Lululemon Nulu vs. Nulux: What's the difference?

The main difference between Lululemon's Nulu and Nulux fabric lies in feel and function: Nulu is buttery-soft, lightweight, and offers a "naked" sensation perfect for low-impact yoga and lounging, while Nulux is sleek, cool-to-the-touch, and compressive, making it ideal for high-impact running and training.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide which signature Lululemon fabric is right for your workout and lifestyle.

Lululemon Nulu Fabric (Align™ Collection)

Nulu is Lululemon’s famously soft fabric, engineered to feel weightless and unrestricted. Found primarily in the fan-favorite Align™ collection, it delivers a second-skin sensation with a smooth, matte finish that’s cherished for low-impact activities and all-day comfort.

• What it is: A lightweight, four-way stretch fabric known for its buttery-soft texture and almost weightless feel.
• Key features: Unbelievable softness, breathable, sweat-wicking, minimal compression, and a sleek matte finish.
• Price: Leggings typically range from $98 to $118.
• Used in: The Align™ leggings, shorts, tops, and sports bras.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size with a gentle, hugging sensation. Its high stretch is forgiving, but it "holds you in" less than other Lululemon fabrics.
• Pros: Unmatched comfort and softness. Feels like a second skin, allowing for total freedom of movement. Ideal for sensitive skin. Great for lounging and everyday wear.
• Cons: Prone to pilling, especially with high friction (from things like running or rubbing against rough surfaces). Less supportive and compressive for intense workouts. Shows sweat more easily in certain colors. Requires delicate care.

This fabric is perfect for those who prioritize a barely-there feeling and luxurious softness for yoga, Pilates, stretching, or everyday comfort.

Shop this fabric: https://shop.lululemon.com/c/women/bottoms/leggings/Nulu™

Lululemon Nulux Fabric (Fast and Free Collection)

Nulux is Lululemon's high-performance running fabric that balances performance with a smooth, cool touch. It offers lightweight coverage and a sleek feel without restricting movement, commonly featured in the Fast and Free running collection.

• What it is: A technical, smooth-faced fabric that provides light compression and stays cool and sleek during high-output activities.
• Key features: Excellent sweat-wicking and quick-drying properties. Four-way stretch with added Lycra® for shape retention. Cool-on-skin feeling. More durable and pilling-resistant than Nulu.
• Price: Leggings typically range from $128 to $138.
• Used in: The Fast and Free and Wunder Train collections.
• Sizing/Fit: Provides a more hugged, compressive fit. It runs true to size but will feel snugger and more supportive than a Nulu garment in the same size.
• Pros: Highly durable and resistant to pilling. Excellent for sweaty, high-impact workouts like running and HIIT. Offers supportive light compression. Quick-drying and stays in place during intense movement.
• Cons: Lacks the signature "buttery-soft" feel of Nulu. Some users find the finish too sleek or slippery. The light compression may not be enough for those who prefer a very locked-in feel.

This fabric is built for runners and high-intensity athletes who need gear that offers support, withstands serious sweat, and stays put without distraction.

Shop this fabric: https://shop.lululemon.com/c/women/bottoms/Nulux™-fabric

Nulu vs. Nulux Fabric Comparison

Quality & Feel

The most immediate difference between Nulu and Nulux is how they feel against the skin. Nulu is exceptionally soft and plush, often described as "buttery" or cloud-like. It has a slightly brushed, warm feel with a signature matte visual finish. Its focus is purely on comfort, providing a next-to-nothing sensation that feels luxurious.

In contrast, Nulux feels sleek, cool, and technical. It’s smooth to the touch with a finish that has a slight sheen compared to Nulu’s flatness. While still comfortable, its primary sensation is one of performance readiness - it feels engineered to handle sweat and movement rather than just for comfort.

Support & Performance

This is where Nulux truly outpaces Nulu. Nulux fabric offers light compression that provides a gentle, supportive hug to your muscles. It's designed to stay in place during dynamic, repetitive movements like running, jumping, and squatting. Its structure and sweat-wicking abilities keep you comfortable and focused during intense workouts.

Nulu offers very little compression and is meant for unrestricted movement in activities like yoga. The fabric flows with you without holding you in. This minimal support makes it less suitable for high-impact exercise, as it may shift or feel insecure during vigorous activity.

Durability & Care

Nulux is significantly more durable and resilient than Nulu. Its smoother, tighter weave is highly resistant to pilling and abrasion, making it a workhorse for frequent, intense training. You can count on Nulux leggings to hold up to friction and repeated washing without much fuss.

Nulu, on the other hand, is delicate. Its soft, brushed surface is prone to pilling when it rubs against rough surfaces, bags, or even just through thigh friction during high-impact workouts. It requires careful washing - cold cycle, with similar fabrics, and hung to dry - to preserve its texture and shape.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both fabrics excel at what they were designed for, so the right choice comes down to your primary activity and texture preference.

Choose Nulu if:

• You prioritize a luxurious, buttery-soft feel above all else.
• Your main activities are yoga, Pilates, stretching, or low-impact strength training.
• You want incredibly comfortable leggings for lounging and everyday life.
• You don't need a high level of compression or support.

Choose Nulux if:

• You are a runner or participate in HIIT, cycling, or other high-sweat, high-impact activities.
• You want a durable, pill-resistant legging that can withstand intense workouts.
• You prefer a sleek, cool-to-the-touch feel with light compressive support.
• You need a fabric that is quick-drying and stays in place no matter how much you move.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Nulu and Nulux?

Nulu is designed for comfort and softness with minimal compression, making it perfect for yoga and lounging. Nulux is engineered for performance with a sleek feel, light compression, and high durability, making it ideal for running and intense training.

Does Nulu fabric pill?

Yes, Nulu is notoriously delicate and can pill with friction. To minimize pilling, avoid high-impact activities in them and wash on a gentle cycle inside out, separate from abrasive materials like towels or denim.

Is Nulux better for running?

Absolutely. Nulux is Lululemon’s premier fabric for running. It is sweat-wicking, quick-drying, offers light compression, and is far more durable and resistant to pilling than Nulu, making it perfect for the demands of running.

Are Nulu leggings see-through?

When you have the correct size, Nulu (Align leggings) should not be see-through. However, because the fabric is so thin and stretchy, wearing a size that's too small could cause them to stretch to sheerness.

Is Nulux compressive?

Nulux offers light compression. It provides a held-in, supportive feel without being restrictive, which is great for muscle support during runs and training sessions.

Which fabric is softer, Nulu or Nulux?

Nulu is significantly softer than Nulux. It's famous for its unique buttery-soft, slightly brushed feel, which is its main selling point for comfort-seekers.

How should I care for these fabrics?

Both should be machine washed on cold and hung to dry. This is especially important for Nulu to prevent pilling and heat damage. Always wash with similar technical fabrics and avoid fabric softener, which can break down the fabric's performance fibers.

Do Nulu and Nulux fit the same?

They generally run true to size, but they fit differently. An item in Nulu will feel less restrictive and more relaxed, while the same size in Nulux will feel more snug and compressive. Choose your regular size in both, but expect a different on-body sensation.