Vuori vs. Lululemon: We Tested the Best of the Best from the Athleisure Giants

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT the best athleisure brands on the market, the competition is pretty deep. When it all boils down though, it’s impossible to leave Vuori and Lululemon out of the conversation. Both brands dominate the space, offering high-performance gear that seamlessly transitions from your tough workout session to your mid-day coffee run. What’s also true: Vuori and Lululemon are playing in the same price league, no matter what you’re eyeing. But while each serves up similar “look good, feel good” energies, the brands have unique components that set them apart.

From gym shorts and workout tees to chinos and joggers, we’ve tested each category from the two labels to dissect and compare everything including fabric, fit, and overall style. Our team wanted to see how Lululemon’s technical precision stacks up against Vuori’s casual, ultra-soft vibes. Spoiler alert: Both brands bring an A-game, but the battle of Vuori vs. Lululemon proves it’s the finer details that truly make all the difference. Here’s what we found.

A Brief Backstory

Lululemon kicked things off back in 1998 in Vancouver, Canada, starting as a women’s-focused brand before blowing up into a global name and catering to men, too. Founded by Chip Wilson, who had a background in surf, skate and snowboard, he saw an opportunity to create technical clothing specifically for yoga, which was gaining popularity at the time. These days, it’s known for way more than just yoga pants, tank tops and sport bras—its first introduction of products. The brand has nailed high-performance gear for everything from running to strength training, with a slick, polished vibe that makes its pieces just as great for the gym as they are for brunch. With over 700 stores worldwide and a massive range of products (seriously, everything from joggers to office-ready pants), Lululemon has become the gold standard in athleisure.

Vuori, on the other hand, is the newer kid on the block, launching in 2015 out of Southern California by Joe Kudla. True to its SoCal roots, the brand oozes laid-back, beachy vibes, and it’s built a rep for super-soft, everyday staples like joggers, hoodies, and tees. The first products to hit the shelves included the Kore Short, a workout short with a built-in liner, and the Performance Jogger, designed for comfort, mobility and style. Vuori is all about comfort and versatility, and while its footprint isn’t as massive as Lululemon’s, it’s growing fast with over 50 storefronts and projected to open 100 locations by 2026. Though the numbers don’t compare with Lululemon’s size, Vuori’s cult following is proof that quality and comfort can compete with the best.

Fabric

Fabric is the foundation of any brand’s success, and for Lululemon and Vuori, it’s where the paths diverge.

Since its inception, Lululemon has produced supportive performance gear using a number of materials such as the OG fabric Luon—a blend of nylon and lycra elastane. The latter is a stretchy fiber that allows clothes to move with you without any restriction. Other popular types include the Nulu, which feels like a second skin and has light compression, and Everlux, a textile that dries in a flash and wicks away sweat like nobody’s business. When putting workout tees like the Metal Vent Tech Short-Sleeve Shirt through the wringer, we found its construction to be breathable, flexible and most importantly, super comfortable. The shirt doesn’t cling to your body, regardless of how sweaty things get.

On the flip side, Vuori’s got softness down to a science. The brand leans on its proprietary DreamKnit fabric to deliver that buttery-soft feel that’s perfect for lounging on the couch or hitting the yoga mat. Take its Short Sleeve Ponto Performance Tee. No lie—it has a velvety texture that feels like a literal dream on the skin, no pun intended. While it’s a heftier option than Lululemon’s offering, it’s got premium quality that’s totally worth it. Plus, the four-way stretch makes bending, reaching, and stretching feel effortless.

Fit

If the fit’s off, it doesn’t matter how good the fabric is. A solid fit ensures your clothes stay in place when you’re on the move and flatter your body.

If you want your clothes to fall away from the body, so it’s not too loose or too tight, Lululemon has you covered. Enter the Pace Breaker Linerless Short. Our testers found it has extra space around the hips and thighs, making it more versatile and accommodating, especially for guys with beefy quads or those who want a little freedom of movement—whether you’re running or squatting. The Smooth Spacer Jogger follows suit. Ideal for errands and rest days, you have ample breathing room in the glutes and thigh areas, while it tapers at the hem.

Vuori leans into a more athletic fit, prioritizing comfort over flashy aesthetics. Staying true to the SoCal vibe, Vuori garments are all about easy-going, lounge-worthy silhouettes that hug the body just enough to move with you, whether you’re stretching it out or kicking back on the couch. We felt the same sentiment applied to the celeb-approved Kore Short. Coming in three inseams (5″, 7″, 9″), this short is super functional with moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric.

Unlike the Pace Breaker Short, the Kore Short lets you go full commando, thanks to the box-brief liner that’s easily the most comfortable we’ve tested. The Sunday Performance Jogger showcases the same comfort-focused approach. Designed with a close-fit through the legs, it offers just enough room and four-way stretch to keep every move feeling natural, whether you’re powering through yoga or settling in for a Netflix marathon. Quite a few of our fitness editors save the Sunday Jogger for those days they need the comfort.

Style

Nowadays, athleisure is all about merging both function and fashion. We want pieces that look just as great during a workout as they do when you’re enjoying casual outings or taking care of business.

Lululemon’s ABC Slim-Fit Trouser is the intersection where performance meets style. Based on our extensive testing, these pants look sharp enough for the office or a night out, but they’re packed with subtle tech like four-way stretch and a gusseted crotch (aka the ABC anti-ball-crushing magic) for all-day comfort. The slim cut gives them a tailored, modern vibe without feeling restrictive.

Now, Vuori’s Cascade Tech Chino Pant brings its own flair to the table. It falls more into that relaxed, Cali-casual feel while still looking polished. The fabric is lightweight, stretchy, and wrinkle-resistant, making it perfect for travel or casual outings. Compared to Lululemon’s pants, they’re less dressy and more relaxed, so it really comes down to whether you want that refined edge or an easygoing, everyday vibe. Either way, both are killing it in the comfort-meets-style department.

The Verdict

We’ve tried a fair share of clothing from both brands and, quite frankly, you can’t lose with either one. Lululemon and Vuori deliver where it counts: comfort, functionality, versatility, and style. At the end of the day, though, it’s all about what works for you. Your vibe, your taste—your call.

From Lululemon, you’re getting gear that’s sleek, performance-driven, and made for crushing workouts. Think technical fabrics, sweat-wicking tees, perfectly tailored joggers, and chinos that somehow double as office attire. The designs are more put-together, so you’re covered from intense training sessions to semi-dressy, casual outings.

With Vuori, you’re looking at everyday comfort with a touch of California hip. Picture buttery-soft textures, lightweight shorts, and cozy hoodies that feel like home. Bottom line: Lululemon is your high-performance hero, while Vuori is your chill day champion.

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