Lululemon Jet Crop Slim vs. On the Fly: Which one should you buy?
The Lululemon Jet Crop Slim and the On the Fly Pant serve two very different purposes in your wardrobe. The Jet Crop Slim is a performance-focused pant made with sweat-wicking Everlux fabric, designed with a sculpting, athletic fit for workouts. In contrast, the On the Fly line is all about versatility and travel, using lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabrics for a more relaxed silhouette perfect for commuting or packing in a suitcase.
Here’s a full comparison to help you decide which Lululemon pant is the right choice for your lifestyle.
Lululemon Jet Crop Slim
The Jet Crop Slim is engineered for fitness and performance. It's designed to function like a high-performance tight but with the look of a sleek crop, offering a body-sculpting fit that moves with you during high-intensity sessions like training, yoga, or spin classes.
- What it is: A cropped, form-fitting pant designed for high-sweat activities and athletic performance.
- Key features: Sweat-wicking and quick-drying properties, four-way stretch for maximum movement, and a high-rise waistband that stays put.
- Price: Typically $98 - $118.
- Materials/Construction: Crafted from Lululemon's signature Everlux fabric, which feels cool and slick on the inside and soft on the outside.
- Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size with a snug, hugged sensation designed to support and contour your body.
- Pros: Excellent sweat-wicking capabilities keep you dry. The sculpting fit is flattering and supportive. Fabric is durable and holds its shape during intense activity. Great for a sleek athleisure look.
- Cons: The snug, compressive fit may not be comfortable for extended, casual all-day wear. Less versatile for settings outside of the gym or studio. Higher price point for a specialized athletic bottom.
These crops are the perfect choice for anyone whose top priority is performance and a secure, sculpted fit during workouts.
Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/womens-trousers/Jet-Crop-Slim
Lululemon On the Fly Pant
The On the Fly collection was designed for life in motion - think commuting, traveling, and long days of errands. These pants are known for their incredible comfort, lightweight feel, and wrinkle-resistant fabric, making them an ideal travel companion that can be dressed up or down.
- What it is: A versatile, lightweight, and packable athleisure pant meant for travel, casual work environments, and everyday life.
- Key features: Wrinkle-resistant fabric that's easy to pack, dries quickly, and has a comfortable stretch. Typically features a drawcord waist for a customizable fit.
- Price: Ranges from $88 - $128.
- Materials/Construction: Made from lightweight fabrics like Nulu or Swift that emphasize comfort, durability for travel, and ease of care.
- Sizing/Fit: A more relaxed, easygoing fit that skims the body without feeling tight or compressive. Generally true to size.
- Pros: Extremely versatile - can be worn for travel, casual work days, and weekend wear. The wrinkle-resistant fabric is a huge plus for packing. Incredibly comfortable for all-day wear. Lightweight and breathable.
- Cons: Not intended for high-intensity workouts. The relaxed fit doesn't offer the sculpted support of performance wear. Fabric is less robust than workout-specific materials for high-friction activities.
This is the go-to pant for frequent travelers, commuters, and anyone who values versatility and comfort above all else.
Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/womens-trousers/On-The-Fly-Pant
Lululemon Jet Crop Slim vs. On the Fly Comparison
Fit & Style
The difference in fit and style is the most immediate distinction between these two pants. The Jet Crop Slim offers a snug, form-fitting silhouette designed to hug and contour your legs and glutes. Its style is purely athletic and best suited for the gym or a sporty, casual look.
Conversely, the On the Fly Pant features a much more relaxed, straight-leg or jogger-style fit that prioritizes comfort and freedom of movement in a casual context. The style is minimalist and versatile, easily pairing with sneakers and a t-shirt for an airplane or with loafers and a blouse for a casual office.
Materials & Performance
The fabric is the key to each pant's intended function. The Jet Crop Slim's Everlux fabric is a technical material engineered for tough workouts. It's exceptional at wicking sweat, drying fast, and providing a cool-to-the-touch sensation that's perfect for high-intensity training. Its four-way stretch is supportive and stays in place no matter how you move.
The On the Fly line uses fabrics such as Nulu or Swift, which are chosen for their lightness, soft touch, and wrinkle resistance. This fabric isn't designed to handle intense sweat but excels at maintaining a polished look even after being packed in a suitcase for hours. It dries quickly if you get caught in the rain but lacks the compressive, stay-put qualities needed for a workout.
Versatility & Use Case
Your choice really comes down to your primary activity. The Jet Crop Slim is a specialized piece of activewear. It shines during HIIT classes, weight training, yoga, and running errands right after a workout. While you can wear it casually, its primary home is the gym or studio.
The On the Fly pant is the ultimate multi-tasker. It's the pant you wear for a long flight, a day of meetings in a business-casual setting, weekend brunch, or walking the dog. Its domain is everyday life, not athletic performance. It offers far more wardrobe versatility, transitioning effortlessly between different environments.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both pants are excellent, but they are built for completely different needs and activities.
Choose the Jet Crop Slim if:
- Your primary need is a high-performance pant for workouts.
- You value a compressive, body-sculpting fit that supports you.
- Sweat-wicking and quick-drying properties for intense training are your priority.
- You want a durable pant that will hold its shape and withstand high-friction movement.
Choose the On the Fly Pant if:
- You are looking for a versatile pant for travel, work, and daily errands.
- All-day comfort and a relaxed fit are more important to you than compression.
- You need a wrinkle-resistant, easy-to-pack bottom for an on-the-go lifestyle.
- You want one pant that can be styled in multiple ways, from super casual to smart casual.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Jet Crop Slim and the On the Fly Pant?
The main difference is their purpose, which dictates their fit and fabric. The Jet Crop Slim is a tight, sculpting athletic pant made from sweat-wicking Everlux fabric for working out. The On the Fly is a relaxed, versatile travel pant made from lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabric for everyday comfort.
Can I wear On the Fly pants to the gym?
While comfortable, On the Fly pants are not recommended for intense workouts. The fabric isn't designed to manage heavy sweat, and the relaxed fit does not provide the support needed for activities like running or weightlifting.
Are the Jet Crop Slim pants comfortable for travel?
They can be worn for travel, but the compressive fit might feel restrictive on a long flight. For maximum comfort during long periods of sitting, the On the Fly collection is a far better choice.
Which style is more comfortable?
For casual, all-day wear, the On the Fly pants are more comfortable due to their looser fit and lightweight material. For supported comfort during a workout, the Jet Crop Slim excels.
Are both styles true to size?
Yes, both are typically true to size. However, the Jet Crop Slim is intended to feel snug and compressive, while the On the Fly will have a more relaxed feel in your normal size.
Is the On the Fly collection discontinued?
Lululemon frequently updates its product lines. While original On the Fly items may be phased out, the brand often releases similar pants with updated names and fabrics. The Stretch High-Rise Pant is considered a popular successor.
What is a good current alternative to the Jet Crop Slim?
If you're looking for a performance-oriented, sculpting fit similar to the Jet Crop Slim, the Wunder Train High-Rise Tight, also made from Everlux fabric, is an excellent alternative.
Do these pants pill?
Both Everlux and Swift/Nulu fabrics are high quality, but pilling can occur with any technical fabric, usually from friction. To minimize this, wash them inside out on a cold, gentle cycle and avoid washing them with abrasive materials like denim or towels.
