Spanx Air Essentials vs. Lululemon Softstreme: Which one is better?

The Spanx Air Essentials and Lululemon Softstreme lines both offer incredibly soft fabrics, but they excel in different areas based on feel, price, and durability. Spanx Air Essentials is known for its lightweight, silky, and drapey fabric at a more accessible price point, making it a go-to for refined loungewear. Lululemon's Softstreme fabric features a unique peach-fuzz soft, sueded feel and is engineered for better durability and performance at a premium price.

Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which luxurious fabric from Spanx or Lululemon is the right choice for your lifestyle and budget.

Spanx Air Essentials

The Spanx Air Essentials collection is built around a fine-knit, four-way stretch fabric that feels light as air. Known for its drapey, silky feel, it's designed to be the ultimate set for travel, lounging, and everyday errands, offering a polished look without sacrificing comfort.

• What it is: A collection of luxuriously soft loungewear known for its lightweight construction and silky, drapey fabric.
• Key features: Four-way stretch, ultra-lightweight fabric, polished and drapey silhouette, versatile pieces meant for travel, work-from-home, and errands.
• Price: Pieces typically range from $50-$70.
• Materials/Construction: Made from a lightweight, finely-knit fabric that feels smooth and gentle against the skin.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to be true to size with a comfortable, relaxed fit that isn't overly baggy. Designed to drape elegantly on the body.
• Pros: More affordable than Lululemon. The airy, silky fabric feels incredible on the skin. A great option for polished-looking travel or lounge outfits. Pieces have a timeless, versatile design.
• Cons: Fabric can be less durable than Lululemon's Softstreme with heavy wear and repeated washing. Fewer trendy color options, focusing more on neutral basics. Not designed for sweaty workouts.

This collection suits anyone who prioritizes supreme comfort, a sleek silhouette, and affordability for everyday wear, especially for traveling or looking put-together at home.

Shop this product: https://www.spanx.com/spanx-air-essentials

Lululemon Softstreme

Lululemon's Softstreme fabric offers a different kind of softness - one with a unique peach-fuzz texture that feels both luxurious and substantial. Designed with performance in mind, it combines this incredible feel with moisture-wicking properties and robust construction, making it perfect for athleisure or everyday wear where durability is key.

• What it is: A line of premium athleisure wear featuring a proprietary fabric with a unique, sueded-on-the-outside feel.
• Key features: Peach-fuzz softness, four-way stretch, moisture-wicking and quick-drying, naturally breathable, excellent shape retention.
• Price: Pieces range from $98-$128.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from Lululemon’s proprietary Softstreme fabric, known for its longevity and performance engineering that withstands regular wear.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size with a range from 0 to 20. Known for flattering, structured fits that combine athletic tailoring with casual style.
• Pros: Exceptional, unique softness with a luxurious feel. More durable fabric ideal for long-term wear. Technical features like moisture-wicking add functionality. Available in more trendy and seasonal colors.
• Cons: Significantly higher price point. The fabric can be prone to showing water marks or oil stains if not cared for properly.

Perfect for those willing to invest in high-performance, durable activewear that combines a luxurious feel with cutting-edge athletic features and runway-inspired styles.

Shop this product: https://shop.lululemon.com/c/softstreme/_/N-1z0rov0Z8qq

Spanx Air Essentials vs. Lululemon Softstreme Comparison

Feel & Materials

The primary difference between the two lies in the texture and weight of the fabric. Spanx Air Essentials is lightweight, silky, and cool to the touch. It has a distinct drape that flows away from the body, making it feel very breezy and unrestrictive. It’s a classic “soft fabric” feel that’s easy to love instantly.

Conversely, Lululemon Softstreme feels more like a sueded or peach-fuzz texture. It has a slight warmth and coziness while still being breathable. The material feels more substantial and durable in hand, justifying its placement as a premium activewear fabric that’s built to last through more than just light lounging.

Style & Versatility

Spanx Air Essentials leans into a timeless, minimalist aesthetic. The styles - crewnecks, wide-leg pants, and half-zips - are designed to be versatile and classic. Available mainly in neutral colors, these pieces are made to be closet cornerstones for travel, errands, and work-from-home life.

Lululemon Softstreme is rooted in athleisure. The designs are modern and often feature more functional details found in athletic apparel. With a wider array of on-trend seasonal colors and patterns, Softstreme pieces are equally at home in a casual brunch setting as they are in a post-yoga cool-down.

Price & Value

There is a considerable price gap. Spanx offers fantastic value, giving you a taste of luxury loungewear at a price that won’t break the bank (typically under $75). It's an excellent choice if you're looking for high-end comfort on a budget.

Lululemon is positioned as a long-term investment. While items are priced higher (often over $100), the cost reflects the brand’s robust R&D, proprietary fabric technology, and superior durability. For customers who prioritize longevity and technical performance, the value is clear.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both collections deliver on their promise of softness, but your best choice depends on what you value most.

Choose Spanx Air Essentials if:

• You're on a budget but still want a luxurious feel.
• You prefer a silky, drapey, and lightweight fabric that feels cool on the skin.
• You need a versatile and polished outfit for travel, lounging, or working from home.
• You mostly stick to classic, neutral colors in your wardrobe.

Choose Lululemon Softstreme if:

• You are willing to invest in premium quality for superior durability and feel.
• You love a unique, cozy, peach-fuzz softness that’s different from anything else.
• You want moisture-wicking and quick-drying features for an active lifestyle or athleisure wear.
• You enjoy modern, stylish silhouettes and seasonal, on-trend colors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Spanx Air Essentials and Lululemon Softstreme?

The main difference is the feel and price. Spanx Air Essentials is a silky, drapey, lightweight fabric at a more affordable price point. Lululemon Softstreme has a unique sueded, peach-fuzz texture that is heavier, more durable, and comes at a premium price.

Which fabric is softer?

Both are exceptionally soft, but in different ways. Spanx is a traditional silky kind of soft, while Lululemon has a unique velvety, peach-like texture. It's a matter of personal preference - some prefer the cool feel of silk, while others love the cozy feel of the sueded Softstreme.

Is Lululemon Softstreme worth the money?

For those who value longevity, a unique tactile feel, and technical features like moisture-wicking, yes. The higher price reflects a more durable and feature-rich fabric designed for repeated wear and a more active lifestyle.

Can I work out in Spanx Air Essentials?

It's not recommended for intense or sweaty workouts. The fabric is designed primarily for lounging, travel, and light activity like walking. It lacks the moisture-wicking properties needed for higher-intensity exercise.

How do I wash and care for these fabrics?

For both, it's best to wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and lay flat or hang to dry. To maintain the softness of Lululemon Softstreme, avoid fabric softeners. With Spanx Air Essentials, washing inside-out can help prevent pilling over the long term.

Does Spanx Air Essentials provide shaping like other Spanx products?

No, the Air Essentials line is focused purely on comfort and loungewear. It does not contain the compression or shaping technology found in traditional Spanx shapewear.

Which brand offers better sizing?

Both brands offer generally true-to-size fits. Spanx provides sizes from XS to XL (and some plus sizing), focusing on a comfortable, slightly relaxed fit. Lululemon offers a more granular size range from 0-20, designed for a more structured, tailored athleisure look.

Which collection is better for travel?

Both are excellent for travel because they're comfortable and resist wrinkling. However, Spanx Air Essentials is often preferred due to its lighter weight, making it easier to pack, and its polished look is perfect for going straight from the plane to an outing.