Public Rec Workday Pant vs. Lululemon ABC: Which one should you buy?

The Public Rec Workday Pant and the Lululemon ABC Pant both offer a modern alternative to traditional trousers, but they serve different priorities. The Workday Pant from Public Rec focuses on incredible softness and a relaxed yet clean aesthetic for casual everyday wear. In contrast, the ABC Pant from Lululemon is a technical performance pant with a more structured, athletic fit engineered for movement and versatility.

Here is a detailed comparison to help you figure out which pant is right for your wardrobe and lifestyle.

Public Rec Workday Pant

The Public Rec Workday Pant is designed to be the ultimate go-to for versatile comfort. It bridges the gap between structured work pants and casual loungewear, using a famously soft fabric and minimalist design that works just as well in a casual office as it does on the weekend.

• What it is: A soft, stretchy, and versatile casual pant with a minimalist aesthetic and an elastic waistband for all-day comfort.
• Key features: Signature CloudKnit fabric, elastic waistband with an internal drawstring, tapered leg, and a clean, pocket-forward design.
• Price: $98 - $128
• Materials/Construction: The Workday Pant is made from Public Rec's CloudKnit fabric, a blend of nylon and spandex that is moisture-wicking and exceptionally soft with a brushed interior. It features reinforced stitching for durability.
• Sizing/Fit: The fit is relaxed but tailored through the leg for a clean silhouette without feeling tight. They run true to size, offering sizes from XS to XXL.
• Pros: Unmatched softness and comfort thanks to the CloudKnit fabric. More affordable than its Lululemon counterpart. Extremely versatile for travel, casual work, and daily errands. Minimalist style is easy to dress up or down.
• Cons: The fabric is less technical and not as wrinkle-resistant as Lululemon's. The relaxed style might feel too casual for some business-casual office settings. Limited fit options compared to Lululemon.

This pant is ideal for anyone who places the highest premium on softness and effortless, casual style for everyday life.

Shop this product: publicrec.com/products/the-workday-pant

Lululemon ABC Pant

The Lululemon ABC (Anti-Ball Crushing) Pant is a cornerstone of the brand's menswear line, engineered for people on the move. Built with technical Warpstreme fabric and a gusseted crotch for freedom of movement, it delivers a polished, athletic look that handles a busy commute as well as it does a casual evening out.

• What it is: A technical trouser with a focus on active comfort, built with four-way stretch fabric and an ergonomic design for mobility.
• Key features: Signature Warpstreme fabric, ABC technology gusset for mobility, hidden back pocket, and reflective details under the cuffs.
• Price: $128 - $148
• Materials/Construction: The ABC Pant features Lululemon's proprietary Warpstreme fabric, a quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant material that breathes well and retains its shape throughout the day.
• Sizing/Fit: Lululemon offers a precise, athletic fit with a range of sizes from 0 to 14. The pants are available in different styles (Classic, Slim, Skinny) to suit various preferences, providing a contoured, tailored look.
• Pros: Superior mobility and stretch from the gusseted design. Warpstreme fabric is highly functional - wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, and durable. The sleek, athletic fit provides a modern and polished look. Great for travel and active commutes.
• Cons: A higher price point. The technical fabric doesn't feel as soft or cozy as Public Rec's CloudKnit. Can look too "athletic" or sporty for more traditional work environments.

This is the pant for the active individual who needs technical performance, superior mobility, and a sharp, modern look.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/men-trousers/Abc-Classic-Fit-Pant

Public Rec Workday Pant vs. Lululemon ABC Pant Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

The Public Rec Workday Pant leans heavily into a minimalist, casual-chic aesthetic. Its design is clean and understated, with an emphasis on neutral tones that make it easy to pair with almost anything. The overall look is relaxed and approachable, perfect for modern casual settings.

The Lululemon ABC Pant has a distinctly sporty and sophisticated appearance. The cut is more tailored and body-contouring, giving it a sleek, athletic silhouette. It often features subtle technical details, like hidden pockets or reflective strips, that align with its performance-wear heritage. The aesthetic is perfect for an active, on-the-go lifestyle where style and function are equally important.

Fit & Comfort

Comfort is a key goal for both pants, but they achieve it differently. The Workday Pant delivers comfort through its exceptionally soft CloudKnit fabric and relaxed fit. The elastic waistband and forgiving stretch make it feel almost like loungewear without looking like it.

Lululemon's comfort comes from superior mobility and technical fabric. The ABC Pant’s "Anti-Ball Crushing" gusset and four-way stretch Warpstreme fabric provide unrestricted movement. The fit is more structured and athletic, designed to move with your body rather than simply drape over it. While not as "cozy" feeling as the Workday Pant, its breathability and light weight make it comfortable for all-day wear, especially when active.

Materials & Construction

Public Rec’s CloudKnit fabric is the star of the Workday Pant. It’s a blend designed for softness, stretch, and a gentle structure. It feels great against the skin and holds up well to repeated wear and washes, though it may be more prone to showing wear over time than a more technical fabric.

Lululemon's Warpstreme is an engineering accomplishment. It’s designed to resist wrinkles, dry quickly, and retain its shape after long hours of wear or being packed in a suitcase. This makes the ABC Pant extremely practical for travel and commuting, as it requires minimal care to look sharp.

Price & Value

At around $98-$128, the Public Rec Workday Pant is the more budget-friendly option. It offers excellent value for someone seeking an everyday pant that prioritizes comfort and a clean, versatile look without needing advanced performance features. The price feels appropriate for its high-quality construction and comfortable fabric.

The Lululemon ABC Pant's higher price tag ($128-$148) is justified by its technical features. You’re paying for the proprietary Warpstreme fabric, the ABC design, and the brand’s reputation for durability and performance. If you value features like wrinkle resistance and superior mobility for an active lifestyle, the extra cost is worthwhile.

Versatility

Both pants are highly versatile, but each has its strengths. The Public Rec Workday Pant excels in settings that blend comfort and casual style - think travel days, remote work, weekend get-togethers, or a laid-back office. Its understated design makes it a true chameleon for everyday life.

The Lululemon ABC Pant shines where activity meets daily wear. It’s the perfect pant for commuting by bike, walking around the city, or heading straight from a casual work meeting to the golf course. Its technical properties make it more suitable for a wider range of physical activities while remaining stylish enough for social settings.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both pants are excellent choices, but they are built for different people and priorities.

Choose the Public Rec Workday Pant if:

• You prioritize supreme softness and all-day, couch-like comfort above all else.
• Your style is more relaxed and minimalist.
• You want a highly versatile pant for travel, weekends, and a casual office.
• Your day involves less demanding physical activity.

Choose the Lululemon ABC Pant if:

• You live an active lifestyle and need pants that move with you.
• You prefer a more tailored, structured, and athletic fit.
• You value technical features like wrinkle resistance and quick-drying fabric, especially for commuting or travel.
• You want a pant that can seamlessly cross over from casual wear into light athletic activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Public Rec Workday Pant and Lululemon ABC?

The primary difference is the focus. The Public Rec Workday Pant prioritizes ultra-soft comfort and a casual aesthetic. The Lululemon ABC Pant prioritizes technical performance, mobility, and an athletic look.

Which pant is more comfortable?

This is subjective. For pure softness and a cozy feel, the Public Rec Workday Pant is often considered more comfortable. For freedom of movement and breathable, active comfort, many prefer the Lululemon ABC Pant.

Can you wear the Public Rec Workday Pant to the office?

Yes, they are generally suitable for casual and many business-casual offices. However, their relaxed appearance might be too informal for more traditional or corporate environments.

Can you work out in the Lululemon ABC Pant?

The Lululemon ABC Pant is great for light activities like golf, commuting, or stretching. While highly flexible, it isn't designed for intense gym workouts, for which Lululemon offers other specialized apparel.

Are they true to size?

Yes, both pants are generally reported to fit true to size. The Public Rec pant has a more relaxed fit with fewer size options, while Lululemon offers more precise waist/inseam sizing and multiple fits (Relaxed, Classic, Slim) to achieve a tailored feel.

Which pants are better for travel?

For sheer comfort on a long flight, the Public Rec Workday Pant is a fantastic choice. For practicality, the Lululemon ABC Pant is arguably better because its Warpstreme fabric resists wrinkles and dries quickly, meaning you can step off the plane looking fresh.

What is the fabric difference in simple terms?

Think of Public Rec's CloudKnit as a super-soft, premium-feeling fabric that’s incredibly comfortable. Lululemon's Warpstreme is a smart, technical fabric that’s built for performance - it stretches, breathes, and stays looking sharp.

Is the Lululemon ABC Pant worth the extra cost?

If your lifestyle demands performance - such as an active commute, frequent travel, or a need for durable, wrinkle-resistant clothing - then yes, the technical features of the ABC Pant are often worth the higher price. If casual comfort is your main goal, Public Rec offers better value.