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 will compare both on the basis of their brand, quality, pricing, and many other factors. Read this guide to know which brand suits your lifestyle, budget, and style.

Fabletics vs Athleta: Tabular Comparison

Fabletics is much cheaper, costing just $24 for 2 pairs of leggings, while Athleta leggings start from $89. However, when it comes to quality, Athleta wins.

The tabular comparison of Athleta vs Fabletics is listed below:

|| Also Read: Athleta Vs Lululemon: My Honest Review

Brand Origins & Missions

Fabletics was founded in 2013 by Adam Goldenberg, Don Ressler, and Kate Hudson. They aimed to create stylish and affordable activewear that mixes fitness with fashion. With fun designs and partnerships with celebrities, they quickly gained popularity among shoppers who follow trends.

Athleta was started in 1998 by two women who wanted better workout clothes for women. Gap Inc. purchased Athleta in 2008, and since then, they have focused on empowering women through exercise. They are now a certified B Corp, which means they follow strict ethical and eco-friendly practices.

Business Model & Shopping Experience

Fabletics has a VIP membership for $59.95 a month, which gives you credits for outfits and discounts. However, if you forget to skip a month, you’ll be charged, which some people find frustrating. They also have both physical stores and online sales, making it easy to shop for affordable workout clothes.

Athleta operates like a regular store, so no membership is required. They have over 250 locations in the U.S. and Canada, along with an online store. Prices are higher than Fabletics, but there are no unexpected charges. Sales do occur, but popular sizes tend to sell out quickly.

Design Style & Product Range

Fabletics offers bold print and bright-coloured dresses with trendy cuts. They offer matching designs for both males and females, along with many couples’ outfits. They are best for workouts and athleisure wear.

Athletic produces classic, minimal, and straightforward design clothes. They have neutral colours and are made only for women and girls.

Fit, Sizing & Comfort

Fabletics has different sizes from XXS to 4X, but their sizes are inconsistent. For example, their leggings have awkward crotch fabric or a loose waist. I loved their PowerHold legging, but other items feel plasticky, even brands have twisting straps.

While Athleta sizing is more reliable with many taller options, their legging (like Elatuion and Salutation) are too soft and comfortable to wear. Their items are breathable, high quality, and have no weird bunching.

Quality & Longetivity

Fabletics offers high-quality products and leggings like Powerhold that last for the year, but not all products are the same. Their many items feel cheap and less durable compared to Athleta. It is suitable for trendy clothes, but not for long-term wear.

Athleta offers high-quality clothing that lasts for wear. They are best for frequent washing and for workouts. Their fabrics feel luxurious and durable. People who switch from Fabletics to Athleta rarely go back because of quality differences.

Pricing & Membership Options

Fabletics products are cheaper when purchased with a membership and a discount offer, but their membership is tricky and annoying. You need to be their VIP members to get the best deals; otherwise, you have to pay more.

Athleta might charge more ($89 for leggings) compared to Fabletics, but their quality and fabrics are unmatched. Plus, they don’t have any subscription method, which means everyone gets the same prices.

Sustainability & Ethics

Fabletics has focused on sustainability than before, but they are not the best. They focus more on style and affordability than on any eco-friendly options.

Athleta is a certified B corporation because it uses recycled materials and ethical manufacturing. They support and work more for women’s causes.

Pros and Cons

The pros and cons of the Fabletics and Athleta brands are listed below:

Fabletics Pros

• Very affordable, especially with VIP membership
• Trendy, bold styles with frequent new releases
• Wide size range (XXS–4X) for inclusivity
• Great deals for first-time buyers (e.g., 2 for $24 leggings)
• Offers clothes for both men and women
• PowerHold leggings are highly praised for compression

Fabletics Cons

• VIP membership can be confusing and complicated to cancel
• Unexpected charges if you forget to skip the month
• Inconsistent sizing, especially in leggings and tall options
• Many items feel plasticky or don’t pass squat tests
• Sports bras can have twisted straps or poor construction
• Clothes often wear out within 1–2 years   

Athleta Pros

• Excellent quality and long-lasting fabrics
• Super comfortable and breathable
• Consistent fit and accurate tall sizing
• No membership needed—just shop and go
• Certified B Corp with strong sustainability values
• Stylish in a clean, minimal, timeless way

Athleta Cons

• Prices are much higher than Fabletics
• Sale items may have limited size or colour availability
• Styles can be seen as too simple or plain by some
• Smaller selection for people looking for trendy or bold looks

Conclusion

Fabletics and Athleta are the best women’s activewear brands. Fabletics offers a membership model with discounts, while Athleta has straightforward pricing. Fabletics focuses on trendy, budget-friendly styles, whereas Athleta emphasizes durability and sustainability.

Personally, I prefer Athleta. Their transparent pricing is refreshing—no need to sign up for the best deals. The quality is fantastic! I’ve worn their leggings and tops for years, and they still feel great. Athleta is worth the investment for its comfort and reliability.

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