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

While both brands sit at the top of the legging world, Zella and Lululemon cater to different customers. Zella, a Nordstrom exclusive, offers stylish and reliable leggings at a much more accessible price point, generally under $70. Lululemon is a premium activewear brand that justifies its $98+ price tag with innovative, high-performance fabrics and a famously flattering fit designed for serious sweat sessions and longevity.

Here’s a clear comparison to help you decide whether to save with Zella or invest in Lululemon.

About Zella Leggings

Zella is Nordstrom's popular in-house activewear line, known for blending on-trend style with everyday function at an affordable price. These leggings have earned a cult following for their comfort, flattering high-waisted designs, and versatility, making them a staple for athleisure looks, casual workouts, and daily errands.

• What it is: An affordable and stylish activewear brand sold exclusively at Nordstrom, focusing on comfort and value.
• Key features: Moisture-wicking fabrics, comfortable high-rise waistbands, trendy colors and prints, four-way stretch for ease of movement.
• Price: $30 - $70
• Materials/Construction: Typically made from quality blends of polyester, spandex, and nylon that offer good stretch and comfort.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to run true-to-size with a comfortable, slightly more relaxed fit compared to the compressive feel of many premium brands.
• Pros: Excellent value for the price. Highly versatile for gym, errands, and lounging. Frequently available on sale. Free and easy returns through Nordstrom.
• Cons: Lacks the advanced, activity-specific fabric technology of premium brands. May not hold up as long under intense, frequent use. Fabric can feel less breathable during strenuous workouts.

These leggings are perfect for price-conscious shoppers who need a comfortable, stylish, and reliable option for everyday wear and light-to-moderate exercise.

Shop this brand: www.nordstrom.com/browse/activewear/zella

About Lululemon Leggings

Lululemon is a global leader in premium athletic apparel, celebrated for its innovative fabrics, exceptional construction, and sculpting fit. The brand built its reputation on creating high-performance leggings that feel as good as they look, featuring proprietary materials like buttery-soft Nulu™ and supportive Everlux™ designed to withstand the toughest workouts.

• What it is: A premium, performance-focused activewear brand renowned for its technical fabrics, durability, and sleek aesthetic.
• Key features: Proprietary technical fabrics (Nulu™, Luon™, Everlux™), four-way stretch, excellent sweat-wicking properties, superior shape retention, and a famous body-contouring fit.
• Price: $98 - $128
• Materials/Construction: Engineered with high-quality, long-lasting proprietary fabric blends designed to perform and maintain their integrity wash after wash.
• Sizing/Fit: True to size but designed to be form-fitting and often compressive, creating a "held-in" sensation. Loved for its flattering and lifting silhouette.
• Pros: Unmatched durability and longevity. Superior fabric performance for sweat and movement. Exceptionally flattering and supportive fit. Sleek, minimalist designs that last.
• Cons: Significantly higher price point. Sizing can feel snug for those not accustomed to compression. Minimalist branding may be too simple for some tastes.

An ideal investment for serious athletes, yoga practitioners, and anyone who's willing to pay a premium for activewear that excels in both performance and durability.

Shop this brand: shop.lululemon.com

Zella vs. Lululemon Leggings Comparison

Price & Value

The most significant difference is price. Zella leggings offer fantastic immediate value, often found for under $50 during Nordstrom's sales. They provide a high-quality feel for a fraction of the cost, making them an excellent choice for building an activewear wardrobe on a budget.

Lululemon is positioned as a long-term investment. While the upfront cost of $98 or more is steep, the leggings are famously durable, often lasting for many years without losing their shape or performance. If you calculate cost-per-wear over time, many loyal customers argue that Lululemon provides better long-term value.

Quality & Materials

Lululemon's core advantage lies in its proprietary fabrics. Materials like the buttery-soft Nulu™ for yoga and the sleek, fast-drying Everlux™ for intense training are engineered to perform specific functions, offering superior sweat-wicking, breathability, and shape retention.

Zella uses standard high-quality activewear blends of polyester and spandex. These fabrics are moisture-wicking and stretchy, perfect for general exercise and comfort, but they don’t offer the same technical advantages or long-term resilience as Lululemon’s specialized materials.

Fit & Sizing

While both brands are known for flattering fits, they feel very different. Lululemon leggings are famous for their "hugged" sensation - a sculpting, compressive fit that contours and supports your body. It almost feels like a second skin.

Zella leggings offer a comfortable and supportive fit that is generally more relaxed. Sizing is consistent with standard apparel, so it's a bit more straightforward for those new to performance brands. It provides a good shape without feeling as restrictive as some compression wear.

Style & Aesthetic

Zella embraces current trends with a wider variety of seasonal colors and patterns, aligning with a more casual, everyday athleisure aesthetic. Their look is accessible and modern, easily paired with daily outfits.

Lululemon focuses on a sleek, minimalist, and timeless style. Their color palettes are often sophisticated and their branding is subtle. This creates a more polished, high-end look that is distinctly athletic yet versatile enough for a refined casual wardrobe.

Which One Should You Choose?

The better choice depends entirely on your budget, activity level, and why you're buying leggings.

Choose Zella if:

• You want a high-quality legging for under $75.
• You need versatile activewear for daily errands, travel, and light workouts like walking or a casual gym session.
• You enjoy having multiple trendy colors and styles in your wardrobe without a huge financial commitment.
• You value the convenience of shopping at Nordstrom and their generous return policy.

Choose Lululemon if:

• Durability and long-term performance are your highest priorities.
• You engage in intense activities like running, HIIT, or dedicated yoga practice where fabric matters.
• You prefer a sculpting, compressive, second-skin fit that makes you feel supported.
• You see activewear as a long-term investment and are willing to pay for superior quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Zella and Lululemon?

The main difference is price versus performance. Zella offers excellent quality and style for its affordable price point, making it a budget-friendly choice for everyday wear. Lululemon is a premium, performance-driven brand that uses advanced, proprietary fabrics that justify their higher cost through durability and comfort during intense activity.

Are Zella leggings as good as Lululemon?

For casual wear and light workouts, Zella leggings are an excellent and highly comparable option. However, for intense workouts, running, or serious yoga, the superior fabric technology and construction of Lululemon leggings make them a better choice for performance and longevity.

Which brand is better for working out?

Lululemon is generally better for serious or high-intensity workouts due to its advanced sweat-wicking fabrics, compression, and durability. Zella is great for lower-impact activities like walking, light jogging, weight training, or studio classes where technical fabric performance is less critical.

How does Zella sizing compare to Lululemon?

Zella sizing is generally consistent with standard US sizing and has a more relaxed, comfortable fit. Lululemon runs true to size but is more compressive and form-fitting. Many people wear the same size in both brands, but the *feel* of the fit is noticeably different.

Are Lululemon leggings worth the price?

For many, yes. The high price tag is connected to their exceptional durability, they resist pilling and retain their shape and color after years of washing and wearing. If you prioritize performance and long-term value, they are worth the investment.

How long do Zella leggings last compared to Lululemon?

With proper care, Lululemon leggings can last for 5+ years of regular wear. Zella leggings are also durable for their price, but may show signs of wear like fading or losing some elasticity after 1-2 years of heavy use.

Can you often find Zella leggings on sale?

Yes, one of the biggest benefits of being with a department store like Nordstrom is that Zella is often included in major shopping events such as Nordstrom's sales like the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, which provides substantial savings on their leggings and other activewear.

Where are Zella leggings sold?

Zella is a private-label brand sold exclusively at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack, both in-store and online.