Vuori vs. Lululemon Leggings: Which one should you buy?

Vuori and Lululemon leggings both sit at the top of the premium activewear market, but they cater to very different preferences. Lululemon is known for its high-performance, compressive, and sculpting fits designed for intense workouts using advanced proprietary fabrics. Vuori, on the other hand, champions a California-cool aesthetic with a focus on unparalleled buttery softness, versatility for everyday wear, and sustainable materials.

Here’s everything you need to know about Lululemon leggings and Vuori leggings to find the perfect pair for you.

Lululemon Leggings

Lululemon is an iconic activewear brand that built its reputation on high-quality leggings with an exceptional, supportive fit. Renowned for its innovative fabrics and sleek, modern designs, Lululemon's leggings are often seen as the industry standard for performance, offering everything from compressive styles for running to nearly-naked sensations for yoga.

• What it is: Premium, high-performance leggings designed for a range of activities, from high-impact training to yoga and studio workouts.
• Key features: Proprietary technical fabrics like Nulu™ (soft, for yoga), Luxtreme™ (smooth, for running), and Everlux™ (fast-drying, for intense studio sessions). Designs often feature high-rise waistbands, hidden pockets, and sculpting seams.
• Price: $98 - $128
• Materials/Construction: Lululemon is a fabric-first brand. Their materials are known for excellent shape retention, four-way stretch, sweat-wicking properties, and durability over many washes.
• Sizing/Fit: Lululemon offers a "hugged" sensation with a compressive, true-to-size fit. The sculpting silhouette is designed to support and flatter, but some may find the compressive styles run snug.
• Pros: Superior performance for intense workouts. A wide variety of fabrics and styles for specific activities. Excellent durability and shape retention. Sleek, fashion-forward aesthetic with bold color options.
• Cons: A higher price point compared to many competitors. The compressive fit isn't for those who prioritize relaxed comfort. Softer fabrics like Nulu™ require delicate care to avoid pilling.

These leggings are for the serious athlete or fitness enthusiast who wants a technical, sculpting fit that supports them during high-intensity exercise.

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

Vuori Leggings

Vuori offers a fresh take on activewear, focusing on coastal California style and supreme comfort that works just as well for lounging as it does for a yoga class. Their leggings prioritize a buttery-soft feel and versatility, crafted with a strong emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly materials.

• What it is: Incredibly soft, versatile leggings designed for low-impact activities like yoga, hiking, and everyday life.
• Key features: Signature soft materials like their proprietary Vero fabric. Moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties. Designs focus on comfort with simple, clean lines and often have a drawcord waist.
• Price: $80 - $120
• Materials/Construction: Vuori places a heavy emphasis on sustainability, using high-quality performance fabrics often made from recycled materials. The construction focuses on comfort that moves with you.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for a more forgiving, comfortable fit that isn't overly compressive. The leggings generally run true to size and offer a gentle, cradling feel that suits a wide range of body types.
• Pros: Exceptional buttery-soft feel and all-day comfort. Highly versatile for workouts, travel, and casual wear. Strong commitment to sustainability and ethical manufacturing. Slightly more accessible price point than Lululemon.
• Cons: Less compressive and supportive for high-impact activities like running. A more minimalist aesthetic with fewer bold colors and trendy details. The relaxed fit may not provide the "held-in" feeling some prefer during workouts.

This brand is ideal for those who value comfort and versatility above all else, wanting a single pair of high-quality leggings for everything from studio classes to running errands.

Shop this product: vuoriclothing.com/collections/womens-leggings

Lululemon vs. Vuori Leggings Comparison

Price & Value

Lululemon occupies the premium end of the market, with leggings priced from $98 to $128. This cost reflects their investment in fabric research and a reputation for technical performance. Vuori is slightly more affordable, with leggings typically falling between $80 and $120. The value in a Vuori legging comes from its extreme comfort, versatility, and sustainable credentials. Lululemon’s value is performance-driven, while Vuori’s is lifestyle-driven.

Fit & Feel

The most significant difference is the fit and feel. Lululemon leggings are engineered for a snug, compressive fit that hugs and sculpts the body. This provides excellent support for high-impact activities and creates a streamlined, held-in feeling. Lululemon’s different fabrics offer varying levels of compression, from the gentle hug of Nulu™ to the tight support of Luxtreme™.

Vuori leggings feel completely different. They are defined by their buttery, almost weightless softness. The fit is more relaxed and forgiving, it's less about compression and more about pure comfort. They move with you without constriction, making them ideal for lounging, yoga, or anyone who dislikes the squeeze of traditional performance leggings.

Quality & Materials

Both brands produce high-quality, durable products. Lululemon's core strength is its proprietary fabric technology. Materials like Everlux are designed to handle intense sweat and dry incredibly fast, while Nulu and Luon have iconic feels that fans adore. The engineering ensures the leggings retain their shape and performance wash after wash.

Vuori also uses high-end performance fabrics, but their focus leans toward a soft touch and sustainability. They frequently use recycled fibers and are transparent about their manufacturing processes. While still durable and moisture-wicking, the materials prioritize a comfortable, next-to-skin feel over high compression.

Style & Aesthetic

Lululemon offers a sleek, modern, and often trend-forward look. They release a wide array of bold colors, seasonal prints, and styles with details like mesh panels or unique seam lines. Their aesthetic is distinctly athletic and polished.

Vuori embodies a more minimalist and relaxed California style. Their color palette leans toward neutral, earthy tones, and their designs are simpler and more understated. This makes their leggings exceptionally easy to style for casual, everyday outfits outside of the gym.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands create excellent leggings, but they serve completely different needs and preferences.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You need technical leggings for high-intensity workouts like running, spinning, or HIIT.
• You prefer a snug, compressive, and "held-in" sensation for support.
• You appreciate a sleek, sculpting silhouette that flatters your shape.
• You look for a wide range of bold colors and trendy styles.

Choose Vuori if:

• Your priority is all-day, buttery-soft comfort for lounging, travel, and everyday wear.
• You mainly do low-impact activities like yoga, walking, or Pilates.
• You value sustainability and prefer to support brands with transparent eco-friendly practices.
• You prefer a more relaxed, gentle fit over a compressive one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Vuori and Lululemon leggings?

The primary difference is fit and feel. Lululemon offers a compressive, sculpting, performance-oriented fit, while Vuori focuses on a super-soft, comfortable, and more relaxed fit suitable for everyday life.

Which brand is better for running?

Lululemon is generally better for running and other high-impact activities. Their compressive fabrics offer muscle support and stay in place, and technical options like Luxtreme™ or Everlux™ are designed to handle intense sweat and motion.

Which brand is better for yoga and lounging?

This is a toss-up, as both brands excel here. Vuori's extreme softness and non-restrictive fit make them a top choice for lounging and gentle flows. However, Lululemon’s Align leggings, made from Nulu™ fabric, are legendary among yogis for their weightless, flexible feel.

Are Vuori leggings see-through?

Like any high-quality leggings, Vuori leggings are designed to be opaque when you're wearing the correct size. Their fabrics offer good coverage for activities like yoga and stretching.

Do Lululemon and Vuori leggings run true to size?

Yes, both brands generally run true to size. However, because Lululemon leggings are more compressive, they will feel much snugger. If you are between sizes, some people prefer to size up in Lululemon while staying true to size in Vuori for the intended relaxed fit.

Which leggings are softer?

While Lululemon's Nulu™ fabric (used in the Align collection) is famous for being soft, Vuori leggings as a whole are consistently characterized by their buttery, featherlight softness across their entire legging line.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Both companies are investing in sustainability, but it is a more central part of Vuori’s brand identity. Vuori is Climate Neutral Certified and emphasizes its use of recycled and sustainable materials in its marketing and mission.

Do these leggings pill?

Any high-performance legging made with soft, brushed fibers (like Lululemon's Nulu or Vuori’s softest fabrics) can pill if not cared for properly. To minimize pilling, wash them inside out on a gentle cycle with cold water and lay them flat to dry, avoiding abrasion from zippers or rough surfaces.