Choosing yoga clothes is a task I take seriously. After all, yoga clothes are my work outfit. So, when a yoga student asked for my help to choose between Fabletics and Lululemon, I did it with so much enthusiasm.
In this article, I’ll share everything that you need to know about Fabletics vs. Lululemon and which one is my favorite.
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What is Fabletics?
Fabletics is an activewear company co-founded by celebrity A-lister Kate Hudson. It started as an e-commerce site in 2013. But because of the enormous success of their online presence, they opened their first physical store in 2015.
Now, their physical presence is getting stronger with 50 physical locations across the US. The company is also planning to open 24 more retail stores this year.
Fabletics was founded when Kate Hudson and co-founders Adam Goldenberg and Don Ressler saw a gap in the sportswear industry. Although they noticed many high-quality luxury activewear brands, none of them were stylish and priced reasonably. They also noticed the need to cater to different sizes. So, all of Fabletics products come in XXS-4XL.
Initially, Fabletics only made activewear and sometimes swimwear and footwear for women. But in 2016, they eventually began making clothes for men.
What is Lululemon?
If you’ve heard about Fabletics, I’m sure you’ve also heard about Lululemon. Lululemon has been in the activewear clothing industry since 1998. It was founded by Chip Wilson in Vancouver, Canada in 1998 in a yoga/design studio.
The studio eventually became a store in November 2000. Today, Lululemon has over 500 stores around the globe—315 of them are in the US.
Initially, Lululemon only sold yoga tops, shorts, leggings, undergarments, and jackets. Today, it offers yoga props and accessories such as yoga mats, yoga blocks, and yoga belts. They also sell technical clothing.
Similarities and Differences
Fabletics and Lululemon are the top two brands when it comes to active clothing. But that is not the only thing they have in common.
Their Fabrics
Both Lululemon and Fabletics make their fabric.
Lululemon makes a fabric called Luon. It is a combination of lycra and nylon that produces a cottony soft and stretchy fabric. Another fabric they have is called Luxtreme.
Luxtreme fits and feels like a second skin. It has excellent compression, especially around the belly, buttocks, and thighs. Other trademarked fabrics of Lululemon are Nulux™, Nulu™, Everlux, Silverescent®, Senseknit™, and Ultralu.
On the other hand, Fabletics make PowerHold®, its fabric with the most compression. It is made of poly-spandex and is very thick. Another fabric Fabletics makes and uses in their workout clothes is Motion365.
It’s light and not too thick, which is excellent for flowy yoga sequences. Other Fabletics fabrics are SculptKnit and PureLuxe.
Variety of Colors and Styles
When it comes to colors and style, both Lululemon and Fabletics will win the heart of any activewear fan. Both have a variety of sizes, styles, and prints. In addition, if you cross-train, I’m sure you’ll find suitable clothing for other practices aside from yoga.
My favorite from Fabletics is the High-Waisted Seamless Paneled ⅞ pants. On the other hand, my favorite from Lululemon is the Align.
Sizing
Source: Fabletics
When it comes to sizing, Fabletics used to be more comprehensive than Lululemon. For example, Fabletics have always been size-inclusive, with sizes from XXS-4XL, while Lululemon can only go up to 2XL. However, Lululemon has changed and upped its game.
Plus-sized athletes will now find 3XL and 4XL sizes in Lululemon stores.
Fit
Fabletics fit true to size. Anna from A Lily Love Affair says the Fabletics leggings fit her 99% of the time. Here’s Fabletics’ size guide.
When it comes to Lululemon, most of their yoga wear will fit true to size. But it still depends on the fabric and the collection. The yoga pants from Aligns and Fast & Frees usually fit my true size.
However, some friends say they needed to size down. The yoga leggings made using Lululemon’s Everlux are too compressive. You may need to size up.
Customizability
Because not all bodies are the same, I think customizing your activewear is a great feature. Again, Fabletics wins in this aspect. You can customize the inseams of their bottoms and choose from short, regular, and tall, Capri, ⅞, and full length.
You can also decide whether you want them to be high-waist, mid-waist, or low-waist.
As for Lululemon, you don’t have much of a say when it comes to personalizing your bottoms. You can choose lengths between 25, 28, and 31 inches. In addition, they do free hemming and repair service, even when you buy used items.
Pricing
When it comes to pricing, Fabletics is hands down the winner. If you are a VIP member, you get two pairs of pants for only $24. That’s a steal. But even if you’re not a VIP member, I’m sure you can still get a yoga top and pants for the price of one Lululemon yoga leggings.
Lululemon leggings are trendy. But they come with a hefty price. The price of their activewear starts at $95. But you can score some deals from them if you go to their We Made Too Much section. Be sure to check out this section of their website very often, as these sale items run out fast.
Fabletics Pros and Cons
Source: Fabletics
Pros
Mix and Match
As someone whose hips are narrower than my shoulders, my tops are a size medium, and my bottoms are small. So, I appreciate that I can do this with Fabletics when I buy a 2-piece set of activewear.
Freedom to Choose
I also love the freedom to choose the waist and length of Fabletics leggings. I am the type of person who buys it in different colors when I love a clothing item. It’s the same with Fabletics.
I can buy one pair of leggings in Capri, ⅞, and full-length and high-waist, mid-waist, or low-waist. I can also choose if I want the pair to be high-compression, medium, or light. One time I gifted myself a few pairs of Define in different waists, lengths, and compression.
Lots of Cool Styles and Designs
Whatever style you want, I am pretty sure you can find it in Fabletics. They are always up to date with trendy fashions, colors, and prints.
Cons
Return Shipping Is Not Free
Even if you can customize Fabletics to your heart’s desire, sometimes, some pairs of leggings or tops don’t fit you well, and you have to return them. Unfortunately, return shipping is not free. It costs $9, which I don’t appreciate.
Prices Are Steep When You’re Not a VIP
Sure, Fabletics is still not as expensive as Lululemon. But their prices can still be steep, especially if you’re not a VIP member. For example, a sports bra can go up to $49.95 if you’re not a VIP.
Shipping Fee Is Free for Orders $49.95 Only
I am a Fabletics VIP member. That means I can score some pair of leggings for only $15. Sometimes, I want to buy only a pair of yoga pants, but then the shipping is only free for orders over $49.95. So, I end up buying more clothes from them to save money on the shipping cost.
Lululemon Pros and Cons
Source: Lululemon
Pros
Maximum Comfort
Lululemon leggings and other clothing items offer maximum comfort. I’ve never tried any clothes from them that are not comfortable. Even the high-compression leggings are still super smooth, light, and feel buttery on the skin.
Free Repairs
I own a few used Lululemon yoga pants. I got them from a yogi friend who had gained weight from pregnancy. Some of the pants had minimal wear and tears. I was surprised to find out that she was right when she told me I could bring them for repair to any Lululemon outlet.
They Last a Lifetime
Okay, maybe not a lifetime. But I have a pair of Lululemon leggings that are 15 years old. I’ve had it since high school. I use it when I work out at home, and it is still squat-proof.
Free Returns
Unlike Fabletics that cost $9 to return, Lululemon offers a free return. You have 30 days from the date of purchase to return items.
Cons
Lululemon leggings and other clothing items are expensive. Even the ones on sale are still pricey.
Limited Sizes
Lululemon is trying to cater to plus sizes. But they still need to catch up with Fabletics in this aspect. Many of their styles still don’t go to size 12 and above.
The Verdict
It is so challenging to choose between Fabletics vs. Lululemon. Both brands offer high-quality, cute, and comfortable activewear that you can wear to any workout. I value the inclusivity of Fabletics and the fact that their products are cheaper than Lululemon, so I prefer it over Lululemon.
If you take care of your Fabletics clothes, they will last a long time just like your Lululemon.