Sweaty Betty vs. Lululemon Leggings: Which one is better?

While both Sweaty Betty and Lululemon offer premium-quality leggings, they serve different style preferences and priorities. Sweaty Betty is known for bold, fashion-forward patterns and supportive fits that stand out, whereas Lululemon is famous for its minimalist aesthetic, ultra-durable technical fabrics, and a "second-skin" feel that has built a loyal following.

Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which brand’s leggings belong in your activewear drawer.

Sweaty Betty Leggings

Sweaty Betty is a British activewear brand that fuses high-performance function with statement-making style. Their leggings are designed for the person who wants to feel both supported during a workout and fashionable on the go. Known for vibrant prints, flattering fits, and innovative fabrics, Sweaty Betty leggings empower you to look and feel your best.

• What it is: High-performance activewear leggings known for supportive compression, moisture-wicking properties, and bold, stylish designs.
• Key features: Signature Power Fabric (compressive, sweat-wicking, bum-sculpting), unique prints and vibrant colorways, high-waisted and bum-sculpting fits.
• Price: $80 - $130, with frequent promotions and sales.
• Materials/Construction: Emphasizes innovative fabrics like their Power and Sculpt Knit materials, often using recycled fabrics and sustainable manufacturing practices.
• Sizing/Fit: Generally considered true to size, offering a supportive and contouring fit that holds you in without feeling restrictive. Sizes range from XXS to XL.
• Pros: Unique and eye-catching designs, excellent bum-sculpting support, high-quality durable materials, and a strong focus on sustainability.
• Cons: Bold prints may not appeal to everyone, and while durable, some find Lululemon’s fabrics slightly more resilient for prolonged, intense use.

This brand is perfect for anyone seeking vibrant, confidence-boosting activewear that transitions seamlessly from the gym to daily life without sacrificing performance.

Shop this product: sweatybetty.com/us/shop/bottoms/leggings

Lululemon Leggings

Lululemon is a Canadian activewear powerhouse celebrated for its premium quality, sleek designs, and groundbreaking proprietary fabrics. Originally focused on yoga, the brand has become the go-to for performance wear across all activities. Their leggings are praised for a perfect fit, exceptional longevity, and a minimalist look that is both timeless and versatile.

• What it is: Premium activewear leggings prized for their superior feel, durability, and minimalist aesthetic, using innovative technical fabrics.
• Key features: Proprietary fabrics like Nulux and Everlux are known for being buttery-soft, sweat-wicking, and offering incredible stretch and shape retention.
• Price: $98 - $128, positioned as a premium investment piece.
• Materials/Construction: Famous for technical fabrics developed in-house, designed for everything from low-impact yoga (Nulu fabric) to high-intensity training (Everlux fabric).
• Sizing/Fit: Renowned for a consistent, true-to-size fit often described as feeling like a second skin. Sizing is inclusive, available from 0 to 20.
• Pros: Exceptional durability and longevity, signature buttery-soft feel, timeless and versatile designs, consistent and reliable fit across styles.
• Cons: Higher price point with less frequent sales, and designs are typically less expressive for those who prefer bold colors or patterns.

This brand is ideal for those who prioritize long-lasting performance, a minimalist style, and a perfect, comfortable fit for intense workouts or everyday wear.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/c/womens-leggings

Sweaty Betty vs. Lululemon Leggings Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

This is the most significant difference between the two brands. Sweaty Betty embraces a bold, fashion-forward aesthetic. They offer a huge variety of vibrant prints, eye-catching patterns, and bright colors. Their designs are for someone who wants their activewear to make a statement and stand out from the crowd.

On the other hand, Lululemon champions a minimalist, sleek look. Their collections primarily feature solid colors in neutral or sophisticated tones with very subtle branding. The focus is on clean lines and a timeless silhouette that works just as well for a coffee run as it does for a yoga class. Sweaty Betty is trendy and energetic, while Lululemon is classic and understated.

Quality & Materials

Both brands produce excellent, high-quality leggings, but their fabrics excel in different areas. Sweaty Betty's cult-favorite Power Fabric is known for its compressive, bum-sculpting qualities that provide incredible support and hold during workouts. It’s thick, durable, and fully opaque.

Lululemon is world-renowned for its proprietary fabrics. Their Everlux fabric is designed for high-intensity training, offering fast-drying and breathable properties, while the Nulu fabric (used for the famous Align pants) is notoriously buttery-soft and perfect for yoga. While both brands are durable, many long-time users feel Lululemon leggings hold up particularly well against friction and repeated intense use over many years.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally run true to size and offer a fantastic fit. Sweaty Betty's leggings are often praised for their contouring and supportive feel, especially their high-waisted styles that sculpt and smooth. They offer sizes from XXS to XL.

Lululemon is known for a near-perfect, "second-skin" fit that moves with your body. Their sizing is consistent and reliable, ranging from 0 to 20, making them an inclusive option for a wide range of body types. Their leggings hug your curves without feeling compressive, unless you specifically opt for a style designed for that purpose.

Price & Value

Sweaty Betty leggings typically range from $80 to $130, but the brand runs frequent sales and promotions, often making them available for a much lower price. This makes them a great value for someone who wants a high-quality, stylish pair of leggings without always paying the top-end premium.

Lululemon leggings are priced between $98 and $128, and sales are less frequent. They are positioned as an investment piece, and their value comes from their exceptional longevity. Many customers report their Lululemon leggings lasting for years, which can justify the higher initial cost.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer outstanding leggings, but the right choice depends entirely on your personal style, budget, and workout preferences.

Choose Sweaty Betty if:

• You love expressing your style with bold prints, patterns, and vibrant colors.
• You want leggings with excellent bum-sculpting and compressive support.
• You are a savvy shopper who appreciates finding high-quality activewear on sale.
• You need versatile activewear that looks just as good on the street as it does in a spin class.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You prefer a timeless, minimalist aesthetic with neutral tones and subtle details.
• You prioritize fabric feel and want leggings known for being buttery-soft or highly technical.
• You are willing to invest in an ultra-durable piece of activewear that will last for years.
• You value a consistent, reliable fit that feels like a comfortable second skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Sweaty Betty and Lululemon leggings?

The main difference comes down to aesthetics and feel. Sweaty Betty offers bold, fashion-forward designs with a supportive, compressive fit. Lululemon focuses on a minimalist, sleek look with proprietary fabrics known for their buttery-soft feel and industry-leading durability.

Which brand is more expensive?

Lululemon typically has a higher starting price point around $98 and is considered a premium investment. While Sweaty Betty’s leggings can cost up to $130, they frequently have sales that make them more affordable than Lululemon.

Are Sweaty Betty leggings true to size?

Yes, Sweaty Betty leggings are widely considered true to size. They are designed to be supportive and contouring, providing a comfortably snug fit excellent for activity.

Are Lululemon leggings true to size?

Yes, Lululemon is famous for its consistent and reliable sizing. Most styles run true to size and are engineered to fit like a second skin, moving seamlessly with your body.

Which leggings are better for high-intensity workouts?

Both are excellent choices, but many athletes prefer Lululemon’s Everlux leggings for intense, high-sweat sessions due to the fabric's quick-drying and highly breathable properties. Sweaty Betty’s Power leggings are also fantastic, offering great compression and support for high-impact activities.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Both brands are actively working on their sustainability efforts. Sweaty Betty places a strong emphasis on using recycled and responsibly sourced materials in its collections. Lululemon outlines its environmental impact goals publicly and is investing in more sustainable materials and circularity programs.

Do Sweaty Betty leggings pill?

Sweaty Betty leggings are made from high-quality, durable fabric and are not prone to pilling when cared for correctly (wash inside out on a cold cycle and air dry). They hold up very well to regular wear and washing.

Which brand has better prints and colors?

This is subjective, but if you love variety and standing out, Sweaty Betty is the clear winner. They are renowned for their massive selection of unique, colorful, and artistic prints. Lululemon focuses on a more curated palette of solid colors and occasional, subtle patterns.