When you’re seeking activewear that doesn't just perform but also expresses your personal flair, Fabletics often lands high on the list. But diving into their vibrant collections means navigating the unique landscape of Fabletics Style, Sizing & Inclusivity – a crucial journey to ensure your ideal activewear fit is as comfortable as it is confidence-boosting. Forget generic sizing charts; finding your perfect Fabletics ensemble is about understanding the brand's approach to fashion-forward design, varied compression, and a genuine effort to dress diverse body types.
You’re not just buying leggings; you’re investing in gear designed to move with you, support you, and make you feel great. And like any truly stylish friend, Fabletics has its own personality, especially when it comes to how things fit.
At a Glance: Your Fabletics Sizing & Style Checklist
- Fashion-First Activewear: Fabletics prioritizes trending designs and athleisure versatility, founded by Kate Hudson in 2013, at a mid-range price point often sweetened by VIP membership discounts.
- Sizing Nuances are Key: While Fabletics uses US sizing (e.g., US 8 = UK 12), fit is highly influenced by fabric, compression, and style intent. Don't rely solely on a number.
- Leggings & Compression Often Run Small: Particularly the popular PowerHold® and Motion365® styles. Sizing up, especially if you're between sizes or prefer a less restrictive feel, is a smart move.
- Sports Bras Vary Wildly: Fit depends heavily on the support level (low, medium, high impact). High-impact and compression bras tend to be snug; adjustable styles offer more flexibility. Accurate measurements are essential.
- Tops & Tanks are More Predictable: Generally true to size with stretch, but always check product details for boxy or oversized fits.
- Inclusivity is a Design Principle: The brand aims for diverse body representation, offering extended sizing in many popular pieces, like the Trinity High Impact Sports Bra.
The Fabletics Philosophy: Where Fashion Meets Function
Fabletics didn't just appear on the activewear scene; it stormed in, backed by Kate Hudson's vision to merge high-fashion trends with functional fitness apparel. Since its inception in 2013, the brand has carved out a niche offering stylish, cohesive gym wear and athleisure sets that transition seamlessly from studio to street. It’s about feeling good while working out and looking good while living your life.
What sets Fabletics apart is its dedication to fashion-forward design at a mid-range price point, often made even more accessible through its VIP membership program. This model makes trend-driven activewear attainable, allowing you to refresh your wardrobe with the latest colors, cuts, and styles without a major splurge. But with great style comes the responsibility of a great fit – and that's where the nuances of Fabletics sizing truly come into play. If you're pondering the overall value, it helps to spend some time deciding if Fabletics is worth it for your lifestyle.
Decoding Fabletics Sizing: More Art Than Science
You've likely encountered the general sizing charts, where a Fabletics Medium typically aligns with a US 8 or UK 12. While this provides a useful baseline, it's merely the starting point. The real story of Fabletics sizing is richer, influenced by the very elements that make their pieces so appealing: innovative fabrics, strategic compression, and diverse style intentions.
Think of it less like a rigid ruler and more like a skilled tailor. The brand designs with specific performance goals in mind, which inherently impacts the fit. This means a size 8 in one style might feel entirely different from a size 8 in another, depending on its fabric blend, stretch capabilities, and how much "hold" it's engineered to provide. The "inconsistency factor" isn't a flaw; it's a characteristic of their dynamic product line.
Navigating the Fit: Category by Category
Understanding how different types of Fabletics garments are designed to fit is key to a satisfying purchase. Here's a deep dive into what to expect across their core offerings:
Leggings & Bottoms: The Compression Conundrum
Fabletics leggings are legendary for their sculpting and supportive qualities, often due to significant compression. This is fantastic for performance and shaping, but it also means they frequently run on the smaller side.
- The Compression Effect: Styles like the bestselling PowerHold® and Motion365® are designed to hug your body firmly. This high level of compression is why they feel snug – it’s intentional. It supports your muscles, aids recovery, and provides that flattering, sculpted look.
- High-Waist Magic: Many Fabletics leggings feature high-waisted designs that cinch comfortably at your natural waist. This enhances support and creates a streamlined silhouette, but if you have a significant waist-to-hip ratio, you might find the waist tight even if the hips fit.
- Your Best Bet: If you're between sizes, or if you simply prefer a more comfortable, less restrictive fit for everyday wear over maximum compression for intense workouts, sizing up is highly recommended. Always consider your waist and hip measurements carefully, not just your typical dress size.
Sports Bras: Support, Snugness, and Science
Fabletics offers an impressive array of sports bras, from light support for yoga to high-impact options for running. The fit, much more than with leggings, hinges on the intended support level. Getting the right fit here isn't just about comfort; it's about crucial support for your breast health.
- Impact Level Dictates Fit:
- Low-impact bras are often true to size, offering a relaxed, comfortable feel suitable for lounging or gentle activities.
- Medium and high-impact styles are engineered for greater support and therefore tend to feel significantly snugger. They need to minimize bounce, which means a tighter embrace.
- Compression vs. Adjustable: Many high-impact bras feature a compression-style fit, which can feel very tight initially. However, Fabletics also offers adjustable styles with customizable support bands and straps. These offer more flexibility to achieve your perfect snugness without feeling suffocated. When choosing the right sports bra, remember to prioritize proper bust and underbust measurements for optimal support.
- Measurement is Non-Negotiable: For sports bras, skip guessing. Take accurate bust (around the fullest part of your chest) and underbust (snugly beneath your breasts) measurements. Compare these directly to the Fabletics size chart for each specific bra, as different styles may have slightly different guidelines.
Tops & Tanks: From True-to-Size to Boxy Bliss
Compared to the intricate sizing of bottoms and bras, Fabletics tops and tanks are generally more straightforward.
- Reliably Stretchy: Most tops are true to size and feature fabrics with a good amount of stretch, allowing for comfortable movement during workouts or daily activities.
- Watch for Style Cues: Pay close attention to product descriptions. Some styles are intentionally designed with a "boxy" or oversized fit for a relaxed, airy feel. If you prefer a more fitted look, you might consider sizing down in these specific styles, but generally, your usual size should work.
Key Fabletics Pieces and Their Specific Fits
Let's dive into some of Fabletics' most beloved items and what you need to know about their fit characteristics:
- PowerHold® Leggings: These are Fabletics' undisputed bestsellers, and for good reason. They offer superior sculpting, support, moisture-wicking properties, and are famously squat-proof. Given their high compression, they run slightly tight. If you're borderline between sizes or prefer a less "locked-in" feel, consider sizing up. Always check your waist and hip ratio against their guide.
- Trinity High Impact Sports Bra: A powerhouse designed for rigorous activities like cardio, HIIT, and running. Its secure zip front and adjustable straps offer excellent support and customization. Crucially, it also comes in extended sizing, catering to a wider range of body types. When purchasing, focus intensely on your bust and underbust measurements to ensure the support you need.
- On-The-Go Jogger: The epitome of athleisure comfort. Made from soft, breathable fabric, these joggers are perfect for casual wear, travel, or low-intensity workouts. They are generally true to size and offer a wonderfully relaxed fit. These are a safe bet for ordering your usual size.
- SculptKnit Seamless Sets: These sets are all about ultra-stretch, breathability, and seamless comfort, making them ideal for yoga, Pilates, or simply lounging. The seamless design and stretchy fabric mean they adapt well to your body. If you desire a more compressive, body-hugging feel (typical for seamless designs), you might even consider sizing down slightly. Understanding different activewear fabrics and their properties can really help here.
The Inclusivity Question: Fabletics' Commitment to All Bodies
Beyond numerical sizing, Fabletics has made strides in its commitment to inclusivity. The brand doesn't just offer varying sizes; it aims to design activewear that looks and feels good on a diverse range of body shapes. This philosophy is evident in their marketing campaigns, which feature a broad spectrum of models, and in their product development.
Offering extended sizing in core, popular pieces – like the Trinity High Impact Sports Bra – demonstrates a tangible effort to cater to more body types. While no brand is perfect, Fabletics continues to evolve its approach to ensuring that more people can find functional and fashionable activewear that truly fits.
Fabletics Sizing vs. The Competition: A Quick Look
If you're accustomed to other activewear brands, it helps to understand where Fabletics fits into the sizing spectrum. Here’s a brief comparison to give you context:
- Gymshark: Generally known for a slimmer, more athletic fit, often running small in bottoms. If you typically size up in Gymshark, you might do the same for Fabletics compression items.
- Lululemon: Often considered true to size, though this can vary slightly across their many different ranges (e.g., Align vs. Wunder Train). Fabletics compression leggings can feel snugger than most Lululemon styles.
- Sweaty Betty: Primarily uses UK sizing and often provides a stretchier, more forgiving fit in many of their items compared to Fabletics' more intense compression.
- Nike: Tends to be fairly consistent across its wide range of sizes and styles. If you're a consistent size in Nike, you might still need to size up in Fabletics compression.
- Adidas: Generally runs large in tops but true to size in bottoms. Fabletics bottoms are often snugger, while tops are more comparable.
This comparison isn't about declaring one brand superior, but about providing a useful benchmark when you're comparing activewear brands and trying to gauge Fabletics' fit relative to your experience.
Mastering Your Fabletics Fit: Insider Tips for Success
Armed with knowledge about Fabletics' sizing philosophy, you can now approach your shopping with confidence. Here are some actionable tips to ensure you nail your ideal activewear fit every time:
- Measure, Measure, Measure (Accurately!): This cannot be stressed enough. Don’t rely on old measurements or assumptions. Grab a soft tape measure and get precise readings for your bust, underbust, waist (narrowest part), and hips (fullest part). Then, cross-reference these with Fabletics' specific size chart for each product. Here’s a detailed guide on how to accurately measure yourself for activewear.
- Devour Product Descriptions: Fabletics is quite good about providing details. Look for keywords like "compression level," "fabric blend" (e.g., PowerHold, Motion365, SculptKnit), and "fit type" (e.g., relaxed, body-hugging, sculpted). These clues will tell you a lot about how the garment is intended to fit and whether it might run small.
- Customer Reviews are Gold: Don't skip the review section! Filter by body type or similar measurements if possible. Look for trends in feedback: "runs small, size up," or "true to size." This real-world input from other shoppers is invaluable.
- Know Your Preferred Fit: Do you crave maximum compression for performance, or do you prioritize comfort and freedom of movement for everyday wear? Your personal preference should guide whether you stick to your measured size or size up for a more relaxed feel. For high-intensity workouts, a snugger, more supportive fit is often better, whereas for lounging or low-impact activities, a bit more room is ideal.
- Leverage the Exchange Policy: Fabletics understands that sizing can be tricky. Don't hesitate to take advantage of their exchange policy if your first order isn't quite right. It's much better to exchange for the perfect fit than to settle for activewear that doesn't make you feel amazing.
- Consider Your Activity: Are you buying a bra for sprinting or savasana? Are those leggings for lifting heavy or for a coffee run? The intended use of the garment directly impacts how snug or relaxed it should be. High-impact activities generally require a more compressive, secure fit to prevent chafing and provide necessary support.
Common Fabletics Sizing FAQs
We’ve covered a lot, but some questions pop up repeatedly. Here are crisp answers to the most common Fabletics sizing queries:
- "Does Fabletics run small?"
Often, yes, particularly their highly compressive leggings (like PowerHold® and Motion365®) and high-impact sports bras. Tops generally run true to size. - "Should I size up in Fabletics leggings?"
If you are between sizes, prefer a more comfortable, less "locked-in" fit, or are trying a high-compression style for the first time, sizing up is generally a good recommendation. - "How does Fabletics compare to Lululemon sizing?"
Lululemon generally runs true to size, while Fabletics' compression items can feel snugger. If you wear an 8 in Lululemon Align, a Fabletics 8 in PowerHold might feel tighter. - "Are Fabletics sports bras true to size?"
It varies significantly by impact level. Low-impact bras are often true to size, but medium and high-impact compression bras tend to run snug to provide necessary support. Always measure. - "What's the difference between PowerHold and Motion365, and how does it affect sizing?"
Both PowerHold® and Motion365® are Fabletics' signature compressive fabrics and tend to run small. PowerHold is known for its intense compression and sculpting, while Motion365 often offers a slightly softer, more flexible compression while still being highly supportive. For both, sizing up for comfort is a common strategy.
Your Journey to the Perfect Fabletics Wardrobe
Ultimately, finding your ideal Fabletics fit is a personal journey, one that beautifully intertwines the brand's vibrant style with your unique body. It’s about more than just fitting into a size; it’s about choosing activewear that supports your movement, reflects your personality, and makes you feel empowered.
By understanding the nuances of Fabletics Style, Sizing & Inclusivity, embracing accurate measurements, and paying close attention to product specifics, you're well on your way to building an activewear wardrobe that you truly love. These insights should give you the confidence to explore Fabletics' diverse offerings, experiment with new styles, and ultimately, find pieces that make you look and feel fantastic, ready to conquer your day, whether you're hitting the gym or styling your athleisure pieces for a casual outing. Happy shopping!