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

The Lululemon Invigorate Tight and the Fast and Free Tight primarily differ in their fabric and intended purpose. The Invigorate is made from durable, supportive Everlux™ fabric for high-intensity training, while the Fast and Free uses ultra-lightweight Nulux™ fabric for a nearly weightless feel designed specifically for running.

Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Lululemon tight for your workouts and lifestyle.

Lululemon Invigorate High-Rise Tight

The Invigorate Tight is built as Lululemon's workhorse legging for intense training sessions. Made from their highly technical Everlux fabric, it strikes a balance between a cool-on-the-inside feel and a soft exterior finish, designed to handle sweat during the toughest workouts. Its compressive fit offers excellent muscle support, making it ideal for HIIT sessions, spin classes, and weightlifting.

• What it is: A high-rise training tight with a supportive, compressive fit designed for high-intensity workouts.
• Key features: Sweat-wicking and quick-drying Everlux fabric, four-way stretch, side drop-in pockets, hidden waistband pocket, breathable cool-touch interior.
• Price: Around $98
• Materials/Construction: Built with durable Everlux fabric that feels cool against the skin on the inside and is soft on the outside. All seams are flatlocked to reduce chafing during movement.
• Sizing/Fit: True to size with a noticeable compressive and secure feel around the waist, hips, and calves. They are designed to fit like a second skin.
• Pros: Excellent durability for demanding workouts. Supportive compression aids in muscle stability. The versatile design works well for everything from HIIT to running errands. Fabric effectively manages sweat and heat.
• Cons: The compressive nature can feel restrictive for those who prefer a more relaxed fit. The fabric is thicker than Nulux, which may feel too warm for outdoor summer workouts for some.

This is the go-to tight for anyone who needs a durable, supportive legging that can withstand intense, high-sweat training sessions and varied workouts.

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

Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight

The Fast and Free Tight is engineered specifically for runners. Crafted from Lululemon's feather-light Nulux fabric, its main purpose is to give you an unrestricted, "barely there" sensation that doesn't hold you back on the road or trail. It offers sleek coverage with minimal seams and an adjustable drawcord waistband to ensure your tights stay locked in place as you move.

• What it is: An ultra-lightweight high-rise running tight focused on breathability and freedom of movement.
• Key features: Weightless Nulux fabric, four-way stretch, continuous drawcord in waistband, seven pockets (2 side drop-in pockets and 5 waistband pockets), reflective details.
• Price: Around $128
• Materials/Construction: Made with smooth, cool-to-the-touch Nulux fabric that is engineered to feel like a second skin. Minimal seaming for a distraction-free fit.
• Sizing/Fit: True to size with a lightweight, less compressive hug compared to the Invigorate. The fit is sleek and body-skimming without feeling constricting.
• Pros: Incredibly lightweight and breathable, making them perfect for warm weather. The "second-skin" sensation offers total freedom of movement. Ample pocket storage for essentials. Quick-drying material keeps you comfortable during long runs.
• Cons: Nulux fabric is less durable than Everlux, making it more prone to pilling or damage from high-friction activities like barbell workouts. The higher price point makes it more of a specialty item.

These tights are ideal for dedicated runners who value a weightless, distraction-free feeling and need quick-drying performance above all else.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/products/fast-and-free

Lululemon Invigorate Tight vs. Fast and Free Tights Comparison

Materials & Construction

The biggest distinction is the fabric. The Invigorate Tight's Everlux material is engineered for toughness and support. It feels thicker and more substantial, providing a reassuring compressive hug that's great for high-impact training. The interior is engineered to feel cool on your skin while the exterior is soft and lightly brushed.

In contrast, the Fast and Free Tight's Nulux fabric is all about feeling weightless. It's incredibly thin, smooth, and sleek, designed to stretch effortlessly and disappear on your body. While this makes it exceptional for running, it also means Nulux is more delicate and less resistant to abrasion than Everlux.

Fit & Feel

Both tights are high-waisted and generally run true to size, but the on-body experience is quite different. The Invigorate Tight offers a snug, compressive fit that holds you in everywhere. This supportive sensation is excellent for keeping muscles stable during dynamic movements but might feel like "too much" for casual lounging. It’s a locked-in, secure feeling.

The Fast and Free offers a much gentler hug. It lays on the skin without an intense squeeze, prioritizing comfort and freedom. The adjustable drawcord in the waistband is a critical feature, allowing you to secure the fit for high-impact activities like running without needing heavy compression throughout the entire tight.

Performance & Functionality

Functionality boils down to your primary activity. The Invigorate excels in the gym. Its durability handles contact with weights, machines, and mats without issue, and its compression supports your muscles through squats, lifts, and jumps. It's truly a multi-purpose training tight.

The Fast and Free is a specialist. It’s built for running. The lightweight feel, exceptional breathability, and generous pocket system (seven in total!) make it an unparalleled choice for clocking miles. It wicks sweat away and dries almost instantly, which is a major advantage during hot runs or intense cardio sessions.

Price & Value

At around $98, the Invigorate Tight is priced as a premium, versatile tight. Given its durability and ability to perform across a wide range of activities, it offers good value for someone looking for one pair of leggings to do it all.

The Fast and Free Tight's higher price tag (around $128) reflects its specialized, high-performance Nulux fabric. For a serious runner, the value is in the weightless feel and superior performance that can make a real difference in comfort on long runs. If you aren't a runner, it can be harder to justify the extra cost.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both tights are excellent options from Lululemon, but they serve different wants and needs.

Choose the Invigorate Tight if:

• Your workouts consist of HIIT, weight training, CrossFit, or spin classes.
• You value a supportive, compressive feeling that holds everything in.
• You need a durable tight for a variety of fitness activities.
• You want one go-to pair of leggings for gym and everyday casual wear.

Choose the Fast and Free Tight if:

• You are primarily a runner or do lots of high-intensity cardio.
• You prioritize a weightless, unrestrained feeling over compression.
• You work out in hot climates and need maximum breathability and quick-drying fabric.
• You need lots of pockets for gels, keys, and your phone on long runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Invigorate and Fast and Free tights?

The main difference is the fabric: Invigorate uses supportive, compressive Everlux for training, while Fast and Free uses ultra-lightweight, sleek Nulux for a "naked sensation" perfect for running.

Which is better for running?

The Fast and Free tight is unequivocally better for running. Its weightless Nulux fabric, drawcord waistband, and multiple pockets are all features specifically designed for runners.

Which is better for weightlifting or CrossFit?

The Invigorate Tight is the stronger choice. Its durable Everlux fabric is more resistant to abrasion from barbells or floors, and the compressive fit provides better muscle support during lifts and compound movements.

Are both tights true to size?

Yes, both styles are considered true to size. However, the fit sensation is different. Choose your usual Lululemon size in both, but expect the Invigorate to feel much snugger and more compressive than the Fast and Free.

Do Invigorate and Fast and Free tights have pockets?

Yes, both have pockets. The Invigorate features side drop-in pockets on each hip and a small hidden pocket in the waistband. The Fast and Free is known for its storage, featuring two large side drop-in pockets and five smaller pockets in the waistband for holding small essentials.

Is Nulux fabric durable?

Nulux fabric is very high quality but is not as durable as other Lululemon fabrics like Everlux or Luon. It is sleek and lightweight, which also makes it more susceptible to snagging or pilling with friction. It's best reserved for activities like running and yoga rather than high-contact training.

Do either of these styles show sweat?

Both are engineered to manage sweat effectively. Everlux (Invigorate) is celebrated for being Lululemon’s fastest-drying fabric, wicking moisture away quickly to keep you comfortable. The lightweight nature of Nulux (Fast and Free) also ensures it dries very rapidly, though very light colors in any fabric may show moisture more readily.

Is the Fast and Free tight worth the extra money?

For dedicated runners, absolutely. The unrestrictive, weightless feel is noticeable and makes a big difference in comfort during long, hot runs. If you are not a runner, the versatility and durability of the less expensive Invigorate tight likely offer greater value.