Lorna Jane vs. Lululemon Leggings: Which one should you buy?

The core difference between Lorna Jane leggings and Lululemon leggings lies in their aesthetics and fabric focus. Lorna Jane, a notable Australian brand, offers bold, vibrant, and fashion-forward designs at a mid-range price, making them perfect for those who want their workout wear to make a statement. In contrast, Lululemon centers on high-performance technical fabrics and a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, positioning itself as a premium option for serious athletes and those prioritizing longevity and a classic look.

Here's everything you need to know about Lorna Jane and Lululemon to decide which brand best fits your style and workout routine.

Lorna Jane Leggings

Lorna Jane is celebrated for infusing the activewear market with personality, energy, and motivational branding. Based in Australia, the brand has built a global following by creating stylish, functional leggings that stand out with colorful patterns and eye-catching details. Their designs are made to transition seamlessly from a yoga class to a coffee run, embodying a versatile athleisure lifestyle.

• What it is: Stylish, functional activewear leggings from an Australian brand known for its vibrant designs, flattering fits, and female empowerment focus.
• Key features: Signature fabrics like LJ Excel and LJ Power, bold patterns, bright color palettes, and motivational branding elements.
• Price: $80 - $120
• Materials/Construction: Utilizes proprietary fabrics designed for breathability, comfort, and support during moderate-intensity workouts like yoga, Pilates, and gym sessions.
• Sizing/Fit: Generally runs true to size, though some styles can have a more compressive feel compared to Lululemon.
• Pros: Expressive and unique designs that stand apart. More accessible price point than Lululemon. Excellent for athleisure and everyday wear. High-quality construction and comfortable materials.
• Cons: Fabric technology may not be as advanced as Lululemon's for extreme, high-sweat activities. Sustainability efforts are less prominent in their branding.

This brand is ideal for those who see activewear as an extension of their personal style and seek comfortable, versatile pieces for the gym, studio, and beyond.

Shop this product: lornajane.com/leggings-and-tights

Lululemon Leggings

Lululemon has solidified its status as a global powerhouse in technical athletic apparel, largely due to its innovative fabrics and consistently exceptional fit. The brand is synonymous with premium yoga and workout gear, with iconic styles like the buttery-soft Align and supportive Wunder Train leggings leading the market. Their aesthetic is minimalist, modern, and sleek, appealing to anyone who values performance and understated style.

• What it is: High-performance, premium athletic leggings from a Canadian brand famous for its innovative technical fabrics and focus on mindfulness and wellness.
• Key features: Proprietary fabrics like Nulu™, Luon™, and Everlux™, each engineered for a specific feel and activity. Minimalist designs, high-waisted fits, and "second-skin" comfort.
• Price: $98 - $128
• Materials/Construction: Built with industry-leading technical materials that offer superior sweat-wicking, four-way stretch, shape retention, and durability.
• Sizing/Fit: Renowned for a consistent, true-to-size fit that contours to the body. Offers a wider range of sizes and inseam lengths.
• Pros: Unmatched fabric performance for high-intensity workouts. Exceptional comfort and longevity. Timeless, versatile aesthetic. Strong resale value and brand reputation.
• Cons: Higher price point. Minimalist style may be too plain for those who prefer bold designs. Popular items often sell out.

This brand is perfect for serious athletes and dedicated fitness enthusiasts who demand peak performance, durability, and comfort from their gear.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/c/women-leggings

Lorna Jane vs. Lululemon Leggings Comparison

Price & Value

Lorna Jane leggings typically range from $80 to $120, making them a more accessible option. They offer great value for those who prioritize fashion-forward looks and quality fabric suitable for most studio and gym workouts. Lululemon leggings start higher, from $98 to $128, which reflects their investment in technical fabric innovation and branding. While more expensive, many consider Lululemon a worthwhile investment due to their superior durability, performance, and shape retention over years of use.

Quality & Materials

This is where the two brands truly diverge. Lululemon is famous for its suite of proprietary fabrics like the impossibly soft Nulu™ for yoga and the highly sweat-wicking Everlux™ for intense training. These materials are engineered for optimal performance, offering longevity that stands up to frequent, rigorous wear.

Lorna Jane uses high-quality materials like their LJ Excel fabric, which is comfortable, supportive, and breathable. While excellent for general fitness and everyday wear, their materials are generally less specialized for extreme performance conditions when compared directly to Lululemon's technical roster.

Style & Aesthetic

Your style preference will be a major deciding factor. Lorna Jane is all about personality. Their collections are filled with eye-catching prints, dynamic colors, and expressive designs that bring energy to a workout wardrobe. They cater to a customer who wants to stand out.

Lululemon, on the other hand, embraces a polished and minimalist aesthetic. Their collections focus on solid, versatile colors and subtle textures. The clean lines and classic look make their pieces easy to mix and match, appealing to those who prefer a timeless, understated vibe that performs without shouting.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally fit true to size, but their feel is different. Lululemon is known for its "second-skin" fit that moves with you effortlessly. The brand also offers a broad range of inseam lengths (23" to 31") and sizes (0-20), catering to a diverse array of body types.

Lorna Jane leggings also provide a flattering, supportive fit, often with a slightly more compressive feel. While their sizing is consistent, they offer fewer length options, which might be a consideration for very petite or tall shoppers.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer excellent products, but they cater to different priorities and styles.

Choose Lorna Jane if:

• You love bold, vibrant patterns and view activewear as a form of self-expression.
• You want versatile pieces that work for the gym, Pilates, yoga, and casual everyday wear.
• Your primary focus is on style, comfort, and motivation in your workout gear.
• You are looking for a high-quality legging at a more accessible, mid-range price.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You prioritize technical performance, fabric innovation, and legging durability above all else.
• You engage in high-intensity, high-sweat activities and need gear that can keep up.
• You prefer a minimalist, elegant, and timeless aesthetic that is easy to style.
• You are ready to invest in premium activewear known for its long-lasting quality and exceptional fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Lorna Jane and Lululemon leggings?

The primary difference is aesthetic versus technical focus. Lorna Jane prioritizes bold, fashion-forward styles and motivational branding, while Lululemon prioritizes innovative, high-performance fabrics and a sleek, minimalist design.

Which brand is more expensive?

Lululemon is generally more expensive, with leggings typically priced between $98 and $128. Lorna Jane offers a more mid-range price point, usually between $80 and $120.

Are Lorna Jane leggings good quality?

Yes, Lorna Jane leggings are high-quality, comfortable, and durable for most types of workouts, especially studio classes like yoga and Pilates, as well as for everyday athleisure wear.

Are Lululemon leggings worth the money?

For many, yes. The investment is justified by their superior technical performance, exceptional comfort, flattering fit, and impressive longevity. They hold their shape and structure extremely well over time.

How does sizing compare between the two brands?

Both brands generally run true to size. Lululemon is known for its consistent sizing and offers more inseam length options for a customized fit. Some find Lorna Jane fits slightly more compressively.

Which brand is better for running?

Lululemon is often the preferred choice for serious runners due to technical fabrics like Everlux™ and Luxtreme™, which are specifically designed to manage sweat and provide support during high-impact activities. Their Fast and Free leggings are a runner favorite.

Which brand is better for yoga?

Both are excellent choices for yoga, but Lululemon's Align leggings, made with their Nulu™ fabric, are iconic in the yoga world for their buttery-soft, weightless feel.

Do Lululemon leggings pill?

Pilling can happen with very soft fabrics like Lululemon's Nulu™ if not cared for properly. To prevent pilling, wash them inside out on a cold, gentle cycle with similar fabrics and avoid high heat in the dryer.