Saxx vs. Lululemon: Which brand should you buy? [2026]
While both founded in Canada, Saxx is a specialist brand focused on innovative men's underwear featuring its patented BallPark Pouch for superior support, whereas Lululemon is a global premium activewear brand famous for its stylish high-performance apparel for both men and women. Saxx prioritizes functional comfort at a mid-range price, and Lululemon emphasizes a sleek, modern aesthetic with luxurious technical fabrics at a higher price.
Let's look at the details to help you decide which activewear brand is the right fit for your wardrobe and workouts.
Saxx: The Innovator in Men's Comfort
Saxx is a men's performance apparel brand built around a single, revolutionary idea: engineering better underwear. The brand is defined by its patented BallPark Pouch - a 3D hammock-shaped feature that provides exceptional support and prevents chafing. While Saxx has expanded into activewear like shirts and joggers, its core identity remains rooted in creating the most comfortable and functional underwear for active men, from athletes to weekend warriors.
- Product mix: Specializes in men's underwear, including boxers and compression shorts. The brand also offers a collection of activewear such as t-shirts, joggers, and shorts designed with the same focus on comfort and function.
- Price point: Underwear typically ranges from $20 to $40 per pair. Activewear pieces are generally available between $40 to $80.
- Quality & Materials: Utilizes moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabrics like polyester blends with four-way stretch. Most products feature anti-odor technology and are praised for their durability and ability to withstand frequent washing and intense activity.
- Sizing/Fit: Known for a consistent, true-to-size supportive fit that isn't restrictive. The ergonomic designs and signature pouch ensure everything stays in place comfortably without constant adjustment, and underwear holds its shape well.
Saxx offers a highly functional and comfort-oriented solution for men who prioritize support and performance in their foundational layers at an accessible price point.
Shop Saxx: saxxunderwear.com
Lululemon: The Leader in Premium Activewear
Lululemon has built a global empire on transforming technical athletic apparel into a status symbol for wellness and style. Initially known for its women's yoga pants, the brand now offers extensive activewear lines for both men and women, covering activities from running and training to casual daily life. Lululemon is known for its proprietary, high-performance fabrics, minimalist aesthetic, and premium positioning, appealing to customers who want apparel that is both functional and fashion-forward.
- Product mix: Carries a wide range of men's and women's apparel including leggings, shorts, sports tops, jackets, and accessories. Their men's line features underwear, training shorts, joggers, and technical shirts made from their signature high-end fabrics.
- Price point: Sits firmly in the premium category. Men's underwear often costs between $30 and $40, while activewear like shorts and shirts typically ranges from $50 to $80 or more.
- Quality & Materials: Famous for its proprietary technical fabrics such as Luon, Nulu, and Everlux, which are known for their exceptional softness, stretch, and moisture-wicking properties. The materials feel luxurious and maintain their shape and performance over time.
- Sizing/Fit: Tends to run true to size but often with a slim, body-hugging fit designed to enhance performance and aesthetics. Their garments offer excellent stretch and are designed to move with the body without becoming loose.
Lululemon is the choice for shoppers seeking a luxurious feel, a polished look, and fabrics engineered for peak performance across various activities.
Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com
Saxx vs. Lululemon Comparison
Price Comparison
There is a noticeable price difference between the two brands. Saxx offers more accessible pricing, with most of its innovative underwear costing between $20-$40. Their activewear also falls into a reasonable $40-$80 range, offering good value for technical features.
Lululemon operates at a premium price point. Their men's underwear starts around $30, putting it at the high end of Saxx's range. Lululemon's shorts, shirts, and joggers frequently exceed $70, reflecting their luxury branding, high-end materials, and extensive research and development. In terms of value, Saxx delivers technical innovation focused on comfort, while Lululemon delivers an elevated experience with top-tier fabrics and a refined aesthetic.
Quality & Materials
Both brands prioritize high-quality construction, but their focus differs. Saxx's main innovation is structural - the BallPark Pouch - complemented by durable, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics designed for activity. The seams are strategically placed to avoid irritation, and the materials are chosen for their resilience.
Lululemon's reputation is built on its proprietary materials. Fabrics like Nulu are incredibly soft and feel almost weightless, while Everlux is designed for fast-drying performance in high-sweat situations. The craftsmanship is excellent, with reinforced seams and a buttery-soft feel that Saxx's more utilitarian fabrics don't typically match.
Style & Aesthetic
Saxx’s designs are straightforward and performance-driven. While they offer various colors and patterns, the aesthetic is primarily functional, not trend-setting. The focus is on ergonomic cuts and comfort rather than creating a fashion statement.
Lululemon is a leader in the "athleisure" movement. Their designs are sleek, modern, and intentionally versatile. With minimal branding, muted color palettes, and clean lines, their apparel is designed to look just as good at a weekend brunch as it does in the gym. For shoppers who want their activewear to blend into their everyday wardrobe, Lululemon's style is unmatched.
Fit & Sizing
Saxx is widely praised for its consistent, true-to-size fits that deliver a snug yet comfortable hold. The design feels less like compression wear and more like an ergonomic, supportive layer. Their products excel at staying put during vigorous movement without any need for readjustment.
Lululemon's sizing is also consistent, though many of its pieces are designed for a close-to-body, form-fitting silhouette. This snug fit is intended to support muscles and showcase the body's lines, but some may prefer to size up for a more relaxed feel. The elasticity in their fabrics allows for a full range of motion despite the snugger fit.
Sustainability & Ethics
Lululemon is more transparent and proactive regarding sustainability. As a larger, publicly traded company, it publishes annual reports detailing its goals for using sustainable materials, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring fair labor practices in its supply chain. They are a member of the Fair Labor Association and have clear initiatives in place.
Saxx is beginning to integrate more sustainable practices, including the use of recycled materials, but its transparency and commitments are not as comprehensive or publicly detailed as Lululemon's. For eco-conscious shoppers, Lululemon provides more information and clearer-cut goals.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands deliver exceptional quality in their respective categories, but they are designed for different shoppers with different priorities.
Choose Saxx if:
- Your primary goal is to find the most comfortable and supportive men's underwear for an active lifestyle.
- You need an anti-chafing solution that works, championed by their patented BallPark Pouch.
- You prioritize functional performance and durability over high-fashion aesthetics.
- You want excellent technical features without entering the luxury price tier.
Choose Lululemon if:
- You're looking for versatile, high-end activewear that seamlessly transitions from workouts to casual wear.
- You prioritize the luxurious feel of premium, soft-to-the-touch technical fabrics.
- A sleek, minimalist, and fashionable aesthetic is important to you.
- You are shopping for both men and women and prefer a cohesive, high-end brand experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saxx or Lululemon more expensive?
Lululemon is generally more expensive across the board. While their underwear prices overlap slightly at the high end of Saxx's range, Lululemon’s activewear like shirts and shorts is significantly pricier than comparable items from Saxx.
Which brand is better for workouts?
Both are excellent for workouts. Saxx is arguably better if your main concern is underwear support and preventing chafing during high-impact movement. Lululemon is often preferred for overall workout apparel due to its buttery-soft fabrics that feel great against the skin and offer excellent moisture management.
Does Lululemon make men's underwear too?
Yes, Lululemon offers a line of men's underwear, such as the Always in Motion and License to Train collections. They focus on soft fabrics and breathability, directly competing with Saxx in the premium men's underwear market.
What is the Saxx BallPark Pouch?
The BallPark Pouch is Saxx's patented innovation. It's a 3D, hammock-style pouch made of mesh panels that create a barrier between your skin and thighs, preventing skin-on-skin friction and providing natural, "hands-free" support.
Do Saxx and Lululemon fit true to size?
Yes, both brands are known for fitting true to size. Saxx offers a supportive but comfortable fit, while Lululemon often has a slimmer, tighter fit intended for performance. If you are between sizes or prefer a looser fit at Lululemon, consider sizing up.
Is Lululemon quality worth the price?
For many shoppers, yes. The high price tag is connected to their proprietary technical fabrics, which are remarkably soft, durable, and perform exceptionally well. You are also paying for the brand's stylish designs and aspirational image.
Where can I buy Saxx underwear?
Saxx products are available on their official website, through major online retailers like Amazon, and in many sporting goods specialty stores in North America and beyond.
Is Saxx only for men?
Yes, Saxx's entire product line and its core technology, the BallPark Pouch, are designed specifically for the male anatomy. It is exclusively a men's brand.
