I Tried Lululemon, Nike, and Fabletics — Here’s Why I Came Back To Fabletics

Editor’s Note: I used to be a Fabletics VIP Member, but canceled my membership in order to try out other brands. Read this to find out why I restarted my subscription.

As a proud crossfitter, I need workout apparel that’s premium quality, comfortable, and high-performing. My go-to brand used to be Fabletics, but I canceled my VIP membership after my fellow gym goers swore that there are better options out there. Maybe it’s worth paying more for other brands if they offer better performance?

So I succumbed to the peer pressure and ditched my subscription to see what Nike and Lululemon had to offer. I bought shorts, tees, and joggers from each brand and here’s my honest comparison:

Shorts:

Every lifter knows that owning a reliable pair of shorts is essential — especially for those brutal leg day circuits.

The Nike Unlimited 2-1 Versatile Shorts ($60) I bought are decent, but I’m unimpressed with how they fit. The liner is pretty tight while the large leg openings make me look like I have chicken legs. I do like the moss green color, but overall these shorts are lackluster.

The Pace Breaker Lined Shorts 7″ ($78) from Lululemon are definitely high quality and function well. However, similar to the Nike shorts, they’re pretty loose around my thighs and don’t give my quads the justice they deserve. For $78, I expect something that fits better.

Now for the Fabletics 7” One Short Lined (only $10 when you become a new VIP). These shorts feature a comfortable lining that holds my phone and keys securely while doing any exercise. The fit of these actually makes my legs look proportionate and powerful. Plus, the fabric and quality feel the same if not better than Nike and Lululemon. Overall, Fabletics takes the cake in this category.

Joggers:

I purchased Nike’s Sportswear Tech Fleece Joggers ($125) per my friend’s recommendation. Although I like the fit and slim profile, the material feels scratchy and isn’t the most comfortable. Not worth the hefty price tag in my opinion.

The Lululemon Surge Joggers ($118) look really sleek and provide a great stretch for deep squats and lunges. The only problem — my phone tends to fall out of the pocket because they lack side zipper pockets. I end up wearing these more to the office than the gym due to this very reason.

The Go-To Joggers ($19 for new VIP members) from Fabletics are the perfect blend of a casual, loose fit and a sleek, athletic look. I love the zipper pockets that keep my phone safe, and they offer the ultimate stretch for any workout. I also lounge around the house in them all the time cause they’re super cozy. The best part about these is that they only cost a fifth of the price compared to the others.

It’s a close race between Lulu and Fabletics here, but I’d give it to Fabletics for their double zipper pockets and affordable price.

Performance Tees:

I copped Nike’s Dri-FIT Men’s Fitness T-Shirt ($30) and it definitely does the job. I like the color and materials, and the price isn’t that bad. My only complaint would be that the fit of the shirt is a little boxy for me.

The License to Train Short-Sleeve Shirt ($78) from Lululemon fits well and adequately absorbs sweat. The fabric is stretchy and soft, but started pilling after a few washes. I’m not sure if this quality is worth the price.

My Fabletics 24/7 Tee (3 for $24 for new VIPs)features an athletic fit and is crafted from soft, stretchy material that soaks up sweat like a sponge. After many gym sessions and washes, it still looks awesome. So when it comes to fit and price, Fabletics edges out the competition.

Final Thoughts:

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I honestly wish I didn’t listen to my friends because now I’m down a couple hundred bucks and still prefer my original Fabletics gear.

Fabletics Men’s workout apparel performs exceptionally well and doesn’t hurt your wallet when you sign up to become a new VIP. Plus, you can easily avoid getting charged if you skip your membership by the 5th of each month. It’s safe to say that I’m definitely restarting my Fabletics VIP membership and never looking back!