As someone working in the sportswear industry at FuKi Gymwear, I often hear customers ask:
“Is Athleta owned by Lululemon?”
The quick answer is No.
Athleta is owned by Gap Inc., while Lululemon is an independent Canadian company.
Even though both brands focus on premium activewear, their business strategies and ownership structures are completely different.
In this article, I’ll explain who owns Athleta, how it compares to Lululemon, and how emerging brands can use these insights to succeed.
Table of Contents
- Who Actually Owns Athleta
- How Athleta and Lululemon Differ
- Athleta vs Lululemon: Quick Comparison
- What This Means for New Activewear Brands
- FuKi Gymwear – Partnering for Your Brand
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Who Actually Owns Athleta
Athleta was founded in 1998 in California and became part of Gap Inc. in 2008.
Gap’s portfolio includes Banana Republic and Old Navy, giving Athleta strong retail resources and global supply chains.
By contrast, Lululemon is an independent Canadian brand, launched in Vancouver in 1998, and focuses on yoga-inspired, premium activewear.
👉 Reference: Gap Inc. Official.
How Athleta and Lululemon Differ
While both sell high-quality, stylish fitness apparel, they target slightly different consumer priorities:
- Athleta: Community-driven, sustainable fabrics, moderate pricing.
- Lululemon: Luxury-focused, technical innovation, premium pricing.
Athleta vs Lululemon: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Athleta (Gap Inc.) | Lululemon (Independent) |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Gap Inc. (U.S.) | Independent (Canada) |
| Founded | 1998, California | 1998, Vancouver |
| Price Range | $40 – $100 | $80 – $150 |
| Core Audience | Everyday athletes, eco-conscious | Yoga & premium performance |
| Sustainability | B Corp certified, recycled fabrics | Some eco lines, not B Corp |
| Sales Channels | Gap stores + online | Lululemon stores + online |
This table shows Athleta’s strength in sustainability and accessibility, while Lululemon dominates luxury yoga performance wear.
What This Means for New Activewear Brands
From my experience at FuKi Gymwear, the Athleta vs Lululemon example teaches three key lessons:
- Brand Story Matters: Both brands thrive on lifestyle storytelling, not just product specs.
- Targeted Pricing: Athleta wins on eco-friendly and mid-range prices; Lululemon wins on premium exclusivity.
- Retail + Digital Strategy: Strong online presence plus selective stores = trust and convenience.
👉 Related read: Why Is Gymshark So Famous? for another community-driven brand example.
FuKi Gymwear – Partnering for Your Brand
At FuKi Gymwear, we help new activewear brands create products inspired by leading strategies from Athleta and Lululemon:
- ✅ Low MOQ starting at 100 pcs per style.
- ✅ Eco-friendly fabrics such as organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled polyester.
- ✅ Private-label customization for logos, packaging, and unique designs.
This way, entrepreneurs can build a sustainable and stylish brand without needing giant retail backing.
FAQ
Q1: Is Athleta owned by Lululemon?
👉 No. Athleta is owned by Gap Inc., while Lululemon is independent.
Q2: Are their products similar?
Both sell high-quality women’s activewear, but Athleta leans toward eco-friendly and mid-range pricing, while Lululemon focuses on luxury and yoga performance.
Q3: Can small brands compete with them?
Yes—by identifying a niche market and working with OEM/ODM partners like FuKi Gymwear.
Q4: Which is more sustainable?
Athleta is a B Corp, which signals a stronger sustainability commitment.
Conclusion
So, is Athleta owned by Lululemon?
✅ No. Athleta is owned by Gap Inc., while Lululemon is an independent Canadian brand.
Both dominate the activewear space through community-driven branding, innovative products, and balanced online-retail strategies.
For startups and small labels, the big takeaway is:
Define your own brand story and market fit—with the right manufacturing partner like FuKi Gymwear, you can create a competitive activewear brand that blends sustainability, style, and smart pricing.
👉 Start your journey here: Contact FuKi Gymwear.
