Fabletics Vs Athleta: Best Activewear Brand For Women

Fabletics and Athleta are two popular activewear brands people choose from. While both brands are popular and offer similar products, there are still slight differences between them.

In today's guide, we compare both on the basis of brand, quality, pricing, and several other factors, so you can decide which brand suits your lifestyle, budget, and style.

"Fabletics is much cheaper, starting at $24 for 2 pairs of leggings, while Athleta leggings start from $89. But when it comes to quality, Athleta wins."

Fabletics vs Athleta: Tabular Comparison

Here is a side-by-side comparison of Fabletics and Athleta across the categories that matter most.

Also read: Athleta Vs Lululemon: My Honest Review.

Brand Origins & Missions

Fabletics was founded in 2013 by Adam Goldenberg, Don Ressler, and Kate Hudson, aiming to create stylish and affordable activewear that mixes fitness with fashion. Fun designs and celebrity partnerships helped it quickly gain popularity among trend-focused shoppers.

Athleta was started in 1998 by two women who wanted better workout clothes for women. Gap Inc. purchased Athleta in 2008, and since then the brand has focused on empowering women through exercise. Athleta is now a certified B Corp, meaning it follows strict ethical and eco-friendly practices.

Business Model & Shopping Experience

Fabletics runs a VIP membership for $59.95 a month, which gives you credits toward outfits and member discounts. If you forget to skip a month, you'll be charged automatically, which some shoppers find frustrating. Fabletics sells through both physical stores and online.

Athleta operates like a regular store, so no membership is required. It has over 250 locations across the U.S. and Canada, along with an online store. Prices run higher than Fabletics, but there are no unexpected charges - though sales do happen, and popular sizes tend to sell out fast.

Design Style & Product Range

Fabletics offers bold prints and bright-colored pieces with trendy cuts, including matching designs for men, women, and couples - best suited for workouts and athleisure.

Athleta sticks to classic, minimal, straightforward designs in neutral colors, and makes clothing exclusively for women and girls.

Fit, Sizing & Comfort

Fabletics offers sizes from XXS to 4X, but fit can be inconsistent - some leggings have awkward crotch fabric or a loose waist. The PowerHold legging is a standout, but other items can feel plasticky, and some tops have twisting straps.

Athleta sizing is more reliable, with better options for taller frames. Leggings like the Elation and Salutation lines are soft, comfortable, breathable, high quality, and free of odd bunching.

Quality & Longevity

Fabletics offers some genuinely high-quality pieces - like the PowerHold legging, which can last a full year - but not every product holds up the same way. Many items feel cheaper and less durable compared to Athleta, making Fabletics better suited for trendy pieces than long-term wear.

Athleta's clothing is built to last through frequent washing and regular workouts. The fabrics feel luxurious and durable, and people who switch from Fabletics to Athleta rarely go back because of the quality difference.

Pricing & Membership Options

Fabletics is cheaper when you buy through a membership and take advantage of discount offers, but the membership itself can feel tricky and easy to get stuck in. You need to be a VIP member to unlock the best deals - otherwise you pay more.

Athleta charges more (around $89 for leggings) compared to Fabletics, but its quality and fabrics are unmatched. It also has no subscription model, so everyone pays the same price.

Sustainability & Ethics

Fabletics has put more focus on sustainability in recent years, but it still isn't the industry leader - the brand prioritizes style and affordability over eco-friendly practices.

Athleta is a certified B Corporation, using recycled materials and ethical manufacturing while actively supporting causes tied to women's empowerment.

Pros and Cons

Fabletics Pros

Fabletics Cons

Athleta Pros

Athleta Cons

Conclusion

Fabletics and Athleta are both strong choices for women's activewear. Fabletics offers a membership model built around discounts, while Athleta keeps pricing straightforward. Fabletics leans into trendy, budget-friendly styles, whereas Athleta emphasizes durability and sustainability.

Personally, Athleta comes out ahead. Its transparent pricing is refreshing - no need to sign up for the best deals - and the quality holds up impressively over years of wear. For comfort and reliability, Athleta is worth the higher price tag.

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