Under Armour vs. Lululemon Gym Wear: Which brand is better?

Under Armour focuses on high-performance athletic gear with innovative technical fabrics at a more accessible price point, making it a go-to for intense training and sports. Lululemon is a premium athleisure brand known for its luxurious fabrics, flattering fits, and minimalist style that transitions seamlessly from the studio to the street, but at a significantly higher price.

Let's compare these two activewear brands to help you decide which one best suits your workout style and budget.

Under Armour: The Performance-First Powerhouse

Under Armour built its brand on creating performance-driven apparel designed to help athletes train harder and recover faster. Best known for pioneering moisture-wicking fabrics, its gear is engineered for function, toughness, and durability, catering to everyone from professional athletes to dedicated gym-goers who need their clothing to withstand demanding workouts.

• Product mix: Specializes in technical sportswear, including compression gear, moisture-wicking leggings, sports bras, and outerwear. The brand also has an extensive line of footwear and accessories built for various sports.
• Price point: Mid-range and accessible. T-shirts often start around $30, while specialized compression gear and outerwear can exceed $100. It's a solid value for tech-focused apparel.
• Quality &, Materials: Known for signature technologies like HeatGear to keep you cool, ColdGear for warmth, and UA Storm for water resistance. Materials are durable blends of polyester and elastane designed to endure friction and frequent washing.
• Sizing/Fit: Generally fits true to size with a broad range from XS to 3X. Its "fitted" and "compression" styles are designed to be snug, so some may prefer to size up in those specific cuts.
• Sales: Holds frequent sales and has a large outlet section online, making it easy to find discounts on core products, especially during seasonal transitions.

Under Armour excels in delivering durable, high-performance gear with technical fabrics at a reasonable price, making it a practical choice for athletes who prioritize function above all else.

Shop Under Armour: underarmour.com

Lululemon: The Premium Athleisure Icon

Lululemon is a market leader in the premium athleisure space, successfully blending function with fashion. Originally for yoga enthusiasts, the brand now serves a wide range of activities with its buttery-soft fabrics and minimalist designs. Lululemon is for the consumer who wants high-quality, comfortable, and stylish activewear that looks just as good running errands as it does in a yoga class.

• Product mix: Offers a wide range of leggings, sports bras, tops, jackets, and accessories focused on yoga, running, and general training. Their product line also includes popular lifestyle and casual wear collections.
• Price point: Premium pricing reflects its brand positioning. Leggings typically cost between $98 and $148, with sports bras and tops falling in the $50-$80 range.
• Quality &, Materials: Famous for its proprietary fabrics like the ultra-soft Nulu&trade,, supportive Luon&trade,, and sweat-wicking Everlux&trade,. The craftsmanship is meticulous, with flatlock seams to reduce chafing and high-quality construction.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for a consistent and flattering fit, with sizes ranging from 0 to 14. Designs are often tailored to feel like a second skin, but reviews generally state their bottoms run true to size.
• Return policy: Offers a straightforward return policy and complimentary hemming on tops and pants, adding a valuable 'custom-fit' service.

Lululemon is defined by its superior comfort, elegant design, and exceptional fit, establishing itself as the aspirational choice for versatile, high-end activewear.

Shop Lululemon: lululemon.com

Under Armour vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a definite price gap between the two brands. Under Armour is significantly more affordable, with entry-level leggings and t-shirts available for $20-$40, especially in their outlet section. Most of their core products sit comfortably in the $50-$80 range.

Lululemon operates firmly in the premium category. Expect to pay around $98 for a basic pair of their iconic Align leggings, with more technical or novel versions costing up to $148. While the investment is higher, many loyalists argue the comfort and versatility justify the price. Under Armour has far more frequent sales and promotions, while Lululemon's discounts are primarily found in their "We Made Too Much" section or during rare sale events.

Quality &, Materials

Both brands prioritize quality, but with different focuses. Under Armour's strength lies in technical durability. Fabrics like HeatGear or ColdGear are engineered for performance - they wick sweat effectively and hold up to intense wear and tear. The materials feel functional and built to last through high-friction activities.

Lululemon’s reputation is built on the luxurious feel of its proprietary fabrics. Nulu&trade, fabric is legendarily soft and comfortable, ideal for yoga and lounging, while Everlux&trade, is top-tier for handling sweat during intense sessions. The construction is often more detailed, with reinforced stitching and flat seams. However, some of Lululemon's softer fabrics, like Nulu&trade,, can be more prone to pilling and require gentler care than Under Armour's tougher materials.

Style &, Aesthetic

Under Armour's aesthetic is distinctly athletic and performance-oriented. Designs are often bold, with visible logos and vibrant colorways that look at home in a gym or on a playing field. The focus is squarely on function, with aesthetics serving the gear's athletic purpose.

Lululemon embodies the athleisure look. Its designs are clean, minimalist, and modern with subtle branding. The muted and neutral color palettes make pieces easily wearable outside of a workout setting, contributing to their popularity as lifestyle apparel. If your priority is style that blends into everyday life, Lululemon is the clear winner.

Fit &, Sizing

Under Armour provides a wider and more inclusive size range, typically spanning XS to 3X. The fit is generally true to size for standard items, but compression garments are intended to be very tight and shoppers often go up one size for comfort. They offer different fits like "loose," "fitted," and "compression" to guide choices.

Lululemon is praised for its consistent and flattering fit, though its size range is more limited (typically 0-14). Their cuts are designed to contour and support, which is a major draw for many customers. Because their leggings are supposed to fit like a second skin, some may feel the fit is snug, but most shoppers find their standard size is the right choice.

Sustainability &, Ethics

Both brands have made efforts toward sustainability, though Lululemon is more vocal about its initiatives. Lululemon has set clear goals for using sustainable materials, reducing water usage, and enhancing supply chain transparency, which they detail in yearly impact reports.

Under Armour is also taking steps, with a focus on using more recycled materials and reducing its environmental footprint. However, its messaging and brand identity are less centered around sustainability compared to Lululemon's, which aligns ethical practices with its premium image.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands make excellent activewear, but they serve different priorities and customers.

Choose Under Armour if:

• You need durable, functional gear for high-intensity training, running, or outdoor sports.
• You prioritize performance technology like moisture-wicking and temperature regulation.
• You are budget-conscious and want the best functional value for your money.
• You prefer a classic athletic look with a wider range of sizes.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You want versatile apparel that works for both workouts and casual, everyday wear.
• Exceptional comfort and a luxurious, soft feel are your top priorities.
• You prefer a minimalist, fashion-forward aesthetic that is both trendy and timeless.
• You are willing to invest in premium quality for a superior fit and long-lasting comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Under Armour or Lululemon more expensive?

Lululemon is significantly more expensive than Under Armour across almost all product categories. A pair of Lululemon leggings often costs twice as much as a comparable pair from Under Armour.

Which brand has better quality?

This depends on your definition of quality. Under Armour offers robust quality focused on durability and performance for intense physical activity. Lululemon offers premium quality focused on feel, comfort, detailed craftsmanship, and flattering fits.

Does Under Armour or Lululemon run small?

Under Armour generally fits true to size, though its compression gear is designed to be extremely tight, and many people size up. Lululemon sizing is very consistent, but some find its body-hugging styles to feel snug and may also choose to size up for a more relaxed fit.

Which brand is better for high-intensity workouts like HIIT or CrossFit?

Under Armour is often preferred for high-intensity and high-friction activities. Its fabrics are specifically engineered to withstand abuse, wick sweat aggressively, and support intense movement.

Which brand is better for yoga and lounging?

Lululemon is the undisputed winner for yoga and casual comfort. The buttery-soft feel of its Nulu&trade, fabric, used in the popular Align collection, is nearly impossible to beat for low-impact activities and all-day wear.

Does Lululemon ever go on sale?

Yes, but full-scale sales are rare. The best place to find discounted Lululemon items is in the "We Made Too Much" section of their website, which is their year-round clearance area for overstocked items.

What sizes do Under Armour and Lululemon carry?

Under Armour offers a more extensive size range, typically from XS to 3X. Lululemon's standard sizes run from 0 to 14, though they have recently expanded sizing in some key product lines.

Are Under Armour and Lululemon apparel durable?

Both brands are known for durability. Under Armour's gear is tough and withstands abrasion well. Lululemon products last a very long time if cared for properly, though their softer fabrics require more delicate washing to prevent pilling and maintain their soft feel.