Lululemon On the Fly vs. Keep Moving: Which one should you buy?

While Lululemon's beloved On the Fly line has been discontinued, its spirit lives on in its successor, the Keep Moving pant. The original On the Fly pants were prized for their technical, travel-ready fabric and polished look, while the Keep Moving pant focuses more on relaxed, all-day comfort with a softer feel and a more casual, everyday aesthetic.

Here’s everything you need to know about these two fan-favorite styles to understand their differences and find your perfect Lululemon pant.

Lululemon On the Fly Pants (Discontinued)

The On the Fly line was renowned for its incredible versatility, designed as the ultimate travel and commuter pant. Built with Lululemon's technical Luxtreme fabric, these pants offered a sleek, semi-fitted silhouette that could be easily dressed up for a casual office or packed for a trip without wrinkling, all while providing the performance of activewear.

• What it is: A discontinued line of pants, shorts, and joggers known for its wrinkle-resistant, travel-friendly design and polished look.
• Key features: Four-way stretch Luxtreme fabric, sweat-wicking properties, a flat front with a continuous drawcord, and a sleek, straight-leg or jogger silhouette.
• Price: Originally priced between $98 - $128.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from technical fabrics like Luxtreme that is durable, moisture-wicking, and offers a cool, smooth handfeel designed for travel and constant wear.
• Sizing/Fit: A classic, athletic fit that skimmed the body. It was true to size for a streamlined feel, but many sized up for a more relaxed look.
• Pros: Extremely versatile for travel, work, and errands. Wrinkle-resistant fabric made them perfect for packing. The streamlined fit was flattering and easy to style. Durable and long-lasting.
• Cons: Has been discontinued and can now only be found on resale sites. The technical fabric is less soft and cozy than other Lululemon lines. Pricier than some other options.

This pant was perfect for travelers, professionals in creative fields, and anyone seeking a high-performance pant that looked like a sleek, everyday trouser.

Shop Lululemon Pants: shop.lululemon.com/c/womens-trousers

Lululemon Keep Moving Pants

Considered the spiritual successor to the On the Fly, the Keep Moving pant shifts the focus slightly from technical travel wear to ultimate everyday comfort. Made with lightweight and breathable materials like Full-On Luxtreme or Nulux, it offers a more relaxed fit and a softer feel, making it an excellent choice for dynamic lifestyles that blend errands, light activity, and lounging.

• What it is: A line of versatile, high-rise pants designed for comfort and ease of movement throughout the day.
• Key features: Lightweight, four-way stretch fabric, quick-drying properties, flattering high-rise waistband, and functional front pockets. Comes in multiple cuts, including slim and wide-leg.
• Price: Ranges from $78 - $118.
• Materials/Construction: Primarily made from lightweight, breathable, and soft fabrics that prioritize all-day comfort over the structured, technical feel of the original On the Fly.
• Sizing/Fit: Features a more comfortable, relaxed fit that is slightly more forgiving than the On the Fly line. Generally true to size.
• Pros: Exceptional comfort for all-day wear. The fabric is incredibly lightweight and soft. Slightly more affordable than the On the Fly. Versatile for casual, athleisure-focused outfits.
• Cons: The relaxed fit and softer fabric may feel too casual for some professional settings. Less structured silhouette compared to the On the Fly.

This pant is for those who prioritize plush comfort for on-the-go lifestyles, from morning drop-off to evening yoga, without sacrificing a put-together look.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/c/womens-trousers

Lululemon On the Fly vs. Keep Moving Comparison

Fabric & Feel

The most significant difference lies in the fabric. The original On the Fly pants almost exclusively used Luxtreme, a fabric known for its cool-to-the-touch feel, durability, and sleek finish. It feels technical and smooth - excellent for resisting wrinkles and wicking sweat, but not necessarily "cozy."

In contrast, the Keep Moving pant prioritizes a softer, more lightweight experience. Using fabrics like Full-On Luxtreme, they feel less slick and more breathable and soft against the skin. The focus shifts from pure, indestructible performance to wearable, everyday comfort that you'll want to live in.

Fit & Silhouette

The On the Fly line was known for its "classic" athletic fit. It was neither tight nor baggy, but rather a streamlined cut that skimmed the thigh and fell straight from the knee. This created a polished silhouette that was easy to dress up.

The Keep Moving line generally offers a more relaxed or "easy" fit. With a comfortable high-rise waistband, the pants provide more room through the hip and thigh, catering to a modern athleisure aesthetic. While still flattering, the silhouette is intentionally more casual and laid-back.

Versatility & Style

Both pants are designed for versatility, but they excel in slightly different contexts. The On the Fly was the ultimate travel companion because its technical fabric looked sharp even after being rolled up in a suitcase. It could seamlessly transition from a plane to a casual business meeting or dinner without missing a beat.

The Keep Moving pant is the star of everyday life. Its comfort makes it ideal for running errands, working from home, light workouts, and managing a busy daily schedule. While you can style it up, its core identity is rooted in high-end casual wear and athleisure.

Price & Value

The original On the Fly collection sat at a higher price point, typically from $98 to $128, reflecting its technical construction and durable fabric. In contrast, the Keep Moving collection is generally more accessible, ranging from about $78 to $118. The Keep Moving pant offers tremendous value for those seeking premium comfort and Lululemon’s signature quality for daily wear.

Which One Should You Choose?

Since the On the Fly is discontinued, the choice is more about what you're seeking in a versatile Lululemon pant.

Look for On the Fly pants on resale markets if:

• You need a wrinkle-resistant, durable pant perfect for frequent travel.
• You loved the classic, streamlined silhouette that could pass for a dress-casual trouser.
• You prefer the smooth, cool, and technical feel of performance Luxtreme fabric.
• Your goal is to find one pant that can do everything from hiking to a casual dinner out.

Choose the currently available Keep Moving pant if:

• Your top priority is buttery-soft fabric and all-day, next-level comfort.
• You want a relaxed, flattering pant for errands, lounging, working from home, and light activity.
• You prefer a comfortable, high-rise waistband.
• You want an updated athleisure staple that serves as a modern alternative to the On the Fly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Lululemon replace the On the Fly pant?

Yes, the Keep Moving pant and the Stretch High-Rise Pant are considered the two primary successors to the On the Fly. The Keep Moving focuses more on all-day comfort and a soft feel, while the Stretch High-Rise Pant has a similar technical vibe and is also great for travel and commuting.

What's the main difference between On the Fly and Keep Moving pants?

The main difference is the feel and primary purpose. On the Fly was designed with a durable, technical fabric for travel and a more polished, versatile look. Keep Moving is designed with a softer, lighter fabric that prioritizes everyday comfort and a relaxed, athleisure style.

Which pant is better for travel?

The original On the Fly pant was arguably superior for travel due to its highly wrinkle-resistant and durable Luxtreme fabric. However, the Keep Moving pant is also very lightweight and comfortable for long flights or car rides.

Are the Keep Moving pants true to size?

Yes, the Keep Moving pants generally fit true to size for a relaxed, comfortable fit. You should not need to size up or down unless you are between sizes or prefer a snugger feel.

Can you wear Lululemon Keep Moving pants to work?

This depends on your office dress code. For a creative or casual business setting, the Keep Moving pants (especially in a neutral color like black or navy) can absolutely work. For a more formal corporate environment, they may appear too casual.

How do Keep Moving pants compare to Lululemon's Stretch High-Rise Pant?

The Stretch High-Rise Pant is perhaps an even closer replacement to the On the Fly feel. It also uses Luxtreme fabric and has a similar streamlined fit, making it another excellent choice for travel and work. The Keep Moving is noticeably softer and more relaxed in its fit and feel.

What fabric are Keep Moving pants made from?

They are often made from lightweight, breathable performance fabrics such as Full-On Luxtreme or Nulux, designed for four-way stretch, quick-drying performance, and an exceptionally soft hand-feel.

How should I wash my Lululemon pants?

For best results, wash your Lululemon pants in cold water with similar fabrics and colors. Avoid using fabric softener, which can damage the technical fibers. Tumble dry on a low setting or, ideally, hang them to dry.