When it comes to activewear, leggings are a must-have for workouts and casual wear alike. Outdoor Voices has earned its place among top activewear brands, standing alongside names like Lululemon, Athleta, and Nike. This article explores what distinguishes Outdoor Voices leggings from these popular competitors by comparing their design philosophy, fabric technology, fit, pricing, sustainability, and overall customer experience.
Brand Philosophy and Design Approach
Outdoor Voices centers its brand around encouraging movement for everyone, focusing on creating versatile activewear that works well both in exercise and daily life. Their designs lean toward simplicity, muted tones, and thoughtful details that emphasize comfort and inclusivity.
In contrast, other brands like Lululemon and Athleta prioritize high-performance features paired with trend-forward styles, while Nike blends sport-driven innovation with bold branding. Alo Yoga, for example, targets the luxury athleisure market.
What makes Outdoor Voices unique is its balanced approach—offering performance gear that feels approachable and versatile, aligned with their “Doing Things” ethos that promotes movement as a joyful activity rather than competition.
Fabric Technology and Comfort
Outdoor Voices uses its proprietary OV Exercise Cloth, a polyester-spandex blend engineered to be breathable, moisture-wicking, and flexible. The fabric is soft yet durable, providing enough compression to support muscles without restricting movement.
Other leading brands feature specialized fabrics as well: Lululemon’s Luon and Nulu offer various compression levels and softness; Athleta utilizes blends like Powervita for durability; and Nike employs Dri-FIT technology focused on sweat-wicking and cooling.
Outdoor Voices leggings stand out for their medium compression fit that works well across a range of activities—yoga, running, or lounging—striking a perfect balance between performance and comfort without feeling overly technical.
Fit and Styling
Outdoor Voices leggings commonly feature a high-rise waistband designed to provide comfort and support, with cuts that flatter without revealing too much. Their minimalist, muted palettes make the leggings highly versatile for mixing and matching with other wardrobe pieces.
Other brands offer a wider variety of fits and styles: Lululemon provides multiple rise options and compression levels; Athleta’s fits are sporty and structured; Nike’s designs often include bold logos and athletic cuts.
Outdoor Voices stands apart by emphasizing inclusivity with a range of sizes and styles that accommodate different body shapes comfortably while maintaining understated, everyday styling.
Price Point and Value
Priced in the mid-to-high range, Outdoor Voices leggings offer strong value through quality construction, durability, and the brand’s ethical manufacturing practices. Their pricing is competitive compared to other brands with similar commitments.
Lululemon generally sits at a higher price point, while Athleta’s pricing is similar with occasional sales. Nike’s prices vary widely depending on technology and style.
Customers appreciate Outdoor Voices for delivering a balanced combination of price, quality, and sustainability, making it an attractive choice for those who want responsible activewear without overpaying.
Sustainability and Ethical Practices
Outdoor Voices is committed to sustainability, incorporating recycled fabrics and eco-conscious manufacturing wherever possible. The brand emphasizes transparency in its supply chain and prioritizes fair labor practices.
While brands like Lululemon and Athleta have ramped up their sustainability efforts and Nike invests in eco-friendly innovations, Outdoor Voices stands out as a leader in sustainable athleisure with strong, consistent environmental commitments.
Customer Experience and Community
Outdoor Voices fosters a community centered on movement and wellness, promoting inclusivity and the joy of being active. This approach creates a loyal customer base that values the brand beyond just its apparel.
Other brands also cultivate communities—Lululemon with local events, Nike through global athlete endorsements, and Athleta by empowering diverse female athletes.
Outdoor Voices’ approachable, inclusive messaging makes the brand a lifestyle choice that appeals broadly to people of all fitness levels, differentiating it from more performance or fashion-focused competitors.
Conclusion
Outdoor Voices leggings distinguish themselves by combining comfort, style, sustainability, and inclusivity in a way that resonates with a wide audience. Unlike other brands that may focus more heavily on high-performance features or fashion-forward design, Outdoor Voices prioritizes versatile, approachable activewear that encourages joyful movement. This unique balance makes their leggings an excellent choice for those seeking quality, ethics, and everyday wearability in their activewear collection.
