Outlier Slim Dungarees vs. Lululemon ABC: Which one is better?

The Outlier Slim Dungarees are a cult-favorite technical pant built for extreme durability and minimalist style, using tough CORDURA-grade nylon. In contrast, the Lululemon ABC Pant is an athleisure icon engineered for comfort and freedom of movement with its signature four-way stretch Warpstreme fabric. The core difference comes down to philosophy: Outlier prioritizes rugged longevity, while Lululemon champions flexible, all-day comfort.

Here’s a clear comparison to help you decide which of these premium pants belongs in your wardrobe.

Outlier Slim Dungarees

The Outlier Slim Dungarees are often seen as the original "one pant for everything." Designed to look like a pair of classic five-pocket jeans but constructed from advanced technical materials, they are built to withstand tough conditions, from daily bike commutes to multi-week international travel, without showing wear and tear.

• What it is: A highly durable, water-resistant, five-pocket pant made from advanced technical fabric that bridges the gap between jeans and performance wear.
• Key features: Gusseted crotch for movement, two-way stretch, DWR (durable water repellent) finish that resists light rain and spills, refined minimalist branding.
• Price: Around $265
• Materials/Construction: Built with a custom CORDURA-grade "Soft Dungaree Cloth," a durable woven nylon-poly canvas that feels robust and is designed for extreme longevity.
• Sizing/Fit: A true slim-tapered fit. It’s narrower through the thigh and leg than the ABC Pant, making it ideal for leaner builds or those who prefer a fitted silhouette. Most find them true to size.
• Pros: Exceptional durability that lasts for years, excellent water and stain resistance, versatile style that can be dressed up or down, holds its shape well over time.
• Cons: A significant price investment, fabric can feel stiff before breaking in, only has two-way stretch which feels less free than competitors, less breathable in high heat.

This is the ideal pant for someone who values investment pieces and needs gear that performs without looking overly technical.

Shop this product: https://outlier.nyc/products/slim-dungarees

Lululemon ABC Pant

Lululemon's ABC (Anti-Ball Crushing) Pant defined the athleisure pants category by delivering superior comfort in a package you could wear to the office. Its signature Warpstreme fabric provides four-way stretch that moves with you, making it feel more like athletic wear than a traditional trouser or chino.

• What it is: A versatile five-pocket pant known for its incredible comfort, four-way stretch, and athleisure aesthetic.
• Key features: Warpstreme™ fabric, ABC™ technology gusset, hidden back pocket with a zipper, wrinkle-resistance, quick-drying properties.
• Price: $128
• Materials/Construction: Made from Lululemon’s signature Warpstreme™ fabric, a blend of polyester and elastane prioritized for stretch, moisture-wicking and breathability.
• Sizing/Fit: Available in Classic, Slim, and Relaxed fits with multiple inseam options. The fit is generally more accommodating than Outlier's, particularly for athletic quads.
• Pros: Unbeatable comfort and stretch, highly wrinkle-resistant, very breathable and quick-drying, significantly more affordable, wide range of fits and colors.
• Cons: Fabric is less durable than Outlier's and can be prone to snagging or pilling over time, looks more technical/casual and less like traditional pants up close, minimal water resistance.

This pant is perfect for anyone prioritizing moment-to-moment comfort for commuting, travel, and casual workplaces.

Shop this product: https://shop.lululemon.com/p/men-trousers/ABC-Pant-Classic-Warpstreme

Outlier Slim Dungarees vs. Lululemon ABC Pant Comparison

Materials & Durability

This is the most significant point of difference. The Outlier Slim Dungarees are built with a tough, CORDURA-grade nylon canvas designed to handle abrasion and abuse for years. Its fabric feels substantial, structured, and almost indestructible. This focus on longevity means it can withstand cycling, hiking, and frequent travel without issue.

The Lululemon ABC Pant uses Warpstreme™, a much softer and lighter fabric designed for stretch and breathability. While high-quality for its category, it's not made for the same level of abuse. Over years of use, it can be susceptible to snags or pilling. Outlier wins decisively on rugged durability, while Lululemon wins on soft, immediate comfort.

Fit & Comfort

While both pants have a gusseted crotch for added mobility, Lululemon’s four-way stretch gives the ABC Pant an edge in dynamic movement. It feels freeing from the moment you put it on, with no break-in period required. The fabric is also more breathable, making it a better choice for warmer climates.

Outlier's Slim Dungarees offer only two-way stretch, which feels more restrictive in comparison. The structured fabric requires some wear to soften up and conform to your body. Fit-wise, Outlier's cut is a definitive slim-taper, whereas Lululemon offers multiple fits that can accommodate a wider range of body types, especially those with more muscular legs.

Style & Aesthetics

The Slim Dungarees masterfully mimic the look of classic jeans. The fabric has a matte texture that blends in almost anywhere, allowing them to be dressed up with a button-down or worn casually with a t-shirt. They are the ideal choice if you want technical features without an obvious "techwear" look.

The ABC Pant absolutely looks and feels like an athleisure pant. The smooth, slightly technical sheen of the Warpstreme fabric is recognizable and firmly places them in the business-casual to casual-wear spectrum. They look modern and clean but don't pass for traditional chinos or jeans.

Price & Value

At around $265, the Outlier Slim Dungarees are an undeniable investment. Their value proposition rests on longevity - you are buying one pant intended to last many years. For some, paying a premium for that "buy it for life" ethos is worth it.

At $128, the Lululemon ABC Pant is less than half the price, offering incredible everyday performance and comfort at a more accessible premium price point. You could own two pairs of ABCs in different colors for the price of one pair of Dungarees. For most people, Lululemon's a much better value for its immediate comfort and versatility benefits.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, both pants are excellent, but they are built for different users with different priorities.

Choose the Outlier Slim Dungarees if:

• Your number one priority is long-term durability and you view clothing as an investment.
• You want a single pair of pants that can handle travel, daily commuting, and light outdoor activity.
• You prefer a more classic, understated aesthetic that doesn't scream "performance-wear."
• You need weather resistance to handle unexpected rain and spills.

Choose the Lululemon ABC Pant if:

• Comfort is your main concern, you want something that feels as good as it looks.
• You need a versatile pant for a modern office, weekend errands, and travel comfort.
• You prefer the unrestricted movement of four-way stretch fabric.
• You want strong performance at a more reasonable price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference in fabric feel between them?

Outlier's fabric feels structured, tough, and similar to a high-quality, lightweight canvas. It has a break-in period. Lululemon's Warpstreme fabric is soft, smooth, light, and stretchy right from the start, feeling closer to traditional athletic wear material.

Which pant is better for travel?

Both are excellent for travel. Choose the Slim Dungarees for rugged one-bag travel where durability and weather protection are key. Choose the ABC Pant for long flights and city tourism where ultimate comfort and wrinkle-resistance are the main priorities.

Can I wear these pants to the office?

Yes, both can work in a modern business-casual setting. The Outlier Slim Dungarees can pass more easily in slightly more formal offices due to their jean-like appearance, while the ABC Pant is now a staple of casual office attire.

Is the Outlier price tag really worth it?

For those who value extreme durability, the ability to pack one pant for all situations, and ethical manufacturing, many loyal customers say yes. Owners often report wearing their pants for 5+ years with minimal signs of wear. If your main goal is comfort, the high price is harder to justify.

Which is more water-resistant?

The Outlier Slim Dungarees are significantly more water-resistant due to their durable water repellent (DWR) finish and tightly woven fabric. They can handle a light drizzle with ease, while the Lululemon ABC Pant will soak through much faster.

How does sizing compare between the brands?

The Slim Dungarees run as a true slim fit and are best for leaner body types. The Lululemon ABC Pant offers multiple fits (Classic, Slim, and Relaxed), making them a more accessible fit for a broader range of builds, including athletic body types.

Which pant is more breathable?

The Lululemon ABC Pant is more breathable. Its lighter, moisture-wicking Warpstreme fabric is better suited for warm weather days and active use compared to Outlier's denser, more robust canvas.

Do the Lululemon ABC Pants wrinkle easily?

No, one of the greatest strengths of the Warpstreme fabric is its resistance to wrinkles. You can pack them in a suitcase, and they will be ready to wear right out of the bag, making them an incredible travel option.