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

Lululemon is a globally recognized performance apparel brand excelling in technical gear for activities like yoga and running, whereas Cuts focuses on creating versatile, premium essentials for men that blend comfort with a modern, professional aesthetic. The key difference is the primary use case: Lululemon designs high-performance activewear for specific workouts, while Cuts designs foundational pieces like t-shirts and joggers that work for the office, casual wear, and general fitness.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right brand for your wardrobe and lifestyle.

Lululemon: The Leader in Performance Athleisure

Lululemon has built its reputation on high-quality technical apparel that seamlessly blends performance with fashion. Best known for pioneering the athleisure movement, the brand creates gear with innovative fabrics designed to support everything from intense workouts to daily commutes. Their target customer values longevity, proven performance technology, and a minimalist design that feels stylish both in and out of the gym.

• Product mix: Extensive collections for men and women including leggings, joggers, shorts, technical tops, sports bras, and outerwear. Also offers accessories such as yoga mats, bags, and headwear.
• Price point: Premium. Leggings typically cost between $98-$148, sports bras from $48-$78, and men's shorts around $68-$88.
• Quality & Materials: Known for signature, proprietary fabrics like the buttery-soft Nulu™ (Align franchise), moisture-wicking Luon™, and fast-drying Everlux™. Stitching and construction are top-tier, designed to withstand years of use.
• Sizing/Fit: Garments generally fit true to size but are designed for a close-to-body, athletic silhouette. Many items offer a compressive feel to support muscles during activity.
• Sales: Discounts are infrequent and mainly found in the "We Made Too Much" section of their website. Large seasonal sales are not a standard practice.
• Return policy: Standard 30-day return policy for unworn merchandise with tags attached.

Lululemon is the go-to for specialized athletic apparel where fabric technology and a performance-oriented fit are the top priorities.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Cuts: The Modern Man's Everyday Essential

Cuts identified a gap in the market for men's apparel that is polished enough for the modern workplace but comfortable and functional enough for everything after. Centered around perfected basics like t-shirts, joggers, and button-downs, Cuts creates versatile pieces using custom performance fabrics. Their target customer is the professional man who values minimalist style, a perfect fit, and clothing that can easily transition through all parts of his day.

• Product mix: A focused range of menswear including t-shirts (in crew, v-neck, and henley styles), polos, hoodies, joggers, and shorts. Almost all items are designed to be mixed and matched.
• Price point: Premium-level basics. T-shirts range from $50-$68, joggers are around $128, and a polo is about $72.
• Quality & Materials: Primarily uses their proprietary PYCA® Pro fabric, a tri-blend material that is buttery-soft, wrinkle-resistant, and maintains its color and shape over time.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size with a focus on a "tailored not tight" athletic fit. More about structure and drape than the compression-heavy fit of dedicated activewear. They offer different hem cuts (like split and elongated) for individual style preference.
• Sales: Regular promotions and bundle deals ("Packs") offer significant savings when buying multiple items at once.
• Return policy: 30-day returns with the option for exchanges or store credit.

Cuts provides a clear solution for men who want fewer, better things - versatile pieces that look professional and feel comfortable.

Shop Cuts: cuts.com

Lululemon vs. Cuts Comparison

Price Comparison

Lululemon operates at a higher price point across the board. For example, their popular men's ABC Jogger is around $128, the same as a pair of joggers from Cuts. However, Lululemon’s shorts ($68+) and technical shirts ($78+) are more expensive than corresponding items from Cuts, whose shorts start at $68 with t-shirts ranging from $50-$68.

Savings are also easier to find at Cuts. They frequently run promotions and offer "Packs" where customers can bundle core items like t-shirts for a reduced price per piece. Lululemon's discounts are almost entirely confined to their "We Made Too Much" section, which features limited sizes and colors.

Quality & Materials

Both brands prioritize high-quality fabrics, but their focus differs. Lululemon is famous for its wide range of technical, patented materials like Nulu™ and Everlux™, engineered for specific feelings and performance outcomes like moisture-wicking, breathability, and four-way stretch during intense exercise.

Cuts centralizes most of its products around its custom PYCA® Pro fabric. This material is designed primarily for all-day comfort, wrinkle resistance, and extreme durability for daily wear. While it is breathable and holds up well to activity, its main purpose is versatility and long-lasting softness, not high-sweat performance enhancement.

Product Selection & Style

Lululemon offers a vast selection for both men and women across multiple categories, including distinct lines for yoga, running, training, and casual wear. Their aesthetic is clean and athletic. You can build a complete workout wardrobe for nearly any sport. A woman seeking premium athletic gear would shop exclusively at Lululemon in this comparison.

Cuts serves men exclusively and has a more narrow product focus: to perfect the essential menswear wardrobe. Their product line is built on core pieces like t-shirts, Polos, Henleys, and joggers in a neutral palette specifically designed to be interchangeable. The aesthetic is minimalist, modern, and suitable for a business-casual environment.

Fit & Sizing

The fit is a major point of difference. Lululemon apparel is designed for motion, with an athletic cut that is often slim and close-fitting to stay out of the way during exercise. Think supportive, compressive, and body-contouring fits.

Cuts provides a more relaxed, tailored fit. Their shirts drape cleanly without being baggy or tight, designed to flatter an athletic build while remaining comfortable in a casual or office setting. The goal is a sharp, put-together silhouette rather than pure athletic compression.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on what you're dressing for. Both brands produce exceptional apparel but cater to different lifestyles and needs.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You require technical apparel engineered for high-performance activities like running, weight training, or hot yoga.
• You are buying activewear or athleisure for a woman, as Cuts is menswear-only.
• You prioritize patented fabric technology that delivers specific results like rapid drying or a weightless feel.
• You want to build a complete wardrobe specifically designed for workouts and an active lifestyle.

Choose Cuts if:

• You're a man looking for versatile, refined essentials that transition flawlessly from the office to dinner to the gym.
• Your primary style is minimalist and modern, and you value a perfect, tailored-but-not-tight fit.
• You want exceptionally durable, comfortable, and low-maintenance basics (especially t-shirts).
• You appreciate the opportunity to save by bundling items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lululemon or Cuts more expensive?

Lululemon is generally more expensive. While their joggers are similarly priced at around $128, Lululemon's core items like shirts and shorts are typically priced higher than Cuts' offerings. Cuts also provides more frequent discounts and bundle deals.

Which brand is better for working out?

Lululemon is better for intense workouts. Its fabrics are specifically engineered for managing sweat, providing support, and optimizing movement during activities like running, HIIT, and yoga. Cuts apparel is comfortable for the gym but is designed as an all-day versatile clothing option rather than specialized performance gear.

What is Cuts clothing best known for?

Cuts is best known for perfecting the men's t-shirt. Their reputation was built on creating premium shirts with a flattering athletic fit that are extraordinarily durable, soft, and suitable for any occasion.

Does Cuts make clothes for women?

No, Cuts is a menswear brand. Lululemon offers extensive, best-in-class product lines for both men and women.

How do Lululemon and Cuts sizing compare?

Both brands tend to fit true to size, but the intended fit is very different. Lululemon has a body-contouring, athletic fit that can feel compressive. Cuts has a tailored but more relaxed fit designed for everyday comfort and a clean silhouette.

Which fabric is softer, Lululemon’s Nulu™ fabric or Cuts' PYCA® Pro material?

This is subjective, but Lululemon's Nulu™ fabric (found in their Align collection) is known for a uniquely weightless, "buttery" softness that is almost unmatched. Cuts' PYCA® Pro fabric is incredibly soft and smooth as well, but with a slightly more substantial feel that helps it maintain its drape and shape.

Which brand has better sales?

Cuts offers more accessible savings through their bundle-and-save "Packs" and regular online promotions. Lululemon sales are mostly limited to the year-round "We Made Too Much" section, which does not cover all styles or sizes.

Can I wear Cuts clothing to a business casual office?

Absolutely. This is what Cuts was designed for. Their polo shirts, button-downs, chinos, and even their solid-colored crew neck t-shirts pair easily with layers for a sharp business-casual look.