Lululemon vs. Athleta: Which Brand is Better?

These two active-wear giants are seriously competitive with each other.

Lululemon and Athleta offer similar products, but why should you buy one over the other?

We break down the two brands by branding, price, sizing, production, and material to help you make the best decision between Lululemon vs. Athleta.

Lululemon and Athleta offer different brand experiences.

Lululemon focuses on yoga gear exclusively. Because of this and other aspects of their brand positioning, Lulu is more often associated with hippies and yogis than other types of athletes.

Athleta, on the other hand, makes exercise gear for hiking, running, yoga, weight training, etc. Many of their styles fall between athletic wear and street wear, so their styles feel more like athleisure than strictly workout apparel.

Yes, Lululemon is more expensive. Lulu’s most expensive pair of leggings are $158. Athleta’s most expensive pair are $98. Athleta also has more sales, so if you’re patient, you likely won’t have to pay the full $98.

By offering plus sizes, petites, and talls, Athleta is definitely more size inclusive. Lululemon offers sizes 0 through 14 only.

Neither Athleta’s or Lululemon’s materials are manufactured in America.

Most of Lulu’s materials are made in South and Southeast Asia and China. That being said, the labor conditions are better than most in the fashion industry.

Gap, Athleta’s parent company, doesn’t have a great reputation of sustainable and ethical production, but they did recently release a fair trade line.

We pride ourselves on selling Colorado-made yoga pants and hiking gear. You can save yourself some money and feel good about your purchase by shopping our collection of yoga pants.

In addition to the lifestyle, people are loyal to Lululemon for the fabrics. They feel great and are definitely suited for high performance.

Athleta’s fabrics are great too, but Lulu has patented several fabrics that consumers cannot get enough of.

What do you think? Who will you buy?

If you’re open to other options, we sell Colorado-made, high-performance yoga pants and other gear. Shipping is free when you spend $60, and you get all the benefits of Lululemon and Athleta activewear while supporting a small, 100% American made business.