If you’re an avid workout enthusiast–or just really like buying comfy leggings–two major brand names come to mind: Athleta and Lululemon. Both brands have a super loyal following and are well-known for their high-quality workout clothes. But if you want to expand your legging selections, which company should you go with? We’re diving deep into both companies to help settle this debate once and for all. Athleta leggings vs Lululemon–which is best?
Athleta Leggings Breakdown
Founded in 1998, Athleta is a popular activewear brand that made a significant mark in the fitness and fashion industry. Athleta’s mission is to ignite a community of active, healthy, confident women and girls who empower each other to reach their limitless potential.
While Athleta initially focused on running and cycling wear in the early years, it wasn’t until 2009 that they started branching out and producing their signature pair of leggings. These leggings quickly gained popularity due to their exceptional quality, fit, and inclusive sizing. Not to mention their heightened stance on sustainability, which they practice by using recycled materials for their activewear like plastic bottles and fabric scraps, organic cotton, and even investing in renewable energy.
Athleta Leggings Pros
- Free shipping
- Discounts & frequent sales
- A wide range of sizing from petite and tall to plus sizes
- Non-slip waistbands that stay in place
- 60-day free return policy
Athleta Leggings Cons
- Fabric pilling
- Fewer designs and color options than competitors
- Some people experience thigh chafing after wearing
Lululemon Leggings Breakdown
Lululemon launched their activewear brand in Canada in 1998 with their famous yoga leggings right off the bat. They went from a hyper-focus in the yoga industry to expanding into different activewear sectors like golf, tennis, running, gym activities, and more. Their mission is simple. Help people be well in every aspect of their lives–physically, mentally, and socially.
Their leggings leave a mark in consumer’s minds for having a perfect fit, being overly durable, and always keeping up with trends. Even more, their legging fabric is specifically designed for all your activities’ deepest movements and stretches while keeping its same quality–some say they are like a second skin. And if you didn’t know, there’s no question that Lululemon has one of the most loyal customer bases in the world.
Lululemon Leggings Pros
- Super-fast free shipping
- Many color options
- Numbered sizing
- Fabric holds quality longer than most leggings
- New designs are consistently released
Lululemon Leggings Cons
- Fewer options for taller or shorter women
- Some find they slip down easy when working out
- More expensive than competitors
Athleta Leggings vs Lululemon Cost
The cost battle between Athleta and Lululemon leggings is a close one. Yet typically, Athleta leggings generally come with a slightly lower price tag. Let’s take a deep dive into each brand based on price.
Athleta Cost
Leggings at Athleta generally fall between $89 and $119, with the average price point being $100. However, keep in mind that Athleta does offer frequent sales, so buyers can usually get them for an additional percentage off.
Athleta also offers many other items. Here’s a price breakdown:
- Tops: $39 – $89
- Jackets: $99 – $199
- Bras: $49 – $79
- Dresses: $89 – $189
- Swimwear: $49 – $119
Lululemon Cost
Lululemon leggings are slightly higher, with an average price of about $120 per legging. However, you can find a few higher-end leggings for $158 and one for even $198. While Lululemon leggings are more expensive than most of their competitors, you make up for the extra cost in quality and longer wear time.
Here’s additional Lululemon product costs:
- Coats & Jackets: $118 – $248
- Dresses: $88 – $198
- Sweatshirts: $108 – $198
- Shirts: $58 – $68
- Shoes: $58 – $158
- Sports Bras: $52 – $108
- Swimsuits: $58 – $128
In most cases, and almost all product categories, Lululemon is slightly more expensive than Athleta. It’s well-known that Lululemon products last longer than Athleta items, and many buyers report that the extra $20 or so can go a long way in helping your activewear last longer.
Athleta vs Lululemon Size Ranges
Athleta wins major points when it comes to size ranges–they make a priority to be inclusive and offer as many sizes as possible when it comes to tall and petite body types. On the other hand, Lululemon has the basic numbered size ranges. And if you consider yourself petite or tall, some women often struggle finding Lululemon leggings that fit well.
| Athleta Legging Size Ranges | Lululemon Size Ranges |
| XXS | 0 |
| XS | 2 |
| S | 4 |
| M | 6 |
| L | 8 |
| XL | 10 |
| 1X | 12 |
| 2X | 14 |
| 3X | 16 |
| Tall XS | 18 |
| Tall S | 20 |
| Tall M | Length choices: 23″, 25″, 28″, or 31″ long |
| Tall L | |
| Tall XL | |
| Petite XXS | |
| Petite XS | |
| Petite S | |
| Petite M | |
| Petite L |
Athleta vs Lululemon Range Of Items
While the best workout leggings are the centerpiece of this debate, it’s worth mentioning the overall range of products both brands offer. Here’s a peek at each.
Athleta Products
While Athleta has an assortment of 260 leggings, they boast an impressive collection of other active gear items, too. Other products on their online shop include tank tops, sports bras, underwear, dresses, bags, gloves, hats, swimwear, shoes, sun protection, yoga gear, and even self-care products like deodorant and a body glow stick. Athleta makes it a point to cater to various athletic pursuits and encompassing ways to support workout enthusiasts.
Lululemon Products
Lululemon clearly offers a more curated selection with over 1,000 women’s products–plus an additional 600 men’s items. They’ve expanded their women’s products to bodysuits, coats, dresses, sweaters, shirts, shoes, shorts, skirts, bras, swimsuits, underwear, backpacks, bags, mittens, hats, hair accessories, water bottles, and yoga mats. Men’s products include all the essential clothing items plus button-down shirts, wallets, beanies, and keychains. Shoppers will find more variety with Lululemon products.
Athleta Leggings vs Lululemon: Which One?
Now that we’ve explored the ins and outs of Athleta and Lululemon leggings, it’s time to answer the burning question: which one has the best leggings? The truth is, there is no definitive answer. Both brands offer exceptional quality and cater to different preferences.
It ultimately comes down to what you value most. If petite or tall sizing is necessary, Athleta leggings may be your perfect match. However, if you’re seeking trendy designs, prestigiousness, tip-top quality, and don’t mind spending a little extra money, Lululemon leggings are sure to impress. And ultimately, the best way to decide is by testing them out for yourself. Take a trip to your nearest retail store or outlet and see which brand makes you feel the most unstoppable.
