Lululemon Ripstop vs. Regular: What's the difference?

The primary difference between Lululemon Ripstop and their regular fabrics like Nulu or Luon comes down to durability versus comfort. Ripstop is a tough, engineered textile with a reinforced grid pattern designed to resist tears and abrasions, making it ideal for outdoor and high-intensity activities. In contrast, Lululemon’s regular fabrics are famous for being exceptionally soft, stretchy, and breathable, prioritizing a sleek fit and second-skin comfort for yoga, training, and everyday wear.

Here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide which fabric is right for your activities and lifestyle.

Lululemon Ripstop Fabric

Lululemon's Ripstop fabric is a performance-driven material designed for ultimate durability and resistance to wear and tear. It features a visible, grid-like weave that reinforces the fabric, stopping small rips from growing into larger problems. This makes it a go-to choice for hiking gear, outdoor jackets, and any apparel meant to withstand rugged environments without compromising on Lululemon's signature style.

• What it is: A specialized technical fabric, typically made from nylon or polyester blends, distinguished by a crosshatch pattern of interwoven reinforcement threads.
• Key features: Exceptional tear resistance, abrasion resistance, and durability. Often treated for water resistance and designed with built-in stretch for mobility.
• Price: Tends to be at a higher price point than standard items due to its technical construction, with jackets or pants ranging from $128–$148.
• Materials/Construction: The reinforced grid construction makes it strong yet lightweight, perfect for active outerwear.
• Sizing/Fit: Garments made from Ripstop may have a slightly more relaxed or technical fit to accommodate layering and free movement during outdoor sports.
• Pros: Highly durable and resistant to rips or snags from branches and rough surfaces. Lightweight feel despite its toughness. Often includes weather-resistant properties. Maintains its structure and look over time.
• Cons: A crispier, more technical handfeel that is less soft than fabrics like Nulu. Can make a slight swishing sound when moving. Style is more utilitarian and less suited for pure lounging.

This fabric is the ultimate choice for outdoor enthusiasts, trail runners, and hikers who demand apparel that can keep up with their adventures.

Shop this fabric: shop.lululemon.com/c/womens-collections/ripstop-fabric

Lululemon Regular Fabrics (Nulu, Luon)

Lululemon’s collection of regular fabrics, including fan-favorites like buttery-soft Nulu (found in Align™ leggings) and supportive Luon, form the core of their lineup. These textiles are designed with comfort, flexibility, and performance in mind for studio workouts and daily life. They are engineered to feel like a second skin, offering moisture-wicking properties and incredible stretch to move with your body.

• What it is: A category of signature Lululemon textiles focused on softness, stretch, and breathability for activities like yoga, training, and running.
• Key features: Supremely soft feel, four-way stretch, moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, and a body-hugging fit that provides support and contouring.
• Price: Represents the standard Lululemon price range, with products like jackets or leggings often falling between $98–$128.
• Materials/Construction: Advanced blends of nylon, Lycra® elastane, and other fibers create the signature soft and stretchy feel.
• Sizing/Fit: Consistently sized to provide a sleek, streamlined silhouette that runs true to size. Designed to hug the body closely for a flattering, high-performance fit.
• Pros: Unbeatable softness and comfort for all-day wear. Excellent stretch and shape retention. Versatile enough for intense workouts, lounging, and running errands. Available in a vast array of colors and styles.
• Cons: Softer materials can be prone to pilling with friction, especially Nulu fabric. Less resistant to abrasions and not intended for contact with rough surfaces.

These fabrics are perfect for anyone whose priorities are comfort, flexibility, and a streamlined style for the studio, gym, plane, or couch.

Shop example product: shop.lululemon.com/p/women-pants/Align-Pant-2

Lululemon Ripstop vs. Regular Fabrics Comparison

Durability & Materials

The main contrast lies in the construction. Ripstop uses a functional grid-weave of reinforced yarns to physically stop tears from spreading, making it profoundly durable for outdoor activities. It’s built to endure abrasion from rocks, branches, or gear.

Regular fabrics like Nulu or Luon use a tight knit of soft fibers like nylon and Lycra® for stretch and comfort. While durable for an athletic garment - resisting hundreds of washes - they are susceptible to pilling and can snag on rough surfaces. Ripstop wins on pure ruggedness, while regular fabrics win on soft pliability.

Feel & Comfort

Here, the regular fabrics are the clear winner. Nulu is famous for its weightless, buttery-soft feel, while Luon offers a more cottony-soft, supportive hug. They are designed for next-to-skin comfort during a heated yoga class or for all-day lounging. Ripstop, on the other hand, has a much more technical and structured feel. While Lululemon makes sure its Ripstop has some stretch and isn't stiff, it can't match the cozy comfort of their core fabrics.

Style & Aesthetic

Each fabric type dictates a different style. Ripstop products have an inherently utilitarian, technical, and gorpcore aesthetic. They look like they belong on a trail or city street, often featuring functional details like cargo pockets and adjustable toggles.

Lululemon’s regular fabrics are designed for a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Align™ leggings, for example, create a smooth, clean line that contours the body. These pieces are highly versatile, easily transitioning from a workout to a coffee run without looking out of place.

Price & Value

You can expect to pay a premium for apparel made from Ripstop fabric. The technical weaving process and durable construction contribute to a higher cost. A Ripstop outer layer might cost $20-$30 more than a comparable lightweight jacket made from a standard material.

The value proposition depends on your needs. For an adventurer, the higher price of a Ripstop item is a worthwhile investment in longevity and protection. For someone primarily focused on studio fitness and daily comfort, the superior feel of a regular fabric like Nulu provides better value for their lifestyle.

Which Fabric Should You Choose?

Both fabrics reflect Lululemon’s commitment to quality, but they are engineered for distinctly different purposes.

Choose Lululemon Ripstop if:

• Your activities include hiking, climbing, backpacking, or anything outdoors.
• Durability and resistance to snags and tears are your absolute top priorities.
• You want apparel with a structured, technical aesthetic that can handle the elements.
• You need an outer layer or pants that can withstand abrasion without showing wear.

Choose Lululemon Regular Fabrics if:

• Comfort is your non-negotiable, you love a buttery-soft, second-skin feel.
• You primarily train at the gym, in a yoga studio, or go for runs on the pavement.
• You're looking for versatile pieces to wear for both workouts and casual lounging.
• You prefer a sleek, contoured, and minimalist look.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Lululemon Ripstop and regular fabrics?

The main difference is durability versus sensory feel. Ripstop is engineered with a special weave to be incredibly strong and resist tearing, making it best for rugged, outdoor use. Regular fabrics like Nulu are designed to be extremely soft, stretchy, and comfortable for studio workouts and daily wear.

Is Lululemon Ripstop waterproof?

Lululemon's Ripstop items are often treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, making them water-resistant but not fully waterproof. They can handle light rain but will not keep you dry in a downpour.

Is Ripstop fabric stretchy?

Yes, Lululemon designs their Ripstop fabric with built-in stretch to allow a comfortable range of motion during activities like hiking. However, it generally has less omnidirectional stretch than hyper-flexible fabrics like Nulu.

Which fabric is better for hiking?

Ripstop is, without a doubt, the better choice for hiking. Its resistance to snags from branches, rocks, and general abrasion means it will last longer and look better after serious trail use.

Which fabric is better for yoga?

Regular fabrics like Nulu (used in Lululemon's Align Pants) are ideal for yoga. Their buttery-soft feel, superior flexibility, and moisture-wicking properties provide unmatched comfort and freedom of movement.

Do Ripstop clothes make noise when you walk?

Some Ripstop fabrics have a slight "swish" sound due to their crisp, technical nature. This is common with performance-oriented outerwear and is much less noticeable than with lower-quality windbreaker materials.

How do I care for Lululemon Ripstop fabric?

Care is similar to other Lululemon technical apparel. It's best to machine wash on cold with like fabrics and tumble dry on low or hang to dry. Always check the specific care tag on your garment for the best instructions.

Does Lululemon’s standard Nulu (Align) fabric pill?

Yes, the Nulu fabric in Align leggings is known for being delicate and can pill over time due to friction. It is recommended to wash these garments inside out and avoid contact with abrasive surfaces to prolong their life.