Lululemon is the better choice for consumers prioritizing quality, durability, ethical sourcing, and sustainability, despite the higher price point. SHEIN is suitable for those seeking trendy, affordable fashion and a wide range of styles, but consumers should be aware of the potential trade-offs in fabric quality, sizing accuracy, and ethical considerations.
| Attribute | Lululemon | SHEIN |
|---|---|---|
| Price Point | Premium brand; leggings typically range from $88 to $128; core products like leggings and sports bras consistently priced around $90 and $47 respectively. Discounts are rare. | Super-cheap clothes and affordable fashion in trendy styles. Average item priced around $8. |
| Fabric Quality | High-performance fabrics like Nulu (buttery-soft), Everlux (moisture-wicking), and Luxtreme (supportive). Engineered for durability and shape retention. | Inconsistent, mostly synthetic fiber blends. |
| Sizing Accuracy | Generally runs true to size, but some styles (e.g., compression leggings) may run small. Mindful of different fits, such as slim, oversized, or relaxed styles. | Not always true to size, varies by item. Check size chart and reviews. |
| Return Policy | Free and seamless returns within 30 days of delivery/purchase date. Items must be unwashed, unworn, with original hangtags. Online purchases can be returned online or in-store, but exchanges are in-store only. | Returns within 30-35 days, unworn, unwashed, undamaged, with tags. Some items non-returnable. First return free. |
| Shipping Speed | Standard shipping takes up to 5 working days (free for orders above a certain value, varies by region). Express shipping takes up to 4 working days (additional cost). Fastest shipping delivers between 2 and 3 working days. | Standard 7-20 business days, Express 3-7 business days. Processing 1-3 days. |
| Customer Service Responsiveness | Phone lines and live chat available through Guest Education Centre for return initiations and customer questions. | Varies, live chat quickest. |
| Ethical Sourcing Practices | Committed to ethical sourcing and human rights. Global Code of Conduct and Vendor Code of Ethics with a zero-tolerance approach to forced labor, child labor, or human trafficking. Ranked #1 on the 2023 KnowTheChain Benchmark. | Prohibits forced and child labor, but concerns exist. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Strategy built on Be Human, Be Well, and Be Planet. Working towards climate targets, aiming for net-zero operations by 2050. Goal of 100% sustainable materials by 2030. | Increasing use of responsibly sourced materials, aiming to reduce GHG emissions by 25% by 2030. |
| Product Range (Variety) | Diverse range of styles and products, including leggings, tops, and outerwear. | Massive assortment of clothing and fashion items. |
| Inclusivity (Size Range) | Expanded size range to include select styles up to size 20, but some customers feel this is not inclusive enough. | Wide range of plus-size options, sizes UK6 to UK26, Curve XL to 5X. |
| Durability | Known for high-quality materials and construction techniques that enhance durability. Leggings and tops last for years with proper care. | Hit or miss, varies by item. |
| Brand Reputation | Reputation for premium athletic wear. | Criticism regarding labor practices, environmental impact, and design theft. Lowest possible score ("We Avoid") from Good On You |