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

Lululemon is a premium athletic apparel brand focused on high-performance, durable activewear with a sleek, minimalist design, while Lularoe is an affordable, casual clothing brand known for its comfortable feel, vibrant patterns, and a direct-sales model. Lululemon is an investment in technical fabrics and a reliable fit, whereas Lularoe offers budget-friendly comfort with famously inconsistent quality and sizing.

Let's compare these two very different brands so you can decide which one fits your needs and budget.

Lululemon: The Leader in Premium Activewear

Lululemon is a top-tier athletic brand known for its high-quality activewear designed for activities like yoga, running, and training. The brand targets health-conscious consumers who are willing to invest in stylish, functional apparel built from innovative, proprietary fabrics. Their aesthetic is modern and versatile, easily transitioning from the gym to everyday casual wear.

• Product mix: A focused range of performance wear including leggings, sports bras, tanks, shorts, and jackets. Popular product lines like the Align and Wunder Train are designed for specific activities and comfort levels.
• Price point: Premium. Leggings typically cost between $98 and $148, with sports bras from $58 to $78 and basic tops starting around $50.
• Quality: Exceptional quality and material innovation are core to the brand. Proprietary fabrics like buttery-soft Nulu™ (for Align pants) and fast-drying Everlux™ (for Wunder Train tights) are engineered for comfort, stretch retention, and durability.
• Sizing/Fit: Lululemon offers reliable and consistent sizing with an athletic, form-fitting cut. Products are generally true to size, and detailed online size guides help ensure a proper fit.
• Shopping experience: A professional and premium experience through their official website and well-designed physical retail stores. Customer service is knowledgeable, and the return policy is straightforward.
• Return policy: Unworn and unwashed merchandise can be returned within 30 days of purchase for a full refund or exchange.

Lululemon stands out for its superior quality, performance-driven materials, and consistent fit, making it a reliable choice for serious fitness enthusiasts who want apparel that lasts.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Lularoe: Affordable & Colorful Casual Wear

Lularoe is a direct-sales clothing company that gained notoriety for its "buttery soft" leggings and comfortable, accessible fashion sold through a network of independent consultants. The brand’s focus is on relaxed, casual wear with bold, often whimsical patterns. Lularoe attracts budget-conscious shoppers looking for fun and comfortable clothing for lounging and everyday activities.

• Product mix: Primarily known for leggings, but they also offer a wide variety of dresses, skirts, tops, and cardigans. Pieces are designed for a relaxed, comfortable fit rather than athletic performance.
• Price point: Very affordable. Leggings typically cost $25-$35, while dresses and tops are generally priced under $50.
• Quality: Quality is highly variable. The leggings are famous for their softness, but materials (mostly polyester and spandex blends) are prone to pilling and developing holes. The brand does not use technical fabrics.
• Sizing/Fit: Highly inconsistent and unpredictable. A "one size fits all" pair of leggings can vary significantly from batch to batch, and styles across the board often run large, small, or otherwise off-spec, which is a common customer complaint.
• Shopping experience: An unconventional sales model. You cannot buy directly from a brand website, instead, purchases are made through independent consultants via live sales on Facebook, Instagram, or in-person "pop-up" parties. This makes the experience highly dependent on the individual seller.
• Return policy: Dependent entirely on the independent consultant you purchase from, leading to inconsistent standards for returns and exchanges.

Lularoe is a budget-friendly option for those seeking playful, colorful, and comfortable clothes for casual wear and who don't mind navigating an unconventional shopping model and potential quality issues.

Shop Lularoe: lularoe.com

Lululemon vs. Lularoe Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a massive price difference between these two brands. Lululemon leggings are an investment piece, generally priced between $98 and $148. You are paying for advanced fabric technology, durable construction, and a strong brand reputation.

Lularoe operates at the opposite end of the spectrum. Their popular leggings typically sell for about $25 a pair. This low price point makes their clothing highly accessible, allowing customers to buy multiple pairs for the price of one pair from Lululemon. However, this lower price comes with significant trade-offs in quality, durability, and consistency.

Quality & Materials

Lululemon's core selling point is its advanced material science. Fabrics like Nulu™, Luon™, and Everlux™ are engineered to be sweat-wicking, breathable, and shape-retaining during intense workouts. The stitching, seams, and overall construction are built to withstand frequent use and washing, resulting in a product that lasts for years.

Lularoe's materials prioritize softness and comfort for casual wear. They mostly use polyester and spandex blends that feel great for lounging, but they lack the performance features of athletic fabrics. Customers frequently report issues like pilling after a few washes, fading colors, and developing holes, indicating much lower durability.

Product Selection & Style

Lululemon offers a clean, modern, and minimalist athletic style. Colors are often solid or subtly patterned, focusing on flattering cuts that enhance a sporty silhouette. The clothing is designed to look good both in and out of the gym, making it a versatile part of any wardrobe.

Lularoe’s aesthetic is eclectic, vibrant, and fun. The brand is famous for releasing items in a wide array of unique and often quirky limited-edition prints, from floral and geometric patterns to pop-culture images. The style is distinctly casual and a bit 'loungy', meant more for staying comfortable at home or running errands.

Fit & Sizing

Fit is one of the most significant differentiators. Lululemon has a reputation for extremely consistent sizing. An Align™ Legging in a size 6 will fit the same way every time you buy it, which builds consumer trust and simplifies online shopping. The fit is athletic, compressive where needed, and designed to move with your body.

Lularoe's sizing is a well-known issue. A specific size in one pair of leggings or a certain style of dress can fit very differently from another in the exact same labeled size. This unpredictability is a major drawback, making it difficult to find a reliable fit without trying on items, which is often not possible in their online sales format.

Shopping Experience

Shopping with Lululemon is a traditional and professional experience. You can buy directly from their polished e-commerce website which offers size guides and reviews, or visit one of their clean, modern retail stores with helpful staff. Returns and customer service issues are handled centrally by the company.

The Lularoe shopping experience revolves entirely around its network of independent consultants, which is a Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) structure. To buy new products, you typically have to find a sales consultant on social media (like Facebook), join their private group, and watch live sales or claim items from photo albums. All customer service, payments, and returns are handled by that individual consultant, making the experience highly variable.

Sustainability & Ethics

Lululemon has publicly stated sustainability goals and programs designed to improve their environmental impact, including new material innovations and a trade-in program. They publish information on their factory standards and ethical sourcing practices.

Lularoe's primary area of controversy isn't around sustainability but in its MLM business model. The company has faced numerous lawsuits and widespread criticism alleging that it operates as a pyramid scheme which pressures its salespeople into buying large amounts of unsellable inventory. This ethical shadow is a significant factor for many shoppers.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right brand here has less to do with which is "better" and more to do with your priorities, budget, and intended use for the clothes.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You need durable, high-performance clothing for workouts, yoga, or running.
• You value consistent sizing and a reliable fit.
• You are willing to invest in quality garments that will last for years.
• You prefer a sleek, minimalist aesthetic and a traditional shopping experience.

Choose Lularoe if:

• Your primary concern is a low price point.
• You want comfortable, soft loungewear for everyday casual situations.
• You love expressing your personality through bold, vibrant, and unique patterns.
• You are comfortable with variability in quality and sizing and enjoy a social shopping format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lululemon or Lularoe cheaper?

Lularoe is significantly cheaper. A single pair of Lululemon leggings can cost four to five times more than a pair of Lularoe leggings. For shoppers on a tight budget, Lularoe is the much more accessible option.

Which brand has better quality leggings?

Unquestionably, Lululemon has better quality leggings. Their products are made from advanced, durable fabrics designed for athletic performance and longevity. Lularoe leggings are known for their softness but often lack durability and are prone to pilling and holes.

How does sizing compare between Lululemon and Lularoe?

Lululemon's sizing is very consistent and true-to-fit, making online shopping reliable. Lularoe is famous for having unpredictable and wildly inconsistent sizing, even within the same product and listed size.

Can you buy Lularoe in stores?

Lularoe products are not sold in traditional retail stores. You must purchase them through one of their independent consultants, typically via online social parties on Facebook or in-person pop-up events.

Is Lululemon worth the money?

For many, yes. If you are regularly active and need apparel that can stand up to frequent washes and intense workouts, the quality, fit, and durability of Lululemon can make the high price point a worthwhile long-term investment.

What is the main criticism of Lularoe?

The primary criticism against Lularoe is its Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) business model, which has been the subject of lawsuits and documentaries alleging predatory practices toward their salespeople. On the product side, criticisms focus on inconsistent quality control and sizing.

What are Lululemon leggings made of?

Lululemon uses a variety of patented, technical fabrics. Some of the most popular are Nulu™ fabric, known for its buttery-soft feel in the Align™ line, Luon™, their original moisture-wicking fabric, and Everlux™, their fastest-drying fabric used in items for a hot studio session.

Which brand is better for working out?

Lululemon is specifically designed for working out. Its moisture-wicking and durable materials, combined with a supportive athletic fit, make it the far superior choice for any kind of fitness activity. Lularoe is not suitable for performance and is best used as loungewear.