Activewear and athleisure brands have exploded in popularity in recent years. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to decide where to shop.
Two brands that often come up are HeyNuts and Lululemon. But how do they actually compare?
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | HeyNuts | Lululemon |
| Pricing | Budget-friendly; Most leggings $25-$45 | Premium pricing; Leggings $100-$150 |
| Fabrics | Primarily polyester and spandex blends | Proprietary technical fabrics |
| Fit | More size inclusive (XS-3XL); Tend to stretch out | Slim fit catered mainly to smaller sizes; Retain shape |
| Style Selection | Greater variety of prints/colors | More muted solids and subtly patterned |
| Top Features | Affordability and accessibility | Innovative fabrics and construction |
| Best For | Casual wear and light training | Fashion-forward activewear and intense workouts |
Overview of HeyNuts
Founded in 2019, HeyNuts is a relatively new athleisure brand. Despite its young age, it has quickly made a name for itself by offering budget-friendly activewear said to rival more expensive counterparts (like Lululemon).
HeyNuts promises premium quality workout clothes without the premium price tag. The brand focuses specifically on leggings and sports bras in an inclusive size range.
Most HeyNuts products cost between $25-$45, significantly less than typical Lululemon prices.
Overview of Lululemon
Lululemon is one of the most recognizable names in upscale activewear. Founded in 1998, it helped pioneer the athleisure fashion trend with its focus on technical fabrics and innovative designs.
While Lululemon began specifically making yoga apparel, it has expanded into all types of activewear over the past two decades.
Despite offering products for men and children, the brand remains exceptionally popular with female customers seeking fashionable workout clothes.
Unlike the budget-friendly HeyNuts, Lululemon positions itself as a premium brand with most leggings ranging from $100-$150. But fans happily pay top dollar for Lululemon’s trademark comfort and durability.
Comparing Quality and Construction
When assessing any activewear brand, quality should be a top consideration alongside cost. On the whole, Lululemon leggings are constructed from thicker fabrics like Nulu, Luon, and Everlux.
Many are made with proprietary technical fabrics to provide compression, sweat wicking, and four way stretch.
By contrast, most HeyNuts leggings are around 74% polyester and 26% spandex. While the poly-spandex blend offers stretch, it seems to be thinner and pill more readily than Lululemon’s fabrics.
However, HeyNuts leggings provide comparable compression and workout performance for a fraction of the price.
For sports bras, Lululemon uses molded cups and supportive banding for intense workouts. Heynuts sports bras may compress but lack structure and separation making them better suited for low impact activities.
Also watch this video about Lululemon!
Comparing Fit and Sizing
Finding properly fitting activewear is hugely important for both comfort and performance. Lululemon and HeyNuts take differing approaches when it comes to fit and sizing.
Lululemon is cut for an ultra slim, straight shape preferred by many yoga devotees. But some customers find their sizing to be confusing or too restrictive. Most Lululemon leggings come in sizes 0-14 based more on an idealized body shape than measurements.
HeyNuts uses a more standardized sizing system with sizes XS-3XL. The leggings have a slim contouring fit with a mid or high waistband. But they may stretch out more over time than Lululemon.
For those frustrated by Lululemon’s limited size range and body ideals, HeyNuts offers similar styles that cater to more body types.
Comparing Style and Color Ranges
In the world of fitness fashion, style and self-expression matter just as much as functionality. Both brands offer an array of colors and prints but Lululemon has a distinctive aesthetic.
Most Lululemon leggings stick to solid colors, subtle camo or geometric prints, and visible logo details. Their color palette changes by season but tends toward neutrals and deeper tones.
HeyNuts also carries classic black along with bolder prints in an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colors. They also sell patterned leggings and sports bras mixing floral, animal, and abstract designs.
For customers seeking graphic looks and trendier patterns, HeyNuts provides far more variety though some prints skew younger. Lululemon offers a smaller selection but thoughtful color combinations.
Comparing Special Features and Details
Technical details help set key leggings and sports bras apart for active lifestyles. When comparing special features, Lululemon pulls ahead as an innovative brand.
Many Lululemon bottoms incorporate discreet pockets, abrasion-resistant fabric, reflective accents, and raw-cut leg openings. Their fabrics also minimize sweat marks during the most strenuous workouts. Sports bras include built-in modesty liners and straps that stay put.
HeyNuts leggings focus more on providing comfort stretch rather than technical enhancements. Few styles have pockets or reflective details better suited for all-around wear than hardcore training.
Also Read: Is Ruby Ribbon Better Than Spanx?
Key Reasons to Buy HeyNuts Over Lululemon
- Price
The number one advantage HeyNuts has over Lululemon comes down to price. HeyNuts customers can build an entire workout wardrobe for the cost of one or two Lululemon pieces.
- Inclusive Sizing
For shoppers who find the Lululemon size range too narrow or restrictive, HeyNuts offers far more options at affordable prices.
- Trendier Prints and Colors
While Lululemon sticks to muted palettes, HeyNuts isn’t afraid of bold prints and colors for customers who want statement leggings.
Key Reasons to Buy Lululemon Over HeyNuts
Despite the higher prices, Lululemon still offers compelling benefits:
- Superior Construction and Fabrics
Lululemon’s proprietary technical fabrics, flattering details, and durable seams make them a worthwhile long-term investment.
- Better for High Intensity Exercise
Serious athletes will appreciate Lululemon’s sweat-wicking, compression, and abrasion-resistant properties better suited for hardcore training.
- Status and Exclusivity
Let’s face it, Lululemon remains a status symbol in fitness fashion. Devotees love the brand’s signature look and relative scarcity over mass market knockoffs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
While HeyNuts takes inspiration from Lululemon, they are not an outright dupe. HeyNuts recreates similar aesthetics and silhouettes at a fraction of the price using different fabric blends.
The Butter Soft leggings by HeyNuts mimic the naked sensation of Lululemon’s famous Align fabric. Both use extra stretchy fabrics designed more for yoga and light exercise rather than high intensity training.
Lululemon remains superior when it comes to technical innovation and durability. Proprietary fabrics, specialty features like pockets and reflectivity, and flattering construction create versatile and long-lasting workout wear.
Thicker fabrics like Nulu and Luon offer an ideal balance of compression and stretch that moves with you. ergonomic waistbands, gussets, and flatlock seams create a barely there sensation perfect for low impact activities like yoga or all day wear.
Also Read: Differences Between Saxx Vibe And Undercover.
The Verdict
So in summary, while Lululemon and HeyNuts both make quality athleisure wear, Lululemon leads when it comes to performance while HeyNuts corners the market on price.
Choose HeyNuts for affordable statement styles or Lululemon for durable investment pieces ─ the choice comes down to quality versus cost.
