A battle of the athleisure heavyweights: Vuori vs Lululemon.
TL;DR: Vuori is the better pick for softness, everyday comfort, and value. Lululemon is the better pick if you want more structured, office-friendly athleisure with stronger technical features.
Our pick for most people: Vuori Performance Jogger → | Also great: Lululemon Commission Shorts
Comparing two of the biggest names in premium athleisure – we tested both extensively and have strong opinions about which one deserves space in your closet.
We’ve been living in athleisure for years now. Between working from home, chasing kids around, and trying to maintain some semblance of an active lifestyle here in Fort Collins, we’ve become accidental experts in the “looks presentable but feels like pajamas” category of clothing.
And look, both Vuori and Lululemon have earned their spots as the go-to brands for people who want to look put-together while secretly being extremely comfortable. But they’re not the same — and after testing both brands extensively, we have some strong opinions about which one wins in different scenarios.
Quick Verdict: Who Wins? Vuori vs. Lululemon
Best for everyday comfort and casual wear: Vuori
Best for office-appropriate athleisure: Lululemon
Best bang for your buck: Vuori
Best for serious workouts: Tie (depends on the activity)
Best women’s joggers: Vuori Performance Jogger (it’s not even close)
Best men’s shorts: Lululemon Commission Shorts
The bottom line: If you’re primarily looking for comfortable, stylish athleisure for everyday life — working from home, running errands, casual outings — Vuori wins on comfort and value. If you need something that can genuinely pass as business casual or want more workout-specific technical features, Lululemon edges ahead. We own products from both brands, and they serve different purposes in our wardrobes.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Vuori | Lululemon |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range (Pants) | $84-$128 | $98-$138 |
| Price Range (Shorts) | $68-$78 | $68-$98 |
| Signature Fabric | DreamKnit (89% Recycled Polyester, 11% Elastane) | Warpstreme (54% Recycled Polyester, 46% Elastomultiester) |
| Sustainability Focus | Strong (recycled materials, ethical manufacturing, carbon offset) | Moderate (recycled materials in some lines) |
| Size Range | XS-XXL, multiple inseam lengths | True to size, multiple inseam options, free hemming |
| Return Policy | Free returns | Free returns |
| Style Vibe | Coastal California casual | Polished technical athleisure |
| Best For | Everyday comfort, lounging, light exercise | Office-appropriate, serious workouts, versatility |
| Workout Suitability | Light exercise (pilates, yoga, casual workouts) | All workouts including intense activities |
The Deep Dive: What We Actually Tested
Vuori: The Comfort Champion
We’ve been obsessed with Vuori’s Performance Joggers for a while now. Mrs. We Tried It owns multiple pairs — black, camo, and we’re not ruling out more colors in the future.
Here’s what Vuori says about themselves: they make “premium performance apparel inspired by the active Coastal California lifestyle.” What does that mean in practice? Clothes that are comfortable enough for a lazy Sunday but polished enough that you won’t feel embarrassed answering the door.
What We Love About Vuori:
The DreamKnit fabric is legitimately incredible. We’d compare it to the Outdoor Voices CloudKnit — they’re using similar metaphors (Cloud, Dream) because they’re going for a similar feel. It’s thin, soft, and has a four-way stretch that moves with you without feeling constricting.
The Performance Joggers fit perfectly for someone who:
- Hates tight waistbands (the elastic is very loose — no muffin top)
- Wants the option to cinch with a drawstring
- Prefers slim but relaxed (not tight, not baggy)
- Is shorter (the 25″ inseam is perfect if you’re 5’2″ like Mrs. We Tried It, but they offer 27″ for taller folks)
The Investment in Happiness philosophy is something we genuinely appreciate. Vuori focuses on ethical manufacturing, sustainable materials (each pair is made from recycled polyester), and they offset 100% of their carbon footprint. They respond to every review on their site — good or bad — which tells you something about customer service.
At $84, the Performance Joggers are actually the cheapest joggers in our collection. When you’re comparing to Lululemon’s $100+ price point, that matters.
The Honest Negatives:
- Some reviewers have reported pocket issues over time (to be fair, Vuori reaches out to fix these)
- The fabric is thinner than Lululemon’s — great for warmer weather, but maybe not your first choice for a Colorado winter
- Style-wise, they’re clearly athleisure — you’re not fooling anyone into thinking these are dress pants
Lululemon: The Technical Powerhouse
We’ve tested multiple Lululemon products, from the Commission Shorts (which are fantastic) to the Tech Canvas pants (which… we have thoughts about).
The ABC Technology (Anti-Ball-Crushing): Yes, that’s really what it stands for. And it works. The combination of stretchy Warpstreme fabric and a triangular gusset in the crotch area gives men room where they need it while maintaining a great fit everywhere else. It’s genius, honestly — and it’s something we wish more brands would copy.
What We Love About Lululemon:
Top pick: Lululemon ABC Pants are still one of the strongest men’s options we’ve tested for comfort and versatility (see our full Lululemon ABC Pant review).
Here’s the thing nobody talks about: the seam behind the knee on Lululemon’s longer pants drives us insane. The Tech Canvas pants, the ABC Pants — they all have this weird seam that looks like the pants were hemmed by an amateur. It’s a dead giveaway that you’re wearing technical fabric pretending to be regular pants.
With shorts, you don’t notice it because the seam sits where the shorts end. Problem solved. But on full-length pants? It’s distracting.
Also, the Tech Canvas pants — Lululemon’s attempt at “jeans” — only kinda look like jeans. At a distance, sure. Up close, they have an unstructured yoga-pant vibe that won’t fool anyone. You can pair them with a t-shirt or polo, but don’t even think about a dress shirt.
Other Lululemon cons:
- Price is consistently higher ($88-$138 for most items)
- Sizing can be inconsistent — they tend to run a bit small
- Limited color options in some styles
Comfort Breakdown
Fabric Feel
Vuori’s DreamKnit: Incredibly soft, thin, breathable. Feels like you’re wearing nothing (in the best way). Four-way stretch that never feels restrictive. Perfect for warm weather or temperature-controlled environments.
Lululemon’s Warpstreme: More substantial, structured feel. Still stretchy and comfortable, but you’re aware you’re wearing pants. Better moisture-wicking for actual workouts. Holds its shape better over time.
Winner: Vuori for pure lounging comfort. Lululemon if you’re actually working out or need a more polished look.
Waistband Comfort
Vuori: Loose elastic waistband with an optional drawstring. No dig, no muffin top, no complaints. The drawstring lets you adjust for different heights.
Lululemon: More structured waistband with similar adjustability. Slightly more “finished” look but also slightly less forgiving if you’re between sizes.
Winner: Vuori — the waistband disappears when you’re wearing them.
All-Day Wearability
We’ve worn both brands for 12+ hour stretches. Here’s the reality:
Vuori joggers feel like elevated sweatpants. You can sit on a Zoom call, roll around on the floor with kids, do pilates, run to Target — and never feel uncomfortable or underdressed.
Lululemon Commission Shorts feel like technical chinos. Great for actual activities, running errands, casual social situations. They’re versatile in a different way — more polished, less cozy.
Winner: Tie — they serve different purposes.
Style Breakdown
Casual Versatility
Vuori leans heavily into the “California casual” aesthetic. Their clothes say “I’m comfortable and I don’t care if you know it.” They look great with t-shirts, hoodies, and athletic shoes.
Lululemon splits the difference between athletic and casual. Their pieces can dress up a bit more — the Commission Shorts work with a button-down, and the ABC Pants can pass in a business casual environment (the seam notwithstanding).
Winner: Lululemon for versatility. Vuori for owning the casual look.
Office Appropriateness
Can you wear these to work?
Vuori: Maybe if your office is very casual. The Performance Joggers are clearly joggers. They’re elevated joggers, but joggers nonetheless.
Lululemon: Yes, with caveats. The Commission Shorts work for most business casual environments. The ABC Pants work in casual offices but the seam might give you away in a traditional setting.
Winner: Lululemon — but honestly, if you need true dress clothes, look elsewhere. Our business casual guide has you covered.
Durability and Value
Long-Term Wear
We’ve had Vuori Performance Joggers for over two years. They’ve held up remarkably well (both brands appear in our best travel pants for men roundup) — fabric still feels soft, no pilling, shape retained. A few reviewers mention pocket issues, but we haven’t experienced that.
Our Lululemon pieces have similar durability. The Warpstreme fabric is resilient, and the gusseted construction means less stress on the seams where pants typically fail.
Winner: Tie — both brands make quality products that last.
Price-to-Value Ratio
| Item | Vuori | Lululemon |
|---|---|---|
| Joggers/Pants | $84-$98 | $128-$138 |
| Shorts | $68-$78 | $68-$98 |
| Core T-Shirts | $58-$68 | $58-$78 |
Winner: Vuori — you’re getting comparable quality at a noticeably lower price point. If Lululemon prices feel steep, see our Lululemon ABC Pant alternatives.
Who Should Buy Which?
Comparing more brands? See our DUER vs Lululemon, Fabletics vs Lululemon, and Public Rec vs Lululemon comparisons.
Buy Vuori If You:
- Prioritize all-day comfort above everything else
- Work from home and want to look presentable on video calls
- Have an active lifestyle that’s more yoga/pilates than CrossFit
- Care about sustainability and ethical manufacturing
- Want the best women’s joggers money can buy
- Are budget-conscious but still want premium quality
- Hate constrictive waistbands
- Live somewhere warm (or have good climate control)
Buy Lululemon If You:
- Need athleisure that can pass as business casual
- Work out seriously and want technical performance features
- Want the ABC technology for men’s pants (it’s legitimately good)
- Prefer a more structured, polished look
- Want maximum variety in styles and functions
- Live near a Lululemon store (the free hemming is clutch)
- Don’t mind paying premium prices for premium products
Buy Both If You:
- Have room in your wardrobe (and budget) for both
- Want different options for different occasions
- Appreciate quality athleisure in all its forms
Honest Negatives
Vuori Cons:
- Thinner fabric — Not ideal for cold weather; feels less substantial than Lululemon
- Clearly casual — You’re not fooling anyone into thinking these are dress pants
- Limited workout-specific features — Great for light activity, less technical for intense workouts
- Availability — Fewer physical stores, mostly online shopping
Lululemon Cons:
- The dreaded back-of-knee seam — We hate it on the pants. It’s a dead giveaway.
- Higher prices — You’re paying a premium for the brand name
- Sizing inconsistency — Tends to run small; try before you buy if possible
- Tech Canvas doesn’t quite nail the “jean look” — They tried, they almost got there, but not quite
Final Verdict: Pick Your Priority
Comfortable, soft and non-constrictive, this is the perfect jogger for everyday wear.
If comfort is your priority → Vuori Performance Jogger The softest, most comfortable joggers we’ve tested. Period. They’re perfect for working from home, casual outings, light exercise, and everything in between. At $84, they’re also the better value.
If versatility is your priority → Lululemon Commission Shorts Technical fabric, clean styling, and real-world versatility make these our favorite men’s Lululemon pick. They go from the golf course to a casual dinner without missing a beat.
For women → Vuori wins Mrs. We Tried It is on her third pair of Vuori Performance Joggers. They’re the best women’s joggers she’s ever worn — comfortable, flattering, and reasonably priced.
For men → It depends Vuori for lounging and casual wear. Lululemon for anything resembling professional or workout scenarios.
Ultimately? We have both brands in our closet, and we reach for different ones depending on the day. That probably tells you everything you need to know — they’re both excellent, just for different reasons.
What Others Are Saying
- Readers who prioritize softness and lounge comfort tend to prefer Vuori.
- Readers who care most about long-term durability and polished styling tend to prefer Lululemon.
- That lines up with our testing too: Vuori is the comfort pick, while Lululemon is the structure-and-versatility pick.
It depends what you’re after. Vuori wins on everyday comfort, softness, and value. Lululemon wins on workout-specific performance, office versatility, and polished styling. We own both and reach for different brands depending on the day.
