Vuori Meta vs. Lululemon ABC: Which one is better?
The Vuori Meta Pant and the Lululemon ABC Pant are two of the best-selling men’s pants, but they excel in different areas based on fabric, fit, and intended use. The Vuori Meta feels like a softer, more relaxed everyday pant with a pronounced athletic taper, while the Lululemon ABC is a structured, versatile 'tech chino' made from a more durable, wrinkle-resistant fabric that easily transitions from the office to the golf course.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right pair of performance pants from Vuori or Lululemon for your lifestyle and needs.
Vuori Meta Pant
The Vuori Meta Pant is built for all-day comfort with the aesthetics of a modern, casual trouser. It has a slightly more relaxed feel than its competitor, using a signature soft and stretchy fabric that makes it incredibly comfortable for daily wear, errands, and travel while still looking put-together.
- What it is: A performance trouser with a modern, tapered fit designed for maximum comfort and everyday versatility.
- Key features: Four-way stretch, moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric, anti-odor technology, zip and snap closure, and a five-pocket design.
- Price: $124
- Materials/Construction: Made with Vuori’s lightweight and breathable VersaLife™ mid-weight stretch knit fabric, crafted from 100% recycled polyester.
- Sizing/Fit: Features an athletic, tapered fit that is slightly more generous through the thigh and narrows down to the ankle. Most find it fits true to size.
- Pros: Exceptionally soft and comfortable fabric, modern athletic silhouette, made from recycled materials, great for casual wear and daily comfort.
- Cons: A more casual appearance may not be suitable for formal office settings. The fabric is slightly less structured than the Lululemon ABC Pant.
This is the ideal choice for those who prioritize fabric softness and a casual-cool athletic look in their daily pant.
Shop this product: vuoriclothing.com/products/meta-pant
Lululemon ABC Pant
The Lululemon ABC Pant set the standard for the modern technical trouser, blending office-appropriate style with athletic performance. Its famous "Anti-Ball Crushing" design and durable, wrinkle-resistant Warpstreme™ fabric make it a workhorse for commuting, travel, and active days where you need to look polished.
- What it is: A versatile five-pocket technical pant designed to perform in any situation, from the boardroom to the weekend.
- Key features: Four-way stretch Warpstreme™ fabric, ergonomic gusset (the ABC technology) for comfort and mobility, hidden back pocket, wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying material.
- Price: $128
- Materials/Construction: Engineered with Lululemon's breathable, durable Warpstreme™ fabric that retains its shape all day long.
- Sizing/Fit: Offered in Classic, Slim, and Relaxed fits. The Classic fit sits just off the body for a comfortable, streamlined look. It's known for consistent, true-to-size fit.
- Pros: Highly versatile for work, travel, and casual wear. Very durable and wrinkle-resistant. The gusset design provides exceptional freedom of movement. Comes in multiple fits to suit different body types.
- Cons: Higher price point. The fabric can feel more 'technical' and less soft than the Vuori Meta. The classic look is less tapered than the Meta pant.
This is the pant for anyone who needs one high-performance pair to handle everything from office days to a round of golf without missing a beat.
Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/men-trousers/ABC-Pant-Classic
Vuori Meta vs. Lululemon ABC Comparison
Fit & Aesthetic
The most immediate difference is in the fit and overall look. The Vuori Meta Pant has a distinctly modern, athletic taper. It’s slightly roomier in the seat and thigh and gets noticeably slimmer towards the ankle, creating a sharp, contemporary silhouette that pairs perfectly with sneakers. It drapes softly and moves with you fluidly, presenting a more relaxed appearance.
The Lululemon ABC Pant in its Classic fit offers a more traditional trouser or chino look. It’s structured to sit just off the body from hip to hem, providing a clean, timeless line. This structure makes it easier to dress up for a business casual setting. Lululemon also offers slim and relaxed-fit versions, giving you more options to dial in your preferred style.
Fabric & Feel
This is where the two pants diverge most. Vuori's VersaLife™ fabric is a mid-weight knit that feels incredibly soft against the skin, similar to a high-end athletic jogger but styled like a pant. It prioritizes a cozy, comfortable feel while providing excellent stretch and mobility.
Lululemon's Warpstreme™ is a woven fabric that feels smoother, more durable, and more technical. It has a slightly more structured hand and does a phenomenal job of resisting wrinkles and retaining its shape throughout the day. While it’s very flexible, it doesn’t have the same buttery-soft feel as the Meta pant out of the box.
Price & Value
The pants are priced very closely, with the Vuori Meta at $124 and the Lululemon ABC at $128. The four-dollar difference is almost negligible. Value, therefore, comes down to your needs. If your priority is maximum comfort for everyday life and you appreciate sustainable materials, the Vuori Meta provides excellent value.
If you need maximum versatility for frequent travel, office wear, or activities like golf, the Lululemon ABC’s superior wrinkle resistance and structured look offer tremendous value by serving as a true "one-pant-fits-all" solution.
Versatility
Both pants are designed to be versatile, but they shine in different scenarios. The Lululemon ABC Pant takes the edge for sheer range. It looks natural in a business casual office, handles a long flight without wrinkling, and comfortably allows you to play 18 holes of golf.
The Vuori Meta Pant is the king of comfortable, stylish casual wear. It’s perfect for working from home, weekend brunch, running errands, or casual travel. While it can be dressed up slightly, its softer material and athletic cut lean more towards a sophisticated casual style than a corporate one.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both pants are fantastic investments, but the right one for you depends entirely on what you prioritize.
Choose the Vuori Meta Pant if:
- You prioritize a soft, incredibly comfortable fabric feel above all else.
- You prefer a modern athletic aesthetic with a clear taper down the leg.
- Your primary use is for casual settings, everyday wear, and travel.
- You value brands that use recycled and sustainable materials.
Choose the Lululemon ABC Pant if:
- You need a do-it-all pant that works for the office, travel, and weekends.
- You want a more structured, wrinkle-resistant pant that always looks sharp.
- You value durability and a classic look that doesn’t go out of style.
- You want more fit options (Classic, Slim, and Relaxed) to fine-tune your look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Vuori Meta and Lululemon ABC Pant?
The main difference is the fabric and fit. The Vuori Meta uses a softer, knit-like material with an athletic, tapered fit. The Lululemon ABC uses a more structured, woven technical fabric (Warpstreme™) with a more traditional chino-like fit that's highly wrinkle-resistant.
Which pant is more comfortable?
For sheer softness and immediate "cozy" comfort, most people would say the Vuori Meta. However, the Lululemon ABC Pant’s ergonomic gusset and four-way stretch provide a different kind of comfort related to unrestricted movement, which many find equally comfortable.
Which is better for work or the office?
The Lululemon ABC pant is generally the better choice for most office environments due to its structured appearance and similarity to a traditional chino. It looks more professional and holds its shape better throughout a long day.
Are the Vuori Meta and Lululemon ABC true to size?
Yes, both pants are known for fitting true to size. It's best to order your typical pant size. The Lululemon ABC offers more fit variations (slim, classic, relaxed), so you can choose based on your preference for how close to the body you want them to fit.
What does "ABC" in Lululemon ABC Pant stand for?
"ABC" stands for "Anti-Ball Crushing". This refers to the ergonomic gusset in the crotch area designed to give more room and freedom of movement, providing extra comfort.
Which pant is better for travel?
While both are excellent travel pants, the Lululemon ABC Pant often wins for travel due to its superior wrinkle resistance. You can wear them on a long flight and they'll still look fresh upon arrival.
Can you work out in these pants?
While both pants have athletic DNA and four-way stretch, they aren't designed for intense workouts like heavy lifting or running. They are more suited for low-impact activities like walking, stretching, or a casual round of golf.
How do you wash and care for them?
Both pants have similar care instructions. It is recommended to wash them in cold water with similar fabrics and colors, and tumble dry on low heat. Avoid using fabric softener, as it can damage the technical properties of the performance fabric.
