Lululemon vs. Spanx Leggings: Which brand should you buy?

Lululemon leggings are engineered for high-performance athletic activities, using innovative, breathable fabrics designed for yoga studios and gyms. In contrast, Spanx leggings leverage the brand's shapewear expertise to offer a body-contouring, smoothing fit for everyday fashion and light activity. Lululemon focuses on technical performance and a modern athleisure aesthetic, while Spanx prioritizes a flattering, sculpted silhouette.

Let's compare these two leggings titans to help you find the perfect pair for your wardrobe and lifestyle.

Lululemon: The Leader in High-Performance Athletic Style

Lululemon has built its global reputation on premium athletic apparel that perfectly marries function and fashion. Best known for leggings that feel as good as they perform, the brand uses proprietary fabrics like their buttery-soft Nulu™ fabric to create products for dedicated yogis, runners, and anyone seeking high-quality athleisure. The core customer is looking for durable, comfortable, and stylish gear that seamlessly transitions from a workout to daily errands.

• Product mix: Primarily high-performance athletic apparel with a strong focus on leggings, shorts, sports bras, and tops. Their collections are designed for specific activities like yoga (Align), training (Wunder Train), and running (Fast and Free).
• Price point: Premium pricing, with their most popular leggings typically ranging from $98 to $148. The cost reflects their investment in technical fabric innovation and construction quality.
• Quality & Materials: Famous for proprietary fabrics like Nulu™ (soft, weightless feel for yoga), Luon™ (the original, supportive cottony fabric), and Everlux™ (fast-drying and breathable for intense workouts). Leggings feature flatlock seams to minimize chafing and are known for their long-term durability.
• Sizing/Fit: Generally runs true to size with a range from 0–20 (equivalent to XXS-XXL). Different fabrics offer different levels of compression, from the light hug of the Align pant to the high support of the Wunder Train tight. High-rise styles provide excellent coverage and support.
• Style: Sleek, modern, and minimalist athletic aesthetic. Most designs feature subtle branding, making them easy to incorporate into a daily wardrobe for a polished athleisure look.

Lululemon delivers exceptional performance, comfort, and durability in styles that are both timeless and functional, making them a worthwhile investment for any serious fitness enthusiast.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Spanx: The Expert in Shaping & Smoothing Leggings

Spanx transformed the apparel industry with its innovative shapewear, and it applied that same body-contouring expertise to its leggings collection. Designed to smooth, lift, and flatter, Spanx leggings combine the comfort of casual wear with the confidence boost of shapewear. They appeal to a wide audience of women looking for a sleek, polished silhouette in their everyday attire, from versatile black leggings to fashion-forward faux leather styles.

• Product mix: Expansive range of leggings featuring shaping technology, including their famous Faux Leather leggings, moto styles, seamless designs, and activewear. The line blends fashion with function.
• Price point: More accessible than Lululemon, with leggings typically priced between $50 and $120. Frequent sales and promotions offer additional value.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes compression fabrics and innovative designs like their signature Power Waistband to smooth the tummy and create a sleek profile. Materials are thick, opaque, and durable, providing a slimming effect while remaining comfortable for all-day wear.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a wide size range from XS to 3X. Due to the built-in shapewear, the fit is compressive and can feel snug. Many customers prefer to size up for a more comfortable, everyday fit.
• Style: Centered on creating a flattering, streamlined look. Spanx offers a variety of finishes, from classic matte to edgy faux leather and moto details, making them perfect for dressing up or down.

Spanx excels at providing flattering, body-shaping leggings in a variety of fashionable styles at a more budget-friendly price point, without compromising on quality.

Shop Spanx: spanx.com

Lululemon vs. Spanx Comparison

Price Comparison

There's a clear difference in pricing between the two brands. Lululemon occupies a premium spot, with leggings typically ranging from $98 to $148. Sales are rare outside of their "We Made Too Much" section, so shoppers usually pay full price. This cost is positioned as an investment in superior technical fabrics and longevity.

Spanx offers a more approachable price range of $50 to $120. They also run frequent sales and promotions, especially on their own website and through retail partners like Nordstrom. For shoppers seeking high-quality leggings without a premium price tag, Spanx presents a better value, especially for their fashion-focused designs.

Quality & Materials

Both brands produce high-quality leggings, but their materials serve different purposes. Lululemon's strength lies in its portfolio of proprietary performance fabrics. Materials like Everlux are highly breathable and moisture-wicking, engineered specifically for high-sweat activities. The buttery-soft Nulu fabric used in Align leggings offers unparalleled comfort for yoga and low-impact movement.

Spanx focuses on compression and shaping. Their fabrics are known for being thick, opaque, and having significant "hold-you-in" power, smoothing over any lumps and bumps. The Power Waistband is a key feature that provides excellent core control. While some Spanx leggings are suitable for workouts, their materials are generally less breathable than Lululemon's and are better suited for everyday style and comfort.

Style & Aesthetic

Lululemon champions a modern, minimalist athletic style. Their designs are clean, functional, and come in a wide array of core and seasonal colors. The aesthetic is unmistakably athleisure, making their leggings perfect for gym-to-street wear without looking out of place.

Spanx leans more toward a fashion-forward, polished aesthetic. Its collection stands out with trend-driven designs like the bestselling Faux Leather Leggings, which can be dressed up for a night out. While they offer standard athletic styles, their main appeal lies in leggings that function as a chic component of a complete outfit.

Fit & Sizing

Lululemon leggings are known to run true to size, offering a consistent fit across their various styles, from gently supportive to highly compressive. A size 6 in their Align leggings will feel different from a size 6 in the Wunder Train, but the sizing framework is reliable. They also offer multiple length options to accommodate different heights.

Spanx leggings are designed for a compressive fit and can feel very snug. The brand itself and many shoppers recommend sizing up, especially if you are between sizes or prefer a less restrictive feel. The goal is to smooth and shape, so the initial tightness is part of the design. Their size range is more inclusive, typically extending up to 3X.

Shopping Experience

Shopping with Lululemon combines a seamless e-commerce experience with a strong in-store presence. Their physical stores offer personalized fitting advice and foster a sense of community. The website is detailed, with customer reviews and clear fabric explanations to guide your purchase.

Spanx is highly accessible, selling directly from its own website as well as through department stores and online retailers. This makes it easy to find their products and catch a good sale price. Their return policy is generally straightforward and customer-friendly.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands make excellent leggings, but they are built for different customers and occasions.

Choose Lululemon if:

• Your top priority is performance for running, training, or yoga.
• You want lightweight, breathable, and sweat-wicking technical fabrics.
• You prefer a classic, athletic aesthetic and are willing to invest in premium quality.
• A true-to-size, consistent fit is important to you.

Choose Spanx if:

• You're looking for leggings that smooth, lift, and shape your figure.
• You want trendy styles like faux leather that can be easily dressed up.
• Budget is a key factor, and you appreciate frequent sales opportunities.
• You value an inclusive size range and opaque, supportive fabric for everyday wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Lululemon or Spanx leggings more expensive?

Lululemon is consistently more expensive, with leggings priced from $98 to $148. Spanx offers a more affordable alternative at $50 to $120 and has sales more frequently.

Which brand is better for working out?

Lululemon is the superior choice for most workouts. Its technical fabrics are specifically designed to handle sweat, allow for a full range of motion, and stay in place during high-intensity activity.

Which brand is better for shaping and tummy control?

Spanx is the clear winner for shaping and tummy control. Leveraging its shapewear background, Spanx designs its leggings with features like the Power Waistband to smooth and contour the midsection.

How does the sizing compare between Lululemon and Spanx?

Lululemon generally fits true to size. Spanx leggings have a compression fit and can feel tight, most shoppers find success by sizing up from their usual size for added comfort.

Are Spanx Faux Leather Leggings see-through?

No, one of the signature features of Spanx leggings, including their Faux Leather style, is that they are high-quality and completely opaque. You can bend and squat with confidence.

Do Lululemon leggings pill?

Pilling can occur with some Lululemon leggings, particularly those made from the super-soft Nulu™ fabric (like the Align). To prevent this, it's best to wash them with like materials, inside out, and avoid contact with abrasive surfaces.

Can I wear Spanx leggings to the gym?

Yes, you can. Spanx offers an "Active" line, but their fashion leggings (like the Faux Leather ones) are less breathable and may not be ideal for intense, sweaty workouts compared to performance-focused options from Lululemon.

Which legging is better for everyday wear?

This depends on your style. For ultimate comfort and a classic athleisure look, the Lululemon Align is a fan favorite. For a more polished, structured look that smooths your figure and can be dressed up, Spanx leggings are an excellent choice.