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

Old Navy's Powersoft collection offers trendy, budget-friendly activewear designed for casual comfort and light workouts, while Lululemon is a premium brand known for its high-performance, durable apparel that comes with a significant price tag. The primary difference is cost and material technology, Powersoft provides exceptional value for everyday wear, whereas Lululemon delivers superior quality and longevity for dedicated athletes and fashion-forward shoppers.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right activewear brand for your needs.

Old Navy Powersoft: The Affordable Activewear Favorite

Old Navy's Powersoft line is designed for the budget-conscious shopper who wants comfortable, functional, and stylish activewear without a hefty investment. The collection targets individuals looking for versatile pieces suitable for lounging, running errands, or light-to-moderate exercise. Its main appeal is combining accessibility and trendy designs at a price point nearly everyone can afford.

• Product mix: The lineup includes leggings, joggers, sports bras, t-shirts, and hoodies. These pieces are designed with a focus on ease and comfort for everyday life rather than intense athletic performance.
• Price point: Extremely budget-friendly. Most Powersoft items range from $20 to $50, with leggings frequently on sale for as low as $25-$35.
• Quality: The fabric is typically a polyester and elastane blend that provides good stretch and a soft hand-feel. While comfortable for daily use, it may not withstand the rigors of high-intensity training or last as many years as premium alternatives.
• Fit & Sizing: Sizing is generally true to size and inclusive, ranging from XS to 3X. The fit is often more relaxed and forgiving compared to performance-focused brands, prioritizing comfort over compression.
• Sales: Old Navy is famous for its frequent sales, promotional discounts, and generous coupon codes, allowing you to get Powersoft gear for a fraction of its already low retail price.

Powersoft is a strong contender for shoppers who prioritize price and versatility for their everyday activewear, making it easy to build a full workout wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Shop Old Navy Powersoft: oldnavy.gap.com

Lululemon: The Premium Performance Leader

Lululemon is an athletic apparel brand that has built a loyal following through its obsession with high-quality materials, innovative fabric technology, and impeccable fit. The brand targets consumers who view activewear as an investment in their performance and lifestyle, offering sleek, minimalist designs that function in the gym and as fashionable athleisure. Lululemon is the choice for serious athletes and those who demand the best in comfort and durability.

• Product mix: Lululemon offers a wide range of apparel, including their famous leggings like the Align and Wunder Train pants, along with high-support sports bras, tops, jackets, and accessories for a variety of activities.
• Price point: Positioned at the premium end of the market. Leggings typically cost between $98 and $128, with tops and bras ranging from $80 to $150.
• Quality: This is where Lululemon excels. Proprietary fabrics like Nulu (buttery-soft) and Everlux (fast-drying) offer superior stretch, shape retention, and moisture-wicking properties. Garments are known to last for years with proper care.
• Fit & Sizing: Lululemon offers precise, performance-oriented sizing. Some items can fit snugly or offer high compression, so it's often wise to consult their sizing chart. While historically smaller, their size range has become more inclusive.
• Sustainability: The company invests in sustainability initiatives, including the use of recycled fabrics, responsible sourcing, and ongoing transparency reports on its environmental impact.

Lululemon stands out for its superior fabric technology, durability, and trend-setting designs, justifying its premium price for those who demand high performance from their gear.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Old Navy Powersoft vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

The price difference is the most significant factor between these two. You can often buy an entire Old Navy Powersoft outfit - leggings, bra, and top - for less than the cost of a single pair of Lululemon leggings. Powersoft leggings are typically $20-$50, while Lululemon leggings start at $98.

While Old Navy offers incredible upfront savings, Lululemon positions its products as a long-term investment. Many users report their Lululemon pieces lasting for five or more years, which can make the cost-per-wear lower over time. For immediate affordability, Powersoft is the clear winner, for long-term value and sustained performance, Lululemon holds its own.

Quality & Materials

Lululemon's reputation is built on its innovative, proprietary fabrics. Their Nulu fabric feels weightless and buttery soft, perfect for yoga, while Everlux is engineered for high-sweat studio sessions. These materials provide exceptional stretch, shape retention, and breathability that stand up to countless workouts and washes.

Old Navy's Powersoft fabric is a basic polyester-spandex blend. It's soft and stretchy, making it great for everyday comfort and light exercise, but it lacks the advanced moisture-wicking and durable qualities of Lululemon. Powersoft fabric is more prone to pilling and may lose some of its shape and compression over time compared to its premium counterpart.

Style & Aesthetic

Old Navy Powersoft reflects current trends, offering a variety of colors, prints, and seasonal styles that are fun and accessible. The aesthetic is casual, approachable, and versatile for mixing into your everyday wardrobe.

Lululemon focuses on a more sleek, minimalist, and modern aesthetic. Their designs are instantly recognizable and have become a status symbol in the athleisure world. The silhouettes are often more contoured and fashion-forward, designed to flatter the body while providing maximum performance.

Fit & Sizing

Old Navy Powersoft offers a generally relaxed and true-to-size fit designed for comfort. Their inclusive size range from XS-3X is a major plus, making the brand accessible to a wide variety of body types. The fit is less compressive, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler feel.

Lululemon's fit is famously precise and engineered for performance. This can mean a more compressive, body-hugging feel that some people find runs small. They provide detailed sizing charts and in-store fitting assistance because getting the right size is crucial for experiencing the fabric's technical benefits. Both brands offer good size ranges, but their fit philosophy is very different.

Sustainability & Ethics

For shoppers who prioritize environmental and ethical factors, Lululemon has a more pronounced focus. The company publishes detailed impact reports and actively invests in using more sustainable materials like recycled polyester and nylon. They also have programs aimed at circularity and reducing their carbon footprint.

While Old Navy’s parent company, Gap Inc., has goals for sustainability, the brand's fast-fashion model is inherently less focused on this area than a premium brand like Lululemon. Transparency is not as central to its marketing or product information.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on what kind of shopper you are. Both brands are excellent at what they do, but their specialties are distinct.

Choose Old Navy Powersoft if:

• Your budget is your top priority and you love finding a great deal.
• You need comfortable and stylish activewear for errands, lounging, and light activities like walking or stretching.
• You prefer a more relaxed fit over a tight, compressive feel.
• You enjoy trying out seasonal trends and new colors without making a big investment.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You are willing to invest in high-performance gear that is built to last for many years.
• You participate in intense workouts like HIIT, running, or hot yoga and need superior sweat-wicking and support.
• Fabric technology, durability, and a second-skin feel are more important to you than price.
• You prefer a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that works both in and out of the gym.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Old Navy Powersoft a good dupe for Lululemon?

While Old Navy Powersoft is often called a "dupe," it's more accurate to call it a budget-friendly alternative. They share a similar look, but the feel, fabric technology, and long-term durability of Lululemon are distinct. Powersoft is excellent for its price, but it does not replicate the performance of Lululemon's proprietary fabrics.

Which is cheaper, Powersoft or Lululemon?

Old Navy Powersoft is significantly cheaper. You can typically purchase three to four Powersoft items for the price of one similar item from Lululemon.

How long do Lululemon leggings last compared to Old Navy Powersoft?

With proper care, Lululemon leggings are known to last for several years of regular use without losing their shape or performance features. Old Navy Powersoft leggings are durable for their price point but may show signs of wear, like pilling or losing stretch, within a year or two of frequent use and washing.

Which brand has better sizing options?

Both brands offer inclusive sizing. Old Navy's range often extends from XS to 3X or 4X, and the fit is generally more relaxed. Lululemon also offers a wide range of sizes but is known for a tighter, more compressive fit that can vary between fabric types.

Is Lululemon quality really worth the price?

For many dedicated athletes and those who prioritize longevity, the answer is yes. The investment buys you advanced technical fabrics, a precision fit, and a garment that maintains its high performance over many years, potentially lowering the cost-per-wear over its lifetime.

Does Old Navy Powersoft fabric pill?

Like many synthetic blends in its price range, Powersoft fabric can be prone to some pilling over time, especially in high-friction areas. Washing inside out and line drying can help minimize this.

What is the Lululemon equivalent to Powersoft fabric?

There isn't a direct one-to-one equivalent because Lululemon's fabrics are proprietary. Powersoft is a light compression-to-smooth-feel fabric. The closest comparison might be Lululemon's Luon fabric, though Luon offers more compression and durability.

Which is better for running: Powersoft or Lululemon?

For serious runners, Lululemon is the better choice. Fabrics like their Luxtreme and Everlux are designed specifically for high-impact activities, providing superior moisture management, support, and chafe-resistance. Powersoft is suitable for very casual jogs or walks but lacks the technical features for intense running.