2025 Activewear Review – How Nike, Lululemon, And Fabletics Stacked Up
Last year, I made it a goal to find the best workout clothes for my training. As a regular lifter, I need gear that’s high-quality and can handle intense, sweaty sessions without totally breaking the bank.
Like most people, I went for Nike and Lululemon. Both brands perform, but each time I checked out, my bank account flinched. So when I kept seeing ads about Fabletics’ low prices for new VIPs, I had to give it a try.
Throughout 2025, I tried shorts, joggers, and performance tees from all three brands to see which held up in the gym and felt worth the spend.
After a full year of training, here’s how each stacked up. Keep reading to find out which brand I’m sticking with in 2026…
Shorts
Seasoned lifters know a solid pair of shorts can make or break leg day. These are the three I put through my training rotation:
- My Nike Unlimited 2-in-1 Versatile Shorts ($60) held up decently, but after months of squats, lunges, and sprint circuits, the fit never fully worked. They were both too tight and too loose at the same time. The liner became restrictive during longer sessions. And the outer shorts looked oversized (which made it look like I skipped leg day, even though I hit them twice a week).
- The Lululemon Pace Breaker Lined Shorts 7″ ($78) performed better. The premium quality lasted through multiple washes without fading. That said, they’re still loose around my thighs. And over 12 months of wear, I noticed they didn’t give my quads the athletic fit I strive for. At nearly $80, I expected much more from the fit.
- The Fabletics 7” One Short Lined (only $10 as a new VIP) way exceeded my expectations. The liner stays comfortable and secure, even after thousands of reps and heavy lifting sessions. The fit makes my legs look athletic and cut, and the materials remain soft and durable even today. Signing up as a new Fabletics VIP and getting $10 shorts felt like a serious gamble. But after 12 months of testing, I can confidently say they outperform the bigger names.
Joggers
I tested joggers from each brand too, putting them through chilly morning speed work with my running class.
- The Nike Sportswear Tech Fleece Joggers ($125) felt premium at first, but after months of training, they lost their color and shrank. Once my legs got pumped, the joggers started chafing my thighs to point where I had to stop my workouts. For the price, I expected more adaptability.
- The Lululemon Surge Joggers ($118) looked sharp and held up to frequent washing, but the material didn’t stretch enough for deeper squats and lunges. By mid-year, I wore them more casually rather than for training.
- The Fabletics One Joggers (only $19 as a new VIP) was my go-to for the entire year. They maintained the perfect balance of casual comfort and athletic flexibility. The zippered pockets stayed secure, and the quality held up wash after wash. By year’s end, I realized I could have bought five Fabletics pairs for the price of one Nike or Lululemon jogger. That makes Fabletics’ the clear winner for long-term performance and value.
Performance Tees
A year of cardio, runs, weight-room mornings, and repeated washes quickly exposed how each brand’s training tees really perform.
- The Nike Dri-FIT Fitness T-Shirt ($30) stayed functional, but after months of wear, the boxy fit was no longer flattering and didn’t flow as seamlessly with my workouts.
- The Lululemon License to Train Short-Sleeve Shirt ($78) absorbed sweat well, but within weeks, it started pilling – unforgivable for a premium-priced tee.
- The Fabletics 24/7 Tee ($7 as a new VIP) was a yearlong standout. The fit stays consistent, and the anti-stink, 4-way stretch material handles sweat well.
Why I’m Sticking With Fabletics In 2026
After a full year of training in all three brands, the choice is clear. Fabletics consistently delivered the best combo of comfort, performance, and value. And thanks to the affordable VIP prices, I have seriously upgraded my gym wardrobe.
If you work out a lot like I do, you should really consider the Fabletics VIP membership. Here’s how it works:
- New VIPs get 80% off their first purchase, that’s premium pants or joggers for as low as $19, or shorts for only $10.
- After the first order, members are charged $69.95 per month, which becomes a credit worth up to $100 toward any item or outfit.
- Credits are valid for 12 months, and members can skip a month or cancel at any time.
Premium fabrics. Diverse styles. Insane value. This year, I’m sticking with Fabletics’ VIP membership, so I can keep hitting my workout goals all year without burning a hole in my wallet.
This offer’s only around for a limited time, so treat yourself to a Fabletics VIP Membership and head into 2026 looking (and feeling) sharp.
