Sweaty Betty vs. Lululemon for Running: Which brand should you buy?

Sweaty Betty is a British activewear brand that fuses high-fashion looks with functional performance, offering vibrant designs at a slightly more accessible price. In contrast, Lululemon is known for its premium proprietary fabrics, minimalist aesthetic, and body-contouring fit, placing it at a higher price point as a long-term investment.

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

Sweaty Betty: The Fashion-Forward Performance Wear

Sweaty Betty is a London-based brand built on empowering women through fitness, combining innovative performance wear with a high-fashion sensibility. Their running apparel is crafted for women who want their gear to perform under pressure while also making a style statement. Known for their bum-sculpting leggings and eye-catching prints, Sweaty Betty offers technical pieces that are as functional on a 10k run as they are stylish for a post-run coffee.

• Product mix: Specializes in women's running apparel, including their famous 'Power' leggings, reflective jackets, high-support sports bras, and breathable tops designed for high-impact activity.
• Price point: Generally sits in the mid-range. Leggings are priced from $80-$120, and running sports bras typically cost between $50-$70.
• Quality &, Materials: Uses high-quality, performance-driven fabrics like its Power Fabric, which is sweat-wicking, offers high stretch, and dries quickly. Their construction is durable and designed for frequent, intense workouts.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is typically true to size. Their apparel offers a snug, supportive fit that isn't overly compressive, focusing on comfort and freedom of movement.
• Sales: Frequently runs seasonal sales and promotions, offering opportunities to get premium gear at a significant discount.
• Return policy: Offers a straightforward return policy, making it easy to try gear and find the perfect fit.
• Sustainability: Actively committed to sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly materials like recycled fabrics and promoting ethical manufacturing processes.

Sweaty Betty is the perfect choice for runners who love bold designs and want high-performance gear that balances quality with a more accessible price point.

Shop Sweaty Betty: sweatybetty.com

Lululemon: The Leader in Premium Athletic Apparel

Originally famous for yoga wear, Lululemon has become a global leader in premium athletic apparel across all disciplines, including running. The brand is renowned for its proprietary, high-tech fabrics and meticulous construction that deliver an exceptional "second-skin" feel. Lululemon’s running collection focuses on a minimalist, sleek aesthetic, catering to athletes who prioritize technical performance, durability, and a precise fit above all else.

• Product mix: Offers a comprehensive collection of running gear for both men and women, including technical leggings, shorts, tops, sports bras, and outerwear.
• Price point: Positioned at a premium price point. Leggings for running typically range from $98 to $128, while sports bras cost between $58 and $78.
• Quality &, Materials: Famous for its proprietary fabrics. Its Everlux fabric, used in popular running tights, is fast-drying, highly breathable, and feels cool and sleek on the inside with a soft, brushed exterior.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for its precise, body-contouring fit that often runs small compared to other athletic brands. It's common to size up, especially if you are between sizes or prefer a less compressive feel.
• Sales: Sales are less frequent, primarily taking place through their "We Made Too Much" section, which offers a rotating selection of discounted items.
• Return policy: The company has a flexible return policy and excellent customer service for handling exchanges and fit questions.
• Sustainability: Has made public commitments to improving its sustainability practices, including using recycled materials and reducing carbon emissions in its supply chain.

Lululemon is designed for the serious runner who views their activewear as a long-term investment in performance, comfort, and durability.

Shop Lululemon: lululemon.com

Sweaty Betty vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

Sweaty Betty generally offers more accessible price points. A pair of their best-selling Power Leggings costs around $100, while Lululemon’s popular Fast and Free Tights start at $128. This difference extends across most categories, including tops and sports bras.

While both are premium brands, Sweaty Betty’s willingness to run frequent sales and promotions makes it a better value for budget-conscious shoppers. Lululemon maintains a premium-pricing strategy with less frequent discounts, positioning its products as a luxury investment. If cost is a major factor, Sweaty Betty often presents better opportunities to save.

Quality & Materials

Both brands excel in quality, but their approaches differ. Sweaty Betty uses excellent, durable performance fabrics like their Power and Zero Gravity materials that withstand countless workouts and wash cycles. They are supportive, opaque, and great for high-impact activities.

Lululemon's primary advantage is its stable of proprietary, engineered fabrics. Materials like Everlux (for intense workouts) and Nulux (for a weightless running feel) offer a distinct sensory experience that many devotees swear by. The tactile feel, precise compression, and quick-drying capabilities of Lululemon's fabrics give them a slight edge for serious runners who demand the highest level of performance from their apparel.

Style & Aesthetic

This is where the two brands diverge most clearly. Sweaty Betty embraces bold, vibrant, and fashion-forward designs. They are known for eye-catching patterns, bright color-blocking, and trendy silhouettes that transition from the gym to the street. If you want your running gear to make a statement, Sweaty Betty is your brand.

Lululemon champions a minimalist, sleek, and timeless aesthetic. Their color palettes are often more subdued and their branding is subtle. The focus is on clean lines and a flattering, athletic fit. Their pieces are incredibly versatile and less trend-driven, making them easy to wear for years without feeling dated.

Fit & Sizing

Sweaty Betty’s fit is generally considered true to size. Runners can reliably order their usual size and expect a comfortable, supportive fit that’s not overly restrictive. It's an easy and predictable brand to shop for online.

Lululemon is famous for its precise, compressive, and body-sculpting fit. However, this often means their apparel, especially leggings and bras, runs small. Many shoppers size up from their typical size to achieve a comfortable fit. While the contouring effect is a major selling point, first-time buyers should carefully consult size guides or try items on in-store.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on your priorities as a runner. Both brands make excellent products, but they cater to different preferences.

Choose Sweaty Betty if:

• You love bold patterns, vibrant colors, and running gear with personality.
• You are looking for high-performance apparel at a more wallet-friendly price.
• You appreciate a brand that frequently offers sales and discounts.
• You prefer a fit that is comfortable and true to size.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You prefer a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with subtle branding.
• You are willing to invest more for industry-leading fabric technology and a "second-skin" feel.
• Durability and long-term performance are your top priorities.
• You want a precise, body-contouring fit and don’t mind sizing up for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lululemon or Sweaty Betty more expensive?

Lululemon is generally more expensive across all categories, including running leggings, tops, and sports bras. Sweaty Betty sits at a slightly lower, "premium-mid" price point and offers more frequent sales.

Which brand is better for high-impact running?

Both brands offer excellent options for high-impact running. Sweaty Betty's Zero Gravity and Power leggings offer great compression and support. Lululemon's SenseKnit and Swift Speed and Fast and Free lines, made from proprietary fabrics like Luxtreme and Nulux provide exceptional support and moisture management, giving them a slight technical edge for long-distance runners.

How does Sweaty Betty sizing compare to Lululemon?

Sweaty Betty sizing is mostly true to size. Lululemon is known to run small, so it's a very common recommendation for shoppers to size up, especially in leggings for a comfortable-but-snug fit.

Which brand has better running leggings?

This depends on preference. Sweaty Betty fans love the bum-sculpting Power Leggings forgiving both sculpting and performance. Lululemon loyalists might argue that the technical fabrics of the Fast and Free (Nulux fabric for weightlessness) or Swift Speed (Luxtreme for slick compression) tights offer superior performance for demanding runs.

What is Sweaty Betty's most popular running legging?

The Power franchise leggings are by far their most popular style for running and workouts. They are known for their sweat-wicking properties, supportive compression, and flattering fit.

Do both brands offer good return policies?

Yes, both Sweaty Betty and Lululemon have customer-friendly return policies. You can return items both online or in-store within their return window, making it easy to find the right size.

Does Sweaty Betty or Lululemon go on sale more often?

Sweaty Betty holds sales more frequently. They have major seasonal sales and offer promotions throughout the year. Lululemon sales are mainly confined to its "We Made Too Much" online section.

Which brand is better for different body types?

Both brands have expanded their size ranges to be more inclusive. Sweaty Betty's true-to-size fit may be easier for first-time buyers and those who don't want a heavily compressive feel. Lululemon's extensive range of lengths (23" to 31") caters well to different heights.