Victoria's Secret Leggings vs. Lululemon: Which one should you buy?

Choosing between Victoria's Secret and Lululemon leggings comes down to a clear trade-off between fashion-forward affordability and premium-tier performance. Victoria's Secret offers trendy, stylish leggings at an accessible price point, perfect for casual wear and light workouts, while Lululemon delivers superior, high-performance fabrics and a famous "second-skin" fit, positioning its leggings as a long-term investment for serious fitness.

Here’s a detailed look at both brands to help you decide which is a better fit for your wardrobe and wallet.

Victoria's Secret Leggings

Victoria's Secret leggings are designed for the modern woman who values style and affordability. Known for their bold designs, vibrant colors, and trendy details like cutouts and mesh panels, these leggings are highly popular for athleisure looks and low-impact activities. They provide a comfortable, fashionable option without the high price tag of premium activewear brands.

• What it is: Stylish, budget-friendly leggings ideal for casual wear, lounging, and light exercises like walking or yoga.
• Key features: Trendy designs, bold prints, logo details, and fashion-focused elements. Available in various rises and lengths.
• Price: $25 - $60, with frequent sales and promotions that make them even more affordable.
• Materials/Construction: Typically made from polyester and spandex blends, designed for comfort and decent stretch for casual use.
• Sizing/Fit: A comfortable, relaxed fit that generally runs true to size. Available in sizes XS-XXL, but may lack the compressive, sculpting feel of performance leggings.
• Pros: Highly affordable, especially during sales. Wide variety of trendy, eye-catching styles. Comfortable for everyday lounging and errands. Easily accessible online and in retail stores.
• Cons: Lower long-term durability compared to premium brands. Fabric may not be ideal for high-intensity, sweaty workouts. Fit can be less consistent across different styles.

This brand is for anyone who prioritizes fashion and variety in their activewear and needs leggings for day-to-day wear or light fitness over intense training sessions.

Shop this product: victoriassecret.com/us/vs/apparel/bottoms/leggings-and-tights

Lululemon Leggings

Lululemon has built its reputation on creating high-quality, performance-driven leggings that stand the test of time. Using innovative, proprietary fabrics, these leggings offer exceptional fit, feel, and function for workouts ranging from yoga to high-intensity training. Their minimalist aesthetic makes them versatile enough to transition seamlessly from the gym to everyday life.

• What it is: Premium athletic leggings engineered with advanced fabric technology for superior performance, comfort, and longevity.
• Key features: Proprietary fabrics like buttery-soft Nulu™ and supportive Luon™. Signature "second-skin" feel with targeted compression. Excellent shape retention and moisture-wicking capabilities.
• Price: A premium price tag, typically ranging from $98 - $148.
• Materials/Construction: Advanced, high-quality fabric blends engineered for specific activities, ensuring stretch, support, and durability.
• Sizing/Fit: Renowned for a consistent and flattering fit. Sized 0-20, they offer sculpting and support that feels like a custom fit for many body types.
• Pros: Unmatched comfort and fit. Superior long-term durability and quality construction. High-performance fabrics stand up to intense workouts. Versatile, timeless style. Strong resale value.
• Cons: High price point can be a significant barrier. Sales are infrequent and limited. A minimalist aesthetic might be too simple for those who prefer bold designs.

Lululemon is for dedicated athletes, yoga lovers, and anyone willing to invest in top-tier activewear that delivers unmatched performance, durability, and a perfect fit.

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

Victoria's Secret vs. Lululemon Leggings Comparison

Price & Value

This is the most significant difference between the two brands. Victoria's Secret is the clear winner on affordability, with prices often under $50 and frequent sales that drive the cost even lower. This allows you to build a varied collection of trendy styles without a large financial commitment.

Lululemon leggings are an investment, with prices starting near $100. The value comes from their exceptional longevity, performance features, and high-quality construction. A single pair of Lululemon leggings is designed to outlast multiple pairs from more affordable brands, making them a better long-term value for someone who wears activewear daily.

Quality & Materials

Lululemon's reputation is built on its materials. Proprietary fabrics like Nulu™ feel buttery soft and weightless, perfect for yoga, while Everlux™ is engineered to handle heat and sweat during the toughest workouts. These fabrics offer four-way stretch, excellent shape retention, and a pilling-resistant finish that holds up well over time.

Victoria's Secret leggings use more standard polyester and spandex blends. While comfortable for everyday wear, they can lack the technical features - like advanced moisture wicking or compression - found in Lululemon’s offerings. Over time and after many washes, they may be more prone to losing their shape or showing wear compared to their premium counterparts.

Style & Aesthetic

Style is where personal preference plays a huge role. Victoria's Secret embraces bold, fashion-forward looks. Expect to find vibrant patterns, high-shine finishes, decorative straps, mesh inserts, and prominent logos. Their styles are designed to make a statement and cater to current trends.

Lululemon favors a sleek, minimalist, and timeless aesthetic. The color palette often leans toward solid colors and muted tones, with very subtle branding. This makes their leggings incredibly versatile, easy to style for the gym or as part of a casual outfit without looking overly athletic.

Fit & Sizing

Lululemon is famous for its "second-skin" fit that sculpts, supports, and moves with your body without slipping or bunching. Sizing ranges from 0-20, offering a precise fit that many users find is unmatched. The targeted compression provides a flattering, secure feeling during any activity.

Victoria's Secret leggings focus more on general comfort than compression, using standard XS-XXL sizing. The fit is typically more relaxed, which is great for lounging, but it may not offer the same supportive, locked-in feel needed for high-impact exercise.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer great products, but they cater to very different priorities and needs.

Choose Victoria's Secret if:

• Your budget is a primary concern, and you love good sales.
• You want a wide variety of trendy styles, bold prints, and vibrant colors.
• Your leggings are mostly for fashion, casual errands, lounging, or low-impact workouts.
• You prefer a comfortable, relaxed fit over a compressive one.

Choose Lululemon if:

• Performance, durability, and fabric technology are your top priorities.
• You are engaging in intense activities like running, HIIT, or daily yoga and need supportive wear.
• You are willing to invest in activewear that will last for years.
• You prefer a minimalist aesthetic and a precise, "second-skin" fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Victoria's Secret and Lululemon leggings?

The main difference is price versus performance. Victoria's Secret offers affordable, fashionable leggings for casual use, while Lululemon offers premium, high-tech leggings built for durability and serious athletic performance.

Are Lululemon leggings really worth the price?

For many, yes. Their superior longevity, flattering fit, and high-performance fabric mean they will outlast cheaper alternatives and feel better during workouts. If you wear leggings frequently for exercise, the investment often pays off.

Which brand is better for running?

Lululemon is the better choice for running. Fabrics like Luxtreme feature sweat-wicking properties, supportive compression, and are designed to stay in place without sliding down during high-impact movement.

Which leggings are more comfortable for lounging?

Both are comfortable, but they offer different lounge experiences. Victoria's Secret leggings have a more relaxed, gentle feel. Lululemon's Align leggings, made of Nulu™ fabric, are famously soft and weightless, making them a top choice for a luxurious lounging feel.

Are Victoria's Secret leggings squat proof?

This can vary by style and color. Many of their darker-colored and thicker leggings perform well, but some lighter colors or thinner fabrics may become slightly sheer during deep squats. It's best to check reviews for the specific style you're interested in.

How do the sizes compare?

Victoria's Secret typically uses letter sizing (XS, S, M, L, etc.), while Lululemon uses numerical sizing (0, 2, 4, 6, etc.). Lululemon's sizing is generally considered more precise and consistent across styles.

Do Lululemon leggings ever go on sale?

Yes, but rarely. Lululemon has a "We Made Too Much" section on their website where they discount overwintered or seasonal items. Major store-wide sales are not common.

Will Victoria's Secret leggings hold up in the wash?

For best results, wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle and hang them to dry. While durable enough for casual wear, frequent washing and high-heat drying can cause them to lose shape or elasticity faster than premium leggings.