Lululemon vs. Old Navy Leggings: Which one is better?

Choosing between Lululemon and Old Navy leggings comes down to a crucial distinction: investment performance versus everyday value. Lululemon leggings are a premium product, built with proprietary high-tech fabrics designed for athletic performance and longevity, reflected in their $98 to $128 price tag. On the other hand, Old Navy offers stylish, comfortable leggings with an accessible price point of $20 to $35, making them a fantastic choice for casual wear and budget-conscious shoppers.

Here’s everything you need to know about how these two iconic brands stack up so you can decide which pair is right for your wallet and your wardrobe.

Lululemon Leggings

Lululemon is a dominant force in the premium activewear market, celebrated for leggings that seamlessly blend technical performance with a minimalist, fashionable aesthetic. The brand's reputation is built on its innovative fabrics, like the buttery-soft Nulu™ used for Align pants, which provide a "second-skin" sensation perfect for yoga and low-impact activities. For more intense training, fabrics like Luon™ and Everlux™ offer compression, durability, and superior moisture-wicking properties.

• What it is: High-performance athletic leggings recognized for their signature fabrics, thoughtful design, and durable construction.
• Key features: Proprietary fabrics with four-way stretch, sweat-wicking capabilities, shape retention, high-rise fits, and strategically placed pockets.
• Price: $98 - $128.
• Materials/Construction: Engineered fabrics like Nulu™, Luon™, and Everlux™ are designed to resist pilling, hold their shape, and support the body during intense movement.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for a consistent, body-sculpting fit. They offer a range of inseam lengths for petite and tall frames, ensuring precise sizing.
• Pros: Exceptional comfort and a "barely there" feeling. Superior durability that lasts for years. Excellent performance for high-impact workouts. The flattering fit maintains its shape wear after wear.
• Cons: Premium price point is a considerable investment. Require specific care (washing in cold, hang drying) to maintain fabric quality. Can feel too compressive for those who prefer a relaxed fit.

These leggings are ideal for dedicated fitness enthusiasts who treat their activewear as essential gear and prioritize performance and long-term durability.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com

Old Navy Leggings

Old Navy has carved out a massive following by offering trendy, comfortable, and incredibly affordable clothing for the whole family, and their leggings are no exception. Far more focused on accessibility and everyday style, their leggings come in a huge variety of colors, patterns, and rises. While not engineered for elite athletic performance, they are soft, stretchy, and perfect for lounging, errands, or light workouts like walking or stretching.

• What it is: A budget-friendly, fashion-forward legging ideal for casual daily wear and light activity.
• Key features: Made from soft polyester and spandex blends. Available in a vast array of prints, colors, and styles. Often feature wide, comfortable waistbands and inclusive sizing.
• Price: $20 - $35, and frequently available for less during sales events.
• Materials/Construction: Basic knit fabrics are comfortable and stretchy for everyday movement, but lack the technical fiber and construction of premium brands.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a wide range of sizes, including a strong plus-size collection. The fit is generally relaxed and true to size, though it can vary between different legging styles.
• Pros: Extremely affordable price point. A massive selection of trendy styles and fun patterns. Comfortable enough for all-day wear and lounging. Widely accessible in stores and online.
• Cons: Less durable over the long term, may pill or lose shape after repeated washes. Not designed for intense, high-sweat workouts. Lack flattering compression and advanced moisture-wicking properties.

These are a great choice for anyone who wants a variety of stylish, comfortable leggings for everyday life without a large financial commitment.

Shop this product: oldnavy.gap.com

Lululemon Leggings vs. Old Navy Leggings Comparison

Quality & Materials

The primary difference between Lululemon and Old Navy leggings lies in the fabric. Lululemon invests heavily in research and development to create proprietary fabrics like Nulu™ and Everlux™. These materials offer superior performance attributes like sweat-wicking, shape retention, four-way stretch, and a specific texture (like buttery-soft or cool-and-sleek). They are engineered to endure friction and repeated stress, making them highly durable.

Old Navy uses more standard polyester and spandex blends. While comfortable and soft for casual wear, these materials aren't designed to handle the rigor of high-impact exercise. Over time, they are more likely to pill, thin out, or lose their elasticity compared to Lululemon's engineered textiles.

Performance & Durability

For any serious physical activity, Lululemon is the clear winner. Their leggings provide the gentle compression needed for muscle support, stay opaque during squats, and effectively pull moisture away from the skin to keep you dry and comfortable. Their robust construction means a single pair can hold up for years of regular workouts.

Old Navy leggings are perfectly suitable for errands, WFH life, and low-impact activities like walking or gentle yoga. However, they lack the technical features for intense training. They may feel hot during a HIIT session, and the fabric isn’t designed to maintain its shape or position during dynamic movements, potentially requiring more adjustment.

Fit & Sizing

Lululemon is known for its precise and consistent sizing, offering a "second-skin" fit that sculpts and smooths without feeling restrictive. The brand also provides various inseam lengths, which is a major advantage for petite or tall shoppers seeking a perfect hem length. Old Navy excels in size inclusivity, offering a broad range from XS to 4X. While their fit is generally comfortable and true to size, it can be less consistent across different styles and lacks the body-contouring, compressive qualities of Lululemon leggings.

Price & Value

This is where the choice becomes clearest. At approximately $100 per pair, Lululemon is a premium purchase. The value comes from longevity and performance - if you wear leggings for workouts multiple times a week, the durability may justify the upfront cost. One pair of Lululemons can easily outlast three or four pairs of a cheaper alternative.

Old Navy's value proposition is its incredible affordability. For the price of one pair of Lululemon leggings, you could buy several pairs from Old Navy in different colors and patterns. For someone who prioritizes variety and wears leggings primarily for casual purposes, Old Navy offers unbeatable value.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, both brands offer good products that serve very different customers and priorities.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You regularly participate in high-intensity workouts like running, HIIT, cycling, or hot yoga.
• You value fabric performance, durability, and a consistent, sculpting fit.
• You're willing to invest in activewear as long-lasting performance gear.
• You prefer a minimalist, athletic aesthetic that can be worn for both fitness and leisure.

Choose Old Navy if:

• You are primarily looking for comfortable, affordable leggings for lounging, errands, or casual wear.
• Your workout routine consists of low-impact activities like walking or stretching.
• You enjoy having a wardrobe with many different colors, trendy prints, and styles.
• Your budget is a primary consideration in your shopping decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Lululemon and Old Navy leggings?

The main differences are price, fabric technology, and intended use. Lululemon leggings are a premium, high-performance athletic garment made with proprietary fabrics for about $100. Old Navy leggings are an affordable, stylish option focused on casual comfort for around $20-$35.

Are Lululemon leggings a worthwhile investment?

For those who are very active and demand a lot from their workout clothes, yes. Their superior durability, comfort, and performance features mean they hold up over years of use, which can justify the high upfront cost compared to replacing cheaper pairs more frequently.

How does the sizing compare?

Lululemon sizing is very consistent and designed to be form-fitting and compressive, so some people consider sizing up. Old Navy's sizing is generally true-to-size for a more relaxed fit, but consistency can vary a bit between styles. Old Navy offers a broader range of plus sizes.

Which brand is better for workouts?

Lululemon is objectively better for moderate to intense workouts. Their technical fabrics manage sweat, provide support, and stay in place during movement far more effectively than the basic blends used by Old Navy.

Do Old Navy leggings pill?

They are more prone to pilling over time than Lululemon leggings, especially in high-friction areas like the inner thighs. To prolong their life, wash them inside out on a gentle cycle and hang them to dry.

How long do Lululemon leggings last?

With proper care, a pair of Lululemon leggings can last for several years, even with frequent wear. This impressive lifespan is one of the key reasons for the brand's loyal following.

Can I wear Old Navy leggings to the gym?

Absolutely, especially for low-impact activities like weightlifting, using the elliptical, or stretching. For more intense, sweaty cardio sessions, you might find they don't offer the breathability or moisture management you need.

Are there any Old Navy leggings similar to Lululemon's Align leggings?

Old Navy's PowerSoft line is often touted as an affordable alternative for its soft, smooth feel. While it does a great job of mimicking the initial softness of Lululemon's Nulu™ fabric, it doesn't offer the same near-weightless sensation, durability, or gentle compression as the Align legging. It’s a great option for the price, but not an exact duplicate.