Mandala vs. Figs vs. Fabletics: Which brand should you buy? [2026]
Mandala is designed for eco-conscious shoppers seeking stylish, sustainable activewear, while Figs creates functional, fashion-forward medical scrubs for healthcare professionals. Meanwhile, Fabletics targets budget-conscious and trend-focused customers with its affordable, subscription-based activewear and athleisure lines. While both Mandala and Fabletics sell activewear, Mandala prioritizes sustainable materials at a mid-tier price, and Fabletics competes on price, trendiness, and an inclusive size range.
Let's examine everything you need to know to decide whether Mandala, Figs, or Fabletics is the right brand for your lifestyle and needs.
Mandala: The Eco-Conscious Activewear Innovator
Mandala is a newer name in activewear that has carved out a niche with its focus on sustainable materials, ethical production, and a modern aesthetic. The brand appeals to consumers who want their workout clothes to be as high-performing as they are environmentally responsible, featuring bold prints and versatile designs that work in and out of the gym.
- Product mix: A focused collection of activewear essentials including leggings, sports bras, tanks, and outerwear. Many pieces feature artistic prints and vibrant, unique colors.
- Price point: Positioned as a mid-range brand with items typically costing between $50 and $120. The pricing reflects the use of high-quality, eco-friendly materials.
- Quality & Materials: Crafted from recycled fabrics, organic cotton, and other sustainable textiles. Garments are known for their softness, breathability, and durability.
- Sizing/Fit: Offers an inclusive size range, usually from XS to 3X, with styles designed to provide a comfortable and consistent fit.
- Sustainability Focus: This is the brand's core feature. Mandala is transparent about its supply chain and prioritizes minimizing its environmental impact in every step of the manufacturing process.
Mandala is the ideal choice for those looking to invest in stylish, long-lasting activewear that aligns with their environmental and ethical values.
Shop Mandala: mandala.com
Figs: The Modern Medical Apparel Choice
Figs transformed the medical apparel industry by bringing style, comfort, and performance to scrubs. The brand caters directly to healthcare professionals who need clothing that can withstand long shifts while looking polished and feeling comfortable. Figs is famous for its combination of sleek design and functional, durable textiles.
- Product mix: Specializes in medical scrubs with tailored fits. The brand also offers lab coats, jackets, underscrubs, and professional accessories.
- Price point: Accessible for its market, with individual scrub tops or bottoms generally ranging from $30 to $70.
- Quality & Materials: Employs high-performance, stain-resistant, antimicrobial, and moisture-wicking technical fabrics designed for the demands of a medical environment.
- Sizing/Fit: Provides a broad size range from XXS to 3X. Figs is known for its contemporary, tailored fits that offer a more flattering silhouette than traditional, boxy scrubs.
- Community & Social Impact: Features a "Figs for Good" program that supports healthcare initiatives and donates scrubs to professionals in need around the world.
Figs is the go-to brand for healthcare workers seeking comfortable, durable, and professional apparel that breaks away from conventional medical uniforms.
Shop Figs: wearfigs.com
Fabletics: The Trend-Forward & Accessible Activewear Brand
Fabletics built its reputation on offering trendy, stylish activewear that is both affordable and size-inclusive. It operates on a flexible membership model, providing significant discounts to its VIP members and releasing new collections frequently to keep up with the latest fashion trends. It's designed for someone who wants fresh looks for the gym and everyday life without a large financial commitment.
- Product mix: An extensive selection of workout clothes, athleisure, and accessories. Their collections are known for vibrant colors, modern prints, and fashion-forward details like cutouts and mesh panels.
- Price point: Highly competitive, with most items priced between $20 and $70 for VIP members. Frequent sales and promotions make it one of the most budget-friendly activewear brands.
- Quality & Materials: Utilizes a range of flexible synthetic blends that provide good stretch and moisture-wicking properties, though durability can vary between lines.
- Sizing/Fit: A leader in inclusive sizing, Fabletics offers a range from XXS to 4X. The forgiving, stretchy fabrics make finding a comfortable fit easy.
- Shopping Model: Relies on a VIP membership for its best prices. Members can choose to buy or "skip the month" to avoid a monthly charge.
Fabletics excels at providing fun, fashionable, and affordable activewear for women who want a wide selection of styles and sizes.
Shop Fabletics: fabletics.com
Mandala vs. Figs vs. Fabletics Comparison
Price Comparison
When it comes to price, these three brands serve entirely different purposes and budgets. Fabletics is the clear winner on affordability, with most pieces ranging from $20 to $70, and VIP membership discounts making it even cheaper. It’s built for customers who prioritize new styles and a lower price tag.
Figs sits in the middle, with separates costing around $30 to $70. Given that this is performance workwear designed to last through grueling shifts and frequent washes, it offers excellent durability for the cost. Mandala is the most expensive of the trio, with prices typically between $50 and $120. This premium reflects its high-quality sustainable materials and ethical production, making it an investment in both your wardrobe and the environment.
Quality & Materials
The materials define what each brand stands for. Mandala uses a premium selection of eco-friendly fabrics like recycled polyester and organic cotton that are soft, breathable, and built for longevity. They offer a luxurious feel with the peace of mind that comes from environmental responsibility.
Figs uses its proprietary FIONx fabric, a technical blend that is stain-resistant, anti-wrinkle, moisture-wicking, and features four-way stretch. This material is engineered specifically for durability and function in high-stakes healthcare settings. Fabletics uses versatile synthetic blends that are great for comfort and stretch, like their PowerHold and Motion365 fabrics. While they perform well for general workouts, they may not offer the same long-term durability as Mandala's or the specialized technical features of Figs'.
Style & Aesthetic
Each brand champions a distinct aesthetic. Fabletics is the most trend-focused, releasing new collections filled with bold prints, bright colors, cutouts, and styles that align with current athleisure trends. Its vibe is youthful, energetic, and unapologetically fashionable.
Mandala offers a more modern and artistic aesthetic. Its designs are often sophisticated and minimalist, supplemented with unique, artistic prints that stand out without being loud. It appeals to someone with a refined yet bold sense of style. Figs is all about professional modernism. Their scrubs are sleek and tailored, offering a polished look that’s a far cry from traditional medical uniforms. The color palette is contemporary, reinforcing a clean and competent appearance.
Fit & Sizing
All three brands score well on inclusivity, but they cater to slightly different needs. Fabletics offers the widest range, from XXS to 4X, and its flexible, stretchy fabrics make for a more forgiving fit. Figs ranges from XXS to 3X with a focus on a professionally tailored fit that accommodates different body proportions common among both men and women.
Mandala generally offers sizes from XS to 3X and provides a consistent, true-to-size fit for activewear. Their cuts are designed to be comfortable and functional for movement, balancing performance with a flattering silhouette.
Sustainability & Ethics
Sustainability is Mandala's central mission. The brand leads with recycled materials, eco-friendly dyes, and transparent manufacturing processes, making it the top choice for environmentally conscious consumers. Its entire business model is built around minimizing its ecological footprint.
Figs incorporates sustainability through initiatives like its "Figs for Good" program and by using some recycled materials in its products, but its primary focus remains performance and style for medical professionals. Fabletics is taking steps toward greater sustainability by using recycled fabrics in certain collections, but its fast-fashion model of frequent releases is inherently less sustainable than Mandala's investment-piece approach.
Which One Should You Choose?
These brands are distinguished by who they serve, so the best choice directly depends on your lifestyle, priorities, and profession.
Choose Mandala if:
- Sustainability and ethical production are your primary concerns when shopping.
- You want high-quality activewear that is built to last for many years.
- You prefer sophisticated, unique designs over fast-fashion trends.
- You are willing to invest a bit more in versatile pieces that feel good to wear.
Choose Figs if:
- You are a healthcare professional who needs durable, functional, and comfortable workwear.
- You want to look polished and professional on the job.
- Features like moisture-wicking and stain-resistance are essential for your daily work.
- You value a tailored fit that provides both comfort and a structured appearance.
Choose Fabletics if:
- Your top priority is finding trendy, stylish activewear at an affordable price.
- You enjoy a membership model that delivers great deals and frequent new arrivals.
- You need a broad and inclusive size range, especially up to 4X.
- You use activewear for both workouts and casual, everyday athleisure looks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most affordable brand?
Fabletics is by far the most affordable, especially for those who join its VIP membership program. Its business model is built on providing accessible pricing and frequent sales.
Are Figs scrubs only for medical professionals?
While designed for healthcare workers, the comfort and durability of Figs products make them appealing to others in demanding professions like veterinary medicine or aesthetics. However, their specific design is tailored for a clinical setting.
Which brand is most sustainable?
Mandala is the undisputed leader in sustainability. Its commitment to recycled materials, ethical manufacturing, and a transparent supply chain is central to its brand identity.
Do I need a subscription to shop at Fabletics?
You can shop at Fabletics as a guest, but the prices are significantly higher. The best deals are reserved for VIP members, who can choose to make a purchase or "skip the month" to avoid a monthly charge.
How does the sizing compare between the three brands?
All three offer inclusive sizing. Fabletics has the widest range (XXS-4X) with a roomy, stretchy fit. Figs (XXS-3X) offers a more tailored, professional fit. Mandala (XS-3X) fits true to size for activewear, with a goal of balancing comfort and performance.
Which brand is best for intense workouts?
Both Mandala and Fabletics are great choices for workouts. Mandala's materials are premium, breathable and durable for things like yoga and training. Many of Fabletics' high-compression fabrics are also excellent for high-intensity activities.
Where can I buy these brands?
All three brands primarily sell direct-to-consumer through their official websites to maintain control over their pricing and customer experience. Some have physical retail locations in select cities, with Fabletics having the largest retail presence.
Which brand has better quality?
That depends on your definition. For professional, long-lasting durability in a demanding work environment, Figs has the highest quality. For sustainable, eco-luxe activewear, Mandala offers superior quality. Fabletics offers good quality for its price point but may not have the same longevity as the other two.
