Ten Thousand vs. Vuori: Which brand is better? [2026]

Ten Thousand builds minimalist, high-performance gear designed for intense training and durability, while Vuori focuses on versatile, comfort-driven athleisure that transitions from the gym to daily life. The core difference lies in their intent: Ten Thousand is engineered for the dedicated athlete prioritizing function, whereas Vuori is crafted for individuals who value style, all-day comfort, and sustainability.

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

Ten Thousand: The Elite Performance Gear

Ten Thousand is a direct-to-consumer brand for the serious athlete. They focus on creating durable, technical apparel for intense training like weightlifting, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and functional fitness. Their aesthetic is utilitarian and minimalist, appealing to those who want gear that performs under pressure without any unnecessary frills.

• Product mix: A focused collection of workout essentials including shorts in various inseams (Interval, Session, Tactical), pants, shirts, and leggings. They also offer accessories like liners and socks designed to enhance training.
• Price point: Premium, reflecting its technical construction. Shorts range from $70-$100, and performance tops are typically $50-$80.
• Quality & Materials: The brand is known for its incredible durability. They use high-performance nylon, polyester, and elastane blends with features like four-way stretch, moisture-wicking technology, and reinforced seams that hold up to demanding workouts.
• Style & Aesthetic: Minimalist and function-driven. You'll find a neutral color palette of blacks, greys, and navy with a clean, no-nonsense look that puts performance first.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is true to standard athletic wear, but the fit is tailored and athletic. It's designed to be close-fitting for optimal movement without getting in the way, so it's not overly loose or relaxed.

Ten Thousand is the clear choice for athletes who need rugged, purpose-built gear that will endure the toughest workouts without compromise.

Shop Ten Thousand: tenthousand.cc

Vuori: The Comfort-First Athleisure

Vuori is a California-based lifestyle brand that excels at bridging the gap between performance activewear and comfortable, everyday clothing. Their offerings are incredibly versatile, designed for workouts, travel, lounging, and casual wear. The brand has built a loyal following around its exceptionally soft fabrics, relaxed style, and commitment to sustainability.

• Product mix: A broad range of athleisure and activewear, including their famous DreamKnit™ joggers, performance shorts like the Kore Short, leggings, tops, and outerwear for both men and women.
• Price point: Mid-to-high, but generally slightly more accessible than Ten Thousand. Shorts range from $50–$80, and their sought-after joggers are usually around $90-$110.
• Quality & Materials: Vuori's strength lies in its proprietary fabrics that prioritize buttery-soft comfort. They use sustainable materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton while still incorporating performance features like moisture-wicking and quick-drying capabilities.
• Style & Aesthetic: Laid-back, modern, and inspired by coastal California culture. The color palette is often muted and approachable, with designs that are stylish enough to wear far beyond the gym.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to be a more relaxed, gentle fit compared to Ten Thousand. While still true to size, the focus is on comfort and mobility for a wider range of activities, not just peak performance.

Vuori is perfect for those who want stylish, premium-feeling apparel that is equally suited for a light workout, a coffee run, or relaxing at home.

Shop Vuori: vuoriclothing.com

Ten Thousand vs. Vuori Comparison

Price Comparison

Both brands operate in the premium activewear space, but with slight differences in positioning. On average, Ten Thousand's products are priced slightly higher. For example, their flagship Interval Short costs around $72, while Vuori's popular Kore Short is typically $68. In other categories like performance tops and joggers, the price difference remains similar, with Ten Thousand often coming in about 10-15% higher.

Vuori's pricing feels more aligned with the broader lifestyle and athleisure market, similar to competitors like Lululemon. Ten Thousand's pricing is justified by its focus on specialized, highly durable materials for intense activity. While both brands offer good value for their quality, Vuori is the more accessible option for building out a versatile wardrobe.

Quality & Materials

This is where the brands truly diverge. Ten Thousand prioritizes rugged durability above all else. Their fabrics feel technical and substantial, designed to resist abrasions from barbells and intense friction. Features like reinforced seams and durable water-repellent coatings mean their gear is built to last through gruelling training sessions for years.

Vuori, while still producing high-quality activewear, is all about comfort. Their signature DreamKnit™, a blend of recycled polyester and elastane, is exceptionally soft and comfortable against the skin. While their apparel is perfectly functional for yoga, jogging, and moderate gym use, it's not engineered for the same level of abuse as Ten Thousand.

Style & Aesthetic

Ten Thousand has a distinct minimalist and utilitarian aesthetic. Their clothing features clean lines, a limited color palette of mostly neutrals, and a "function-first" design philosophy. The branding is subtle, appealing to those who don't want flashy logos and prefer their gear to blend in at the gym.

Vuori embodies a relaxed, California-cool vibe. Their pieces are more trend-conscious, with softer silhouettes and a wider range of muted, stylish colors. The design of their joggers, shorts, and tops makes them easy to mix and match with casual streetwear, making Vuori a true athleisure brand where performance meets everyday style.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally run true to size, but their fit philosophies are different. Ten Thousand uses an athletic cut designed for performance. This means shorts and pants are tailored for a close fit that moves with you during explosive exercises without excess fabric getting in the way. It’s snug but not restrictive.

Across the board, Vuori offers a more relaxed and forgiving fit. Their joggers and shorts have more room and a softer drape, prioritizing comfort for lounging and all-day wear. Even their more performance-oriented items feel less compressive and more a little more generous in their cut than offerings from Ten Thousand.

Sustainability & Ethics

Vuori makes sustainability a core part of its brand identity. They are very transparent about their use of recycled and organic materials, their commitment to ethical manufacturing, and their efforts to offset their carbon footprint. This is a major selling point for environmentally conscious shoppers.

Ten Thousand's primary focus is on product durability and performance. While creating long-lasting products is inherently a sustainable practice as it reduces consumption, they do not outwardly market an extensive eco-friendly platform in the same way Vuori does. For consumers who put sustainability at the top of their priority list, Vuori has a clear advantage.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands make excellent apparel, but they serve two very different customers and purposes.

Choose Ten Thousand if:

• You are serious about weightlifting, CrossFit, or high-intensity training.
• Durability is your number one priority, you need gear that can withstand abuse.
• You prefer a minimalist, no-frills aesthetic with a close, athletic fit.
• You value function and technical features over everything else.

Choose Vuori if:

• You want ultimate comfort for lounging, travel, and day-to-day activities.
• Your workouts include activities like yoga, jogging, or light gym training.
• Versatility is key, you want clothes that look great both in and out of the gym.
• Sustainability and ethical manufacturing are important factors in your purchasing decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ten Thousand or Vuori more expensive?

On average, Ten Thousand's products tend to be slightly more expensive, with items typically costing about 10-15% more than their counterparts at Vuori. This reflects Ten Thousand's focus on heavy-duty, technical materials.

Which brand is better for weightlifting and CrossFit?

Ten Thousand is definitively better for serious weightlifting and CrossFit. Their apparel is specifically designed with durability in mind to handle the abrasion and stress of heavy training, whereas Vuori's softer materials may not hold up as well over time to such intense use.

Which brand is more comfortable for everyday wear?

Vuori is the winner for everyday comfort. Their signature soft fabrics and relaxed fits are designed for lounging, running errands, and travel, making their apparel much more suited for casual, all-day wear than Ten Thousand's performance-focused gear.

Does Vuori or Ten Thousand run true to size?

Both brands generally fit true to size, but the intended cut is different. Ten Thousand offers a tailored, athletic fit that is closer to the body. Vuori uses a more relaxed, comfortable fit with a bit more room. It's best to order your normal size in both but expect a different feel.

Is Vuori apparel worth the price?

For those who prioritize premium comfort, versatility, and style, Vuori is widely considered to be worth the price. The softness of their fabrics, combined with the stylish designs that work for multiple occasions, has built a loyal following.

Can you wear Ten Thousand casually?

You certainly can wear Ten Thousand clothing casually, its minimalist aesthetic is versatile. However, the technical feel of the fabric and the athletic cut make it clear that it's designed for performance first. It is not as overtly comfortable or "cozy" for lounging as Vuori.

Which athletic brand has a better return policy?

Both brands offer customer-friendly return policies which you can check on their sites. Ten Thousand has an easy online return portal. However, Vuori's customer service, free shipping, and hassle-free returns help enhance shopper accessibility and satisfaction.

Where are Vuori clothes made?

Vuori responsibly sources their premium fabrics from around the world, including Taiwan and China. Their production partners also must follow their guide to supply chain labor best practices.