When it comes to athletic apparel, two brands often top the list for quality and popularity – Born Primitive and Lululemon. Both are known for their stylish and functional workout gear, but they also have some key differences that users should consider.
This article will break down the pros, cons, features, and FAQs to help you decide which brand is best for your activewear needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
Category | Born Primitive | Lululemon |
Founding | 2013, Austin TX | 1998, Vancouver Canada |
Price point | $$ | $$$$ |
Size range | Standard sizes only | Broad size range |
Variety | Limited, fitness focused | Huge variety for all activities |
Strengths | Hardcore workout wear | Stylish, comfortable, versatile |
Fabric | Sweat-wicking, durable | Lightweight, stretchy, breathable |
Approach | Maximize training intensity | Holistic lifestyle emphasis |
Overview Of Born Primitive
Born Primitive was founded in 2013 by Luke and Cortney Carr. Based out of Austin, Texas, the brand has the motto “Leave Nothing Behind” and aims to inspire wearers to unleash their full potential during training.
Born Primitive is designed for high intensity functional training (HIIT), weightlifting, CrossFit, and other tough workouts. The fabrics are sweat-wicking, flexible, and durable to handle tough training. The unique designs and patterns Stand out from typical gym clothes.
Pros of Born Primitive
- Specialized for high intensity workouts
- Flexible, sweat-wicking fabrics
- Trendy, eye-catching designs
- Made in the USA
- Offers military/first responder discount
Cons of Born Primitive
- Limited size range
- Less variety than other brands
- Higher price point
Born Primitive is best for athletes looking for clothes specifically designed for high intensity functional training that will last through brutal workouts. The clothes offer full range of motion and are stylish enough to wear in and out of the gym.
Overview Of Lululemon
Founded in 1998 by Chip Wilson in Vancouver, Canada, Lululemon has grown into one of the most recognizable athletic apparel brands. Their clothes are designed for yoga, running, training, and most other sweaty pursuits.
Lululemon built its reputation with its iconic yoga pants and leggings. But the brand offers much more than just leggings, with stylish tops, shorts, jackets, and accessories for female and male athletes.
Pros of Lululemon
- Huge variety of athletic apparel
- Flattering, functional designs
- High-quality materials and construction
- Trendy styles beyond basic workout clothes
- Stores across the globe
Cons of Lululemon
- Very expensive, especially leggings
- Limited options for plus sizes
- Controversies over see-through leggings
Lululemon is ideal for yogis and athletes willing to pay premium prices for beautiful, comfortable workout clothes backed by quality construction. The brand offers far more variety than Born Primitive across all categories.
Also Read: Comparison Between Hylete And Ten Thousand.
Comparison BetweenBorn Primitive and Lululemon
Now that we’ve covered an overview of Born Primitive and Lululemon independently, let’s directly compare some of the key factors in choosing between the two brands:
Price – Lululemon commands premium pricing across the board while Born Primitive is more affordable yet still pricier than basic activewear brands. You’re paying for quality with both, but Lululemon costs significantly more.
Sizing – Born Primitive has a relatively narrow size range compared to Lululemon. Lululemon offers many more options for women, men and plus sizes, while Born Primitive focuses on standard straight sizes.
Variety – Hands down Lululemon wins for variety. With a huge selection of tops, bottoms, dresses, jackets and other gear, they offer far more choice in colors, prints and styles. Born Primitive has a relatively narrow collection focused on functional workout clothing.
Technical Fabric – Both brands construct their clothes from high quality technical fabrics but they excel in different areas. Born Primitive uses fabrics designed to wick sweat and withstand high intensity training. Lululemon is known for stretchy, lightweight and breathable fabrics perfect for sweaty yoga sessions.
Comfort – Comfort is a highlight for both brands. Born Primitive clothes allow full range of motion for training. Lululemon touts comfort that allows you to move freely in any workout. For all-day wear, Lululemon may edge out Born Primitive.
Durability – Durable construction is a shared strength. Born Primitive’s clothes are built to power through grueling workouts so the seams and fabrics are highly durable. Lululemon is also known for quality construction that can withstand frequent sweaty workouts over years.
Styles – Lululemon wins for offering chic, trendy styles you can wear in and out of the gym. Born Primitive delivers eye-catching designs but the focus is purely on workout-ready performance.
Brand Ethos – Born Primitive is all about inspiring maximum effort and intensity during training. Lululemon takes a more holistic lifestyle approach emphasizing yoga, mindfulness and well-being in addition to fitness.
Also Read: Comparison Between Snag Tights And Sheertex.
Born Primitive and Lululemon For Men and Women
Both brands offer lines designed specifically for men and women. Here’s how they compare:
Born Primitive has a relatively limited selection for women and men focused on bottoms like shorts, leggings and pants. Most of their tops and other items are unisex.
Lululemon offers a huge variety of bras, tanks, shirts, jackets and more made specifically to flatter women’s figures. Their men’s line provides tops, shorts, pants and briefs catering to male athletic preferences.
For women, Lululemon has far more options while Born Primitive takes a simpler approach. Men have about equal options from both brands, but Lululemon offers more styles for training, running and other activities beyond weightlifting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Born Primitive was founded by Luke and Cortney Carr in 2013. Luke came up with the idea for technical workout clothes after struggling to find gym shorts that didn’t restrict his range of motion.
Born Primitive is headquartered in Austin, Texas where the clothes are designed. Their clothes are manufactured in Florida.
Yes, Born Primitive offers a 10% discount to active duty military, veterans, first responders, and more. Just verify through ID.me.
Lululemon shorts stand out for their lightweight, sweat-wicking performance fabrics and wide range of adjustable fits. Their shorts excel at keeping you cool and letting you move freely. Popular styles include their Fast and Free shorts and Hotty Hot Shorts.
Also Read: Comparison Between FandEdge And Fanatics
The Bottom Line
Born Primitive and Lululemon both make exceptional athletic apparel designed for fitness enthusiasts who demand quality. Lululemon is the clear choice for shoppers who want more variety across styles and activities. Their clothes cost more but deliver on style and performance.
Born Primitive has a narrower range focused on high intensity functional training. Their clothes offer durability and full range of motion at a more affordable price point. While smaller in scope, their products excel at powering through tough workouts.
Choose Lululemon for chic, comfortable gear to power you through sweaty yoga sessions, runs and all-day adventures. Opt for Born Primitive when you need affordable, hardcore workout clothing that can keep up with brutal functional training.
Whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong with the outstanding athletic apparel from Born Primitive and Lululemon.