As a brand that defined high-end activewear, Lululemon (LULU) now faces an unusual dilemma: Its own customers are debating whether the products are still worth it.
On the Subreddit /r/lululemon, the dupe debate comes up repeatedly. Some users swear by the originals, while others are fully converted. And in between? A growing crowd of shoppers who’ve shifted their loyalty to function, not logos.
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“Dupes are a waste of money. You might as well just spend a little extra to get the real thing that will last a long time, versus a cheap version that will fall apart in a year,” says u/Extrakelpfries.
But others weren’t buying it — literally or figuratively.
“I have a fair amount of Lulu and I do think CRZ is basically the same,” said u/Pink_Piercings. “I’ve stopped buying Lulu as much because of this.”
Consumers debate whether genuine Lululemon activewear is worth it.
Image source: Shutterstock
Why dupes aren’t just fake Lululemon anymore
Even as alternatives gain traction, Lululemon’s edge hasn’t disappeared.
Many users on Reddit made it clear that while copycats can serve a purpose, they rarely surpass the original when it comes to fabric feel, stitching, waistband structure, and long-term durability.
For those who live in their leggings — not just lounge in them — Lululemon still sets the standard.
Brands like CRZ Yoga, Flow Y, and even Target’s All in Motion don’t pretend to be Lululemon. But they do offer a similar feel for less than half the cost. For many shoppers, that’s not just good enough — it’s smart.
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Some users noted they reach for knockoffs when they’re looking for specific colors or prints that Lululemon doesn’t offer — a way to fill style gaps without breaking the bank.
Others use dupes to preserve their real Lululemon gear for actual workouts. As u/Letstrythisagain02 put it, they buy dupes “specifically for instances where I would risk ruining my Lululemon.”
This is truly a shift — from treating activewear as a luxury investment to seeing it as practical gear. And that is exactly what may be making Lululemon sweat.
Lululemon’s performance may outlast its price tag
Still, for many, Lululemon’s value proposition holds. “Honestly, the $$ I’ve spent on so-called dupes could have been put towards buying actual Lululemon and I would have been better off,” said u/Rygard-.
Personally, I’ve tried the dupes. They’re fine for a while, maybe a year. But eventually the seams start to fray, the fabric loses shape, and the magic wears off.
Meanwhile, I have Lululemon leggings from 2016 that still hold their shape, stretch, and comfort, even after years of wear. When it comes to fabric innovation, fit consistency, and durability, many find that the brand simply continues to outperform.
And buying the real thing isn’t just about performance — it’s about identity. Wearing Lululemon still means something. It’s aspirational, recognizable, and for some, non-negotiable.
The dupe debate isn’t going away, however. And Lululemon may find that its biggest competitor isn’t another brand — it’s a consumer mindset that’s evolving fast.
Some shoppers buy both the orginals and the knockoffs. Some switch completely to dupes. And others, for the first time, are asking if the logo is worth the cost.
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