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

Quince offers luxury-inspired essentials with an emphasis on minimalist design at significantly lower price points, while Lululemon is known for its high-performance activewear and technical fabrics. Quince focuses on timeless wardrobe staples like cashmere sweaters and silk blouses, while Lululemon excels in creating durable, stylish gear for yoga, diverse activewear activities, and athleisure.

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

Quince: Affordable Luxury Essentials

Quince is a direct-to-consumer brand changing how we wear modern essentials by offering access to everyday luxury clothing without the high retail markups. Their focus is on timeless wardrobe essentials, sourcing high-quality materials like Mongolian cashmere, organic cotton, and washable silk directly from producers to reduce costs.

• Product mix: A curated collection of women's and men's apparel, accessories, and home goods. Key items include their famous $50 cashmere sweaters, silk camisoles and blouses, linen pants, and leather goods. They're quickly becoming the spot for foundational, minimalist wardrobe pieces.
• Price point: Extremely accessible, with most fashion items ranging from $30 to $150. For example, their washable silk blouses are often under $60, and a full-length cashmere coat might cost around $200, a large savings compared to traditional retailers.
• Quality: Quince prioritizes materials and quality craftsmanship, offering a luxury feel. Their Mongolian cashmere is soft and Grade-A, linens are lightweight and long-lasting, and their leather goods are made from quality hides, receiving consistent praise for their quality at the price point they're offered.
• Style &, Aesthetic: The overall vibe is minimalist, with a neutral and versatile color palette. Their pieces are not overtly trendy, offering long-term pieces that can be worn repeatedly.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is generally reported as true to size for a standard fit. They provide detailed sizing charts on their website to guide common measurements for a perfect fit.
• Return policy: Quince's return policy is an industry standout. You get 365 days for returns and free standard shipping on all orders. This gives you plenty of time to fully inspect how new items fit into your wardrobe.

Quince is ideal if you're looking to upgrade with high-quality and timeless clothing on a more grounded budget to build a complete, classic minimalist wardrobe. Its transparent pricing and long-wear materials are a strong offering over other brands.

Shop Quince: quince.com

Lululemon: The Leader in Performance Activewear

Lululemon is a market leader in athletic apparel and a pioneering brand in athleisure style. Known for their best-selling Align pants, a modern fashion fixture, their unique proprietary fabrics and clothing designs ensure comfort while working out or lounging. Many try to emulate Lululemon, but it remains the brand many return to or try at least once.

• Product mix: An extensive range of bottoms, tops, sports bras, and outerwear built for activities like yoga, running, training, and everyday life in athleisure apparel. Accessories like bags, yoga mats, and hats are popular, alongside a full men's and footwear collection being added in newer seasons.
• Price point: Lululemon occupies the premium space. Popular leggings range from $98 to $128, and sports bras from $50 to $80. The "We Made Too Much" sale section offers opportunities for new customers to try entry-level items at reduced prices.
• Quality: Durability and unique fabric quality are Lululemon's strongest pillars. Materials like Nulu™ feel buttery-soft with four-way stretch, while fabrics like Luxtreme™ wick away sweat, perfect for intense activities, making the gear built to withstand challenges and last for years.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Their design is modern, athletic, and fashionable. Beyond basic functionality, their clothes include flattering designs with stylish colors and patterns, suitable for both workouts and casual wear.
• Sizing/Fit: Fit is a crucial element Lululemon prioritizes. Many garments offer wearers hug and support without being constricting. Online sizing guides, customer support, and in-store fittings assist with choosing the right size.

Lululemon is ideal for those seeking high-quality activewear renowned for its durability and modern style, often seen on favorite celebrities.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Quince vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

This is the most obvious difference between the two brands. Quince aims to provide more value for your money with luxury products at affordable prices - like cashmere sweaters for around $50 versus similar products priced upwards of $100.

Lululemon might seem overpriced at first glance, but for clothing that's going to be tested in strenuous activities, the technical details and R&D investment justify the cost. Customers loyal to the brand see this as a long-term investment, preferring to spend more on durable items that don't need frequent replacing.

Quality &, Materials

Both focus on high-quality materials catering to their customers' needs. Quince highlights timeless fabrics like Mongolian cashmere and Mulberry silk, aiming for comfort and a high-end feel. In contrast, Lululemon emphasizes R&D in technological materials for activewear, with fabrics like Luon and Everlux designed for athletic durability. These unique materials provide performance while maintaining aesthetics, catering to different market needs.

Style &, Aesthetic

Quince offers minimalist, timeless designs for classic capsule collections, avoiding flashy trends but emphasizing quality cuts in its designs. Lululemon, however, leads in athleisure fashion with trendy, seasonally updated styles and innovative designs, driving excitement and maintaining a trend-setting foothold.

Fit &, Sizing

Both brands offer true-to-size fits, suitable for customers familiar with typical sizing. Quince typically provides relaxed designs, while Lululemon focuses on fit-first, movement-supporting designs that offer a snug, body-hugging feel.

Sustainability &, Ethics

Quince emphasizes sustainability, providing transparency in its manufacturing processes and using organic materials. Lululemon is making strides in this area, increasing its focus on responsibly sourced materials and recycling programs. However, Quince stands out more prominently regarding sustainability.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice depends on your priorities: everyday luxury basics or performance activewear.

Choose Quince if:

• You seek budget-friendly, high-quality staple apparel like linen or cotton shirts, cashmere sweaters, and other fine fibers.
• Your goal is establishing a capsule collection of essentials.
• You value sustainability in purchases and want to support transparent business practices.
• You appreciate a generous return window of up to one year.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You're active and need durable clothing for intense use and stressful activities like HIIT classes.
• You are ready for a lifestyle upgrade, willing to invest in clothing that maintains its quality over time.
• Your weekly outfits consist of the best athleisure items suitable for both casual wear and workouts.
• You prioritize top performance from your active gear while appreciating trendy, fashionable designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Quince or Lululemon cheaper?

Quince is more price-conscious overall, benefiting from a direct-to-consumer model that eliminates middlemen, offering significant savings on items like Mongolian cashmere sweaters or silk shirts.

Which brand has better quality?

"Better" depends on your needs. Quince focuses on premium materials like silk and cotton, excelling in casual, high-end apparel. Lululemon emphasizes unique fabric technologies, providing durable activewear that withstands rigorous workouts.

Can you wear Quince for workouts?

While Quince's activewear suits basic activities, it's not ideal for high-intensity sports. Their products are better suited for casual outings and light activity.

What makes Lululemon so popular?

Customers appreciate the feel and performance of Lululemon's fabrics, which maintain quality through extended use without issues like stretching, common with lesser brands.

Does Quince fit true to size?

Yes, shoppers generally recommend sticking to your normal size, as Quince designs standard-fit clothing. Always check size charts online for assurance.

Does Quince have physical retail stores?

Quince operates solely online, allowing cost savings to be passed onto customers. While this limits physical product interaction, their 365-day return policy mitigates risk.

Which is the more ethical brand?

Quince prioritizes sustainability and transparency in its operations, offering peace of mind to eco-conscious consumers. Lululemon is increasingly focusing on sustainability, aiming to improve its practices continuously.