Travis Mathew vs. Lululemon: Which brand should you buy?

Travis Mathew offers a relaxed, golf-inspired aesthetic at a more accessible mid-range price, focusing on versatile clothing for casual and on-course wear. In contrast, Lululemon is a premium athleisure brand known for its innovative, high-performance technical fabrics, form-fitting designs, and higher price point aimed at serious athletes and style-conscious individuals.

Let's compare these two brands to help you decide which apparel is the right fit for your lifestyle and budget.

Travis Mathew: The King of Casual Golf Style

Travis Mathew is a men's lifestyle brand that sits at the intersection of casual comfort and golf-inspired sophistication. It targets the active man who wants versatile pieces that look just as good at a weekend brunch as they do on the 18th hole. The brand's core identity revolves around a relaxed yet refined look that doesn't require a lot of effort to pull off.

• Product mix: Primarily focused on men's apparel, including performance polos, shorts, versatile pants like the "Heater Active," outerwear, and accessories. Their collection is built for seamless transitions from sport to leisure.
• Price point: Sits in the mid-range market. Expect to pay between $85 and $115 for their popular polos and shorts, with pants generally priced from $115 to $150.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes high-quality performance blends designed for comfort, featuring four-way stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and wrinkle resistance. The construction is solid and aimed at durability for everyday wear.
• Aesthetic: The style is clean, modern, and often features subtle branding. It embodies a laid-back Southern California vibe mixed with classic, preppy elements suitable for a wide range of casual settings.
• Sizing/Fit: Generally offers a true-to-size, comfortable fit that is neither too baggy nor too slim. It's a standard, athletic cut designed for easy movement.

Travis Mathew is the perfect choice for men who need stylish, comfortable, and versatile clothing that doesn't scream "workout gear."

Shop Travis Mathew: travismathew.com

Lululemon: The Leader in Premium Athleisure

Lululemon is a global powerhouse in the athletic apparel industry, famous for elevating activewear into a high-fashion category. Originally known for its yoga pants, the brand now offers a comprehensive range of high-performance gear for men and women. Their key to success lies in proprietary technical fabrics and meticulously engineered fits that enhance athletic performance while maintaining a sleek, modern look.

• Product mix: Offers an extensive line for both men and women, including leggings, shorts, sports bras, joggers, technical shirts, jackets, and accessories for activities like yoga, running, HIIT, and daily wear.
• Price point: Premium pricing reflects their focus on technology and quality. Leggings typically range from $98 to $128, while men's shorts are around $68-$88 and popular joggers like the ABC Pant are $128.
• Quality & Materials: This is Lululemon's main advantage. They are known for innovative fabrics like the buttery-soft Nulu™ for yoga, fast-drying Everlux™ for intense training, and the comfortable Warpstreme™ used in their daily wear pants.
• Aesthetic: Sleek, minimalist, and versatile. The designs focus on flattering silhouettes and can easily transition from a high-intensity workout class to running errands around town.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to be form-fitting and athletic. Many of their compressive items can run small, so it's often a good idea to consult the size guide or even size up depending on your preference.

Lululemon excels at creating premium athletic apparel that fuses technical performance with a very fashionable, modern style.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Travis Mathew vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference in pricing between the two brands. Travis Mathew operates in a more accessible mid-range category. With most key items like polos and shorts landing between $85 and $115, it offers strong value for its quality and style. They position themselves as an affordable luxury brand for functional, everyday apparel.

Lululemon occupies a premium space, and its prices reflect that. Core items like leggings regularly exceed the $100 mark, and their popular ABC pants are $128. This higher cost is justified by their investment in proprietary fabric technology and advanced construction designed for optimal athletic performance.

Quality & Materials

Both brands produce high-quality apparel, but their materials are engineered for different purposes. Travis Mathew's fabrics are excellent for casual comfort, providing stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and a soft feel suitable for a day on the golf course or in the office. The focus is on wearability and all-day comfort in non-strenuous settings.

Lululemon is a leader in fabric innovation. Materials like Luon, Nulu, and Everlux are scientifically developed for specific activities, offering superior stretch retention, breathability, and durability under intense physical stress. If you need apparel for serious training, a sweaty yoga session, or a long run, Lululemon's technical quality is hard to beat.

Product Selection & Style

The brands' styles are distinct. Travis Mathew has a classic, golf-inspired "SoCal preppy" look. Its collections feature subtle logos, classic color palettes, and wearable silhouettes like polos, button-downs, and chino-style shorts and pants. The aesthetic is clean, mature, and perfect for the man who wants to look casually put-together.

Lululemon's style is quintessentially modern athleisure. The look is sleek, minimalist, and often more form-fitting. While deeply rooted in athletic function, items like their joggers and hoodies are designed with clean lines that have made them fashionable staples for everyday streetwear. They offer a wider range of fits and styles tailored to both specific workouts and casual wear.

Fit & Sizing

Fit is a key differentiator. Travis Mathew generally fits true to size with a comfortable, relaxed cut that provides room for movement without being baggy. It's a forgiving, standard American fit that caters to a broad range of body types.

Lululemon is known for its body-hugging, athletic silhouettes. The fit is intentionally compressive and snug in many of its performance pieces to support muscles and reduce friction. This can make their sizing feel small to some, especially if you're not used to a performance fit. It's always best to check their detailed size guides for each product.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both companies are moving toward more sustainable practices, but Lululemon is more transparent and established in its initiatives. They have public goals related to reducing carbon emissions, using sustainable materials, and ensuring responsible manufacturing. They offer reports on their social and environmental impact.

Travis Mathew has started incorporating eco-friendly materials like recycled fabrics into some of their lines. However, their public information regarding broader sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices is less detailed compared to Lululemon.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your personal style, intended use, and budget. Both brands offer excellent products, but they serve different needs.

Choose Travis Mathew if:

• Your style leans more classic, preppy, or golf-inspired.
• You need versatile clothes that are appropriate for a casual workplace, the golf course, or a weekend BBQ.
• You prefer a more relaxed and comfortable fit over a snug, athletic one.
• You want high-quality apparel at a good value, without paying a premium price for technical features you don't need.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You need high-performance apparel specifically for activities like running, yoga, or gym training.
• You prioritize cutting-edge fabric technology, breathability, and durability during intense workouts.
• You prefer a modern, sleek, and form-fitting athleisure aesthetic.
• You are willing to invest in premium technical gear that is built to last through rigorous use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Travis Mathew or Lululemon cheaper?

Travis Mathew is decisively cheaper across the board. Its polos, shorts, and pants are typically 20-30% less expensive than comparable items from Lululemon, making it the more budget-friendly option.

Which has better quality fabric?

Lululemon has better quality fabric for athletic performance. Their proprietary materials like Nulu and Everlux are industry-leading for specific activities. Travis Mathew's fabric quality is excellent for comfort and casual durability but isn't designed for the same level of intensity.

Does Travis Mathew run true to size?

Yes, Travis Mathew generally fits true to size. They offer a standard, comfortable fit that is not overly slim or baggy, making it easy to order your usual size online.

Does Lululemon run small?

Lululemon sizing can feel small, particularly in their compressive workout gear designed for a tight fit. For items like leggings and certain tops, many people choose to size up for more comfort.

Is Travis Mathew only for playing golf?

No. While it has roots in golf culture, Travis Mathew is a lifestyle brand. Its pieces are designed to be versatile enough for casual office settings, social events, travel, and everyday wear.

Can men wear Lululemon every day?

Absolutely. Lululemon is a dominant force in athleisure for a reason. Their hugely popular ABC Pants, joggers, and Metal Vent Tech shirts are designed with everyday comfort and style in mind and are staples for many men.

Which brand is better for travel?

Both brands are great for travel. Travis Mathew's wrinkle-resistant fabrics are excellent for staying polished on the go. Lululemon's comfortable, stretchy materials, especially in their joggers and hoodies, are perfect for long flights. The choice depends on the aesthetic you prefer.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Lululemon has a more developed and transparent sustainability program with public commitments to environmental goals and responsible sourcing.