$35 vs $120. As the cost of activewear continues to rise, so does the presence of “dupes.” Dupes have become increasingly popular in recent years with the emergence of high end activewear brands like Lululemon, Alo, and Vuori. As these brands gain popularity, prices steadily increase. Currently, the average pair of leggings from these brands retails between $98-$128. This significant rise in cost has created a separate demand for more affordable alternatives; that do not comprise quality, comfort, or performance.
The lower-cost products designed to closely resemble higher-end items are referred to as “dupes.” Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have accelerated dupe culture by showing side by side comparisons, creating an increased suspicion among consumers as to whether name-brand activewear is truly worth double, or even triple the price.
Zara Godinez, an avid Lululemon wearer for both style and sport reviewed high end and dupe leggings. Both Lululemon and CRZYoga leggings feature a circular logo on the back (very typical for dupe culture), 29 inch inseam, and a waistband pocket. CRZYoga is one of the leading activewear brands sold on Amazon, known for its affordability and quality.
The Lululemon leggings have a fabric composition of 81% Nylon and 19% Lycra Elastane. While the CRZYoga leggings are composed of 81%
and 19% Elastane according to their websites. To clarify, Nylon is a synthetic form of polyamide, differing in price point and requiring a more complex manufacturing process.
According to factory data, the cost per unit of lululemon leggings is between $15 – $22 and CRZYoga costs between $6 – $15. Despite the difference in price points, the fabric composition makes the leggings nearly identical in both feel and stretch — theoretically.
“The CRZYoga leggings are a bit thinner, but the softness is there,” Godinez said.
The sizing is comparable too, with an XXS from CRZYoga being equivalent to a size 0 from Lululemon. For reference, Godinez is around 5 ‘3, 30 inch inseam, 24 inch waist, and about 100 lbs. According to Godinez, the sizing was accurate but each pair offered a unique fit.
“The fit seems a little bit off, the lulu leggings are more compressive, hugging, and overall more snug.” For the flared fit, Lululemon offers a tighter, more sculpting fit while CRZYoga feels more relaxed.
Given their nearly identical fabric composition, differences in performance were minimal, with thickness and breathability emerging as the most notable factors.
The CRZYoga leggings are less thick than the Lululemon pair which allowed for maximum comfort during the day and increased air flow and flexibility during weight training.
After a day in the leggings, Godinez gave her final verdict: “Honestly, during physical activity they performed great, if not even better than my Lulus, and for less than $40? I’ll take that any day.”
