Lululemon vs. 90 Degree: Which brand should you buy? [2026 updated]

Lululemon is a premium activewear brand known for its high-performance proprietary fabrics and minimalist designs, commanding higher prices for exceptional durability and a luxury feel. 90 Degree offers a more affordable alternative with trendy, vibrant styles and quality performance materials, making it an excellent value proposition for budget-conscious shoppers.

Let's compare everything you need to know to decide if you should invest in Lululemon or opt for the stylish, accessible pieces from 90 Degree.

Lululemon: The Leader in Premium Activewear

Lululemon has built its reputation on creating high-quality, long-lasting athletic apparel that seamlessly blends performance with everyday style. Their target customer values exceptional materials, a flattering fit, and timeless designs that work for intense workouts and casual weekends alike. The brand is known for building a strong community and innovating in an already competitive space of athletic wear.

• Product mix: Extensive collection of leggings, sports bras, tops, jackets, and shorts for activities like yoga, running, and training. Also offers accessories such as workout mats and bags. Nike and Brooks might be a good substitute for their run collection.
• Price point: Premium pricing reflects fabric technology and construction. Leggings range from $98-$128, sports bras from $48-$68, and tops from $58-$98.
• Quality & Materials: Famous for proprietary fabrics like the buttery-soft Nulu™ (for Align leggings) and the sweat-wicking Everlux™. Garments are known for incredible durability, shape retention, and comfort.
• Sizing/Fit: Renowned for its consistent and flattering true-to-size fit across most styles. Detailed size guides on their website help ensure an accurate fit.
• Return policy: Offers a 30-day return window for unwashed and unworn items with tags attached for a full refund.
• Sustainability: Actively working on sustainability by using recycled materials, reducing operational waste, and aiming for increased transparency in their supply chain.

Lululemon is an investment in quality, offering a classic aesthetic and durable performance that makes it a favorite for serious fitness enthusiasts.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

90 Degree: The Stylish and Affordable Alternative

90 Degree enters the market as an accessible activewear brand that refuses to compromise on style or performance. By offering vibrant, fashion-forward designs at a much lower price point, it appeals to a younger, trend-focused audience and budget-savvy shoppers who still want functional, high-quality gear for their workouts and lifestyle.

• Product mix: A comprehensive range of activewear including leggings, sports bras, tanks, jackets, and accessories designed for versatility.
• Price point: Highly accessible. Leggings are typically priced between $50-$80, sports bras are $30-$50, and tops generally run from $40-$70. Frequent sales and promotions are common, even for popular styles and items.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes performance fabrics with four-way stretch, moisture-wicking capabilities, and a comfortable feel. While the quality is high for the price, longevity may not match Lululemon's under intense, long-term use.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is generally true to size, but some shoppers note minor variations between different styles and collections. It's always best to check their size chart before purchasing.
• Sales: Frequently runs sales and seasonal promotions, offering further discounts on its already affordable prices.
• Sustainability: Is becoming increasingly progressive by incorporating recycled fabrics and more sustainable manufacturing practices.

90 Degree delivers on-trend style and solid performance at a price that makes high-quality activewear accessible to a much broader audience.

Shop 90 Degree: 90degree.com

Lululemon vs. 90 Degree Comparison

Price Comparison

There's a significant price disparity between the two brands. A typical pair of leggings from Lululemon will cost $98 or more, while a similar pair from 90 Degree can often be found for under $80. This trend continues across all product categories, with 90 Degree tops and bras priced about 30-40% lower. This is one of the more significant differences between the two brands.

Lululemon justifies its prices through proprietary fabric technology and brand prestige, framing its clothing as an investment that may be more relevant for serious athletes and yogis. 90 Degree, on the other hand, places greater emphasis on providing its customers with strong value by focusing on competitive performance at an affordable cost and increasing access to an active lifestyle.

Quality & Materials

This is where Lululemon's premium investment truly shows. Their signature engineered fabrics like Nulu and Luon are famously soft, durable, and maintain their shape after countless washes and workouts. Their reliable construction and high-quality manufacturing standards ensure a product that lasts much longer and is worth its price.

90 Degree offers very good quality for its price range, using fabrics that provide moisture-wicking and four-way stretch features. While comfortable and effective for most gym-goers, some users note the material may show wear faster than Lululemon, especially in areas prone to rubbing or with repeated stress. Lululemon offers a premium quality feel every time, whereas 90 Degree provides good value but may not match the overall quality.

Product Selection & Style

Lululemon is distinguished by a specific design philosophy. Lean and understated, minimal designs focus on timeless, functional cuts. Its color palette favors neutral colors, making the pieces versatile for both gym attire and casual wear. This simplistic design is what separates this brand from its rivals.

90 Degree embraces trends with vibrant colors, playful prints, and trendy cuts such as cutouts and one-shoulder bras. This brand appeals to an audience that aims to stand out and loves to experiment with new styles while working out.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally run true to size, but Lululemon is known for its exceptionally consistent fit. Whether purchasing leggings today or next year, you can rely on the same size to match, which helps build customer trust.

90 Degree is mostly reliable, but some minor sizing inconsistencies exist across different styles. It's worth checking measurements and reviews before purchasing highly fitted items.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands make excellent activewear, but they are built for different consumer priorities and lifestyles. Your ultimate decision will depend on your personal preferences and needs.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You prioritize fabric quality, durability, and a luxurious feel above all else.
• You believe in investing in a daily-use item for long-term wear.
• You value classic, timeless designs suitable for everyday wear.
• Brand prestige is important to you, and you associate with high-end athletic apparel.

Choose 90 Degree if:

• You prioritize cost-effectiveness without compromising on style.
• You want trendy pieces that allow you to refresh your wardrobe regularly.
• You value performance suitable for your workouts while being cost-effective.
• You enjoy vibrant colors and eye-catching cuts that stand out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lululemon or 90 Degree cheaper?

90 Degree is significantly cheaper than Lululemon across all product categories. Leggings from 90 Degree often cost half the price of a pair from Lululemon, making it the clear choice for budget-conscious shoppers.

Which has better quality fabric?

Lululemon is the winner when it comes to fabric quality. Their proprietary materials like Nulu are unmatched in softness, shape retention, and durability. While 90 Degree offers good quality for its price, Lululemon’s fabrics are engineered for premium performance and longevity.

Does Lululemon or 90 Degree run true to size?

Both brands generally run true to size. However, Lululemon is known for its exceptional sizing consistency across all its collections, making online shopping reliable. Some users report minor inconsistencies with 90 Degree’s sizing between different styles, so checking the size chart is recommended.

Is 90 Degree a good brand?

Yes, 90 Degree is a good activewear brand, especially for its price point. It offers trendy, stylish, and functional workout clothes that perform well for most activities, providing excellent value for shoppers.

Is Lululemon worth the money?

For many, yes. If you are a serious athlete, yoga practitioner, or someone who wears activewear daily, the investment in Lululemon is often justified by its superior comfort, durability, and fit, which can outlast cheaper alternatives by years.

Can you find 90 Degree clothing on Amazon?

Yes, 90 Degree products are widely available on Amazon, often with fast shipping options, in addition to their official website.

Which brand is better for intense workouts?

Lululemon's engineered fabrics, like Everlux, are specifically designed for high-sweat, high-intensity workouts and offer superior moisture management and temperature regulation, making it the preferred choice for demanding training sessions. Here, brands like Vuori, Alo, and Nike also offer strong selections.

How often does 90 Degree have sales?

90 Degree hosts sales and promotions quite frequently, especially around holidays and the end of seasons. It's much easier to find items from 90 Degree on discount compared to Lululemon, which rarely marks down its core products.