Fabletics vs Lululemon Review

About Fabletics

Founded by the one and only Kate Hudson, Fabletics was spun from the desire to create fashionable and functional activewear. 

There’s a good chance that you’ve heard of this Californian-based brand before, as it’s been heavily endorsed by countless celebs, such as Demi Lovato and Kelly Rowland. Since the company’s debut in 2013, Fabletics has continued to grow in success, and now they’re universally known for their downtown, Hollywood-chic aesthetic. 

About Lululemon  

When you think of athleticwear, you probably think of leggings, sports bras, and of course, Lululemon. Founded in 1998, this super popular brand was the brainchild of Chip Wilson, who started the company off as a clothing boutique and yoga studio. 

While it is widely recognized around the world, Lululemon first started off in Vancouver, Canada. Their values have always been the same, though, as they keep true to “personal responsibility, entrepreneurship, honesty, courage, connection, fun, and inclusion.” 

Introductions serve as the cherry on top of all articles—but now it’s time to get into the ‘bread and butter’ of things. Here, this Fabletics vs Lululemon review will provide a side-by-side comparison of each of the brands’ best-selling products. 

We’ll also give readers the skinny of what to consider when shopping for activewear, as well as differences regarding quality and customer service. Let’s get started! 

What to Consider

Target Audience 

Demographics are a crucial point to consider when shopping for clothing. If anything, it’s the main indicator of the aesthetic the company is going for. Generally speaking, brands that target older audiences will usually feature conservative cuts and silhouettes. 

Retailers who want to cater to younger people may showcase more prints, patterns, and unusual designs. That’s not to say that age is exclusive to certain aesthetics—you should wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. 

Product Range

Product range usually entails maximalism or minimalism. Some brands may want to offer more options to their customers while others centralize on simplicity to keep the shopping process straightforward. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your personal buying preferences. 

Design Features 

Maximalism and minimalism also play an important part in design as well. If you’re looking to make a big statement at the gym, there’s a good chance that you lean towards bright patterns and colors. But for those who prefer things to be low-key, classic silhouettes and muted tones may seem like a more appropriate option. 

Materials and Sustainability

Unless you love working out in jeans, spandex, rayon, and elastane are usually your three best friends when it comes to athleticwear materials. When looking for the perfect workout set, it’s best to look out for flexible and breathable fabrics. 

It’s also worth noting that most of these varieties aren’t very sustainable, as they’re usually made out of synthetic threads. But, some brands out there prioritize using recycled materials, so you should always be on the lookout. 

Extras 

Brands will do all they can to differentiate themselves from the competition, which typically means they’ll introduce some unique features to their clientele. For instance, Lululemon is selling Mirror, a digital workout reflector programmed with multiple training sessions. 

Fabletics has FIT classes, where customers can view on-demand exercise classes through a paid membership program. Honestly, it’s up to you whether these assets prove crucial in your PE journey. 

Accessibility 

Official websites are cool and all, but convenience lies in product accessibility. This means that an ideal brand would be carried by multiple trusted retailers like Amazon or Nordstrom. If you have an eye on a sold-out clothing set, there’s a good chance you’ll find it at other stores if you care to look. 

Fabletics Define High-Waisted Legging vs Lululemon Base Pace High-Rise Crop 23 Review

Considered the go-to workout bottoms aside from sweatpants, leggings prove a crucial component to any workout session—oh, and let’s not forget how Instagrammable they are. Fabletics’ Define High-Waisted Legging and Lululemon’s Base Pace High-Rise Crop 23 are reportedly the cream of the crop when it comes to high-performance tights. 

This is partially due to its stretchability factor and high-performance fabrics, but this Fabletics vs Lululemon review will be the real tester here. 

Fabletics Define High-Waisted Legging:

• High-waisted to prevent rolling 
• Offered in sizes xxs to 4x
• Chafe resistant, UPF protective, and moisture wicking 
• Has pockets 
• 6 different designs 
• Costs $70 (VIPs get 80% or $14 off) 

Lululemon Base Pace High-Rise Crop 23 

• High-waisted to prevent rolling 
• Offered in sizes 0 to 20 
• Sweat-wicking, breathable, four-way stretch, and quick-drying 
• Has pockets and continuous drawcord
• Lightweight 
• 10 different designs (9 of them are solid colors)
• Costs $88 (offers Afterpay or Klarna)

The Base Pace High-Rise Crop 23 and the Define High-Waisted Legging are definitely similar regarding silhouette, but there are a few differences that set them apart. For one, The Lululemon version isn’t big on offering prints, as they mostly cater to solid colors. 

On the other hand, Fabletics may seem like a more cost-effective option—but again, they don’t provide installment plans for customers who prefer paying overtime. 

Honestly, it’s up to your own personal tastes. Both leggings offer the same list of features, including moisture-wicking material and its flexible fit. Do you prefer prints over colors? What’s your max considering budget? These are the crucial questions to answer before you hit checkout. 

Fabletics The Training Day Long Sleeve Tee vs Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Long Sleeve Shirt 2.0 Review

Let’s be real; muscle tees are for show-offs. If you want to keep things low-key during the training, sweatshirts are definitely the way to do it. The Fabletics Training Day Long Sleeve Tee and the Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Long Sleeve Shirt offer the same classic fit but come with a few extra twists that workout geeks will love.

From chafe-resistant fabrics to anti-stink tech, this Fabletics vs Lululemon review will touch upon a few features provided for each top down below. 

Fabletics The Training Day Long Sleeve Tee:

• Offered with a slim fit 
• Seamless design
• Lightweight in feel, reflective and breathable 
• Built with sweat-wicking material and anti-stink technology 
• Available in 4 different colors 
• Costs $50 (VIPs get 70% or $15 off) 

Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Long Sleeve Shirt:

• Offered with a slim fit 
• Minimal seams to reduce chafing, extremely flexible 
• Built with mesh for added breathability 
• Made out of 100% recycled polyester 
• Prevents the growth of odorous bacteria (requires less washing) 
• Available in 12 different colors
• $88 (offers Afterpay or Klarna) 

The design is the same, but the materials used are not. For one, the Lululemon version seems to be more breathable due to its mesh paneling. On top of that, it may cater to a few ethical shoppers since the top is made out of 100% recycled polyester. 

To speak for Fabletics, The Training Day Long Sleeve Tee can act as a more affordable option. It still offers the same degree of features as the Metal Vent Tech Long Sleeve Shirt, but with some added reflectability in case you go night running. 

To be honest, both tees act as a great alternative to any cotton shirt you have lying around the house. They’re smart about sweat, and it doesn’t hurt that they look great when worn out casually. 

Fabletics Waffle Bra vs Lululemon Free To Be Bra – Wild Light Support Review

Considered the make-it-or-break-it product of all athletic wear companies, sports bras typically dominate most sales when it comes to brands like Lululemon and Fabletics. Here, we’ll compare two of their best-selling designs for readers to consider: the Waffle Bra and the Free To be Bra. 

From support to Instagramababilty, this Fabletics vs Lululemon review will cover a whole list of points for buyers to contemplate about. 

Fabletics Waffle Bra:

• Offered in sizes xxs to 4x 
• Features contrast decorative stitching 
• Made out of lightweight, stretchy cotton 
• Available in black or silvermist turquoise 
• Costs $45 (VIPs get 80% or $9 off) 

Lululemon Free To Be Bra:

• Offered in sizes 2 to 14 
• Features a criss-cross open-back with a simple neckline
• Breathable, sweat-wicking, flexible
• Provides low-friction support with integrated cups 
• Available in 15 different colors 
• Costs $48 (offers Afterpay and Klarna) 

I’ll be blunt here. The Waffle Bra is designed to be worn out casually as part of an athleisure outfit. On the other hand, the Free To Be Bra is definitely for workouts due to its added support and removable bra cups. The designs are drastically different too, as the Fabletics version offers customers a more simplistic style while Lululemon goes all out with wild prints and unique cut-outs. 

Obviously, the real tie-breaker is support. It ultimately boils down to how you typically wear sports bras. Thankfully, the Free To Be Bra and the Waffle Bra are quite similar in price, even though they are drastically different when it comes to integrated features. 

Fabletics vs Lululemon: Quality

It’s no longer a matter of elastane and spandex blends. If you’re going to differentiate yourself from the competition, you ought to create your own fabric from scratch. For instance, Fabletics and Lululemon both provide a wide collection of patented materials that offer a sort of ‘uniqueness’ to the company. 

Currently, Fabletics manufactures 5 types of fabrics: Seamless, PureLuxe, SculptKnit, New Motion365, and PowerHold. Each material varies in compression, flexibility, and durability. 

In addition, they differ in terms of benefits, as some types offer sun protection and moisture-wicking properties. It’s worth noting that all varieties are made with a specific blend of spandex, elastane, rayon, and nylon. 

Lululemon is constantly creating new materials. Today’s lineup includes fabric blends like Everlux, Nulux, Luon, and Luxtreme. Like Fabletics, each variety offers a specific percentage of nylon, elastane, and spandex. 

Depending on your typical workouts and how your body performs during stress, each textile provides a unique list of assets catered to your needs: such as anti-chafing properties and cooling technology. It’s worth noting that they do offer a more fashionable range of fabrics, such as Lululemon’s New York Splatter Reflective collection. 

Honestly, both Fabletics and Lululemon are quite similar in terms of fabric usage. If you break down their patented materials into their basic components, it’s really just a percentage difference in material blends. If anything, it’s best to take into account what assets prove crucial to your workout needs. 

Fabletics vs Lululemon: Price & Value

Alright, how much are we talking here? Price is arguably the most important point to factor in when it comes to making that crucial decision. Again, we’ll outline the costs provided in each product review that we covered so far:

• Fabletics Define High-Waisted Legging: $70 (VIPs get 80% or $14 off) 
• Lululemon Base Pace High-Rise Crop 23: $88
• Fabletics The Training Day Long Sleeve Tee: $50 (VIPs get 70% or $15 off) 
• Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Long Sleeve Shirt: $88 
• Fabletics Waffle Bra: $45 (VIPs get 80% or $9 off) 
• Lululemon Free To Be Bra: $48 

I’ll be frank here; both Fabletics and Lululemon are fairly expensive when it comes to athletic wear brands. But on the positive side, both companies offer some leniency when it’s time to checkout.

For instance, Fabletics offers a VIP membership, where customers can get a discount on select items. Lululemon doesn’t have a loyalty program, but they do provide installment plans in the form of Afterpay and Klarna. 

Regarding customer feedback and product quality, I’d say that both brands are on par when factoring in price. For those who are still on the fence, we suggest staying put for this Fabletics vs Lululemon review, as we’ll cover online critiques and comments in the next following segment. 

Fabletics vs Lululemon: What Do Customers Think?  

As we mentioned before, Fabletics and Lululemon are usually the go-to brands for most workout geeks. But aside from all the hype, is there substance in style when it comes to their clothing collection? There’s only one way to find out. This Fabletics vs Lululemon review has gathered a few of their best-selling products for a more in-depth read on ratings:

• Fabletics Define High-Waisted Legging: 81k reviews with 4.5/5 stars 
• Fabletics The Training Day Long Sleeve Tee: 506 reviews with 4.6/5 stars 
• Fabletics Waffle Bra: 60 reviews with 4.3/5 stars 

• Lululemon Base Pace High-Rise Crop 23: 68 reviews with 4.2/5 stars
• Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Long Sleeve Shirt: 206 reviews with 3.5/5 stars 
• Lululemon Free To Be Bra: 3 reviews with 5/5 stars 

Of course, it wouldn’t be a complete Fabletics vs Lululemon review without including some ratings from external sources. We’ll keep things short by only featuring a few from Trustpilot, Influenster, and Sitejabber:

Fabletics:

• Trustpilot: 116k reviews with 3.7/5 stars 
• Sitejabber: 3k reviews with 2.3/5 stars
• Influenster: 956 reviews with 4.4/5 stars 

Lululemon:

• Trustpilot: 656 reviews with 1.9/5 stars 
• Sitejabber: 176 reviews with 1.6/5 stars 
• Influenster 3k reviews with 4.2/5 stars 

If numbers aren’t enough to sway your vote, how about some key pointers? To keep things easy to read, this Fabletics vs Lululemon review will provide a point-form list on some common customer feedback attributed to each brand:

Fabletics:

• Comfortable and cute to wear 
• A majority of customers report that clothing felt true to size 
• Considered a great brand to get workout/athleisure clothes 
• Straightforward shopping process 
• Adequate customer service 

Lululemon:

• Excels in product quality and comfort 
• Features like moisture-wicking material and anti-odor properties seem to win the upvote for many customers  
• Considered functional for workouts or casual outfits 

As you’ve probably already noticed from the ratings posted above, it seems that Lululemon has much to do in terms of customer service quality and delivery times. That’s not to say that Fabletics is free from any faults, as we did uncover some concerns about their checkout process, membership, and customer service. 

Despite the number of complaints, both Fabletics and Lululemon seem to be trusted athleticwear brands due to their online popularity. Product quality appears to be their strong point, as hundreds of happy customers report that it’s definitely worth the splurge. 

Fabletics vs Lululemon: Promotions & Discounts

Everybody loves a good deal. Fortunately, both of these athletic wear brands offer various ways to help customers save money. This Fabletics vs Lululemon review will disclose the deets in point-form to keep things easy on the eyes:

Fabletics:

• VIP membership cyber sale: 2 for $24 bottoms or 80% off every item 
• Members can get their first activewear outfit for only $25 
• Provides a refer-a-friend program 

Lululemon:

• Has a clearance section in the name of “We Made Too Much”
• Limited-time promo for the Mirror (less than $1000)
• 15% off discount for military members and first responders

Unfortunately, the only way to access discounts through Fabletics is to sign up for a VIP membership. There is no admission fee, but it requires you to take action every month. You can either skip an outfit or purchase one starting at $50. As of lately, Lululemon has canceled its rewards program, but the clearance section is still up and running.  

Fabletics vs Lululemon: Shipping & Returns 

Sometimes the real deal-breaker lies in shipping and returns. Down below, this Fabletics vs Lululemon review will provide a quick rundown of what to expect in terms of delivery and refunds. 

Fabletics: 

• Free shipping on orders $75 or more. Anything below this amount is charged a total of $5
• Typically takes 6 to 14 business days for packages to arrive
• Provides international delivery 
• Issues a tracking number 
• Offers a 45-day return and exchange window 
• Offers refunds in terms of store credit or original amount 
• Free return shipping is only eligible for those living in the contiguous United States 
• A few reported issues with customer service and delivery 

Lululemon:

• Free shipping on all orders 
• Usually takes 2 to 9 business days for packages to arrive
• Provides international delivery
• Issues a tracking number 
• Offers a 30-day free return and exchange policy 
• Provides a fast track return guarantee for immediate refunds 
• Reported issues with missing items and late deliveries 

To briefly summarize, both company policies entail a list of ups and downs. For one, Lululemon’s free shipping guarantee and fast-track return service seem promising enough—but according to most reports, they fail to deliver on basic customer service. 

Fabletics, on the other hand, may seem like a better option for some buyers, but it may seem daunting to checkout with $75 in order to get free shipping. 

Who Will You Shop With?

Fabletics and Lululemon are still the crème-de-la-crème of athleticwear brands. In our opinion, they’re quite similar when it comes to quality and design. In the products we’ve featured so far, it may be fair to assume that Fabletics is the most cost-effective brand. 

But, you should know that discounts are exclusive to members only. As a result, Fabletics may seem like a better option for customers who continuously buy athleticwear. 

Lululemon is an excellent company to shop at if you’re looking for a durable pair of leggings or sports bras. They do offer some sustainability when it comes to clothing manufacturing, as some pieces are made out of recycled materials. 

If you are looking to support this activewear brand, we suggest visiting your nearest Lululemon store rather than opting for online shopping. That way, you’ll be able to mitigate problems concerning shipping, missing items, or delayed deliveries. 

So, what activewear brand will you opt for? If it’s any consolation, no matter what you choose: both Fabletics and Lululemon score mad points in Instagramability.

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