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.
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.
While both sell high-quality, stylish fitness apparel, they target slightly different consumer priorities:
| 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.
From my experience at FuKi Gymwear, the Athleta vs Lululemon example teaches three key lessons:
👉 Related read: Why Is Gymshark So Famous? for another community-driven brand example.
At FuKi Gymwear, we help new activewear brands create products inspired by leading strategies from Athleta and Lululemon:
This way, entrepreneurs can build a sustainable and stylish brand without needing giant retail backing.
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.
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.