Exploring Fabletics: Popularity, Materials, And Manufacturing

Modaknits Apparel
11 min readJul 26, 2024

--

Founded in 2013 by actress Kate Hudson and TechStyle Fashion Group, Fabletics has rapidly become a favorite among fitness enthusiasts.

Known for its innovative membership model and commitment to high-quality activewear, Fabletics offers a blend of style, comfort, and performance.

This blog delves into the production and qualities of Fabletics shorts from our perspective at Modaknits.

By examining these elements, we aim to highlight the brand’s dedication to quality and design excellence, and explore the manufacturing strategies that contribute to Fabletics’ success in the competitive activewear market.

Why Is Fabletics So Popular?

Fabletics has garnered a strong following due to its unique approach to activewear, combining quality, style, and a customer-centric business model. Here are the key reasons for its popularity:

Quality And Comfort

Fabletics emphasizes the use of high-quality, comfortable fabrics that are ideal for activewear:

  • Moisture-Wicking: The materials used help to keep sweat away from the body, ensuring dryness during workouts.
  • Stretchy Materials: Incorporation of spandex and similar fabrics allows for a full range of motion.
  • Durability: High-quality fabrics that withstand intense workouts and repeated use.
  • Comfort: Soft, breathable fabrics that prevent chafing and irritation.

Stylish Designs

Fabletics offers trendy and fashionable designs that appeal to a broad audience:

  • Variety: A wide range of colors, patterns, and styles, from bold prints to classic solids.
  • Celebrity Collaborations: Partnerships with celebrities like Demi Lovato and Kate Hudson keep designs fresh and relevant.
  • Trend Awareness: Regular updates to their collections to stay ahead of fashion trends.
  • Versatility: Designs that cater to both gym wear and casual outings, blending fashion with function.

Membership Model

One of the most distinctive features of Fabletics is its innovative membership model:

  • VIP Membership: Offers personalized outfits and significant discounts.
  • Curated Selections: Members receive monthly outfit recommendations based on their preferences and activities.
  • Value and Convenience: The membership model provides value through discounts and convenience with curated selections.
  • Exclusive Benefits: VIP members enjoy exclusive promotions and early access to new collections, enhancing their shopping experience.

Fabletics’ combination of high-quality materials, stylish designs, and a customer-focused business model has helped it build a strong, loyal customer base. By continuously innovating and addressing the needs and preferences of fitness enthusiasts, Fabletics has positioned itself as a leading brand in the activewear market.

What Materials Are Used In Fabletics Shorts?

Fabletics shorts are crafted from a variety of high-performance materials designed to provide maximum comfort, durability, and functionality. Here are the key materials used:

1. PowerHold®

PowerHold® fabric is known for its superior compression and support. It offers:

  • High Compression: Provides excellent muscle support during intense workouts.
  • Moisture-Wicking: Keeps you dry by pulling sweat away from the body.
  • Durability: Retains its shape and elasticity after multiple washes.

2. Motion365®

Motion365® fabric combines the best of both worlds — support and flexibility. It features:

  • Supportive Fit: Offers the right amount of compression without restricting movement.
  • Breathability: Designed to keep you cool during high-intensity activities.
  • Soft Feel: Smooth on the skin, preventing chafing and irritation.

3. SculptKnit®

SculptKnit® fabric is engineered for contouring and breathability. Its key attributes include:

  • Engineered Compression: Targets specific muscle groups for enhanced support.
  • Ventilation Zones: Strategically placed for optimal airflow and cooling.
  • Seamless Design: Reduces friction and enhances comfort during movement.

4. PureLuxe

PureLuxe fabric is designed for ultimate comfort and luxury. It provides:

  • Softness: Incredibly soft to the touch, offering a luxurious feel.
  • Lightweight: Lightweight and breathable, perfect for low-impact activities.
  • Four-Way Stretch: Ensures a full range of motion and flexibility.

5. Eco-Friendly Fabrics

Fabletics incorporates recycled materials in some of their shorts, aligning with sustainability efforts. Benefits include:

  • Environmental Impact: Reduces waste and promotes recycling.
  • High Performance: Maintains the same standards of comfort and durability as non-recycled fabrics.
  • Consumer Appeal: Attracts eco-conscious consumers looking for sustainable activewear options.

Fabletics’ commitment to using high-quality and innovative materials ensures that their shorts deliver exceptional performance, comfort, and durability, meeting the diverse needs of fitness enthusiasts while also addressing environmental sustainability.

Is Fabletics Fast Fashion?

Fabletics does not fit the traditional definition of fast fashion due to its emphasis on quality, sustainability, and thoughtful manufacturing processes. Here’s how Fabletics differentiates itself:

Quality And Longevity

Unlike fast fashion brands that produce low-cost, quickly outdated items, Fabletics focuses on creating durable, high-quality activewear. Their products are designed to withstand intense workouts and frequent use, ensuring they remain in good condition for a long time.

Sustainable Practices

Fabletics incorporates several eco-friendly practices into their production process:

  • Recycled Materials: The use of recycled fabrics helps reduce environmental impact and promotes sustainability.
  • Eco-Friendly Processes: They employ environmentally responsible production techniques to minimize waste and resource consumption.
  • Consumer Education: Fabletics encourages customers to make sustainable choices and consider the environmental impact of their purchases.

Thoughtful Production Process

The manufacturing process at Fabletics includes:

  • Design: Focused on functional and stylish designs that meet consumer needs and preferences.
  • Material Selection: High-quality, performance-driven fabrics are chosen for their durability and comfort.
  • Cutting and Sewing: Precision techniques ensure consistent quality and longevity.
  • Quality Control: Rigorous inspections maintain the brand’s reputation for high standards.

Ethical Business Model

Fabletics’ business model, including their VIP membership, promotes customer loyalty and reduces overproduction. By predicting demand more accurately, Fabletics can manage inventory better, reducing waste.

In summary, while Fabletics offers trendy and affordable activewear, their commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical production practices sets them apart from the typical fast fashion model.

Is Fabletics Really Like Lululemon?

Comparing Fabletics to Lululemon reveals several similarities and differences:

Quality And Performance

Both Fabletics and Lululemon are known for their high-quality, performance-driven activewear. Lululemon is often perceived as a premium brand due to its meticulous attention to detail and use of high-quality materials, such as their EverluxTM and NuluxTM fabrics, which offer excellent sweat-wicking properties and durability. Fabletics also uses high-performance materials like their PowerHold® and Motion365® fabrics, which provide compression, flexibility, and moisture-wicking features. While Lululemon’s products are known for their luxurious feel and long-lasting wear, Fabletics delivers commendable quality at a more accessible price point.

Price Point

One of the most significant differences between the two brands is their pricing. Fabletics offers more affordable options, with prices starting at $24.95 for VIP members, making it accessible to a broader audience. In contrast, Lululemon’s pricing is higher, starting around $88 for leggings. This higher price reflects the premium quality and innovative fabric technologies that Lululemon is known for. Fabletics’ VIP membership model provides substantial discounts, making their products even more budget-friendly compared to Lululemon’s offerings.

Customer Engagement

Fabletics employs a unique membership model that offers personalized outfits and significant discounts. VIP members receive monthly curated selections based on their preferences and activities, which adds value and convenience. This model not only enhances customer loyalty but also encourages repeat purchases, as members look forward to their monthly outfits. Lululemon, on the other hand, does not have a membership model but maintains customer engagement through their high-quality products and a strong brand reputation built on performance and style.

Overall, while both brands offer high-quality activewear, Fabletics focuses on affordability and accessibility through their membership model, whereas Lululemon emphasizes premium quality and innovation at a higher price point.

Who Is Fabletics Owned By?

Fabletics is co-owned by actress Kate Hudson and TechStyle Fashion Group, a company that manages several other fashion brands, including JustFab and ShoeDazzle. This dynamic ownership structure has played a significant role in Fabletics’ success, blending celebrity influence with strong business acumen.

Kate Hudson’s Role

As a co-founder and the face of Fabletics, Kate Hudson has been instrumental in shaping the brand’s identity and marketing strategies. Her active involvement and public endorsement have helped Fabletics gain visibility and credibility in the competitive activewear market. Hudson’s influence extends beyond just being a spokesperson; she participates in design decisions and promotional campaigns, ensuring that the brand stays aligned with its vision of providing stylish and high-performance activewear.

TechStyle Fashion Group

TechStyle Fashion Group, formerly known as JustFab Inc., brings substantial business expertise to Fabletics. The group specializes in e-commerce and subscription-based business models, which are central to Fabletics’ success. TechStyle’s data-driven approach allows Fabletics to offer personalized shopping experiences to its customers, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Their sophisticated logistics and supply chain management ensure that Fabletics can efficiently meet the demands of its growing customer base.

Market Presence And Strategy

The combination of Kate Hudson’s celebrity appeal and TechStyle Fashion Group’s robust business infrastructure has positioned Fabletics as a strong player in the activewear market. The brand leverages innovative marketing strategies, such as leveraging social media influencers and offering exclusive deals through its VIP membership program. These strategies have helped Fabletics build a loyal customer base and maintain a strong market presence.

In summary, Fabletics’ ownership by Kate Hudson and TechStyle Fashion Group provides a unique blend of star power and business expertise, driving the brand’s growth and success in the activewear industry.

Does Fabletics Come From China?

Fabletics products are designed in Los Angeles, California, but the materials and manufacturing are sourced globally. Most of the production takes place in Asia, including China, which is a major hub for the brand’s manufacturing activities. This global supply chain allows Fabletics to maintain high-quality standards while leveraging cost-effective production capabilities in various regions.

Production Locations

  • Asia: The majority of Fabletics products are manufactured in factories located in Asia, with China being a significant part of this network. These factories are chosen for their advanced capabilities and adherence to quality standards.
  • Global Sourcing: While the design process is centralized in the United States, materials are sourced from all over the world, ensuring that Fabletics can use the best fabrics and technologies available.

Quality Control And Sustainability

Fabletics emphasizes stringent quality control measures to ensure that all products meet their high standards. This includes regular audits and inspections of their manufacturing facilities. Additionally, the brand is committed to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices and using recycled materials in some of their products.

Ethical Practices

The brand also focuses on ethical manufacturing practices. Fabletics ensures that their partner factories adhere to fair labor standards and environmental regulations, reflecting their commitment to responsible production.

By combining global manufacturing efficiencies with strict quality and ethical standards, Fabletics successfully delivers high-quality, fashionable activewear to its customers. This approach helps the brand maintain its reputation and meet the growing demand for its products worldwide.

How Do Fabletics Products Compare To Competitors?

Fabletics stands out in the activewear market due to its unique combination of affordability, quality, and style. Here’s a detailed comparison of Fabletics with other popular activewear brands, including Lululemon and Athleta:

Quality And Performance

Fabletics, Lululemon, and Athleta are all known for their high-quality, performance-driven activewear.

  • Fabletics: Uses innovative fabrics such as PowerHold® and Motion365®, offering excellent stretch, compression, and moisture-wicking properties. These fabrics ensure durability and comfort, suitable for intense workouts.
  • Lululemon: Renowned for proprietary fabrics like EverluxTM and NuluxTM, which provide superior sweat-wicking and breathability. Lululemon’s products are known for their luxurious feel and long-lasting wear.
  • Athleta: Offers high-performance fabrics like Powervita™ and Sculptek™ that provide comfort and support. Athleta focuses on versatile styles that transition well from workout to casual wear.

Price Point

One of the most significant advantages of Fabletics is its affordability.

  • Fabletics: Offers competitive pricing, especially for VIP members. For example, leggings typically cost around $70, but VIP members can get them for as low as $24 for two pairs.
  • Lululemon: Generally priced higher, with leggings ranging between $88 and $120, reflecting their premium quality and advanced fabric technologies.
  • Athleta: Positioned in the middle, with leggings priced around $89 to $98, offering a balance of quality and affordability.

Customer Engagement

Each brand has its unique approach to engaging with customers.

  • Fabletics: Uses a membership model that offers personalized outfits and significant discounts. VIP members benefit from curated selections, exclusive promotions, and the flexibility to skip months or cancel anytime.
  • Lululemon: Engages customers through high-quality products and a strong brand reputation. They offer community-based events and classes to foster loyalty.
  • Athleta: Emphasizes community and inclusivity, offering a range of sizes and promoting body positivity. They also provide fitness classes and wellness events to engage their customer base.

Style And Variety

All three brands offer a variety of styles, colors, and patterns.

  • Fabletics: Known for a wide range of trendy designs, celebrity collaborations, and frequent updates to collections to stay ahead of fashion trends.
  • Lululemon: Focuses on minimalist and functional designs, with a range of stylish options that often feature clean lines and subtle patterns.
  • Athleta: Offers versatile styles that cater to both workout and casual wear, with an emphasis on functional fashion that transitions seamlessly between different activities.

Fabletics provides high-quality activewear at an affordable price, making it a top choice for fitness enthusiasts seeking value and style. While Lululemon offers premium products with advanced fabric technologies, and Athleta balances quality with affordability, Fabletics stands out with its competitive pricing and membership benefits, building a loyal customer base through a balance of quality, affordability, and fashion.

Conclusion

Fabletics has established itself as a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts by combining quality, stylish designs, and affordability. The brand’s commitment to sustainability through the use of recycled materials and eco-friendly production methods further enhances its appeal. Their innovative membership model offers significant discounts and personalized shopping experiences, adding value and convenience for their customers.

Understanding the detailed production process and high-performance materials used in Fabletics products highlights the brand’s dedication to quality and functionality.

By addressing these aspects from a manufacturing perspective, Modaknits aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what makes Fabletics a leading brand in the activewear market.

This balance of quality, affordability, and sustainability positions Fabletics as a favorite among those seeking both fashion and function in their workout gear.

At Modaknits, we specialize in producing high-quality apparel for various brands, utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques and sustainable practices. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every piece of clothing meets the highest standards of durability and performance.

Partner with Modaknits to bring your vision to life with top-tier manufacturing expertise.

--

--