Lululemon vs. Fabletics Leggings: Which one should you buy?

The core difference between Lululemon leggings and Fabletics leggings comes down to price and philosophy. Lululemon is a premium, performance-focused brand known for its incredibly durable, high-end fabrics and minimalist style, with leggings typically costing over $98. Fabletics is built on affordability and trend-driven fashion, offering stylish leggings often priced between $30-$60 along with a value-focused VIP membership.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide whether to invest in Lululemon or opt for the trendy value of Fabletics.

Lululemon Leggings

Lululemon has built its reputation on creating high-performance leggings that are considered an investment in quality and durability. Their proprietary fabrics are engineered for specific activities, from the "buttery-soft" Nulu for yoga to moisture-wicking Everlux for intense training. The aesthetic is clean, timeless, and versatile enough to go from a spin class to grabbing coffee.

• What it is: Premium athletic leggings celebrated for their superior fabric technology, meticulous construction, and lasting comfort.
• Key features: Proprietary fabrics like Nulu (soft, for yoga), Luon (supportive, versatile), and Everlux (fast-drying for high-sweat). Four-way stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and shape retention are standard.
• Price: $98 - $128 per pair.
• Materials/Construction: Meticulous stitching and reinforced seams prevent pilling and tearing. The quality is a key reason many customers report that their leggings last for years.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to be true to size, offering a consistent fit. Sizing generally runs from 0 to 14, with a high-waisted, form-fitting silhouette.
• Pros: Exceptional durability and longevity. High-performance fabrics feel and function better during workouts. Classic, versatile design that doesn’t go out of style. Excellent shape retention even after many washes.
• Cons: High price point can be a barrier. Sizing is not as inclusive as Fabletics. Style options are more minimalist, with fewer bright patterns or trendy details.

Lululemon is for the shopper who prioritizes high performance and longevity and sees activewear as a long-term investment.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/c/women-leggings

Fabletics Leggings

Co-founded by Kate Hudson, Fabletics disrupted the activewear market with its subscription-based model and focus on trendy, affordable, and size-inclusive leggings. The brand is known for bold patterns, vibrant colors, and innovative details that align with current fashion trends, making stylish activewear accessible without a huge financial commitment.

• What it is: Fashion-forward and affordable activewear leggings, often purchased through a flexible monthly VIP membership that offers significant discounts.
• Key features: Comfortable fabrics like PowerForm or PowerHold that offer good compression and comfort for daily wear and moderate workouts. Frequent new collection drops with unique patterns and colors.
• Price: $30 - $60 per pair (VIP members often get deals like 2 for $24).
• Materials/Construction: The material is good for regular workouts and casual activities. While durable for its price, it does not typically match the lifespan or technical performance of Lululemon's fabrics.
• Sizing/Fit: Highly inclusive, with sizes ranging from XXS to 4X. Fit can sometimes be less consistent across different styles, with some users reporting they run slightly small.
• Pros: Extremely affordable, especially with membership. Wide variety of trendy, expressive styles and colors. Impressive size inclusivity caters to a broad range of body types. Comfortable enough for all-day wear.
• Cons: Not as durable as premium alternatives, may be more prone to pilling over time. The VIP subscription model requires active management to avoid monthly charges. Fabric performance is good but not on par with specialized high-tech materials.

This brand is ideal for the budget-conscious shopper who loves experimenting with trends and wants comfortable leggings for everyday activities and general fitness.

Shop this product: www.fabletics.com/products/leggings

Lululemon vs. Fabletics Leggings Comparison

Quality & Materials

There is a clear difference in quality and materials between the two brands. Lululemon leads with its proprietary, high-tech fabrics like Nulu and Everlux, which are engineered for performance and an almost weightless feel. They are built to withstand years of intense use without losing their shape, pilling, or becoming sheer.

Fabletics uses comfortable and functional synthetic blends like PowerHold, which provide good compression and comfort for most activities. While perfectly suitable for gym workouts and daily wear, the fabrics don't offer the same longevity or specialized sweat-wicking properties as Lululemon. Think of Lululemon as a performance tool and Fabletics as a stylish everyday option.

Style & Aesthetic

The styles are worlds apart. Lululemon favors a clean, minimalist aesthetic with mostly solid colors and subtle branding. Their designs are versatile and timeless, meaning a pair you buy today will still look current in five years. This makes them easy to integrate into both athletic and casual wardrobes.

Fabletics is all about trends. The brand constantly releases new collections featuring bold patterns, vibrant colors, and fashionable details like cutouts and mesh panels. Their aesthetic is more playful and expressive, perfect for someone who uses their activewear to make a style statement and loves keeping up with the latest looks.

Fit & Sizing

Fabletics shines when it comes to inclusive sizing, offering a range from XXS to 4X that serves a much wider audience. While their fit can sometimes vary between styles, the commitment to size-inclusivity is a major plus. Some find they need to size up for the best fit.

Lululemon offers a more limited size range, typically from 0 to 14. However, their sizing is highly consistent, so once you find your size, you can usually stick with it across different legging styles. Their leggings are praised for a high-waisted, "held-in" fit that stays in place during any activity.

Price & Value

This is the biggest differentiator. Lululemon is a luxury purchase, with leggings priced between $98 and $128. The value comes from their longevity - a single pair can easily outlast three or four cheaper pairs, making the cost-per-wear lower over time for those who use them frequently for high-impact activities.

Fabletics provides incredible upfront value. At $30-$60 (or much less with VIP deals), you can buy several pairs for the price of one pair of Lululemons. This is ideal if you want a varied activewear wardrobe or are currently on a budget. The value is in the fashion and accessibility, less in the decade-long lifespan.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer great leggings, but they are designed for very different customers and priorities.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You are focused on performance during high-intensity training, yoga, or running.
• You want to invest in leggings that will last for years without pilling or losing shape.
• You prefer a minimalist, timeless style over trendy patterns.
• Your primary concern is fabric performance and unwavering quality, and you're willing to pay for it.

Choose Fabletics if:

• You're on a budget but still want stylish activewear.
• You love having a large collection of different colors and trendy patterns.
• You need inclusive sizing that goes beyond a standard range.
• You primarily wear leggings for moderate workouts, running errands, and casual comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Lululemon and Fabletics leggings?

The main difference is Lululemon’s focus on high-performance, durable materials at a premium price point versus Fabletics’ focus on trendy styles and affordability through a VIP membership model.

Are Lululemon leggings worth the money?

For many, yes. If you are serious about fitness activities like yoga or running and want leggings that won't pill, stretch out, or feel uncomfortable during intense workouts, the longevity and performance of Lululemon often justifies the price.

How does the Fabletics VIP membership work?

You pay a monthly fee (around $59.95) which becomes a "Member Credit" that you can use to buy any 2-piece outfit or item up to $100. You can also choose to "Skip the Month" by the 5th of each month to avoid being charged. VIP members get access to significant discounts site-wide.

Which brand is better for high-impact workouts like running?

Lululemon is generally superior for high-impact activities. Fabrics like their Everlux are specifically engineered to handle sweat and provide support, whereas Fabletics leggings are typically better suited for lower-impact gym workouts and daily wear.

Do Fabletics leggings run true to size?

Fabletics sizing can be a little inconsistent across different collections. Many customers recommend checking the specific product reviews or sizing up, especially in their compression fabrics.

Which leggings are less likely to pill?

Lululemon leggings are much less likely to pill due to their higher-quality materials and construction. To prolong the life of any leggings, it's best to wash them inside out on a cold, delicate cycle and hang them to dry.

Is Lululemon or Fabletics more size-inclusive?

Fabletics is significantly more size-inclusive, typically offering sizes up to 4X. Lululemon has been expanding its range but currently maxes out around size 14 for most styles.

Can you buy from Fabletics without the VIP membership?

Yes, you can purchase Fabletics items at their regular retail price without a membership, but the prices will be much higher than what VIP members pay.