Oysho vs. Lululemon: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Oysho offers trendy, fashion-forward activewear at an accessible price point perfect for casual wear and light workouts. In contrast, Lululemon is a premium performance brand known for its innovative, high-quality technical fabrics designed for serious athletes and lasting durability, at a much higher cost.

Let's compare them side-by-side to help you decide which activewear brand best fits your budget and lifestyle.

Oysho: The Trendy & Affordable Athleisure Brand

Part of the Inditex group (which owns Zara), Oysho integrates runway trends into comfortable activewear, loungewear, and intimates. The brand appeals to women who want stylish, versatile pieces with a minimalist and feminine aesthetic that can easily go from a morning walk to a coffee run without looking overly athletic. Their focus is on comfort, modern silhouettes, and accessible pricing.

• Product mix: A wide range including leggings, sports bras, hoodies, joggers, and coordinating sets alongside sleepwear and loungewear. Collections emphasize neutral tones and subtle patterns.
• Price point: Very accessible, with most items falling between $20 and $80. An entire stylish workout set can often be purchased for less than the cost of one pair of Lululemon leggings.
• Quality: The fabrics are generally soft and comfortable for daily wear and low-impact activities like yoga or pilates. However, they may not offer the same longevity or high-performance compression as more technical brands after intense use and repeated washing.
• Sizing/Fit: Garments typically run true to size with a focus on relaxed, comfortable fits. While sizing is generally consistent, it can vary slightly between different collections.
• Sales: Holds frequent sales and promotions, making their already reasonable prices even more attractive.

Oysho excels at providing fashion-conscious activewear for shoppers on a budget who prioritize style for everyday activities and light exercise.

Shop Oysho: oysho.com

Lululemon: The Leader in Performance Activewear

Lululemon has built an empire on superior-quality, performance-driven athletic apparel. Known for its innovative proprietary fabrics and exceptional craftsmanship, the brand is a favorite among serious athletes, yoga practitioners, and fitness enthusiasts who demand high performance from their gear. The look is sleek, modern, and built to support intense activity while maintaining a premium aesthetic.

• Product mix: Focused primarily on high-performance leggings, tops, sports bras, and outerwear. They also offer a popular range of bags and fitness accessories like yoga mats.
• Price point: A premium, investment-level brand. Signature leggings usually range from $98 to $150, reflecting the high cost of their technical materials and manufacturing.
• Quality: Unmatched durability, shape retention, and performance. Garments are engineered to withstand rigorous training and frequent washing while maintaining their look and feel.
• Technology/Innovation: Famous for its proprietary fabrics like the buttery-soft Nulu&trade,, moisture-wicking Everlux&trade,, and supportive Luon&trade,, each engineered for a specific feel and activity.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is very consistent and reliably true to size. The fit is body-hugging and supportive, designed to move with you and enhance performance without slipping or shifting.

Lululemon is the go-to choice for those who are willing to invest in technically advanced activewear that offers superior durability and performance.

Shop Lululemon: lululemon.com

Oysho vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a significant price difference between the two brands. Nearly every item at Oysho is more affordable than its counterpart at Lululemon. A full workout outfit from Oysho, including a top and leggings, might cost around $70, while a single pair of leggings from Lululemon can easily cost over $100.

Oysho provides excellent value for shoppers who want trendy activewear without a major financial commitment. Lululemon's prices reflect an investment in technical fabric, research, and long-term durability, which many loyal customers find justifiable for high-intensity gear.

Quality & Materials

Lululemon is the clear winner on this front. Their proprietary fabrics are industry-leading for their feel, stretch, sweat-wicking properties, and ability to hold their shape over time. Their construction quality is top-tier, ensuring seams stay put and fabric resists pilling through countless tough workouts.

Oysho's materials are soft and comfortable for everyday wear but lack the technical performance features of Lululemon. They are well-suited for lounging and light exercises like walking or restorative yoga, but may not be breathable or supportive enough for running or high-intensity interval training.

Style & Aesthetic

Both brands favor a modern, clean look, but they target different style sensibilities. Oysho’s aesthetic is more minimalist, trendy, and feminine. Their collections often feel aligned with current fashion trends, using pastel color palettes and relaxed silhouettes that don't scream "gym gear."

Lululemon’s style is sleek, streamlined, and performance-driven. Their designs feature clean lines and functional details that signal a more athletic and luxurious look. While also worn casually, the core aesthetic remains rooted in sport and performance.

Fit & Sizing

Lululemon is known for its consistent and precise sizing. Their body-hugging fits are engineered for performance, providing support that stays in place during intense activity. Oysho's sizing is generally true to size but leans toward a more relaxed, comfortable fit suited for casual wear and lounging rather than compressive athletic performance.

Sustainability & Ethics

Lululemon has dedicated significant resources to improving its sustainability practices. They publish detailed reports on their efforts, which include using recycled materials, reducing their carbon footprint, and championing fair labor practices within their supply chain.

Oysho is taking steps toward sustainability, including incorporating some eco-friendly fabrics, but its initiatives are less central to its brand identity. It doesn't offer the same level of transparency as Lululemon about its sourcing and manufacturing processes.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right brand for you depends entirely on your budget, activity level, and why you're buying activewear in the first place.

Choose Oysho if:

• You are looking for affordable, stylish activewear for daily life and light exercise.
• You prioritize trendy, fashion-forward designs over high-tech performance features.
• You enjoy mixing and matching versatile pieces for both workouts and casual outings.
• You appreciate frequent sales and the ability to build a collection without a large investment.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You engage in intense workouts like running, HIIT, or hot yoga and need gear that performs.
• You prioritize exceptional quality, durability, and fabric innovation.
• You are willing to invest more in activewear that will last for years.
• You prefer a snug, supportive fit that stays put during high-impact movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oysho or Lululemon cheaper?

Oysho is significantly cheaper than Lululemon. Most Oysho items are priced between $20 and $80, whereas Lululemon leggings alone often start at $98.

Is Lululemon's quality worth the price?

For many dedicated athletes and fitness enthusiasts, yes. The high cost reflects their investment in proprietary technical fabrics, superior construction, and extreme durability, which you can feel and see during demanding workouts. If you only plan for casual wear, the high price might be harder to justify.

Which brand is better for yoga?

Both brands are popular for yoga. Lululemon's Nulu fabric in their Align pants is iconic for its "naked sensation" feel perfect for yoga. Oysho offers soft leggings that are comfortable for low-intensity yoga and stretching at a much lower cost.

How does Oysho sizing compare to Lululemon sizing?

Lululemon sizing is known for being extremely consistent and true to size, with a compressive, athletic fit. Oysho fits are generally more relaxed and can sometimes vary slightly by style, so checking their size guide for each item is a good idea.

Can I wear Oysho for running or HIIT?

Oysho is best for low-impact activities. While you can wear it for more intense workouts, the fabric may not offer the same level of support, sweat-wicking, or opacity as gear specifically designed for high-impact movement, like the collections from Lululemon.

Is Oysho a good brand?

Yes, Oysho is a very good brand for its target market: fashion-conscious shoppers looking for affordable, stylish, and comfortable athleisure for everyday wear and light workouts.

Which brand holds its value better?

Lululemon garments hold their resale value surprisingly well due to their durability and brand recognition. This is a testament to the longevity of the products.