouts. The brand's focus isn't on fashion trends but on delivering durable, comfortable clothing that gets the job done without breaking the bank, making it a favorite for families and practical consumers.

• Product mix: A straightforward selection of activewear basics including leggings, T-shirts, hoodies, and jackets. Designs are simple and functional, suitable for jogging, gym sessions, or casual wear.
• Price point: Exceptionally affordable. Most apparel items fall within the $10 to $30 range, allowing shoppers to build a complete workout wardrobe for less than the cost of a single pair of Lululemon leggings.
• Quality: Good for the price. Kirkland uses standard performance fabrics that are comfortable and durable enough for everyday use, although they lack the advanced technical features and buttery-soft feel of premium brands.
• Style: Utilitarian and basic. The aesthetic prioritizes function over fashion, with simple cuts and a limited range of basic colors. You won't find trendy patterns or high-fashion silhouettes here.
• Sizing/Fit: Follows standard American sizing but can be slightly inconsistent between different product runs. Some find items run true to size, while others suggest sizing up or down depending on the piece.

Kirkland is the clear choice for anyone whose top priorities are price and practicality, offering solid activewear basics at a warehouse club price.

Shop Kirkland Signature: costco.com

Lululemon: The Premium Performance Leader

Lululemon has built its empire on creating high-performance, fashion-forward athletic apparel that seamlessly blends function with style. Renowned for its proprietary fabrics, meticulous construction, and flattering fits, the brand targets fitness enthusiasts and style-conscious individuals willing to invest in superior quality. Lululemon isn't just selling clothes, it's selling a lifestyle rooted in wellness, community, and the pursuit of athletic excellence.

• Product mix: An extensive collection of specialized gear for yoga, running, training, and leisure. Best known for their iconic leggings, sports bras, and versatile tops and jackets that transition easily from the studio to the street.
• Price point: Premium. Leggings typically range from $98 to $128, with sports bras around $58 and jackets easily exceeding $150.
• Quality: Exceptional durability and feel. The quality is immediately noticeable, designed to withstand frequent, high-intensity workouts while maintaining its shape, color, and technical features wash after wash.
• Technology/Innovation: Lululemon's key differentiator is its suite of proprietary fabrics like the buttery-soft Nulu™ (for Align pants) and sleek Luxtreme™. These fabrics offer four-way stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and a weightless feel.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for a precise, body-contouring fit that is highly consistent across its product lines. Lululemon offers a broad size range from 0 to 20, ensuring a tailored feel.

Lululemon's focus on material innovation, flawless fit, and modern style makes it the market leader for premium activewear.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Kirkland vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

The price gap between Kirkland and Lululemon is the most significant factor for most shoppers. Kirkland activewear is designed for mass-market appeal with prices rarely exceeding $30. You can often buy three or four Kirkland items for the price of one Lululemon piece. This makes it an incredibly low-risk, high-value proposition for everyday needs.

Lululemon operates in the premium category, with prices reflecting its investment in research, proprietary fabric development, and brand marketing. Leggings start near $100, and building a full outfit can cost several hundred dollars. While the price is high, loyal customers argue the durability and performance justify the long-term cost, as pieces often last for many years without pilling or losing shape.

Quality & Materials

Lululemon’s reputation is built on its materials. Fabrics like Nulu™ feel addictively soft and light, while Luxtreme™ offers cool, smooth compression perfect for high-sweat activities. The construction quality is meticulous, with flatlock seams to prevent chafing and gussets for improved mobility. Lululemon products are engineered to perform under intense conditions and maintain their integrity over time.

Kirkland uses more conventional materials like polyester and spandex blends. While these fabrics are comfortable and provide adequate performance for general fitness, they don't offer the same level of moisture management, lightweight compression, or buttery texture as Lululemon. The quality is excellent for the price, but it isn't engineered for elite athletic performance in the same way Lululemon is.

Style & Aesthetic

Lululemon's aesthetic is minimalist, modern, and trend-aware. Its pieces often feature subtle branding, sophisticated color palettes, and versatile designs that look just as good running errands as they do in a yoga studio. The brand successfully bridges the gap between performance-wear and fashion.

Kirkland’s style is best described as straightforward and utilitarian. Comfort and function come first, with aesthetics a distant second. You will find basic black leggings, simple athletic tees, and standard-issue hoodies. It’s practical wear that isn't intended to make a fashion statement.

Fit & Sizing

Fit is another area where Lululemon shines. Its apparel is known for being precisely tailored and consistent, designed to flatter the body and provide support in key areas. With sizes ranging from 0-20 and detailed online guides, customers can reliably find their perfect fit. Many items feel like a second skin, moving with your body without restriction.

Kirkland’s sizing is more generic, fitting like typical department store brands. While generally reliable, inconsistencies can occur between batches or styles. The fit is more relaxed and less compressive, prioritizing comfort over a sculpted feel.

Shopping Experience

Shopping at Lululemon is an experience. Its stores are bright and staffed by knowledgeable "educators" who can recommend products for specific activities. The online experience is sleek and detailed. In contrast, buying Kirkland activewear is a quick, no-fuss transaction within a bustling Costco warehouse or on their straightforward website. The focus is on efficiency and value, not on building a brand community.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer quality products, but they cater to completely different customers and priorities.

Choose Kirkland Signature if:

• Your primary concern is budget and finding the best possible value for your money.
• You need durable, comfortable basics for light activities or daily wear.
• You're a Costco member who enjoys the convenience of one-stop shopping.
• You prefer function and durability over brand names and trendy styles.

Choose Lululemon if:

• Top-tier performance, fabric quality, and a perfect fit are your main priorities.
• You want stylish activewear that doubles as everyday fashion.
• You are willing to invest in long-lasting pieces that hold their shape and feel for years.
• You engage in intense activities like running, hot yoga, or CrossFit and need gear that can keep up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kirkland activewear as good as Lululemon?

No, it isn't "as good" if you're measuring by technical performance, fabric innovation, and fit. However, Kirkland activewear is considered excellent for its price point, offering fantastic value for everyday comfort and casual exercise.

Which is cheaper, Kirkland or Lululemon?

Kirkland is significantly cheaper. On average, Lululemon items cost four to five times more than their Kirkland counterparts.

Does Kirkland's sizing run similar to Lululemon's?

Their sizing systems are different. Lululemon uses a 0 to 20 numerical system known for its body-contouring fit. Kirkland uses standard S-M-L-XL sizing that is more generic and can sometimes be inconsistent from one style to another.

Why is Lululemon so expensive?

Lululemon's high prices are due to its investment in proprietary fabric research and development, high-quality construction, ethical manufacturing audits, and extensive brand marketing. You are paying for the advanced technology and the premium brand experience.

Does Costco's Kirkland brand copy Lululemon?

While some Kirkland leggings may share a similar look to popular Lululemon styles, they are not direct copies. The materials, cut, seam construction, and overall performance are very different. Kirkland produces functional basics inspired by market trends, but they do so with value-oriented fabrics and construction.

What is Lululemon’s quality really like?

Lululemon’s quality is consistently rated as one of the best in the activewear market. Their products are known for their durability, colorfastness, and resistance to pilling and stretching out over years of use and washing, which is a primary reason for their loyal customer base.

Where can you buy Kirkland and Lululemon?

Kirkland Signature apparel is sold exclusively at Costco, both in its warehouse stores and on its website. Lululemon is sold at its own branded retail stores, on its official website, and through a few select retail partners like SoulCycle for co-branded items.

What is the return policy for Kirkland activewear at Costco?

Costco has an extremely generous return policy. You can return almost any item, including clothing, at any time for a full refund if you're not satisfied with it, making Kirkland purchases virtually risk-free.