Lole Leggings vs. Lululemon: Which one is better?

Lole leggings are known for their eco-friendly materials, relaxed comfort, and mid-range price point, while Lululemon focuses on premium, high-performance technical fabrics and a sleek, form-fitting design at a higher price. Lole is a great choice for those prioritizing sustainability and versatility, whereas Lululemon is the go-to for athletes who need durable, technical gear with a second-skin feel.

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

Lole: The Eco-Conscious Comfort Brand

Lole is a Canadian activewear brand founded in 2002 that builds its identity around sustainability, comfort, and versatile design. They cater to an audience that values environmentally friendly products and a style that transitions easily from a yoga class to running errands. Their aesthetic is often more relaxed and bohemian than other performance-focused brands, making them a favorite for everyday wear.

• Product mix: A full range of activewear including leggings, sports bras, tops, jackets, and accessories designed for activities like yoga, running, and general fitness.
• Price point: In the mid-range affordable category, Lole leggings typically cost between $60 to $90.
• Quality & Materials: The brand emphasizes eco-friendly materials such as recycled polyester and organic cotton. The construction focuses on comfort and durability for everyday use rather than intense athletic performance.
• Sizing/Fit: Their leggings generally run true to size and offer a comfortable stretch that works for many body types. The fit is less compressive compared to performance brands, prioritizing comfort over a sculpted feel.
• Sustainability: This is a core part of Lole's brand. They are committed to using sustainable materials, promoting ethical manufacturing, and utilizing eco-friendly packaging.

Lole is an excellent option for shoppers looking for comfortable, sustainable, and accessibly priced activewear perfectly suited for both light workouts and daily life.

Shop Lole: lolewomen.com

Lululemon: The Leader in Performance & Athleisure

Founded in 1998, Lululemon is a global powerhouse known for its high-quality, fashion-forward activewear that blends performance with style. The brand has built a loyal following with its signature fabrics, flattering fits, and minimalist aesthetic. Lululemon is widely considered the brand that popularized the athleisure trend, creating leggings that are as common in a spin class as they are at a coffee shop.

• Product mix: Offers a wide selection of leggings, sports bras, shorts, tops, jackets, and accessories. The brand has also expanded into menswear, footwear, and personal care products.
• Price point: Positioned as a premium brand, leggings typically fall within the $98 to $128 range.
• Quality & Materials: Lululemon is famous for its proprietary fabrics like the buttery-soft Nulu™, moisture-wicking Everlux™, and original supportive Luon®. Construction is high-quality, with reinforced seams for long-lasting wear.
• Sizing/Fit: Garments are designed for a body-hugging, "second skin" fit that can feel compressive. Sizing is consistent and aligns with typical US dress sizes (0-14, with extended sizes available in popular styles).
• Technology/Innovation: The brand invests heavily in fabric research and development to engineer materials designed for specific activities, whether it's yoga, running, or high-intensity training.

Lululemon leads the market with its superior technical fabrics and sculpting fits, making it an investment piece for those who prioritize performance and brand prestige.

Shop Lululemon: lululemon.com

Lole vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

Lole is clearly the more budget-friendly choice. With leggings priced between $60 and $90, the brand offers good value for those who want quality activewear without the premium price tag. Lole also runs sales and promotions more frequently, providing additional opportunities to save.

Lululemon operates in the luxury activewear space, with leggings rarely dipping below $98 and often costing up to $128. While you can find deals in their "We Made Too Much" section, the brand’s core products are priced to reflect their advanced fabric technology and strong brand positioning. For many shoppers, the durability and exceptional feel justify the higher cost.

Quality & Materials

Lole's quality is centered on sustainability and everyday comfort. Their use of recycled polyester and organic cotton results in soft, durable fabrics that are well-suited for everyday wear and low-impact activities. While durable for their intended use, they don't feature the same level of technical performance as Lululemon's engineered materials.

Lululemon's reputation is built on its innovative fabrics. Materials like Nulu™ feel weightless and buttery-soft, making them perfect for yoga, while Everlux™ is cool to the touch and quick-drying, ideal for intense workouts. These proprietary materials are engineered for shape retention, sweat-wicking, and a supportive feel that stands up to frequent, high-intensity use.

Fit & Sizing

Lole's fit is generally more relaxed and forgiving. The fabric has a comfortable stretch and is less compressive, making their leggings a good option for those who prefer not to feel too restricted. They typically run true to size, offering an inclusive collection for various body shapes.

Lululemon offers a more technical, performance-oriented fit. Most of their leggings are designed to be snug and compressive, creating a sculpted, "held-in" silhouette. The 'Align' pant is famed for its soft, less compressive fit, but other styles like 'Wunder Train' provide significant support for athletic activities. Their sizing is consistent and follows standard numerical sizing.

Style & Aesthetic

Lole embodies a more laid-back, bohemian style. Their designs often incorporate earthy tones and simple patterns that are easy to mix and match for casual outfits. The brand's focus on versatility makes their pieces work well for a workout but also look right at home as part of an everyday outfit.

Lululemon’s aesthetic is sleek, minimalist, and modern. Their designs feature clean lines, high-rise silhouettes, and subtle branding. They masterfully blend function with fashion, creating pieces that are very on-trend while still delivering top-notch performance. Their polished look is a key reason the brand is a staple of the athleisure movement.

Sustainability & Ethics

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the Lole brand. They actively prioritize using recycled materials and transparently communicate their eco-friendly initiatives. For consumers where environmental impact is a primary factor, Lole is a clear standout.

Lululemon has increased its focus on sustainability with initiatives like using more recycled materials and setting goals to reduce its carbon footprint. However, sustainability is not the core of its brand messaging. As a massive global corporation, they have faced criticism regarding their environmental impact, though they continue to make progress in this area.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on your priorities, budget, and how you plan to use your leggings. Both brands are great at what they do, but their specialties are distinct.

Choose Lole if:

• You prioritize sustainability and want to support an eco-conscious brand.
• You're on a budget and looking for quality activewear under $100.
• You prefer a less compressive, more comfortable fit for everyday wear or low-impact workouts.
• You like a relaxed, bohemian style that easily transitions from studio to street.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You need high-performance leggings for intense workouts like running or HIIT.
• You're willing to invest in premium technical fabrics known for their longevity and specific feel.
• You prefer a sculpted, form-fitting silhouette that offers support and a 'held-in' sensation.
• You love a sleek, modern, and minimalist aesthetic that defines the athleisure look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lole or Lululemon more expensive?

Lululemon is significantly more expensive. Their leggings typically start at $98, whereas Lole's leggings are usually priced between $60 and $90, making Lole the more budget-friendly option.

Which leggings are more durable?

Both brands offer durable products, but Lululemon's proprietary technical fabrics are generally considered more resilient for intense, frequent use and tend to hold their shape exceptionally well over time. Lole's leggings are durable for everyday wear and light exercise.

Do Lole leggings fit like Lululemon?

No, the fit is quite different. Lululemon leggings are known for their compressive, body-hugging fit that provides a sculpted feel. Lole leggings offer a more relaxed, comfortable fit with less compression, making them ideal for lounging and casual wear.

Which brand is better for yoga?

This depends on personal preference. Many yogis swear by the Lululemon Align Pant for its unmatched buttery-soft, weightless Nulu™ fabric. However, those who prefer a less restrictive and more breathable feel may find Lole's eco-conscious fabrics perfectly suited for their practice.

Is Lole a sustainable brand?

Yes, sustainability is a core value for Lole. The brand uses recycled and organic materials and is transparent about its commitment to eco-friendly and ethical manufacturing practices.

Do Lole and Lululemon ever have sales?

Lole runs seasonal sales and promotions more regularly than Lululemon. Lululemon rarely holds sitewide sales, but you can find discounted items in their "We Made Too Much" online section, which consists of final sale products.

Which brand is better for running vs. casual wear?

Lululemon is generally better for running due to its technical fabrics like Everlux™ that offer sweat-wicking, supportive compression, and stay put during high-impact movement. Lole excels in casual wear, offering superior comfort and a relaxed style that's perfect for everyday activities.