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

Rhone focuses on premium men's activewear with a sophisticated, versatile style, making it ideal for transitioning from the gym to daily life with understated designs and anti-odor technology. Lululemon offers high-performance athletic apparel for men and women, known for its cutting-edge proprietary fabrics, body-conscious fits, and trend-forward aesthetic.

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

Rhone: Sophisticated Men's Performance Wear

Founded in 2014, Rhone creates premium performance apparel exclusively for men who value versatility and quality. Their target customer is the modern man who needs his clothing to perform during a workout but also look sharp enough for running errands or a casual work setting. The brand combines technical fabrics with a polished, minimalist design philosophy.

• Product mix: A focused collection of performance T-shirts, polos, joggers, shorts, and layering pieces like hoodies and quarter-zips. They are known for their Reign shirt and Commuter Pant.
• Price point: Sits in the premium range, but often slightly more accessible than Lululemon. T-shirts are typically $68-$78, and popular joggers and pants are around $128.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes innovative technical fabrics with features like SilverTech thread for anti-odor properties and four-way stretch. Construction is durable with reinforced stitching and thoughtful details.
• Style & Aesthetic: Modern, clean, and minimalist. Rhone avoids loud branding, focusing on a sophisticated look that doesn't scream "gym clothes," making it easy to integrate into a daily wardrobe.
• Sizing/Fit: Garments generally run true to size with an athletic, tailored fit that is flattering without being overly tight or restrictive.

Rhone is an excellent choice for men seeking high-quality, understated activewear that seamlessly blends performance with everyday style, backed by smart fabric technology.

Shop Rhone: rhone.com

Lululemon: The Leader in Technical Athletic Apparel

Lululemon has grown from a yoga-wear brand into a global athletic apparel giant for both men and women. The men's line is built on the same foundation of fabric innovation and performance-driven design that made the brand famous. Lululemon targets active individuals who want high-performance gear that also reflects a modern, fashion-conscious lifestyle.

• Product mix: An extensive range including running shorts, training tights, joggers, technical tops, outerwear, and their famous ABC (Anti-Ball Crushing) pants franchise. Their offerings cover specific activities from running and training to yoga and casual wear.
• Price point: Positioned at the higher end of the market. Lined shorts often cost $78-$88, while the popular ABC Pants start at $128.
• Technology/Innovation: Famous for its proprietary fabrics like super-soft Nulu™, smooth Luxtreme™, and sweat-wicking Everlux™. Each fabric is engineered for a specific feel and activity, giving them a distinct performance edge.
• Style & Aesthetic: Sleek, athletic, and trend-forward. Lululemon's apparel features clean lines and a body-conscious fit, creating a sharp silhouette that is popular for both workouts and streetwear.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for a reliable and consistent fit that runs true to size. Most items have a slim, athletic cut designed to move with the body without excess fabric.

Lululemon offers some of the most advanced fabrics and performance-focused fits on the market, ideal for those who prioritize technical gear for specific activities and appreciate a modern aesthetic.

Shop Lululemon: lululemon.com

Rhone vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

On average, Rhone tends to be slightly more affordable than Lululemon. A staple performance shirt from Rhone might cost around $68, while a similar technical top from Lululemon could be $78 or higher. Their most popular pants, the Rhone Commuter Pant and the Lululemon ABC Pant, both retail for $128, making them direct competitors in that category.

While the prices can be similar on key items, Lululemon’s extensive collection includes more specialized pieces and outerwear that often exceed the $150-$200 mark. Rhone offers excellent premium value, whereas Lululemon positions itself as a top-tier activewear investment, often justified by its proprietary fabric technology.

Quality & Materials

Both brands deliver exceptional quality, but they focus on different material innovations. Rhone is notable for its GoldFusion Technology which offers odor control and its use of comfortable, sweat-wicking jersey and pique knit fabrics. These materials are durable, hold their shape well, and feel substantial without being heavy.

Lululemon's main differentiator is its vast library of signature fabrics. Materials like Luon™, Nulu™, and Warpstreme™ are iconic for their distinct feels - from buttery soft to cool and sleek. The brand’s investment in fabric R&D is clear, giving them an advantage for in-activity performance and specific sensations that have built a loyal following. It's not a matter of one being better, but rather which textile technology best meets your personal needs.

Style & Aesthetic

Rhone's aesthetic is clean, sophisticated, and masculine. Designs are understated with minimal branding, allowing the pieces to transition effortlessly into casual or even business-casual settings. The color palettes are often classic and neutral, emphasizing versatility and timeless appeal over fleeting trends.

Lululemon, while also minimalist, has a more distinctly athletic and trend-aware style. The fits are typically more form-fitting and body-conscious, creating a sharp, sleek silhouette. Their seasonal color drops generate significant hype, making the brand a part of the fashion conversation as much as the fitness one. If you want a more traditional and versatile look, choose Rhone. If you prefer a modern, athletic look, choose Lululemon.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands are very consistent with sizing and run true to size. The primary difference lies in the cut. Rhone offers a tailored, athletic fit that provides room to move without being baggy. It’s designed to flatter an athletic build but offers a bit more space than Lululemon's cuts.

Lululemon is known for its slim, athletic silhouette. Its tops, joggers, and shorts are designed to sit closer to the body, which helps with performance by reducing drag and managing moisture but may feel too snug for those who prefer a more relaxed fit. Both brands offer detailed size guides to help you find the perfect fit online.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your personal style preferences, performance needs, and how you plan to wear the gear.

Choose Rhone if:

• You want versatile clothing that looks just as good in a casual office as it does at the gym.
• You prefer an understated, classic style with minimal logos or branding.
• Odor control is a major priority for you, their SilverTech is highly effective.
• You're looking for premium quality activewear at a slightly more competitive price point.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You prioritize cutting-edge fabric technology and a specific feel for your activities (e.g., buttery soft for yoga, sleek for running).
• You prefer a slim, athletic, and trend-forward aesthetic.
• You want highly specialized gear designed for specific sports like running, yoga, or HIIT.
• You enjoy the brand experience, including in-store shopping and being part of a large fitness community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rhone or Lululemon cheaper?

Generally, Rhone is slightly cheaper. While some key items like their core pants are priced identically at $128, Rhone's T-shirts and shorts are often $10-$20 less expensive than comparable items from Lululemon.

Which brand is better for running?

Lululemon generally has an edge for dedicated runners due to its wide selection of run-specific apparel and advanced fabric technologies like Everlux, which is engineered to manage high sweat. They offer various inseam lengths for shorts and tights with thoughtful features like bounce-free pockets.

How does sizing compare between Rhone and Lululemon?

Both brands run true to size. The key difference is the cut: Lululemon clothing typically has a slimmer, more body-conscious fit, while Rhone offers a tailored fit that is still athletic but allows for a bit more room.

What is Rhone's most popular item?

The Rhone Reign T-Shirt is one of their most popular and praised items, known for its extreme comfort, four-way stretch, and anti-odor technology. The Commuter Pant is another bestseller for its versatility.

What is Lululemon Men's most popular item?

Lululemon's ABC (Anti-Ball Crushing) Pant is arguably their most iconic men's product. It set a new standard for comfortable, versatile pants that feel like athletic gear but look presentable enough for the office or a night out. Their Pace Breaker shorts are also extremely popular for workouts.

Do both brands offer sales?

Yes, both brands have sales. Lululemon has a permanent "We Made Too Much" section on their website for discounted items. Rhone offers periodic sales throughout the year and has a "Surplus" section for clearance items.

Which brand is better for everyday wear?

This depends on your style. Rhone's understated and classic aesthetic makes it incredibly versatile for everyday wear that blends in easily. However, Lululemon’s ABC franchise was designed specifically to bridge the gap between workout and weekend, making it an equal contender.

Which brand has better odor control?

Rhone's calling card is its use of SilverTech threads and GoldFusion technology, which are specifically designed to combat odor-causing microbes. While Lululemon's technical fabrics also perform well, Rhone places a much stronger marketing emphasis on its long-lasting anti-odor features.