When it comes to premium activewear and technical clothing, two brands that often come to mind are Western Rise and Lululemon. Both are known for their high-quality, versatile apparel designed to take you from the gym to the streets and beyond. But how do they really stack up against each other?
In this comprehensive review, we‘ll dive deep into what sets Western Rise and Lululemon apart – from their brand ethos to their bestselling products. Whether you‘re a fitness enthusiast, frequent traveler or simply looking to upgrade your wardrobe with some comfortable, stylish staples, read on to discover which of these popular brands is the right fit for you.
Brand Overviews
Western Rise
Founded in 2014 by Will and Kelly Watters, Western Rise is a relatively young brand with a clear mission: to simplify your wardrobe with thoughtfully designed, ultra-versatile pieces that can handle anything life throws your way.
Based in Telluride, Colorado, the company draws inspiration from the rugged yet beautiful surroundings of the American West. Their clothes are made for those who appreciate both form and function – pieces that look great but also deliver on performance, durability and comfort.
From their bestselling Evolution and AT Slim Rivet Pants to button-downs, shorts and tees, Western Rise creates minimalist, smart-casual essentials aimed primarily at men (though many pieces work well for women too). The cohesive, muted color palette and clean aesthetic makes it easy to mix and match their products for effortless outfit building.
Using innovative technical fabrics like air-texturized Supplex nylon and merino wool, Western Rise garments are designed to be lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant. Many also feature water and stain repellent finishes, multi-way stretch, and UV protection.
While undeniably pricey, Western Rise promises exceptional quality, fit and longevity. Their gear is ideal for travel and everyday wear – equally appropriate for outdoor adventures, casual office settings and nights out. The brand has developed a loyal following among one-bag travelers, digital nomads and minimalists looking to get maximum mileage out of fewer pieces.
Lululemon
Canadian brand Lululemon hardly needs an introduction. Established in 1998 in Vancouver, the company was one of the early pioneers of luxe activewear or "athleisure". They started out making yoga pants for women and have since expanded into a wide range of sports and lifestyle apparel for both genders.
Lululemon‘s mission is to inspire an active, mindful way of life. Championing values of personal growth, connection and community, the company hosts in-store classes and events to bring people together around sweat and self-care. Their manifesto, seen on their iconic tote bags, is all about embracing challenge, getting out of your comfort zone and living each day to the fullest.
Best known for their signature Align and Wunder Under leggings and ABC (Anti-Ball Crushing) pants for men, Lululemon fuses fashion with function. Garments are designed to flatter your form and facilitate a full range of motion. Engineered with trademarked Luon, Nulu, Everlux and Warpstreme fabrics, they offer sweat-wicking, four-way stretch, shape retention and chafe-free comfort.
With a much broader product range than Western Rise, Lululemon caters to nearly every sport and activity, from running and training to golf, swimming and hiking. In addition to performance pieces, they also sell more casual, lounge and work-appropriate options, as well as accessories like bags, socks, underwear and water bottles.
Retailing at a premium price point, Lululemon has become a status symbol over the years. While they do back up their steep costs with premium materials and construction, customers are also buying into an elite, aspirational lifestyle. The brand has built a community of loyal fans who swear by the fit, feel and performance of their famous leggings and activewear.
Product Face-off: Evolution Pant 2.0 vs ABC Pant Classic
To see how Western Rise and Lululemon compare when it comes to specific products, we‘ll be looking at two of their most popular and comparable men‘s everyday pants: the Evolution Pant 2.0 and ABC Pant Classic.
Both are touted as wrinkle-resistant, stretchy and supremely comfortable slacks that can go from the bike to the boardroom. But there are some key differences in materials, aesthetics and functionality. We‘ll break it all down across four key categories:
Materials and Performance Features
Western Rise Evolution Pant 2.0
These ultra-versatile pants are made from Supplex, an air-texturized, densely woven nylon that‘s soft and cottony to the touch but far more durable and high-performing. The fabric boasts several benefits:
- Lightweight (only 2.2 oz per yard)
- Highly breathable
- Wicks moisture and dries quickly
- Resists wrinkles, shrinking and pilling
- Four-way stretch conforms to your every move
- Water, coffee, beer and stain repellent finish
- UPF 50+ blocks 99% of UV rays
- Sustainably manufactured (Bluesign certified)
Additional performance features include a permanent crease, double-stitched seams, an inseam gusset and two secure zip pockets to hold your essentials.
Lululemon ABC Pant Classic
ABC stands for Anti-Ball Crushing, meaning these pants are designed to give you ample room where it counts. They‘re made primarily from Warpstreme, a four-way stretch Lycra fabric that‘s:
- Sweat-wicking and quick-drying
- Breathable and cool to the touch
- Wrinkle-resistant for easy care
- Retains its shape and resists bagging out
The pants also feature an ergonomic gusset and the ABC Engineering – a proprietary cup-shaped pouch that supports your privates and allows for total freedom of movement. Other nice touches are the reflective details and hidden zip pockets.
The latest ABC Pants incorporate sustainable materials, with the main body fabric made from recycled polyester. However, it‘s unclear what percentage of the total garment is eco-friendly.
Fit and Comfort
Western Rise Evolution Pant 2.0
Customers rave about the unparalleled comfort of the Evolution Pants, saying they feel light as air and move with your body. The four-way stretch nylon is cooling and non-restrictive, making them great for biking, hiking and all-day wear.
The slim-straight, mid-rise cut looks streamlined and modern without being overly tight. Reviewers say they run true to size, with an athletic fit in the butt and thighs and a gently tapered leg.
Inseams range from 28-34" to accommodate different heights. The only fit complaint some buyers have is that the calf can be a bit snug for guys with muscular legs.
Lululemon ABC Pant Classic
Wearers say the ABC Pants are insanely comfortable, with four-way stretch and sweat-wicking properties that let you lunge, squat and stretch unrestricted. The roomier cut and ABC Engineering provide a noticeable difference in the crotch area – no more crushing or chafing.
The classic fit is tailored with a little extra ease through the hip and thigh compared to the brand‘s slimmer styles. Reviewers say it‘s fitted enough to be flattering but relaxed enough for bigger builds.
Inseams come in 28-37" to suit a variety of leg lengths. However, some customers still find the straight leg too tight in the calf and recommend sizing up for a looser fit.
Aesthetics and Versatility
Western Rise Evolution Pant 2.0
Sleek, stylish and smart, the Evolution Pants nail the business casual dress code. The smooth, matte fabric and sharp center crease lend a tailored look that can go from a client meeting to happy hour and beyond.
While not as formal as slacks, they‘re a major step up from jeans and chinos, and can easily be dressed up with a button-down or blazer. The hidden zip pockets add function without disrupting the clean lines.
Offered in classic, goes-with-everything neutral shades like navy, charcoal, stone and olive, the pants are endlessly versatile. The lighter colors do show sweat and water, so darker hues are best for travel.
Lululemon ABC Pant Classic
As Lululemon‘s flagship work-to-workout pant, the ABC Pants are designed to be office-appropriate yet ready for anything. The four-way stretch Warpstreme fabric has a subtle sheen and drape that‘s a tad more casual than the Evolution Pants.
Customers say they‘re best suited to creative, relaxed professional settings and can even sub in for jeans on weekends. Styling them with collared shirts and nicer footwear will get you the most mileage.
Color options are a major selling point, with more than a dozen sophisticated neutrals and earth tones to choose from like navy, olive, grey sage and true navy. The darker shades are especially versatile and forgiving.
Price and Value
Both pants have a fairly premium price point, with the Western Rise Evolution Pant 2.0 and Lululemon ABC Pant Classic each selling for $128. So how do they compare in terms of overall value?
The Evolution Pant gets top marks for quality of materials and construction. The Supplex nylon is lightweight yet hard-wearing, resisting tears, pulls and abrasion. Many reviewers say they‘ve owned their pants for years of regular wear and they still look brand new. Combined with the superior stain and water repellency, you‘ll likely get excellent cost per wear.
The biggest value add with Lululemon is the free shipping, in-store returns and generous quality promise. If your ABC Pants don‘t perform, you can bring them back to any location for a full refund or exchange. For online orders, return shipping is covered too. This reduces the risk of ordering the wrong size or fit.
Customer Feedback and Reviews
Don‘t just take our word for it – what are real customers saying about their experiences with Western Rise and Lululemon?
The Evolution Pant 2.0 has over 850 glowing reviews on Western Rise‘s website, with an average rating of 4.8/5 stars. Common feedback includes:
- Incredibly comfortable and breathable, feels like you‘re wearing nothing
- Stretchy for all activities but never baggy
- Sharp, sleek look appropriate for work and evening
- Great for travel, dries fast and resists odors
- Durable construction lasts for years with heavy wear
Negative reviews are mostly limited to minor fit issues like the calves and hips being too snug or the length being too long for some.
The ABC Pant Classic has 4.3/5 stars from over 900 reviews on Lululemon‘s website. Wearers especially love:
- Roomy, supportive fit that lets you move freely
- Comfy, soft yet stretchy and structured fabric
- Versatile for work, golf, dinners and casual wear
- Huge selection of colors for different looks
Less favorable reviews cite inconsistent sizing, with the waist and seat running small on some. The fabric also tends to attract lint and pet hair.
For both pants, customer service appears to be stellar, with prompt responses and easy returns/exchanges to resolve any product issues.
The Bottom Line: Which Brand Is Right for You?
Now that we‘ve examined Western Rise and Lululemon across multiple aspects, which brand should you ultimately go for? The answer depends on your unique needs, preferences and lifestyle.
Western Rise is a solid choice if you:
- Want extremely comfortable, low-maintenance pants for work and play
- Need versatile pieces to take you from the trails to the city
- Prefer a clean, minimalist, office-friendly aesthetic
- Value durability and stain resistance for rougher wear
- Don‘t mind a slim, tailored fit through the leg
Lululemon may be the better option if you:
- Prioritize performance features for lots of activity
- Want workout clothes that can also look polished and put-together
- Like having a range of colors to switch up your look
- Need more inseam lengths or sizes to fit your build
- Want free shipping and in-store returns to make ordering risk-free
Whichever brand you choose, you‘ll be getting well-made, thoughtfully designed pants that fuse form and function. With proper care, your Evolution or ABC Pants will serve you well for work, workouts and weekends for years to come.
