9 Best Athleisure Brands Like lululemon + lululemon Alternatives Under $30

Written by:

Logan Hailey

Edited & fact checked by:

Jagpreet Kaur

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Lululemon alternatives

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Key Takeaway

Discover top high-end and affordable lululemon alternatives for quality athleisure without the hefty price tag.

When you’re looking for the coziest, trendiest outfit to flow, lounge, or workout in, lululemon is undoubtedly the top yoga brand that comes to mind. However, if you’re looking for a cheaper version of lululemon or the best lululemon alternatives, you’re in the right place.  

While they deliver on luxurious quality, exceptional performance, and flattering fits, we have to address the elephant in the room: not everybody can afford to drop $100 on leggings or $50 on a sports bra, no matter how amazing they may be. 

And even if you have some extra cash to drop on high-end athleisure wear, maybe Lulu just isn’t quite your style, yet you still want to enjoy the incredible technical performance of similar clothing lines.  

Either way, you should not forgo treating yourself to decadent buttery soft yoga gear. In fact, you can get Lulu-like quality from a huge array of comparable brands!

Here are our top 9 favorite high-end brands like lululemon as well as 9 of the best lululemon alternatives under $30. 

Top 9 Brands Like lululemon

Since lululemon was founded in 1998, the Canadian athleisure brand has taken the yoga world by storm. Founder Chip Wilson paved the way for quality-obsessed, high-end athletic wear that looks and feels as extraordinary as it performs. lululemon offers more than just a recognizable brand name or a chic style; they create technical apparel that works as hard as you do in the gym, on the mat, or on the go.

Nonetheless, the Lulu community isn’t for everyone. Whether it’s the snooty feeling of crazy expensive leggings or the chic modern styles of Lulu clothes, maybe lululemon just isn’t your vibe. That’s OK! 

Luckily, you can still enjoy the luxurious feeling of high-end workout gear from similar companies. These athleisure brands check all the boxes for elite Lulu-level performance gear while offering a different style and brand reputation. 

Alo Yoga

While most Alo pieces carry the same luxe price tag as lululemon, they offer a uniquely minimalist approach to yoga gear that easily transitions to streetwear. If you want the studio-to-street chic of a brand often sported by celebrities like Taylor Swift and Kendall Jenner, Alo is the brand for you. This L.A. based company is mindful and modern, with a special dedication to sweatshop-free factories, eco-friendly production, and bringing mindful movement to school kids.  

brands like lululemon
Our Top Pick:

Intrigue Bra & High Waist Airlift Legging Set

 

Beyond Yoga

Infamous for their buttery smooth Spacedye fabrics, Beyond Yoga is another L.A. based brand that is actually made in the USA. They are female-founded, body inclusive, and dedicated to making the softest, coziest athleisure gear around. Beyond Yoga’s vibe is a lot more down-to-earth and inclusive than Lulu. They offer luxury-level comfort and flattering activewear styles for all body types.

High Waisted leggings
Our Top Pick:

Spacedye Caught in the Midi High Waisted Legging

Girlfriend Collective

Fancy yet casual, recycled and recyclable materials, and trending sustainable styles made for every body type? You really can’t go wrong with Girlfriend Collective. They are the humble, ethically-made slow fashion athleisure brand we’ve all been waiting for. Their eco-friendly yoga clothes are made from recycled plastic bottles, fishing nets, and recycled cotton in fair trade factories. If you really care about the impact of your clothes, Girlfriend Collective takes transparency to the next level without sacrificing exceptional quality and feel.  

Lounge legging
Our Top Pick:

Sepia ReSet Lounge Legging

Outdoor Voices

OV embodies playful vintage vibes designed for #doingthings. This brand is refreshingly minimalist and laid back compared to lululemon, yet their quality and technical performance are perfectly comparable. As opposed to Lulu’s city-slicker studio styles, Outdoor Voices is founded on, well, the outdoors. Nonetheless, their earth-toned gear performs incredibly well on the mat and feels addictingly soft on your skin. 

all day long sleeve
Our Top Pick:

All Day Longsleeve Wrap

Fabletics

Kate Hudson’s wildly popular athletic line has the innovative, top-notch quality of Lulu for yogis on a budget. Their leggings and accessories are fashion-forward yet affordable.The Fabletics VIP membership program provides personalized picks and amazing discounts on new workout sets every month. You can even get a 2-for-$12 leggings sign up deal! We go more in-depth about Fabletics vs. lululemon in this post.

fabletics

Our Top Pick:

Continuity 2-Piece Outfit

Vuori

As opposed to Lulu’s uptown elegance, California-based Vuori leans more towards a coastal surf style that is refreshingly down-to-earth and artistic. They are passionate about the intersection of yoga, fitness, surf, sports, and art. They practice ethical manufacturing, 100% offsets of their carbon footprint, and a deep dedication to community. Best of all, their yoga outfits flow seamlessly with your practice, whether indoors or out. 

printed leggings
Our Top Pick:

Studio Printed Legging

Athleta

Gap-owned Athleta is a company on an inspiring mission- to empower girls and women to live joyful, active lives. This female exclusive activewear brand is as socially conscious and body positive as it gets. They even offer a whole yoga line for little girls to match their moms both on and off the mat. A certified B corp, Athleta gear takes the cake for a long lifespan, affordable sales, ethical production, and inclusive sizing. If you want a full comparison of Athleta vs. lululemon, check out this post where we do a deep dive into each company’s history, values, and the quality of their clothes. 

flare pant
Our Top Pick:

Elation Flare Pant

Public Rec

Founded on comfortable, cool, classic styles, Public Rec is a newer athleisure brand that matches lululemon’s minimalist, classy style but adds an extra level of sleek, laid back energy. Their clothes are designed to wear “all day, every day” and that includes next level comfort in the studio. Public Rec outfits transition seamlessly from jogging to work from home to stretching on your mat. Yoga sweat pants have never been so cozy, yet posh. 

LuxeFleeceJogger
Our Top Pick:

Luxe Fleece Jogger

Joah Brown

Good-looking, trendy, minimalist, and surprisingly functional on the mat, Joah Brown’s L.A. streetwear rebels against traditional female gender roles while delivering luxurious quality comfortable clothes. Their Earth-toned, sensual designs are perfect for an uptown studio or a casual yoga sesh in the park. This is a more designer brand comparable to lululemon in quality, but with a far different customer base.  

Joah Brown Half Zip Crop Pullover Peppercorn French Terry
Our Top Pick:

Half Zip Crop Pullover

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Top 9 Affordable lululemon Alternatives on Amazon (Under $30)

Instead of paying $100 or more for a pair of lululemon leggings, why not buy 3 or 4 pairs of Lulu-quality leggings for a fraction of the price? 

These under $30 Amazon alternatives are shockingly similar to lululemon’s classic Align leggings and they perform equally as well on the mat. Plus, most of these leggings are less delicate than Lulu, so you can wash them in a normal setting.

When you buy lululemon, you are undoubtedly paying for world-class attention to detail, quality, manufacturing, and strategic brand recognition. But if you don’t care about impressing your fellow yogis with the signature Lulu logo, you can enjoy all the same benefits of brand name yoga gear without breaking the bank.

We were pleasantly surprised by the buttery soft fabrics and long lasting durability of these affordable lululemon alternatives. Try a few for yourself! 

Colorfulkoala Women's Buttery Soft High Waisted Yoga Pants Full-Length Leggings (S, Black)

#1- Colorfulkoala Women's Buttery Soft High Waisted Yoga Pants Full-Length Leggings (S, Black)

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Probably the best cheaper version of lululemon on the market, these ultra cheap Align alternatives have over 35,000 positive reviews on Amazon. They feel shockingly high quality, extraordinarily soft, and perfectly sweat-wicking for any style of yoga. 

CRZ YOGA Womens Naked Feeling Workout 7/8 Yoga Leggings - 25 Inches High Waist Tight Pants Black...

#2- CRZ YOGA Womens Naked Feeling Workout 7/8 Yoga Leggings - 25 Inches High Waist Tight Pants Black...

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These incredible “second skin” buttery soft leggings have the perfect amount of compression while still being squat proof and camel-toe free. They hug you in all the right places without digging in or causing a muffin top.

CRZ YOGA Light-Fleece Warm Leggings for Women 25'' - Thick Brushed Pants High Waisted Athletic...

#3- CRZ YOGA Light-Fleece Warm Leggings for Women 25'' - Thick Brushed Pants High Waisted Athletic...

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The brushed fleece finish on these leggings is luxuriously warm without being overly sweaty. Perfect for autumn yoga flows or cozying up by the fire, the high-end look of CRZ Yoga could fool anyone into thinking you’re wearing the latest Lulu drop.

Yogalicious High Waist Ultra Soft Lightweight Leggings - High Rise Yoga Pants - Black Nude Tech 28'...

#4- Yogalicious High Waist Ultra Soft Lightweight Leggings - High Rise Yoga Pants - Black Nude Tech 28"...

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Yogalicious has earned itself a pretty great reputation as one of the best lululemon knockoffs on the internet. Super affordable, oh-so comfy, and extra stretchy, these leggings have a polyester and spandex blend with a lightweight peached finish that’s as close to wearing nothing as you could get.

90 Degree By Reflex - High Waist Power Flex Legging – Tummy Control - Mulberry - Small

#5- 90 Degree By Reflex - High Waist Power Flex Legging – Tummy Control - Mulberry - Small

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Amazing color options, decadent buttery feel, and full coverage fabric that is never see through? What more could you ask for? These nylon and spandex blend leggings are lightweight and come in gorgeous colorways. They even offer 2 and 3 packs for those who want to stock up. Many yogis have found that these leggings hold up just as long as Lulus, plus they’re more durable in the washing machine. 

BALEAF Women's Ankle Legging Athletic Yoga Hiking Workout Running Pants Inner Pocket Non See-Through...

#6- BALEAF Women's Ankle Legging Athletic Yoga Hiking Workout Running Pants Inner Pocket Non See-Through...

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If you’re not as into Lulu’s ultra high rise fit, these low-to-mid rise leggings are more flattering for certain body types. The flat seams are gusseted and smooth so nothing digs in when you’re in crazy twisting poses. This is by far the cheapest version of lululemon we’ve found. You could literally buy 10 pairs for the price of one pair of Aligns.

QUEENIEKE Women Workout Leggings Sports Pants Zoned Compression Running Tights Size M Color Black

#7- QUEENIEKE Women Workout Leggings Sports Pants Zoned Compression Running Tights Size M Color Black

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Queenieke is another one of our fav Amazon yoga brands because of their incredible customer service and continuous new offerings. Their quality never disappoints (and if it does, they’ll return or exchange, no questions asked). The shapewear leggings are super affordable, mid-rise, flattering, soft, stretchy, and squat proof. 

Dragon Fit High Waist Yoga Leggings with 3 Pockets,Tummy Control Workout Running 4 Way Stretch Yoga...

#8- Dragon Fit High Waist Yoga Leggings with 3 Pockets,Tummy Control Workout Running 4 Way Stretch Yoga...

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These leggings have incredible tummy control and THREE fully expandable pockets to stash your phone and keys on the go. The patterns and colors are all lovely and comparable to Lulu in terms of style, fit, and compression. The six-lined sewing pattern offers reinforced seams that lay flat and smooth to prevent chafing. Plus, the wide high rise waistband complements any body type. 

HeyNuts Hawthorn Athletic High Waisted Yoga Leggings with Side Pockets for Women, Buttery Soft 7/8...

#9- HeyNuts Hawthorn Athletic High Waisted Yoga Leggings with Side Pockets for Women, Buttery Soft 7/8...

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If you’re looking for a buttery soft matte-finish legging, these Align alternatives are just as soft as Lulu yet way more durable in the wash. You can wear these to yoga every day for months without any pilling or loss of shape. They have a seamless waistband, camel-toe-proof crotch gussets, and two big side pockets. 

The Evolution of Athleisure: Moving Beyond the Gym

It’s intriguing how athleisure has developed over time. Initially, it was, about mixing workout attire with clothing for a fashionable yet comfy appearance. Now it has evolved into more than a trend. It encompasses functionality, sustainability, and inclusivity. Surprisingly none of the articles seem to explore this progression and its influence on consumer preferences.

Athleisure labels have shifted their focus towards creating garments that are not limited to workouts or yoga sessions. Are versatile enough for any type of activity. This change has resulted in the use of materials that are not only cozy and long-lasting but also environmentally friendly. Brands have begun utilizing recycled plastics cotton and other sustainable materials in their clothing collections.

Additionally, inclusivity has become a theme. It’s not about offering sizes that accommodate all body shapes but about designing pieces that promote confidence and inclusiveness for everyone. This approach has expanded the market for athleisure brands by appealing to an audience.

This evolution mirrors a trend, towards sustainability and inclusiveness. It’s fascinating to observe how athleisure brands are adjusting to these shifts making it an important factor to consider when exploring brands to lululemon.

The focus has shifted beyond the style and cost; it now centers on the principles upheld by the brand.

Ethical and Sustainable Options of lululemon

When discussing brands such, as Lululemon it’s more than about the style and quality. The values that underlie the brand are also significant. Many of us prefer to wear clothing that not only looks good and performs well but also contributes positively to the environment and society. This underscores the importance of showcasing sustainable alternatives to Lululemon.

Ethical Production

One factor that distinguishes brands is their dedication to production practices. This entails ensuring wages and safe working conditions for all individuals involved in the manufacturing process. It revolves around treating workers with the dignity and respect they rightfully deserve.

Sustainable Materials

Another crucial aspect is the utilization of materials. Some brands are taking strides towards lessening their footprint. They incorporate recycled materials, such as bottles or fishing nets in creating their apparel. This does not aid in cleaning up our planet. Also minimizes waste, in landfills.

By opting for these brands we aren’t just acquiring top-notch workout attire; we’re also endorsing a planet and equitable working environment. It’s a scenario. Therefore when seeking athleisure wear time contemplate selecting a brand that resonates with these principles.

Making a decision can have a significant impact.

Closing Thoughts

lululemon may take the cake for the most popular yoga brand in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. Whether it’s the style or the price tag that aren’t quite for you, there are tons of incredible brands out there that deliver Lulu-level quality specifically toned to meet your values and budget.

Have you tried any of these lululemon alternatives? We’d love to hear about it!

Namaste! 

Pop quiz! 🧘🤔

Lululemon was founded in the United States.

Alo Yoga is known for its eco-friendly production practices.

Fabletics offers a VIP membership program with personalized picks.

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About Logan Hailey

Logan Hailey is a writer, nomad, and 200RYT yoga teacher on a mission to help people live more vivacious, joyful lives aligned with nature. As she travels in her van conversion with her two dogs, she teaches about holistic health, herbalism, and personal development. Keep up with her adventures @naturallylogan on Instagram and TikTok. Follow me: Instagram | LinkedIn

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