Lululemon Fast and Free vs. Invigorate: Which one should you buy?

The Lululemon Fast and Free is an ultra-lightweight running tight made from sleek Nulux fabric for a freeing, second-skin sensation. The Lululemon Invigorate is a training-focused tight crafted from breathable, fast-drying Everlux fabric designed to handle intense sweat during high-impact workouts. The core difference comes down to fabric: Nulux is cool and slick for distraction-free running, while Everlux offers more supportive compression and is engineered for the sweatiest gym sessions.

Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right Lululemon legging for your workouts.

Lululemon Fast and Free Tight

The Fast and Free tight is Lululemon's iconic running legging, beloved by runners for its minimalist design and barely-there feel. Made with weightless Nulux fabric, it provides full coverage while feeling like you're wearing nothing at all, minimizing friction and distraction on long runs.

• What it is: A high-rise running tight designed for a weightless, second-skin sensation with drop-in side pockets.
• Key features: Comes with two side drop-in pockets big enough for a phone, and five smaller waistband pockets. Features a continuous drawcord to customize fit and a raw edge hem for a sleek finish.
• Price: $128
• Materials/Construction: Built with slick, ultra-lightweight Nulux fabric that is cool to the touch, breathable, and offers four-way stretch for unrestricted movement.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a snug fit with light compression that stays in place without feeling restrictive. Most find they fit true to size.
• Pros: Exceptionally lightweight and breathable. Smooth, frictionless Nulux fabric is perfect for running. Abundant pockets hold essentials securely. Unrestricted feeling promotes maximum mobility.
• Cons: Lighter feel offers less compression and sculpting than other Lululemon styles. The slick fabric isn't ideal for activities requiring more grip, like yoga. Raw hem can be prone to snagging if not cared for properly.

This tight is made for runners who crave a minimal, unrestricted feel and value practical features like deep side pockets.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/womens-leggings/Fast-And-Free-HR-Tight-25

Lululemon Invigorate Training Tight

The Invigorate tight is engineered specifically for high-intensity training where sweat is a given. Its key feature is the innovative Everlux fabric, which is ultra-breathable, quick-drying, and feels cool on the inside while being soft and brushed on the outside, managing heat and moisture like a pro.

• What it is: A high-rise training tight with supportive compression and Lululemon's fastest-drying fabric for sweaty workouts.
• Key features: Side drop-in pockets, continuous drawcord for a secure fit, and a slightly compressive, supportive feel.
• Price: $128
• Materials/Construction: Made from dual-sided Everlux fabric that efficiently wicks sweat and dries rapidly. The interior feels sleek and cool, while the exterior has a soft, lightly brushed texture.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size with a noticeable supportive and compressive feel that holds you in. It feels more substantial and structured than the Fast and Free.
• Pros: Everlux fabric is incredibly breathable and quick-drying, perfect for HIIT, spin, and hot yoga. Offers great support and sculpting. The material feels durable and substantial.
• Cons: The soft exterior fabric can attract lint and pet hair. It feels slightly thicker than Nulux, which some may not prefer for casual wear or pure running. The supportive waistband can sometimes roll on certain body types during core-focused movements.

The Invigorate tight is the go-to choice for intense workouts where managing sweat and feeling supported are top priorities.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/womens-leggings/Invigorate-HR-Tight-25

Lululemon Fast and Free vs. Invigorate Comparison

Fabric & Feel

The most significant difference lies in the proprietary fabrics. The Fast and Free uses Nulux, which is engineered to feel weightless and smooth. It's cool, sleek, and has a naked sensation that aims to eliminate any distraction during a run. Holding them side-by-side, Nulux is visibly thinner and slicker.

The Invigorate uses Everlux, Lululemon’s fastest-drying fabric. It’s slightly thicker and has a unique dual texture: smooth and cool against your skin but soft and lightly brushed on the outside. This construction makes it incredibly effective at pulling sweat away from your body and dispersing it to dry quickly, making it ideal for the most intense workouts.

Fit & Support

Both leggings are high-rise and feature a drawcord, but their level of support is worlds apart. The Fast and Free offers a light, gently compressive fit. It stays up perfectly during high-impact movement but focuses more on uninhibited freedom than on sculpting or holding you in.

The Invigorate provides a much higher level of compression and support. The Everlux fabric has a denser, more structured feel that hugs your body, offering a comfortable, held-in sensation that many people prefer for training. It effectively sculpts and smooths, giving you a secure and confident feeling during squats, jumps, and lifts.

Performance & Best Use

Each tight is expertly designed for its intended activity. The Fast and Free is purpose-built for running. Its lightweight construction, frictionless surface, and breathability are perfect for road runs, treadmill sessions, and track workouts. The abundant pockets are also a bonus for runners who need to carry keys, gels, or a phone.

The Invigorate excels in high-sweat, high-intensity training environments. Think spin class, HIIT, CrossFit, or any workout where you expect to sweat hard. The quick-drying properties of Everlux keep you feeling comfortable and prevent that dreaded swampy feeling, while the supportive fit is ideal for dynamic, multi-directional movements.

Price & Value

With both leggings priced identically at $128, the value proposition isn't about cost but about function. The right choice is the one that best matches your primary form of exercise. If you are a dedicated runner, the Fast and Free provides unmatched value with its specialized, weightless feel. If your fitness routine is centered around intense gym sessions, the durability and sweat-wicking technology of the Invigorate will be far more valuable.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between these two high-performance tights comes down to your personal workout style and fabric preference.

Choose the Fast and Free if:

• You are primarily a runner who values speed and freedom of movement.
• You can't stand the feeling of heavy or restrictive leggings while you run.
• You want a lightweight, "naked" or second-skin sensation.
• You need lots of pockets to hold your phone, keys, and cards securely on a run.

Choose the Invigorate if:

• Your workouts consist of high-intensity training, spin, or circuit classes.
• You sweat a lot and need a legging that dries extremely fast.
• You prefer a more supportive, compressive, and "held-in" sensation.
• You value a fabric that feels slightly more substantial and durable against gym equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Fast and Free and Invigorate?

The main difference is the fabric and intended use. Fast and Free is made of thin, slick Nulux fabric for a weightless feel during running. Invigorate is made of thicker, quick-drying Everlux fabric for supportive comfort during intense, sweaty training.

Which Lululemon legging is better for running?

The Fast and Free is unequivocally better for running. Its lightweight Nulux material minimizes friction and provides an unrestricted, "naked" feeling that runners love.

Which Lululemon legging is better for training or HIIT?

The Invigorate is designed explicitly for training and HIIT. Its supportive, compressive fit and excellent sweat-wicking properties from the Everlux fabric keep you comfortable and secure during high-impact movements.

Do Fast and Free or Invigorate leggings have pockets?

Yes, both styles have drop-in side pockets that are large enough to hold most smartphones, making them both highly functional.

Do Lululemon Fast and Free and Invigorate leggings run true to size?

Yes, both leggings generally run true to Lululemon's sizing. However, the fit is different. The Invigorate will feel more compressive and snug, while the Fast and Free provides a lighter, second-skin fit.

Which fabric is more durable, Nulux or Everlux?

Everlux (Invigorate) generally feels more substantial and is considered more durable and resistant to pilling than the more delicate-feeling Nulux (Fast and Free). Nulux requires more care to avoid snagging.

Do Invigorate leggings show sweat?

No, the Everlux fabric is Lululemon’s most technical, fastest-drying material. It is engineered to pull moisture to the exterior and dry quickly, making it excellent at masking sweat even during the toughest workouts.

Which legging offers more compression?

The Invigorate tight offers a significantly higher level of compression for a structured, secure, and "held-in" feel. The Fast and Free offers very light compression, focusing more on freedom of movement.