Athleisure may have had its heyday in 2020, but even five years later, there’s no shortage of athleisure brands for men and women to shop. But sometimes that overabundance can be a bad thing. How do you know which brands to trust?
Listen to Personal Stylist and Next Level Wardrobe founder, Cassandra Sethi, for the answers to all of these questions and more. As a former Senior Buyer for Equinox, Cassandra worked with the best athleisure brands in the world. She also created SoulCycle’s retail business. Today, she integrates the lessons from those positions into her personal styling work. She’s also a lover of yoga and weight training.
Keep reading for her take on luxury athleisure brands and her essential advice.
Table of Contents
Is Lululemon Worth It? A Stylist’s HONEST Review
Watch Cassandra’s full review.
Based on our experience, Lululemon is not worth the investment. While the brand is widely recognized, we found significant issues with product fit, the in-store experience, and customer service.
- Store Experience: After visiting both NYC and LA locations, Cassandra noted a lack of size availability and an overabundance of non-apparel products. The result was a cluttered environment that distracted from the clothing itself.
- Customer Service: Interactions with sales associates were minimal, creating a disconnected shopping experience. While this may reflect broader shifts in retail post-COVID, it left the brand feeling impersonal and less premium.
- Product: Of the 25 pieces Cassandra tried and the 10 she purchased, only three were worth keeping, and only loved one. Common issues included inconsistent sizing, overly tight seams, and unflattering fits that compromised comfort and style.
Final Grades:
Store Experience: C
Customer Service: C
Product: D
Verdict: We don’t recommend investing in Lululemon. Other athleisure brands deliver better quality, a more refined shopping experience, and actual luxury value.
Top Athleisure Brands for Women
1. Buffbunny
- Size inclusive: Wide range of sizes and diverse fit models.
- Flattering Fit: Sculpting bottoms and modern cuts to emphasize your glutes and waist.
- Price: More affordable than Lululemon. Leggings typically range from $60-$70, while Lululemon leggings cost $88-$138.
- Online only
2. Athleta
- Classic Essentials: Athleta is our number one choice for true workout workhorse wardrobe pieces.
- Expansive Size and Length Options: Whether you need an extra short inseam for a petite frame or you need supportive bras for a double D cup size, Athleta has it.
- Washer-friendly: Thanks to better quality fabrics, Athleta is easy to care for and wash.
- Price: Athleta is comparable to Lululemon’s price range. Their leggings range from $89-$119.
- Lack of “trending” options: Athleta sticks to what it does best: classics. Don’t expect a wide range of color options or trendy drops.
Style That Fits Your Active Lifestyle
Style isn’t just about clothes, it’s about how you live. At Next Level Wardrobe, we teach clients buildable style skills that work anywhere: from brunch to boardroom, gym to jet set. It’s about knowing how to adapt your style so your wardrobe works for every activity and setting. With the proper foundation, you can move through your day with confidence.
Want a Wardrobe That Works for Every Part of Your Life?
Apply for our in-person wardrobe styling or virtual executive image consultation services today!
Luxury Athleisure Brands: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best athleisure brands right now?
Right now, the best athleisure brands are Buffbunny and Athleta. Buffbunny offers trend-savvy options for women seeking sculpting for their waist and leggings, while Athleta is a must-have for high-end athleisure brands.
What are the top black-owned athleisure brands?
What is another brand like Lululemon?
Athleta and Buffbunny are two other women’s athleisure brands like Lululemon. They offer superior fit, size ranges, and variety while being just as high quality. Other popular options include Alo Yoga, Vuori, and Beyond Yoga.
