VRST Pants vs. Lululemon: Which brand should you buy?

VRST offers versatile, high-performance activewear at an accessible mid-range price point, making it a strong competitor for shoppers on a budget. Lululemon, on the other hand, is a premium lifestyle brand known for its proprietary fabrics, superior body-contouring fit, and significantly higher price tag.

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

VRST: The Versatile & Affordable Activewear Brand

VRST positions itself as the ideal choice for active individuals who want high-quality performance apparel without the luxury markup. The brand focuses on creating pants, shorts, and tops that transition seamlessly from the gym to everyday life, emphasizing minimalist designs, technical fabrics, and a modern aesthetic.

• Product mix: A focused collection of men's and women's activewear, including joggers, leggings, shorts, and tops designed for comfort, durability, and style.
• Price point: Most pants are priced between $40 and $80, offering a budget-friendly alternative to premium brands.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes technical polyester and elastane blends that are moisture-wicking, breathable, and offer good stretch. While durable for everyday wear and workouts, the fabrics are not as specialized as Lululemon's.
• Sizing/Fit: Generally runs true to size with a comfortable, standard fit designed to accommodate a wide range of body types.
• Style: The aesthetic is modern and minimalist, featuring clean lines and neutral, muted color palettes that are easy to wear.
• Return policy: Offers a standard return policy, allowing customers to send back unworn items within a specified timeframe for a full refund.

VRST is a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers who need reliable and stylish activewear for moderate workouts and casual day-to-day use.

Shop VRST: vrst.com

Lululemon: The Premium Performance and Lifestyle Leader

Lululemon is a globally recognized leader in premium activewear, famous for its innovative fabrics, flattering fits, and creating a loyal community around the brand. Originally known for yoga pants, Lululemon has expanded into a full-fledged lifestyle brand offering high-performance gear for running, training, and everyday comfort.

• Product mix: Extensive range of men's and women's apparel including leggings, joggers, shorts, sports bras, and outerwear. Especially famous for their pants line.
• Price point: Positioned in the premium category, with most popular pants styles ranging from $80 to $150 or more.
• Quality & Materials: Renowned for proprietary technical fabrics like the buttery-soft Nulu™, supportive Luon™, and fast-drying Everlux™. These materials offer exceptional shape retention, stretch, and longevity.
• Technology & Innovation: Constantly develops its fabrics to solve specific problems, from weightlessness and sweat-wicking to full coverage and compression.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for precise sizing that contours and supports the body. Consistent fit across styles with detailed online size guides and in-store fitting assistance.
• Return policy: Offers a flexible 30-day return policy for unworn items, with easy processing both online and in-store.

Lululemon is designed for consumers who view activewear as an investment in performance, durability, and a perfect fit.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

VRST vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference in price between the two brands. VRST pants are typically found in the $40-$80 range, making them an accessible option for most consumers. You can often find items on sale, further increasing their value.

Lululemon operates in the premium space, with their signature pants starting around $80 and often exceeding $120. While they hold sales, core items are rarely discounted heavily. For value, VRST is the clear winner, for a performance-driven investment, Lululemon's cost is justified by its quality.

Quality & Materials

Lululemon's biggest advantage is its proprietary fabrics. Materials like Nulu™ feel exceptionally soft and light, while Everlux™ is designed for an almost barely-there feel during intense, sweaty workouts. These fabrics hold their shape and color after many washes, making them a long-term investment. They are built for performance and durability.

VRST uses high-quality blends of polyester and elastane that perform well. They are moisture-wicking, stretchy, and comfortable for general fitness activities and daily wear. However, they don't have the same specialized feel, compression, or long-term shape retention that defines the Lululemon lineup.

Product Selection & Style

VRST focuses on a more curated collection of essentials. Their aesthetic is minimalist and versatile, with a focus on neutral colors that can easily be integrated into any wardrobe. The designs are straightforward and functional, ideal for someone who wants a clean, understated look.

Lululemon offers a much broader range of styles, colors, and designs. They are known for setting trends in activewear, releasing seasonal colors and innovative cuts. Their styles are sleek, athletic, and fashion-forward, designed to be both highly functional for workouts and stylish enough for streetwear.

Fit & Sizing

VRST clothing generally runs true to size with a more relaxed and standard fit. This makes it a safe bet for online shoppers who are familiar with their typical size in other brands.

Lululemon is known for a very precise, body-contouring fit. Their leggings and joggers are engineered to lift, sculpt, and support. Because the fit is so specific, using their detailed size charts or visiting a store for a fitting is highly recommended, especially for first-time buyers.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands show a commitment to improving their environmental impact. Lululemon has more established and publicly detailed sustainability goals, including using sustainable materials, reducing water usage, and working towards a circular economy. They regularly report on their progress in these areas.

VRST incorporates sustainable practices such as using recycled fabrics but is still building out a more comprehensive and transparent sustainability program compared to the industry leaders.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer quality products, but they cater to very different customers and priorities.

Choose VRST if:

• You're on a budget but still want functional, stylish activewear.
• You prefer simple, minimalist designs and neutral colors.
• You need versatile pants for moderate workouts, running errands, and casual wear.
• You favor a straightforward, true-to-size fit over a compressive one.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You prioritize outstanding fabric quality, feel, and long-term durability.
• You consider activewear an investment and are willing to pay a premium for performance.
• You want a precise, body-contouring fit that feels supportive and flattering.
• You are a serious athlete, yogi, or runner who needs gear that holds up to intense activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is VRST or Lululemon cheaper?

VRST is significantly cheaper than Lululemon. Most VRST pants retail for $40-$80, while Lululemon pants typically start at $80 and can go up to $150 or more.

Which has better quality, VRST or Lululemon?

Lululemon offers superior quality due to its proprietary high-performance fabrics, meticulous construction, and exceptional durability. VRST offers good quality for its price point but doesn't match the premium feel and longevity of a Lululemon product.

How does VRST sizing run?

VRST clothing generally runs true to size. It offers a standard, comfortable fit that is reliable for online ordering if you know your typical size.

Is Lululemon worth the money?

For those who value high-performance fabrics, a perfect fit, and long-lasting durability, many customers find Lululemon to be well worth the investment. Their pants often last for many years, maintaining their shape and performance over time.

What are VRST pants best for?

VRST pants are best for everyday casual wear, moderate gym workouts, walking, and jogging. Their comfort and minimalist style make them extremely versatile for daily activities.

What is Lululemon's most popular fabric?

Lululemon's Nulu™ fabric, used in their famous Align™ collection, is arguably their most popular. It is known for its buttery-soft, weightless feel and is a favorite for yoga and everyday wear.

Do Lululemon pants pill?

Some softer fabrics like Nulu™ can be more prone to pilling if they experience friction or are not laundered carefully. To minimize pilling, it's recommended to wash them inside out on a delicate cycle and avoid using fabric softener or putting them in the dryer with abrasive items like towels.

Where can I buy VRST clothing?

VRST is sold primarily through its official website and at select retailers, maintaining a direct-to-consumer model that helps keep prices down.