Vuori vs. Lululemon vs. Rhone: Brand comparison [2026 updated]

While all three are titans in the premium activewear space, Vuori focuses on versatile, West Coast-inspired comfort with an emphasis on sustainability, Lululemon leads with high-performance, technical fabrics tailored for activities like yoga and running, and Rhone hones in on sophisticated, technical apparel designed specifically for men.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the brand that's right for your lifestyle and workouts.

Vuori: The Versatile West Coast Athleisure Favorite

Based in California, Vuori has become a fan favorite for its seamless blend of comfort, performance, and laid-back style. The brand is designed for those who want their clothing to transition from a morning workout to a coffee run without missing a beat. Their target customer is someone who values sustainability and high-quality comfort for an active lifestyle, rather than purely technical competition gear.

• Product mix: A wide range of men's and women's activewear, including popular joggers, leggings, shorts, and tops that double as stylish loungewear.
• Price point: Mid-range premium, with most items falling between $50 and $120. Their popular Sunday Performance and DreamKnit joggers are typically around $98.
• Sizing/Fit: Generally runs true to size with a focus on relaxed, comfortable fits. Their designs are intended to be less compressive than some high-performance brands, prioritizing freedom of movement and all-day comfort.
• Quality: Known for incredibly soft and durable materials, particularly their signature DreamKnit™ fabric. Much of their line features sustainable materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton.

Vuori is the go-to for shoppers who prioritize sustainable, ultra-comfortable clothing that looks just as good on the street as it does in a studio class.

Shop Vuori: vuoriclothing.com

Lululemon: The Leader in Technical Performance

Lululemon is a global powerhouse famous for essentially defining the premium activewear category. Originating with yoga, the brand has expanded to serve runners, trainers, and athletes with innovative, proprietary fabrics that offer unrivaled performance, support, and feel. Lululemon is for the dedicated fitness enthusiast who sees their activewear as an essential piece of sports equipment and is willing to invest in lasting quality.

• Product mix: Extensive collection of gear for yoga, running, training, and golf. Best known for their Align™ pants, an expansive shorts collection for men, sports bras, and outerwear.
• Price point: Premium, with most items ranging from $80 to $200. The iconic Align leggings are priced from $98 to $118, while men's ABC Pants are around $128.
• Technology/Innovation: Constantly developing proprietary fabrics like the buttery-soft Nulu™, sweat-wicking Luon™, and fast-drying Everlux™ that cater to specific activities and sensations.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for consistent, high-performance athletic fits that are often compressive and body-contouring. Sizing generally runs true to form, though some prefer to size up in more compressive styles.

Lululemon remains the top choice for those seeking superior fabric technology, a peerless athletic fit, and designs specifically engineered for high-intensity activity.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Rhone: Performance Apparel for the Modern Man

Carving out its own space in the market, Rhone focuses exclusively on creating premium activewear and lifestyle pieces for men. The brand bridges the gap between the gym and everyday life, offering technical performance with a modern, sophisticated aesthetic. Rhone is for the man who wants elevated and versatile clothing that is durable, comfortable, and stylish enough for both a workout and a casual weekend outing.

• Product mix: Performance tops, shorts, joggers, pants (like the best-selling Commuter Pant), and outerwear featuring anti-odor and moisture-wicking technology.
• Price point: Higher-end, with most products priced between $60 and $150. Their popular joggers are typically $118-$130, similar to Lululemon's pricing.
• Technology/Innovation: Strong focus on fabric technology, incorporating features like GoldFusion Technology for anti-odor properties, four-way stretch, and superior moisture-wicking.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers tailored, athletic fits that are designed to flatter without being restrictive. Sizing is consistent and true to size, catering to a modern, athletic build.

Rhone excels by combining technical features with a refined aesthetic, appealing to men who value quality construction and a polished performance look.

Shop Rhone: rhone.com

Vuori vs. Lululemon vs. Rhone Comparison

Price Comparison

Vuori generally has the most accessible price point of the three, positioning itself in the mid-range premium category, which appeals to shoppers seeking high quality without the full luxury price commitment. Lululemon occupies the true premium tier, with prices that reflect its extensive research, proprietary fabric technology, and strong brand cachet.

Rhone's pricing is comparable to Lululemon, sitting at the higher end of the men's market. Their cost is justified by advanced fabric treatments like anti-odor technology, premium materials, and a focus on durability and craftsmanship. While Vuori offers a better entry price, Lululemon and Rhone position their products as long-term investments in performance gear.

Quality & Materials

Quality is a cornerstone for all three brands, but their focus differs. Lululemon is famous for its collection of proprietary high-performance fabrics. Nulu™ feels weightless and buttery-soft for yoga, while Everlux™ dries incredibly fast for intense cardio sessions. Their stitch quality and fabric retention are among the best in the industry.

Vuori shines with its incredibly soft and comfortable materials, many of which are made from recycled or organic fibers. Their DreamKnit™ blend is a standout, feeling cozy yet breathable enough for light activity. Rhone focuses on durable, technical fabrics with performance-enhancing features. Many of their tops and shorts include permanent anti-odor technology, which is a key differentiator for intense training.

Style & Aesthetic

Each brand has a distinct look. Vuori’s aesthetic is relaxed, minimalist, and heavily influenced by its California roots. Its muted color palettes and versatile designs are perfect for an integrated, active lifestyle. Lululemon's style is sleek, modern, and athletic. Its designs are purpose-driven, with lines and features that are as functional as they are fashionable, appealing to a customer who wants their gear to look sharp and technical.

Rhone offers a refined and modern aesthetic for men. The look is clean, sophisticated, and tailored, allowing pieces like their Commuter Pant to move from a casual office environment straight to a golf course. Their style is less about trends and more about timeless performance wear.

Fit & Sizing

Lululemon offers a tight, body-hugging "held-in" sensation in many of its workout pieces, providing support and compression where needed. Their sizing is exceptionally consistent across their range. Vuori’s fit is more relaxed and comfort-driven. While still athletic, their pieces generally offer more room and a softer drape, which is ideal for lounging and medium-impact activities.

Rhone focuses on a tailored, athletic fit. Their garments are designed to complement a male physique without being overly tight or restrictive, offering a more structured silhouette than Vuori and a slightly more forgiving day-to-day fit than Lululemon's highly technical items.

Sustainability & Ethics

Vuori is a leader in this area. The brand places a strong emphasis on sustainability, utilizing recycled and eco-friendly materials and operating on an ethical manufacturing model with clear transparency about its commitments. This is a core part of their brand identity.

Lululemon has made public commitments toward greater sustainability, such as using more recycled materials and reducing their carbon footprint, but this focus has become more pronounced in recent years in response to consumer demand. Rhone emphasizes quality and durability as a form of sustainability - by creating products that last longer, they reduce waste - but it's a less central part of their public-facing message compared to Vuori.

Which One Should You Choose?

All three brands produce exceptional apparel, but they serve different priorities and styles.

Choose Vuori if:

• You prioritize all-day comfort and versatility over intense, sport-specific performance.
• Sustainability and the use of recycled materials are important factors in your purchasing decisions.
• You prefer a more relaxed, laid-back aesthetic that doesn't scream "gym clothes."
• You want premium quality at a slightly more accessible price point than Lululemon or Rhone.

Choose Lululemon if:

• High-performance fabric technology engineered for specific activities is your top priority.
• You are a dedicated yoga practitioner, runner, or CrossFitter who needs gear that can handle intense workouts.
• You value a precise, athletic fit with supportive compression and a sculpted look.
• You see your activewear as a long-term investment and are willing to pay a premium for durability and brand reputation.

Choose Rhone if:

• You're a man who wants sophisticated, technical apparel that excels in and out of the gym.
• Features like anti-odor technology and superior moisture management are critical for you.
• You prefer a tailored, modern fit that's athletic but not overly compressive or tight.
• You need versatile pieces that can function for work commutes, travel, and workouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vuori or Lululemon cheaper?

Generally, Vuori is more affordable than Lululemon. While both are premium brands, Vuori's joggers, tops, and leggings tend to be priced about 10-20% lower than comparable items from Lululemon.

What is the quality like for Vuori, Lululemon, and Rhone?

All three brands offer excellent quality. Lululemon is known for its proprietary technical fabrics and durable construction built for intense training. Vuori's quality is centered around incredibly soft, comfortable, and sustainable materials. Rhone’s quality shines in its durable, feature-rich fabrics with benefits like anti-odor technology and a sophisticated finish.

What are the main differences between Vuori, Rhone, and Lululemon’s styles?

Think different scenarios: Vuori says, “Maybe I’ll work out, or grab a friend or go for a brisk hike. Or do nothing at all." Lululemon’s on the move, exuding the calm that comes with a premium kit, perfectly outfitted for whatever her workout of choice is in any one of her myriad Lululemon ensembles. Lastly, Rhone is for active guys on the go.

Which brand is best for running?

Lululemon is generally considered the best of the three for serious runners, thanks to its specialized running apparel, technical fabrics like Fast and Free, and compression gear. While the other brands offer items suitable for running, Lululemon designs entire collections specifically for the sport.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Vuori is the clearest leader in sustainability. A large portion of their product line is made from recycled or organic fabrics, and they are vocal and transparent about their commitment to ethical production and a smaller environmental footprint.

Is Rhone only for men?

Yes, Rhone designs apparel exclusively for men. Vuori and Lululemon both offer extensive collections for men and women.

How do their return policies compare?

All three brands offer fairly standard return policies. Typically, they accept returns on unworn merchandise with tags attached within 30 days. Lululemon is also known for its quality promise, which may address performance issues outside of the normal return window.

Where can I buy these brands?

All three brands sell directly on their websites. You can also find Lululemon in their dedicated retail stores worldwide. Vuori and Rhone are also available at premium retailers like Nordstrom, Saks 5th Avenue and REI.