Fabletics and Lululemon stand out as two of the leading activewear brands in the industry. Both companies strive to deliver a blend of style, comfort, and innovative design to athletes, whether they are amateurs or professionals, all in search of high-quality activewear. Activewear typically consists of relaxed clothing designed for comfort during exercise.
With the offerings of both brands appearing quite similar, you might find yourself uncertain about which one to select. In this article, we will compare these two companies to help clarify which brand may be the best fit for you. We will delve into specific parameters such as style, size range, pricing, and quality, but first, let's start with a brief overview of the history of both brands.
History: Fabletics vs. Lululemon
Let’s begin with their foundational stories. Both brands are arguably among the top in their respective countries and globally, but their journeys differ significantly.
Fabletics
Origin: USA
Founded: 2013 (10 years ago)
Background: Fabletics was co-founded by Adam Goldenberg, Don Ressler, and Ginger Ressler, who recognized a gap in the activewear market during the mid-2000s. While there was no shortage of luxury brands, there was a lack of stylish, high-quality gear at accessible prices. At the time, Lululemon was a market leader, with leggings priced over $100. Today, Fabletics is celebrated for its fashionable, performance-oriented designs, rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to look and feel their best.
Lululemon
Origin: Canada
Founded: 1998 (25 years ago)
Background: Lululemon emerged from a simple yet insightful observation made by its founder, Chip Wilson, during a yoga class. He noticed that many women were donning poorly fitted cotton clothing that was not suitable for the sweating and stretching essential to yoga practice. This led to Lululemon starting as a design studio during the day and a yoga studio at night. The vision was to create a space for comfortable workout gear and a community for discussing the physical and mental aspects of healthy living. Lululemon became a standalone store in November 2000, initially offering designs specifically intended for women’s yoga attire. The brand, affectionately called ‘Lulu,’ has since transformed into a forward-thinking, quality-centric label.
Main Features
Fabletics is best known for its unique membership model, which distinguishes it from other activewear retailers. Instead of merely making one-off purchases (which is still an option), most Fabletics customers subscribe to a membership that grants them monthly credits for new outfits.
Conversely, Lululemon has carved a niche for itself with its technologically advanced athletic apparel designed for yoga, running, dancing, training, and other physically demanding activities, in addition to lounge and streetwear.
Reputation
While Fabletics offers stylish designs, its quality may not match that of Lululemon. However, Fabletics is more affordable, with prices comparable to those at Target, making it a great value for those on a budget. Additionally, Fabletics provides a diverse range of sizes, accommodating various body shapes.
Lululemon, on the other hand, is widely regarded as a reputable brand known for its high-quality products. Customers frequently praise the impeccable design and quality of Lululemon's clothing.
Focus
Fabletics emphasizes stylish, high-quality, and affordable athletic wear and accessories. While its primary focus is on women's apparel, it also features a men’s line called FL2.
In contrast, Lululemon concentrates on producing top-tier, technically advanced products that showcase exceptional innovation and proprietary designs.
Bottom Line
If you prefer timeless elegance, a brand with a storied history, and are willing to pay a premium, Lululemon may be your ideal choice. However, if you lean towards affordable, bold, and adventurous clothing styles, Fabletics is likely the better fit for you.
Fabletics vs. Lululemon: Product Range
Lululemon began as a dual-purpose design and yoga studio before evolving into a standalone store in 2000. In contrast, Fabletics entered the activewear market after identifying a clear opportunity. Both brands offer comparable product lines, as illustrated in the following table:
Fabletics
- Tops
- Sports Bras
- Jackets/Pullovers
- Tights
- Joggers
- Shorts
- Socks
- Underwear
- Headbands
- Gym Bags
Lululemon
- Tops
- Shorts
- Pants
- Jackets
- Bags
- Socks
- Yoga Mats
Primary Specialization
Fabletics primarily focuses on stylish athletic gear, while Lululemon specializes in yoga and exercise apparel.
Although Lululemon has solidified its place as a premier brand for high-quality yoga products, it continually seeks to meet the evolving needs of its dedicated customer base. If you're in the market for luxury leggings or stylish jackets, Lululemon offers those high-end options, albeit at a higher price point.
On the flip side, Fabletics is recognized for its stylish, affordable apparel, including headbands and various accessories that enhance its product lineup.
Fabletics vs. Lululemon: Pricing
At first glance, Fabletics appears to be the more budget-friendly option compared to Lululemon. For instance, Fabletics leggings are priced between $18 and $60, while Lululemon offers similar items for $90 to $120. Other products, such as sports bras and loungewear, tend to follow a comparable pricing structure across both brands.
However, you might question whether the $50 monthly Fabletics VIP membership is truly worthwhile. The initial sign-up promotion of two outfits for $24 is enticing, but to maintain membership status, this monthly fee continues even if you're not making purchases, which may not be cost-effective for everyone.
Fabletics vs. Lululemon: Style
Another key consideration for style-conscious consumers
