When it comes to stylish, performance-driven fitness apparel, both Fabletics and Under Armour have become go-to brands.
But with different focuses and pricing structures, how do you decide which is better for your activewear needs?
This detailed comparison examines the key differences and similarities between Fabletics and Under Armour across factors like cost, quality, style and more.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Fabletics | Under Armour |
| Pricing | $49.95/month membership, outfits $24.95-$99.95 | No membership, full retail pricing |
| Women’s Options | Leggings, sports bras, tops, shorts, lifestyle apparel | Leggings, bras, tops, jackets, athletic apparel |
| Performance Fabrics | 4-way stretch, moisture-wicking, compression | Innovative sweat-wicking, cooling, anti-odor |
| Quality | Lower quality, may pill/fade over time | Durable, premium athletic quality |
| Sizing | Runs small, size up in tops | True to size fit |
| Style | Trendy prints and patterns, athleisure | Classic athletic styles and colors |
| Best For | Affordability, fashion styles, compression | Athletic performance, moisture-wicking, training |
Overview of Fabletics and Under Armour
Fabletics
Founded in 2013, Fabletics offers affordable, stylish workout gear and athleisure apparel through its flexible membership program. It focuses on trendy prints, patterns and styles designed for women.
Under Armour
Under Armour launched in 1996 as a performance brand engineered for athletes. It offers innovative sports apparel and athletic footwear designed to optimize training and fitness. Under Armour gears its clothes toward men, women and youth.
Key Differences Between Fabletics And Under Armour
Fabletics and Under Armour are two notable brands in the women’s activewear industry. Both cater to active individuals, yet their business models, styles, and features present contrasting options for consumers. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of their differences:
1. Pricing and Membership Model
Fabletics operates with a membership-centric model, which essentially means that you’re part of an exclusive club. By paying $49.95 monthly, members gain store credit and can purchase outfits at discounted rates ranging from $24.95 to $99.95.
This model offers members a financial advantage as non-members are subjected to higher list prices.
The flexibility of Fabletics lies in the option to skip any month or cancel the membership anytime, ensuring that customers are not unnecessarily burdened.
Under Armour, on the other hand, forgoes the membership model and keeps things straightforward. They have a full retail pricing model but frequently offer sales, sometimes up to 30% off.
Furthermore, they have an outlet site where customers can find clearance deals, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious individuals.
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2. Women’s Activewear Options
Both Fabletics and Under Armour have carved niches in the women’s activewear space, offering an array of products tailored to modern athletic needs.
Fabletics impresses with a versatile lineup which includes sports bras, leggings with tummy control, trendy joggers, and more. Their focus leans towards trendy prints and styles, ensuring consumers stay fashionable during their workouts.
Under Armour’s selection for women, while equally expansive, showcases their understanding of athletic needs. With sports bras that promise superior support and leggings designed specifically for training, their range boasts a mix of functionality and style.
While they do have stylish offerings, their color palette is more muted, appealing to those who prefer understated elegance.
3. Performance Features and Fabrics
When it comes to performance, both brands have invested heavily in fabric technologies and features that promise optimal comfort and utility.
Fabletics employs 4-way stretch fabrics, moisture-wicking technology, and built-in shapewear compression in their leggings.
They’ve also incorporated UPF 50+ sun protection and features like reflective details in some pieces for added safety during outdoor workouts.
Under Armour raises the bar with their innovations, focusing on fast-drying athletic material, anti-odor technology, and specific fabrics like HeatGear which offer unparalleled comfort.
They also segment their products based on activities, offering specialized pieces for pursuits like running or yoga.
4. Quality and Durability
The longevity of activewear is crucial, and both brands approach this differently. Fabletics, while prioritizing style and affordability, occasionally sees variations in quality.
For instance, while their leggings may provide excellent compression, there have been reports of pilling or fading over a span of 1-2 years.
Under Armour’s reputation, on the other hand, is built on delivering premium athletic performance. Their apparel is designed to withstand extensive wear, be it from chafing or rigorous activities.
Moreover, they offer warranties on defects, emphasizing their commitment to quality.
Also Read: Comparison Between ColdGear and HeatGear
5. Sizing and Fit
Fit is paramount in activewear, and there’s a distinct difference in how these brands approach sizing. Fabletics offers sizes from XS to 3X and generally suggests sizing up for tops if one prefers a looser fit. Their fabrics are soft and stretchy, molding comfortably to the body.
Under Armour follows a slimmer, athletic cut tailored more for training purposes. They generally stay true to size across their range. Their bras, in particular, are designed for high-impact activities and provide structured support, ensuring maximum comfort during intensive workouts.
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6. Style and Designs
Fabletics leans more towards the fashion-forward user. Their designs are replete with trendy prints, patterns, and materials like velour and vegan leather. Their focus on releasing new styles and collections each month ensures that their consumers are always in vogue.
Under Armour, while traditionally aligning with classic athletic styles, has been venturing into more fashion-forward collaborations. Their designs are more minimalist and utilitarian, reflecting their brand’s emphasis on performance over aesthetics.
Choosing between Fabletics and Under Armour ultimately boils down to personal preferences and priorities. Whether you prioritize fashion, performance, or a balance of both, both brands have unique offerings to cater to your needs.
Pros and Cons Comparison
| Fabletics | Under Armour |
| Pros:- Trendy, stylish designs- Affordable monthly membership pricing- New styles released frequently- Sculpting compression leggings – UPF sun protection | Pros: – Superior performance for training- Innovative sweat-wicking fabrics- Durable, long-lasting quality – Structured athletic bra support – True to size fit |
| Cons: – Quality varies, may pill or fade – Monthly membership payments- Sizing can run small- Limited basic athletic colors | Cons: – Higher retail pricing – Less frequent style updates – Limited trendy prints/patterns – Slimmer fit isn’t flattering for all |
Which One Is Perfectly Fit You?
Fabletics:
- Shoppers wanting stylish, fashion-forward activewear
- Affordability and value on workout clothes
- Women seeking compression leggings
- Athleisure clothing for lifestyle wear
Under Armour:
- Athletes and runners needing high performance
- Maximizing training with moisture-wicking clothes
- True athletic fit and feel during workouts
- Premium quality and durability
Also Read: Battle Of Fabletics And Ten Thousand
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In Fabletics, it’s best to size up, especially in tops. The leggings are designed for compression, so your true bottom size should fit well. But the tops often run small, so size up one from your normal shirt size for a comfortable athletic fit.
Fabletics leggings are designed with stretchy fabrics like spandex that mold to your body. Over time, after several wears and washes, Fabletics leggings may start to stretch out slightly and lose some compression, but not drastically.
Some Fabletics legging styles and colors can be prone to showing underwear lines due to the thinner, stretchier performance fabrics. Darker shades tend to be more opaque. Review transparency concerns for specific styles to select a pair that won’t be see-through.
The main differences are that Fabletics offers more budget-friendly pricing through membership plans compared to Lululemon’s higher prices. Fabletics also focuses on trendier styles and patterns, while Lululemon gears more toward premium athletic performance.
Also Read: Differences Between Gymshark And BuffBunny.
The Bottom Line
For budget-friendly, fashionable activewear, Fabletics delivers stylish workout clothes at affordable member prices. For high-performance training apparel, Under Armour’s innovative athletic fabrics and durable quality excel. Decide based on your priorities between cost, style and hardcore fitness needs.