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

Target offers extremely affordable and stylish activewear perfect for casual wear and light workouts, with a massive variety of products beyond just clothing. In contrast, Lululemon is a premium athletic brand known for its high-performance technical fabrics, superior quality, and a much higher price point, specializing in apparel designed for intense fitness activities like yoga and running.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right brand for your lifestyle and budget.

Target: The Affordable & Style-Forward Superstore

Target is a retail giant that has perfected the art of delivering trendy, affordable products for the whole family. Their activewear, particularly from in-house brands like All in Motion, offers a stylish and accessible entry point into athleisure. The core customer is someone who values convenience, affordable fashion, and the ability to buy workout leggings and groceries in the same trip.

• Product mix: A vast selection of apparel for women, men, and kids, including dedicated activewear lines. In addition, they sell electronics, home goods, and groceries. Popular private labels include A New Day and the performance-focused All in Motion brand.
• Price point: Highly accessible. Most activewear pieces, like leggings and sports bras, are priced between $15 and $40, making it easy to build a workout wardrobe on a budget.
• Quality: Generally good for the price, especially for casual wear, errands, and light exercise. The materials are comfortable but won't offer the same long-term durability or technical performance properties as premium brands.
• Sizing/Fit: Renowned for its inclusive sizing, with many collections available in a wide range from XS to 4X. The fit is generally consistent and true to size, catering to a broad range of body types.
• Sales: Frequent sales, seasonal clearances, and offers through the Target Circle rewards program are a regular part of the shopping experience.
• Return policy: A generous 90-day return window for most items, or 120 days for RedCard holders, making it easy to try items at home.

Target is the go-to for shoppers who want trendy activewear without the premium price tag, along with unparalleled shopping convenience and size inclusivity.

Shop Target: target.com

Lululemon: The Premium Performance Brand

Lululemon built its empire on technical fabrics and a community-driven, aspirational lifestyle. Originally focused on yoga attire, the brand now offers a wide range of high-performance apparel for running, training, and everyday life. Their customer is willing to invest in superior quality, innovative materials, and a sleek fit that supports an active lifestyle.

• Product mix: Specializes in high-end athletic apparel, including their iconic leggings, sports bras, tops, and outerwear. They have expanded into menswear, accessories, and recently, footwear.
• Price point: Premium. Leggings typically cost between $98 and $128, sports bras from $58 to $78, positioned as a luxury investment.
• Quality & Innovation: This is Lululemon's key differentiator. Proprietary fabrics like the buttery-soft Nulu™ fabric (used in Align™ pants) and the supportive Luon™ offer exceptional feel, stretch, and moisture management that most competitors cannot match.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a size range from 0 to 20. The fit is known for being compressive and form-fitting, and many customers find they need to size up compared to other brands. Sizing is very consistent across their product lines.
• Sales: Sales are rare outside of their dedicated "We Made Too Much" section, which offers a rotating selection of items at a discount. No regular promotions or coupon events.
• Return policy: Returns are accepted within 30 days for unworn merchandise with tags attached. "We Made Too Much" items are often final sale.

Lululemon is the choice for consumers who view activewear as performance gear and are willing to pay for best-in-class materials, durability, and a signature fit.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Target vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

There is no contest here. Target is drastically more affordable than Lululemon. You can often purchase an entire workout outfit at Target for less than the cost of a single pair of Lululemon leggings. A typical pair of All in Motion leggings at Target might cost $25, while a marquee pair like Lululemon's Align™ pant is $98.

Your decision on price comes down to value perception. Target offers excellent value for budget-conscious buyers who need functional, stylish clothing for everyday activities. Lululemon's value is in its longevity, specialized fabrics, and performance features, making it a better choice for those who work out frequently and demand a lot from their gear.

Quality & Materials

Lululemon's primary advantage is its investment in fabric technology. Materials like Nulu™, Everlux™, and Luon™ are engineered for specific activities, providing properties like four-way stretch, sweat-wicking, and a distinct feel against the skin. This results in clothes that maintain their shape, color, and performance features through rigorous use and frequent washing.

Target's activewear is well-made for its price but uses more standard polyester and spandex blends. While perfectly suitable for walking, light gym sessions, or running errands, the fabrics lack the premium feel and technical specifications of Lululemon's. They may be more susceptible to pilling or losing shape over time compared to their high-end counterparts.

Style & Aesthetic

Target’s style is trendy, approachable, and broad, reflecting seasonal colors and fast-fashion influences. Their collections offer a wide variety of colors, patterns, and fits that cater to a mainstream audience. It’s perfect for someone who enjoys updating their wardrobe frequently without a significant financial commitment.

Lululemon has a more distinct and minimalist aesthetic. Their designs are sleek, often use solid colors or subtle patterns, and are known for their flattering, body-contouring silhouettes. The look is aspirational and instantly recognizable, functioning as both gym wear and a status symbol in the athleisure world.

Fit & Sizing

Target is a leader in inclusive sizing. Their lines typically run true-to-size and offer options for plus, petite, and tall shoppers, making it much easier to find a comfortable fit off the rack. This straightforward approach appeals to a wide variety of body types.

Lululemon’s fit is very specific. It’s designed to be compressive and act like a second skin to support muscles during activity. As a result, many people find it runs small and choose to size up. While they have expanded their size range, their core offering still feels less inclusive than Target's.

Shopping Experience

Shopping at Target is built around ultimate convenience. You can order online for in-store pickup, use curbside services, or enjoy fast shipping. Their 90-day return policy is one of the most generous in retail, removing friction from the buying process.

Lululemon offers a more boutique experience. In-store staff, or "Educators," are highly knowledgeable about the products and can provide detailed guidance on fit and fabric. Their online experience is sleek and easy to navigate, but the 30-day return policy is stricter, especially with final sale items.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer great products, but they are built for fundamentally different customers and needs.

Choose Target if:

• You are shopping on a tight budget.
• You want functional, stylish activewear for errands, casual wear, or light exercise.
• You prioritize shopping convenience like in-store returns and one-stop shopping.
• You need a broad and inclusive size range that fits true to size.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You prioritize fabric performance, durability, and a premium feel above all else.
• You participate in frequent, high-intensity workouts like yoga, running, or HIIT.
• You're willing to invest in long-lasting pieces that retain their shape and function over time.
• You prefer a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with a form-fitting, compressive feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Target or Lululemon cheaper?

Target is significantly cheaper than Lululemon across the board. The price of one pair of Lululemon leggings could buy three or four pairs of leggings from Target's All in Motion brand.

Which brand has better quality leggings?

Lululemon has objectively higher-quality leggings in terms of fabric technology, durability for performance, and construction. They are built to withstand intense, repeated workouts. Target's leggings offer excellent quality for their low price point and are great for everyday wear and less demanding activities.

Does Target sell anything that feels like Lululemon?

Brands like All in Motion at Target have products that mimic the soft, stretchy feel of some Lululemon items and are often cited as affordable alternatives. While they may feel similar at first touch, they lack the proprietary textile innovations, compression, and long-term shape retention that define Lululemon's fabrics.

How does sizing compare between the two brands?

Target sizing is generally considered inclusive and true to size, offering a wide range of standard and plus sizes. Lululemon's sizing is known for running small and offering a compressed fit, so many shoppers size up. It's always a good idea to check each brand's specific size chart.

What are the return policies?

Target has a very flexible 90-day return policy for most items. Lululemon has a stricter 30-day return policy for unworn items with tags attached, and many sale items are considered final sale.

Is Lululemon worth the money?

For dedicated fitness enthusiasts who demand high performance and will wear their gear frequently, yes, Lululemon is often considered a worthwhile investment due to its durability and superior comfort. For casual gym-goers or those on a budget, the value proposition is less clear, and Target offers a much more cost-effective solution.

Which brand runs more sales?

Target has frequent promotions, seasonal sales, and loyalty discounts through Target Circle. Lululemon rarely holds sitewide sales, with discounts mainly confined to the "We Made Too Much" section on their website.

Which brand is better for yoga?

While you can certainly do yoga in Target activewear, Lululemon was founded as a yoga apparel company and its fabrics - especially the Align collection made with Nulu™ fabric - are specifically designed to provide a comfortable, non-restrictive "naked" sensation perfect for yoga practice.