Zella vs. Lululemon: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Zella is Nordstrom's in-house activewear brand known for its stylish designs and affordable price points, typically under $50. In contrast, Lululemon is a premium performance brand that commands a much higher price, with leggings often exceeding $100, justified by its proprietary high-performance fabrics and exceptional durability.

Let's take a closer look at the details to help you decide which activewear brand is the right investment for your lifestyle and budget.

Zella: The Affordable Athleisure Favorite

Zella is a Nordstrom-exclusive brand that has built a loyal following by offering trendy, comfortable, and functional activewear without a high price tag. It targets casual gym-goers and lifestyle enthusiasts who want versatile pieces that work for both a light workout and running errands. It's the go-to choice for reliable quality on a budget.

• Product mix: A full range of activewear including leggings, joggers, tank tops, sports bras, and jackets designed for everyday comfort and versatility.
• Price point: Highly attractive, with best-selling leggings typically priced between $30 and $50. Zella provides an accessible entry point to quality activewear.
• Quality: The quality is excellent for the price. Garments are made with moisture-wicking, four-way stretch fabric that holds up well for everyday wear, although they may not be as long-lasting as premium counterparts for intense, high-impact training.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is inclusive and generally runs true to size, offering a reliable fit from XS to XXL. The fit is comfortable and functional rather than overly compressive.
• Sales: As a Nordstrom brand, Zella pieces are frequently included in major sales events like the Anniversary Sale and seasonal clearances, offering even better value.
• Return policy: Benefits from Nordstrom's customer-friendly return policy, making it easy to try different styles and sizes risk-free.

Zella offers outstanding value with stylish, dependable apparel perfect for those who want quality activewear for daily activities without a premium price.

Shop Zella: zellashopping.com

Lululemon: The Leader in Premium Performance Wear

Lululemon is a global leader in technical athletic apparel, known for its innovative proprietary fabrics, sleek design, and aspirational brand status. It appeals to dedicated fitness enthusiasts and fashion-conscious consumers who view activewear as an investment in performance, comfort, and style. The brand has cultivated a strong community around its high-quality products.

• Product mix: Specializes in high-performance leggings, tops, sports bras, and outerwear that blend function with a modern, minimalist aesthetic.
• Price point: Positioned firmly in the premium segment, with leggings typically ranging from $98 to $128. The pricing reflects the advanced fabric technology and durable construction.
• Quality &, Innovation: This is where Lululemon truly excels. Proprietary fabrics like the buttery-soft Nulu&trade, (for Align leggings) and supportive Everlux&trade, offer unmatched feel, moisture-wicking, and durability.
• Sizing/Fit: Lululemon sizing is very consistent, typically offering a body-contouring, compressive fit designed for performance. The famous Align&trade, line provides a softer, "naked sensation" fit for yoga and low-impact activities.
• Sales: Core items are rarely discounted. Shoppers can find markdowns in the "We Made Too Much" section, but popular sizes and colors sell out quickly.
• Return policy: Accepts returns of unworn and unwashed merchandise with tags attached within 30 days of purchase.

Lululemon is designed for shoppers who prioritize top-tier fabric performance, a sculpted fit, and long-term durability and are willing to invest in their activewear wardrobe.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Zella vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a large and clear gap here. Zella is the undeniable winner for budget-conscious shoppers. A pair of their popular Live In High Waist Leggings usually costs under $50, and you can often find them for less during a sale.

Lululemon operates in a completely different price bracket. Its iconic Align High Waist Pants start at $98 and go up. While Lululemon fans argue the cost is justified by longevity, there's no question that the initial investment is significantly higher. If cost is your primary concern, Zella offers excellent quality for a fraction of the price.

Quality & Materials

Lululemon's reputation is built on its materials. Fabrics like Nulu, Luon, and Everlux are the result of extensive R&,D, engineered to feel incredible against the skin while providing specific performance benefits like moisture-wicking, breathability, and weightless coverage. The stitching and construction are meticulous, leading to garments that often last for many years of regular use.

Zella's fabrics are functional and comfortable, featuring moisture-wicking properties and good stretch. They feel soft and hold their shape well for general use. However, when compared directly to Lululemon, they can feel less technical and may show wear, like pilling or losing compression, more quickly with frequent high-intensity training and washing.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands offer consistent and reliable sizing, but with different philosophies. Zella generally offers a more accommodating, comfort-focused fit that is true to size for most shoppers. Their leggings provide support without feeling restrictive, making them great for all-day wear.

Lululemon is known for its signature body-hugging and sculpting fit. Many of their styles offer a high level of compression designed to support muscles during intense activity. This can feel very flattering, but some may find it too restrictive. Finding the right Lululemon fabric and style for your preference is key - the weightless Align legging feels vastly different from the more compressive Wunder Train style.

Style & Aesthetic

Zella's aesthetic is versatile, practical, and on-trend. They offer a wide variety of colors and classic designs that easily transition from the gym to daily life. Their style is accessible and focuses on staple pieces that appeal to a broad audience.

Lululemon's aesthetic is more minimalist, sleek, and modern. Their designs often serve as fashion statements in their own right, with subtle branding and a distinct silhouette that is instantly recognizable. They are known for trend-setting colors and patterns, releasing new products that often create a lot of excitement.

Sustainability & Ethics

Lululemon has made public commitments to sustainability, publishing annual reports on its progress in areas like reducing its carbon footprint, using recycled materials, and ensuring supply chain transparency. Their "Like New" resale program also aims to extend the life of their products.

As a private label under Nordstrom, Zella's sustainability practices are part of Nordstrom's larger corporate initiatives. However, the company itself does not publish brand-specific sustainability reports, making it harder for consumers to assess their precise environmental impact compared to Lululemon.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands deliver a great product, but they clearly cater to different customer priorities.

Choose Zella if:

• You are shopping on a strict budget but refuse to compromise on style and function.
• You need versatile and comfortable activewear for daily errands, casual wear, and light workouts.
• You love capitalizing on big department store sales to get the best possible value.
• You prefer a fit that is supportive yet comfortable enough for all-day wear.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You are ready to invest in high-performance activewear that will last for years.
• Fabric feel is your top priority&mdash,you want something exceptionally soft, supportive, or lightweight.
• You prefer a compressive, body-sculpting fit that enhances your silhouette.
• You follow activewear trends and enjoy the community and brand prestige Lululemon offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zella or Lululemon cheaper?

Zella is significantly cheaper than Lululemon. Zella leggings are typically priced under $50, while Lululemon leggings start at $98 and can go much higher, making Zella the clear budget-friendly option.

Which has better quality leggings?

Lululemon has higher quality leggings due to its proprietary, high-performance fabrics and durable construction designed for intense activity and long-term wear. However, Zella offers fantastic quality for its much lower price point and is more than sufficient for everyday wear and casual exercise.

Do Zella leggings run true to size?

Yes, Zella leggings are widely considered to run true to size, making it easy to order your normal size online. Their fit is generally less compressive and more focused on comfort.

Are Lululemon leggings worth the money?

For many fitness enthusiasts, Lululemons are worth the investment. Their durability, specialized fabrics, and flattering fit mean a single pair can last for many years, potentially offering better long-term value than buying multiple cheaper pairs.

Can you return items to both brands?

Yes. Lululemon offers a 30-day return policy for unworn items with tags. Because Zella is sold through Nordstrom, it benefits from Nordstrom's generous and customer-friendly return policy.

Do Zella and Lululemon ever go on sale?

Zella frequently goes on sale during Nordstrom's major events, such as the Anniversary Sale. Lululemon rarely puts its core items on sale but does have a "We Made Too Much" section with discounted items.

What are the most popular styles from each brand?

Zella's "Live In" leggings are their most famous and popular style, known for their high waist and comfortable support. For Lululemon, the ultra-soft "Align" leggings are a cult favorite for yoga and everyday wear, while the "Wunder Train" style is popular for more intense workouts.

Which brand is better for high-intensity workouts?

Lululemon is generally better for high-intensity workouts due to its advanced, moisture-wicking and supportive technical fabrics that are engineered for performance and sweat.