Nobull Leggings vs. Lululemon: Which one should you buy?
While both brands cater to athletes, Nobull leggings are built with a minimalist, no-nonsense approach focused on durability for high-intensity training, whereas Lululemon leggings are known for their proprietary, buttery-soft fabrics and fashion-forward designs that masterfully blend performance with everyday style. Nobull prioritizes rugged function and an accessible price point, while Lululemon emphasizes a premium feel, extensive style variety, and a flattering fit.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which brand's leggings are the right investment for your wardrobe and workouts.
Nobull Leggings
Nobull leggings are engineered for the serious athlete. Launched in 2015, the brand built its reputation on footwear and apparel that withstands the toughest workouts, and its leggings are no exception. They feature a straightforward, minimalist aesthetic and are constructed from high-performance materials designed for durability, support, and stretch during intense functional fitness sessions.
- What it is: Functional, durable athletic leggings with a simple aesthetic designed for high-performance training like CrossFit.
- Key features: Moisture-wicking performance fabrics, a supportive and athletic fit, and a minimalist design focused on function.
- Price: $50 - $70
- Materials/Construction: Emphasizes durable, rugged fabrics that hold up against friction and intense movement, resisting pulling and pilling.
- Sizing/Fit: An athletic, true-to-size fit that offers support and light compression without feeling restrictive. The size range is straightforward but less extensive than Lululemon's.
- Pros: Highly durable for intense workouts. More affordable price point. Resists pilling better than softer leggings. No-nonsense aesthetic appeals to serious athletes.
- Cons: Fabrics aren't as soft or luxurious as Lululemon's. Fewer color and style options. Less versatile for casual, everyday wear.
These leggings are for athletes who value pure performance and durability in their gear and are not seeking a fashion-forward or ultra-soft feel.
Shop this product: nobullproject.com/collections/womens-tights-and-leggings
Lululemon Leggings
Lululemon is an icon in the premium activewear world, famous for creating leggings that feel as good as they look. The brand uses innovative, proprietary fabrics that offer a unique combination of softness, stretch, and performance. With a huge variety of styles, colors, and fabrics, Lululemon appeals to everyone from dedicated yogis and runners to people seeking comfortable and stylish pants for everyday life.
- What it is: Premium leggings for athletics and leisure, renowned for their flattering fit, buttery-soft proprietary fabrics, and stylish designs.
- Key features: Patented fabrics like buttery-soft Nulu™ and sleek Luxtreme™, high-rise waistbands that stay put, and a massive selection of colors and patterns.
- Price: $80 - $150
- Materials/Construction: Utilizes high-end fabrics engineered for specific feelings and activities, from weightless and soft to cool and supportive. Construction quality is high, often with seamless details.
- Sizing/Fit: Famous for its flattering and consistent fit across a wide range of sizes (00 to 20+). The designs celebrate and support various body types.
- Pros: Exceptionally comfortable fabrics with a luxurious feel. Extremely versatile - great for workouts and everyday wear. Huge variety of styles, colors, and fabrics to choose from. Flattering fit is a key selling point.
- Cons: Higher price point. Some softer fabrics (like Nulu™) can be prone to pilling if not cared for properly, especially during high-friction activities.
Lululemon leggings are perfect for those who want a versatile, high-end legging that performs beautifully during workouts and transitions seamlessly to casual wear.
Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/c/women-leggings
Nobull Leggings vs. Lululemon Leggings Comparison
Style & Aesthetic
The visual difference between the two brands is clear. Lululemon leads with fashion-forward designs, offering a massive array of vibrant colors, trendy patterns, and lengths. Their aesthetic is sleek, modern, and often seen as a status symbol in athleisure. The branding is subtle, letting the iconic fit and feel speak for itself.
Nobull, true to its name, offers a minimalist and utilitarian look. Designs are simple, with neutral color palettes and a focus on clean lines. Their leggings are made to blend in at the gym and signal a focus on function, not fashion. If you prefer a straightforward, athletic style without any frills, Nobull is your brand.
Quality & Materials
Both brands produce high-quality gear, but their material philosophy differs. Lululemon is famous for its proprietary fabrics. The Nulu™ fabric used for Align leggings is unbelievably soft and weightless, ideal for yoga and lounging. The Everlux™ fabric is engineered for high-sweat workouts, feeling cool on the inside and soft on the outside. This innovation drives their premium cost.
Nobull focuses on one primary goal: durability. Their performance fabrics are designed to be tough, moisture-wicking, and supportive. While not as "buttery soft" as Lululemon's offerings, they stand up exceptionally well to abrasive movements common in CrossFit, like friction from barbells or ropes.
Fit & Sizing
Lululemon is celebrated for its flattering fit and inclusive sizing, with options typically running from 00 to 20+. Their high-rise waistbands are well-designed to stay in place comfortably without digging in, making them a popular choice for all body types.
Nobull offers a more standard athletic fit that is true-to-size. The leggings provide good compression and support for intense activity but may not offer the same "second-skin," curve-hugging feel that Lululemon is known for. Their sizing is also more limited, sticking to a conventional range.
Price & Value
This is one of the biggest differentiators. Nobull leggings are priced affordably, typically between $50 and $70. For that price, you get an incredibly durable, high-performance piece of equipment for your workouts. The value lies in their longevity and function.
Lululemon leggings are a premium investment, ranging from $80 to $150 or more. The value here comes from the advanced fabric technology, unparalleled comfort, stylish designs, and versatility. You are paying for a legging that excels in performance but also serves as a go-to item for daily life.
Which One Should You Choose?
Your choice depends entirely on your priorities: workout style, budget, and fashion sense.
Choose Nobull Leggings if:
- You're an athlete who does high-intensity training, lifting, or CrossFit.
- Durability and resistance to pilling are your primary concerns.
- You prefer a simple, functional, and minimalist aesthetic.
- You're looking for great performance leggings at a more accessible price point.
Choose Lululemon Leggings if:
- You prioritize a soft, luxurious feel and unparalleled comfort.
- You want versatile leggings that you can wear for yoga, running, and brunch.
- A flattering fit, trendy designs, and a wide variety of color options are important to you.
- You are willing to invest in premium technical fabrics and a well-known brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Nobull and Lululemon leggings?
The biggest difference is their core focus. Nobull creates rugged, functional leggings for intense performance at an affordable price. Lululemon creates premium, stylish leggings with incredibly soft, proprietary fabrics designed for both performance and everyday athleisure comfort.
Which is better for CrossFit?
Nobull is generally considered better for CrossFit. Their leggings are designed specifically to withstand the high-friction, abrasive nature of movements like barbell lifts and rope climbs. The durable fabric resists pilling and tearing much better than softer alternatives.
Are Lululemon leggings worth the price?
For many, yes. If you value supreme comfort, a consistently flattering fit, and fashionable styles you can wear everywhere, Lululemon leggings offer excellent quality and versatility that justifies the premium price. Their longevity, when cared for properly, also adds to their value.
Which brand is more durable?
Nobull leggings are engineered for superior durability, especially in high-intensity gym environments. While Lululemon's leggings are high-quality, some of their most popular soft fabrics (like Nulu™) are more delicate and can pill with rough use.
Do Nobull leggings run true to size?
Yes, Nobull leggings generally fit true to size with an athletic, lightly compressive feel that is ideal for training.
How is Lululemon sizing?
Lululemon sizing is known to be very consistent. It is also more inclusive, offering a wider range from sizes 00 to 20+. Most find they are true to size, but the brand's website offers detailed fit guides for each fabric type.
Which has a more compressive fit?
This depends on the specific product, but generally, Nobull leggings offer a more consistently compressive feel designed to support muscles during training. Lululemon offers a wide range of compression levels, from the "naked sensation" of Align leggings (very low compression) to the firm hug of their running tights.
Can I wear Lululemon for high-intensity training?
Absolutely. While Nobull may be more durable for certain abrasive movements, Lululemon offers leggings specifically for training. Their Everlux™ fabric (found in Wunder Train leggings) is highly technical, moisture-wicking and durable enough for most sweaty workouts.
