MPG Sport vs. Lululemon: Which brand should you buy? [2026]
MPG Sport offers trendy, performance-focused activewear at an accessible mid-range price point, making it ideal for budget-conscious shoppers. In contrast, Lululemon positions itself as a premium brand, known for its proprietary high-performance fabrics, exceptional fit, and minimalist aesthetic, all at a significantly higher cost.
Let's compare everything you need to know to decide which activewear brand is right for you.
MPG Sport: The Stylish and Accessible Activewear Brand
MPG Sport creates versatile activewear designed to transition from the gym to daily life, focusing on performance, comfort, and fashion-forward aesthetics. The brand targets active individuals who want functional, stylish apparel without the premium price tag. MPG Sport is known for its modern cuts, bold colors, and energetic vibe, offering a great balance of quality and value.
- Product mix: Offers a full range of men's and women's apparel including leggings, shorts, sports bras, tops, and outerwear designed for various activities and casual wear.
- Price point: Fairly affordable, with leggings priced between $50-$100 and sports bras typically under $60. Many complete outfits can be purchased for the price of one pair of Lululemon leggings.
- Quality: Uses quality performance fabrics with features like four-way stretch and moisture-wicking properties. The materials are durable for regular workouts, though they may not have the same luxurious feel or long-term resilience as Lululemon's.
- Sizing/Fit: Sizing is generally true to size, offering a comfortable and accommodating fit that isn't overly compressive or tailored. It's a reliable choice for a wide range of body types.
- Style & Aesthetic: Embraces trend-driven designs, vibrant color options, and modern, youthful silhouettes that blend performance with street style.
- Sustainability: The brand is focused on sustainability, utilizing eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing processes, though they are less public with detailed reports compared to Lululemon.
MPG Sport provides excellent value for those seeking functional, trendy activewear that performs well and looks great without a major investment.
Shop MPG Sport: www.mpgsport.com
Lululemon: The Leader in Premium Performance Apparel
Lululemon is a global leader in high-end athletic apparel, famous for its innovative fabrics, impeccable fit, and strong brand identity built around a lifestyle of wellness. Originally known for yoga wear, the brand now offers a wide array of premium clothing for running, training, and everyday life. Customers choose Lululemon when they are willing to invest in superior quality, durability, and a sophisticated, minimalist look.
- Product mix: Core offerings include its famous leggings and yoga pants, in addition to shorts, sports bras, jackets, and a growing line of casual and lifestyle apparel for both men and women.
- Price point: Positioned as a premium brand, with most leggings priced between $98-$128 and jackets often exceeding $200. The cost reflects its investment in fabric technology and advanced construction.
- Quality: Known for its top-tier, proprietary fabrics like the butter-soft Nulu™ and the supportive Luon™. The construction, stitching, and feel are industry-leading, ensuring products hold their shape and perform well for years.
- Sizing/Fit: Lululemon is beloved for its consistent, true-to-size fit that offers a flattering, body-contouring silhouette. The highly engineered fit is a key reason for its loyal customer base.
- Style & Aesthetic: The aesthetic is minimalist, sleek, and timeless. The brand prefers versatile, often neutral, color palettes that look polished both in and out of the gym.
- Sustainability: Lululemon invests heavily in sustainability, with transparent reporting on responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and the use of recycled materials in its products.
Lululemon is the go-to for those who prioritize a perfect fit, premium feel, and long-lasting quality, viewing their activewear as a long-term investment.
Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com
MPG Sport vs. Lululemon Comparison
Price Comparison
The most significant difference between the two brands is price. MPG Sport is the clear winner for shoppers on a budget. Leggings generally range from $50-$100, often found on sale for less. You can easily build a full workout outfit for well under $150.
Lululemon operates in the premium category. Its popular Align and Wunder Train leggings cost between $98-$128, and a full outfit can easily run over $200. While expensive, many customers find the investment worthwhile due to the products' longevity and performance. MPG makes high-quality gear accessible, while Lululemon is a luxury buy.
Quality & Materials
Lululemon sets the industry standard for quality. Its unique fabrics like Nulu™ feel incredibly soft and weightless, while materials like Everlux™ offer exceptional sweat-wicking for intense training. The craftsmanship is excellent, with durable flatlock seams that prevent chafing and retain their shape over time.
MPG Sport uses dependable performance fabrics that offer good four-way stretch, support, and moisture management. The quality is solid for the price, holding up to regular use and washing. However, the materials don't quite achieve the same buttery softness or engineered feel of Lululemon's proprietary fabrics.
Fit & Sizing
Lululemon is famous for its precise and consistent fit. Their products offer a flattering, body-sculpting feel that many customers believe is unmatched. Sizing is known to be very reliable and true-to-size, though some specific styles for high-intensity workouts can have a more compressive fit.
MPG Sport's fit is also good and generally true to size. It offers a comfortable, functional fit that accommodates a range of movements and body shapes. However, it tends to be slightly less "second-skin" or tailored than Lululemon's famously compressive and contoured designs.
Style & Aesthetic
Style is a matter of personal preference, but the two brands have distinct approaches. Lululemon champions a timeless, minimalist aesthetic. Their designs are sleek, understated, and rely on subtle branding and versatile color schemes that extend well beyond the gym.
MPG Sport leans into current trends with more vibrant colors, modern cuts, and eye-catching patterns. Its style feels younger and more aligned with contemporary fashion, making it a great choice if you want your gym wear to make a statement.
Sustainability & Ethics
Both brands prioritize sustainability, though Lululemon's efforts are more extensive and well-publicized. Lululemon publishes annual impact reports detailing its goals for responsible sourcing, reducing carbon emissions, and using recycled materials across its product lines.
MPG Sport also focuses on using eco-friendly fabrics and ethical manufacturing standards. While its commitment is clear, the company provides less public transparency and detailed reporting compared to Lululemon's comprehensive initiatives.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands deliver excellent activewear, but they are designed for different priorities and budgets.
Choose MPG Sport if:
- You are building your activewear wardrobe and need affordable, high-quality options.
- You prefer trendier styles, bolder colors, and more modern designs.
- You want functional, comfortable apparel for the gym and everyday errands without the premium price.
- Value is your top priority, and you're looking for the best performance at a reasonable cost.
Choose Lululemon if:
- You are willing to invest in premium materials, exceptional comfort, and a perfect, body-flattering fit.
- You want durable activewear that will last for years with proper care.
- You prefer a minimalist, sophisticated aesthetic with timeless appeal.
- Fabric technology and feel - like the famous "buttery-soft" Align leggings - are extremely important to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MPG Sport or Lululemon cheaper?
MPG Sport is substantially cheaper than Lululemon. Most of its items are priced 30-50% lower than comparable Lululemon products, making it a much more accessible and budget-friendly choice.
Which brand has better quality leggings?
Lululemon is widely recognized for having superior quality leggings due to its proprietary fabrics, expert construction, and impressive durability. While MPG Sport offers very good quality for its price point, Lululemon is in a higher tier.
Do MPG Sport and Lululemon run true to size?
Yes, both brands generally run true to size. Lululemon is known for its exceptionally consistent sizing, providing a compressive yet flattering fit. MPG Sport is also reliable, offering a slightly more relaxed but still supportive fit.
Which brand is better for yoga?
Lululemon is historically the top choice for yoga. Its non-restrictive, butter-soft Nulu™ fabric used in the Align collection was specifically designed for yoga and feels like a second skin, allowing for total freedom of movement.
Is MPG Sport a good brand?
Yes, MPG Sport is a very good brand that offers excellent value. It successfully blends style, performance, and affordability, making it a popular alternative to more expensive brands like Lululemon.
What is Lululemon most known for?
Lululemon is best known for its iconic Align leggings, proprietary high-performance fabrics that feel luxurious, a cult-like brand community, and its flattering, high-quality fit that transformed the athleisure market.
Are both brands sustainable?
Both brands have launched initiatives focused on sustainability. Lululemon has a more comprehensive and transparent program, with detailed public reports on its use of eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing. MPG Sport also emphasizes these values but provides less public documentation.
Which brand is more stylish?
This depends entirely on your personal taste. MPG Sport is more trend-focused, with bolder designs and colors. Lululemon leans into a timeless, minimalist aesthetic that is understated and sophisticated.
