Are You an Activewear Brand Trying to Copy Lululemon? Here's Why That’s a Bad Idea

Shraddha Srivastava
Jun 6
4 min read

Are you a small or midsize activewear brand or a startup, trying to copy Lululemon?

You’re not alone. Many emerging activewear brands look up to giants like Lululemon and Gymshark as the gold standard. Their premium fabrics, cutting-edge designs, and cult-like branding seem like a blueprint for success. But here’s the truth: following in their footsteps too closely may actually hurt your brand’s chances of standing out.

The global activewear market is booming—but it’s also fiercely competitive. If your products look, feel, and function just like Lululemon’s, why should customers choose you?

Instead of copying their formula, create your own, starting with the fabrics you use.

That’s where a partner like NoName, one of the best activewear manufacturers in India, comes in. NoName helps emerging brands build standout collections with fabric innovation, sustainable options, and tailored manufacturing.

Let’s break down why mimicking Lululemon doesn’t work—and what you should be doing instead.

Why You Shouldn’t Copy Lululemon

It’s tempting to use the same materials, designs, and messaging that worked for Lululemon. But this copycat approach comes with serious pitfalls:

Loss of identity: Your brand becomes just another face in the crowd. If you're not offering anything different, you’ll be forgettable.
Price wars you can't win: Lululemon enjoys scale, long-term supplier relationships, and brand loyalty. Competing on price or quality with the same materials will squeeze your margins.
Missed innovation: Sticking with the usual nylon, spandex, and polyester limits your opportunity to explore better-performing and more sustainable alternatives.

🔎 In fact, over 80% of new apparel brands fail within five years, often because they don’t offer customers anything new.

Want to Stand Out? Start with Fabric Innovation

Spandex, nylon, and polyester have long dominated activewear for good reason. They offer stretch, moisture-wicking, and durability. But they’re also everywhere.

If you're serious about creating a strong brand identity, your fabric choices need to go beyond the basics. Unique textiles can enhance performance, comfort, and sustainability, while telling a story your competitors can’t.

Innovative Activewear Fabrics That Can Set You Apart

Here’s a closer look at lesser-used but high-potential fabrics that emerging activewear brands are turning to:

1. Rib Fabrics

Best for: Yoga sets, seamless tops, stylish athleisure

Why it works:

Subtle texture adds a fashion-forward edge
Superior stretch and shape retention
Enhanced airflow and breathability
Soft, body-hugging comfort

Standout Uses: Yoga leggings, ribbed sports bras, crop tops, athleisure dresses

👉 Want to try rib fabrics for your next yoga/activewear collection? Talk to NoName.

2. Performance Knits (Jersey, Interlock etc)

Best for: Joggers, hoodies, compression gear, recovery wear

Why it works:

Soft "second-skin" feel
Breathable and flexible
Supports a variety of weights for different seasons or activities
Versatile for activewear and casualwear alike

Standout Uses: Track pants, technical tops, base layers, post-workout loungewear

👉 Want to try performance knits for your next yoga/activewear collection? Talk to NoName.

3. Linen and Linen Blends

Best for: Hot-weather activewear, beach workouts, sustainable collections

Why it works:

Naturally cooling and breathable
Moisture-wicking without synthetic feel
Eco-friendly and biodegradable
Stylish, laid-back aesthetic

Standout Uses: Tank tops, joggers, airy shorts, linen-blend over shirts

👉 Want to try linen blends for your next yoga/activewear collection? Talk to NoName.

4. Modal, Tencel (Lyocell), and Bamboo

Best for: Yoga and pilates gear, seamless tops, loungewear

Why it works:

Ultra-soft and breathable
Antibacterial and odor-resistant
Gentle on sensitive skin
Produced through eco-conscious processes

Standout Uses: Soft tanks, stretch leggings, bamboo loungewear sets, flowy workout dresses

👉 Instead of being a Lululemon clone, your brand could stand out by offering eco-friendly joggers in recycled bamboo-modal blends. Want to try lyocell/modal for your next yoga/activewear collection? Talk to NoName.

5. Recycled Fabrics (Recycled Polyester, ECONYL®)

Best for: Performance wear with an eco-angle

Why it works:

Diverts waste from landfills and oceans
Matches virgin synthetics in stretch and durability
Appeals to eco-conscious buyers
Can be certified (GRS, OEKO-TEX, etc.)

Standout Uses: Running shorts, compression wear, jackets, sustainable swimwear

👉 Want to try recycled fabrics for your next yoga/activewear collection? Talk to NoName.

Why Fabric Innovation = Brand Differentiation

Fabric Type	Best For	Key Benefits	Sustainability	Feel/Finish
Rib Fabrics	Yoga sets, athleisure tops	Stretchy, breathable, textured, and shape retention	Depends on blend	Soft, structured, textured look
Performance Knits (Jersey, Interlock etc)	Joggers, hoodies, base layers	Soft touch, breathable, supportive, versatile weights	Varies by fibre used	Smooth, body-hugging, sleek
Linen & Linen Blends	Hot-weather wear, beach workouts	Cooling, breathable, natural moisture-wicking	Highly sustainable	Airy, lightweight, casual feel
Modal / Tencel / Bamboo	Yoga, pilates, lounge	Ultra-soft, odour-resistant, breathable, skin-friendly	Eco-friendly processing	Silky, drapey, luxurious
Recycled Synthetics(Recycled Polyester, ECONYL®)	Performance wear, running gear	Durable, stretchy, reduces plastic waste, certifiable	High (if certified, e.g., GRS)	Just like virgin polyester/nylon
Nylon-Spandex Blends	Leggings, compression wear, gym tops	High stretch, smooth finish, excellent recovery, abrasion-resistant	Low (unless recycled version used)	Sleek, tight-fit, technical look

Your fabric isn’t just a raw material—it’s a branding tool. It’s how your product feels, performs, and aligns with your customers' values. Whether you want to prioritize sustainability, comfort, or technical edge, there’s a better fabric for it.

Copying Lululemon’s style and materials might feel safe, but it's also predictable. If you're launching a brand or trying to grow, the safest path is to stand out, not blend in.

Why NoName Is the Right Manufacturing Partner

It is bad idea to Copy Lululemon. NoName is the best clothing manufacturer for innovative designs.

If you're serious about building an activewear brand that’s original, performance-driven, and future-ready, NoName can help.

Here’s why NoName stands out as the best activewear manufacturer in India:

Fabric innovation: Access to a wide variety of specialty fabrics, including rib, knits, bamboo, linen blends, modal, Tencel, and certified recycled options
Flexible MOQs: Ideal for startups and growing brands
Sustainable focus: Ethically sourced materials, low-impact dyeing, and eco-friendly practices
End-to-end service: From fabric sourcing and prototyping to bulk production and quality control
Global reach: NoName manufactures for clients in the US, UK, EU, and more