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

Rhoback excels in performance activewear with a sporty, collegiate-inspired aesthetic at a more accessible, mid-range price point, focusing on polos and quarter-zips. In contrast, Lululemon is a premium brand known globally for its technically advanced, proprietary fabrics and sleek, minimalist designs for yoga, running, and training, commanding a higher price.

Let's compare everything you need to know to decide which activewear brand is right for you.

Rhoback: The Collegiate Performance Brand

Rhoback is a newer activewear brand that successfully blends a youthful, sporty style with performance-ready functionality. It targets active individuals, from college students to young professionals, who want versatile clothing that works for a round of golf, a casual workout, or a weekend outing. The brand is recognized for its bold colors, signature dog logo, and comfortable, moisture-wicking materials that transition seamlessly from activity to leisure.

• Product mix: Their core collection includes performance polos, quarter-zips, hoodies, vests, and performance t-shirts. They also offer accessories like hats and a growing selection of women's apparel.
• Price point: Rhoback is positioned in the accessible mid-range. Performance polos are around $80, t-shirts are about $40, and quarter-zips are typically over $100.
• Quality &, Materials: Rhoback uses high-quality polyester and spandex blends that prioritize breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and four-way stretch. The fabrics are soft, durable, and resistant to wrinkles.
• Style &, Aesthetic: The look is distinctly preppy and sporty, with an athletic vibe reminiscent of collegiate gear. They use vibrant colors and prominently feature their Rhodesian Ridgeback logo.
• Sizing/Fit: Garments generally fit true to size with an athletic cut that isn't overly tight or baggy. This comfortable, relaxed fit is designed to accommodate movement without being restrictive.

Rhoback is an excellent choice for those seeking stylish, high-performing activewear with a distinct sporty aesthetic at a reasonable price point.

Shop Rhoback: rhoback.com

Lululemon: The Leader in Premium Athletic Apparel

Lululemon is a dominant force in the global activewear market, celebrated for its innovative fabrics, minimalist aesthetic, and exceptional quality. Originally known for yoga pants, the brand has expanded to cover nearly every fitness activity, including running, training, and golf, as well as a popular "On The Move" casual wear line. Lululemon’s target customer values high-end technical gear that delivers top performance and sophisticated style.

• Product mix: Lululemon offers a vast selection of apparel for men and women, including its famous leggings, sports bras, shorts, tops, joggers, jackets, and accessories like the Everywhere Belt Bag.
• Price point: Lululemon is a premium brand. Their iconic Align leggings start around $98, Metal Vent Tech shirts are about $78, and outerwear can range from $120 to over $200.
• Technology &, Materials: This is where Lululemon truly stands out. It pioneers proprietary fabrics like the buttery-soft Nulu™, compressive Luxtreme™, and sweat-wicking Everlux™, each engineered for a specific activity.
• Style &, Aesthetic: The brand embodies a sleek, modern, and minimalist style. Designs feature clean lines, subtle logos, and a versatile color palette that is easily integrated into everyday wardrobes.
• Sizing/Fit: Lululemon is known for its precise, body-hugging fits. Sizing is very consistent, though some compressive styles may feel small. They offer a great range of sizes and lengths to ensure a tailored fit.

Lululemon justifies its premium price with unmatched fabric technology, versatile designs, and durable construction ideal for dedicated fitness enthusiasts and style-conscious shoppers.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Rhoback vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

The price difference between the two brands is significant. Rhoback’s essentials, like performance polos and t-shirts, typically fall between $40-$80. It offers strong value for well-made, stylish performance wear without reaching into the premium tier.

Lululemon operates at a much higher price point. Core items like leggings and basic training shirts often cost between $80-$150. While the upfront cost is higher, many customers find the longevity, advanced fabric technology, and brand reputation to be a worthwhile investment.

Quality &, Materials

Rhoback builds its garments with high-quality performance materials designed for comfort and durability. Their polyester blends are soft, lightweight, and effective at wicking moisture. It’s excellent quality that competes well with other mid-range athletic brands.

Lululemon is in a class of its own regarding fabric innovation. Proprietary materials like Nulu™ offer a unique, "barely there" feeling, while Everlux™ is engineered to handle massive amounts of sweat during intense workouts. The meticulous construction and superior fabric touch and feel are what set Lululemon apart and justify its price.

Style &, Aesthetic

The aesthetics of Rhoback and Lululemon serve very different tastes. Rhoback is bold, sporty, and energetic. Its designs feature vibrant colors, stripes, patterns, and visible logos, appealing to a customer who wants their activewear to have a distinct, preppy personality.

Lululemon is all about understated elegance and versatility. Its style is minimalist, with solid color-blocking, subtle branding, and clean silhouettes. This allows a single piece to function just as well in a high-intensity workout as it does for running errands or meeting friends for coffee.

Fit &, Sizing

Rhoback offers a consistent, true-to-size fit with a standard athletic cut. It’s designed to be comfortable and non-restrictive, making it a reliable choice when ordering online without trying anything on. You can expect a fit that's neither too tight nor too loose.

Lululemon focuses on a more engineered, close-to-body fit. The precise sizing ensures its technical fabrics perform as intended, offering support and compression where needed. Some styles are designed to be intentionally tight, so newcomers should consult size charts or read reviews. Most customers find the sizing consistent once they know their size within the brand.

Sustainability &, Ethics

Rhoback is starting to make sustainability a part of its message, using some eco-friendly fabrics and working toward more responsible manufacturing. They are still in the early stages compared to more established brands but are showing positive progress.

Lululemon has a more mature sustainability program in place, with clear goals for responsible sourcing, reducing its environmental footprint, and using sustainable materials. The company publishes regular impact reports and invests in programs like fabric recycling and renewable energy, making it a stronger choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

Shopping Experience

Rhoback's shopping experience is direct-to-consumer through a user-friendly website. They emphasize customer community with active social media and often run promotions directly on their site. Their fast shipping and easy returns are frequently praised.

Lululemon offers a polished omnichannel experience. Its website is slick and informative, and its physical stores are thoughtfully designed community hubs that often host workout classes and events. Lululemon's service is top-tier, and their long-standing return policy and free hemming services add significant value.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice depends entirely on your budget, style preferences, and how you plan to use the clothing.

Choose Rhoback if:

• You want high-quality performance polos and quarter-zips for golf or casual wear.
• You prefer a sporty, collegiate style with visible branding and bright colors.
• You are looking for a reliable, true-to-size athletic fit without compression.
• You want excellent performance and quality at a mid-range price point.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You are willing to invest in superior, technically advanced fabrics for intense workouts.
• You prioritize a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that works as both athletic and lifestyle wear.
• You're looking for best-in-class leggings, sports bras, or running shorts with an engineered fit.
• You value a brand with a strong focus on sustainability and an exceptional in-store experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rhoback or Lululemon cheaper?

Rhoback is significantly cheaper. Its products are positioned in the mid-range athletic wear market, while Lululemon is a premium brand with prices to match.

Which is better for workouts?

It depends on the workout. For activities like golf, tennis, or casual gym sessions, Rhoback is an excellent option. For high-intensity training, hot yoga, or long-distance running where fabric technology is key, Lululemon's sweat-wicking and supportive materials generally offer superior performance.

How does Rhoback sizing compare to Lululemon?

Rhoback sizing is generally true to size with a more traditional athletic fit. Lululemon's sizing is more precise and often cut closer to the body, many of its compressive items are designed to feel very tight, so some people size up for a more comfortable fit.

What are Lululemon's famous fabrics?

Lululemon is known for its proprietary fabrics, including the buttery-soft Nulu™ (used in Align leggings), the lightweight Luon™ (its original fabric), and the highly sweat-wicking Everlux™ (for intense training).

Is Rhoback's quality good for the price?

Yes, Rhoback offers very high quality for its price point. The materials are durable, comfortable, and hold up well to activity and washing, representing a strong value in the activewear market.

Does Rhoback have physical stores?

Rhoback primarily operates as a direct-to-consumer online brand, so you will likely not find a physical store. Lululemon has a massive global network of brick-and-mortar locations.

Which brand offers more variety?

Lululemon has a much broader range of products. They offer extensive collections for yoga, running, training, hiking, tennis, and golf, in addition to their casual "On The Move" line for men and women. Rhoback is more focused on core products like polos, quarter-zips, and hoodies.

Are both brands sustainable?

Lululemon has more established and comprehensive sustainability initiatives, from materials to emissions reduction. Rhoback is newer and smaller but has started incorporating eco-friendly practices as part of its brand mission.