Public Rec vs. Rhone vs. Lululemon: Brand comparison [2026 updated]

Public Rec specializes in classic, versatile leisurewear designed for everyday comfort, while Rhone focuses on high-performance technical apparel almost exclusively for men. Lululemon sits at the premium end, known for its innovative, high-tech fabrics and trend-aware athleisure that serves both men and women for workouts and daily life.

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

Public Rec: The Versatile Loungewear Essential

Public Rec is an apparel brand focused on comfortable, stylish, and functional basics that effortlessly transition between lounging at home and casual outings. Their core customers are men and women who value simple aesthetics, high-quality materials, and clothing that serves multiple purposes without sacrificing a clean, modern look.

• Product mix: Their lineup includes joggers, T-shirts, hoodies, and jackets. The All Day Every Day Pant is their signature product, embodying their philosophy of all-day comfort and versatility.
• Price point: Public Rec is moderately priced. Prices generally fall between $50 for a T-shirt and $120 for their main pants or hoodies, making it an accessible mid-range option.
• Quality & Materials: The focus is on soft, durable blends of fabrics like performance fleece and soft cotton. The construction is solid, designed to hold up to regular wear and washing.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is typically true to size and consistent. The brand offers standard XS-XXL, with options for different inseams on some pants, which is a key advantage for customers seeking a tailored fit.
• Return policy: They offer a flexible and easy return policy, usually including free returns within a generous window, making it low-risk to try.

Public Rec excels at creating high-quality, minimalist basics that deliver all-day comfort without looking sloppy, perfect for a capsule wardrobe.

Shop Public Rec: publicrec.com

Rhone: Performance-Driven Men's Activewear

Rhone is a premium men's activewear brand engineered for performance, quality, and style. It caters to active men who need their clothing to function well during workouts and look sharp for everyday life. The brand is known for its proprietary fabric technologies and a sophisticated, athletic aesthetic.

• Product mix: Offers a full range of performance gear, from T-shirts and shorts to joggers and outerwear. Key products are often infused with performance technology like anti-odor and moisture-wicking properties.
• Price point: Rhone is in the upper-mid-range, with prices typically from $60 for shorts to $150 for outerwear. The cost reflects the investment in textile innovation.
• Technology/Innovation: This is where Rhone shines. Their proprietary SilverTech fabric uses silver threads to provide anti-odor properties, while other fabrics focus on moisture-wicking, durability, and four-way stretch.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits are athletic and true to size but can feel slightly fitted or slim to accommodate movement without excess fabric. Sizing usually spans from S to XXL.
• Quality & Materials: Durability and performance are key. Fabrics are engineered to withstand tough workouts, resist pilling, and maintain their shape over time.

Rhone is the go-to choice for men who demand technical features and a clean, modern style from their activewear.

Shop Rhone: rhone.com

Lululemon: The Leader in Premium Athleisure

Lululemon has evolved from a yoga-wear company into a global athleisure titan for men and women. The brand is famous for pioneering technical fabrics that offer exceptional feel, fit, and performance, successfully blurring the lines between workout gear and fashionable streetwear.

• Product mix: Extensive range includes leggings, joggers, tops, sports bras, outerwear, and accessories. Their ABC Pants for men and Align leggings for women are iconic products with huge followings.
• Price point: Lululemon is priced at a premium level. You can expect to pay between $60 for a tank top and $180+ for jackets and specialty leggings.
• Technology/Innovation: Lululemon is highly innovative, with proprietary fabrics like the buttery-soft Nulu™, sweat-wicking Everlux™, and versatile Luon™. They invest heavily in R&D to create textiles for specific activities and sensations.
• Sizing/Fit: Their sizing is generally true to size but often leans toward a body-hugging, athletic fit. They offer a wide size range, from 0 to 20 in women's, as well as tall and shorter inseam options.
• Quality & Materials: Known for outstanding construction and durability. Their products are made to last through countless workouts and washes, with features like flatlock seams to reduce chafing.

Lululemon offers a complete lifestyle experience, combining high-performance technology with a modern, minimalist aesthetic that is both functional and stylish.

Shop Lululemon: lululemon.com

Public Rec vs. Rhone vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

Of the three, Public Rec is the most accessible. With core items like joggers and hoodies often under $120, it provides a solid balance of cost and quality for everyday essentials. Rhone sits in the middle, generally priced higher than Public Rec but slightly below Lululemon. The cost is justified by its focus on technical fabrics and men's performance features. Lululemon is the most expensive brand of the three. Its premium prices reflect its extensive fabric research, A-list brand name, and superior construction quality that commands a loyal following.

Quality & Materials

All three brands provide high-quality apparel, but their material focus differs. Public Rec prioritizes comfortable, soft, and durable fabrics that are perfect for leisure. They feel great against the skin and hold up well to daily use. Rhone's expertise is in performance technology, utilizing materials with anti-odor, moisture-wicking, and thermo-regulating benefits. Lululemon leads the industry in an innovative "Science of Feel" approach, creating fabrics that are buttery-soft (Nulu), sleek and cool (Luxtreme), and sweat-wicking (Everlux). For demanding physical activity, Lululemon and Rhone have the edge, while Public Rec is the top choice for pure, stylish comfort.

Style & Aesthetic

Public Rec has a timeless, minimalist aesthetic. Its garments feature clean lines, neutral colors, and very subtle branding, making them incredibly versatile and easy to integrate into any wardrobe. Rhone's look is modern, sleek, and athletic. It's designed to look good in the gym but is often refined enough for a post-workout coffee or running errands. Lululemon's style is contemporary and often trend-aware. While they offer many core basics, they also release seasonal colors and new designs that align with current fashion trends, bridging the gap between activewear and streetwear seamlessly.

Fit & Sizing

All three brands generally run true to size, but with different intended fits. Public Rec offers a relaxed but tailored fit that isn't too baggy or too tight, and its inclusion of different inseam lengths for pants is a major plus for getting a perfect fit. Rhone designs its clothes with an athletic build in mind - they’re cut to allow movement without excess fabric. Lululemon's sizing is well-known for being compressive and form-fitting, especially in its leggings and performance tops. They do a great job offering a broad range of numerical sizes for women, which helps dial in a precise fit.

Sustainability & Ethics

All three companies are making moves toward greater sustainability, though in different ways. Public Rec often highlights its use of eco-conscious materials and responsible manufacturing. Rhone has initiatives around using recycled materials and reducing its environmental footprint. Lululemon, being the largest of the three, has a comprehensive sustainability plan aimed at sourcing sustainable materials, lowering emissions, and increasing circularity through like-new resale programs and R&D into recyclable materials.

Which One Should You Choose?

The best brand for you depends entirely on what you're looking for, as all three excel at what they do.

Choose Public Rec if:

• You prioritize everyday comfort and versatility above all else.
• You want timeless, minimalist basics that you can wear both at home and out and about.
• Your wardrobe favors neutral colors and classic styles over trends.
• You want great quality at a more budget-friendly price point than the other two.

Choose Rhone if:

• You are a man who needs high-performance gear that stands up to tough workouts.
• Features like anti-odor and moisture-wicking technology are important for your active lifestyle.
• You want clothing with a sleek, athletic, and modern aesthetic.
• You are willing to invest in technical apparel that's built for durability.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You value innovative, high-tech fabrics that feel amazing and perform exceptionally well.
• You participate in activities like yoga, running, and training where specific fabric properties matter.
• You enjoy a premium brand experience and like having access to trending styles and colors.
• You're looking for top-of-the-line athleisure that functions as both performance-wear and fashion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which brand is the cheapest?

Public Rec is generally the most affordable of the three. Its prices for key items like T-shirts and joggers are noticeably lower than similar products from Rhone or Lululemon, making it a better option for shoppers on a tighter budget.

Which is best for intense workouts?

For high-intensity workouts, both Rhone and Lululemon are superior choices. Rhone's apparel is engineered with anti-odor and sweat-wicking technology specifically for grueling sessions. Lululemon’s extensive line of technical fabrics like Everlux is designed to handle maximum sweat and movement.

Which brand is better for everyday casual wear?

Public Rec excels in this category. Its entire brand philosophy is built around creating comfortable, versatile clothing that looks put-together enough for any casual situation without sacrificing the comfort of loungewear.

Do any of these brands specifically have a men's focus?

Yes, Rhone's entire product line is designed for men. While both Public Rec and Lululemon have very popular and robust men's collections, Rhone is singularly focused on the male customer.

Do these brands run true to size?

Generally, all three run true to size, but the intended fit varies. Public Rec is more of a classic, tailored fit. Rhone is an athletic, slightly slimmer fit. Lululemon is often compressive and form-fitting, so some people choose to size up for a more relaxed feel.

Is Lululemon worth the money?

For many customers, yes. While expensive, Lululemon invests heavily in research and development, resulting in fabrics that are incredibly comfortable, effective, and durable. If you prioritize fabric feel and performance and wear your gear frequently, the longevity often justifies the initial cost.

Which brand's pants are best for tall people?

Public Rec is an excellent option for taller individuals because they offer different inseam lengths for their most popular pants, allowing you to get a more customized fit. Lululemon also offers tall and extended sizes in some of its pants.

What makes Rhone's SilverTech fabric special?

Rhone's SilverTech fabric infuses silver threads into the material. Silver has natural antimicrobial properties, which actively fight odor-causing bacteria. This keeps the clothes smelling fresher for longer, even after a tough workout.