When you think of Lululemon, you probably picture women in Align leggings and crossbody belt bags. But that's only half the story.
Because somewhere along the way, Lululemon also became a guy thing.
We're talking about joggers that guys swear by, tees that feel like nothing, and Commission pants that work for the office and the gym.
There's even a subreddit dedicated entirely to the men's side of the brand, r/Lululemen, where guys compare fit pics, debate ABC pants vs. Commission, and swap reviews on drops like they're sneakers.
Related: Your next Lululemon top may be made from old clothes
So yeah, men aren't just shopping at Lululemon. They're building wardrobes, finding community, and becoming brand loyalists in the process.
But here's the thing: some of those loyalists are starting to stray.
And they're not going to just any brand.
They're going to one that's sleek, technical, growing fast...and just might give Lululemon a real run for its money.
Why men are swapping Lululemon gear for Rhone
The shift isn't happening in silence.
On r/Lululemen, one popular thread titled "Favorite brands outside of Lululemon" makes it clear: Rhone is on the rise.
"Another big vote for Rhone," one user, u/Whole-Association564, wrote. "Their quality reminds me of the OG Lulu stuff I fell in love with."
And that sentiment isn't just limited to Reddit.
Matt Ryan, a Boston-based marathon runner, law student and self-proclaimed Lululemon loyalist, says Rhone has taken over a serious portion of his closet.
Related: Lululemon accuses Costco of copying its yoga pants, other products
"Honestly, I think Rhone shirts may actually be better than Lululemon," he told me.
He still loves Lululemon but says Rhone's workout shirts and button-downs are perfect: versatile enough for long runs and polished enough for law school life.
Rhone isn't trying to be a cheaper version or a lookalike. It's playing in the same space with premium materials and polished performance wear, and depending on whom you ask, it's actually outperforming Lululemon.
And for a growing number of guys, it's no longer just an alternative. It's the go-to.
How Rhone is building momentum beyond Lululemon's shadow
Rhone isn't new, but it's finally breaking into the mainstream.
The brand was founded in 2014 with a clear mission: high-performance gear for men who care about style, quality, and sweat.
Over the years, it's earned a loyal base through sharp designs, premium fabrics like GoldFusion (an anti-odor tech), and a sleek aesthetic that works just as well in the gym as it does in a meeting.
And it's not just customers taking notice.
More on retail:
- Lululemon's summer shorts, shirts frustrate some fans
- Nike, Adidas face rising threat on the golf course
- Hoka, Ugg maker raises red flag on disturbing customer behavior
Rhone has been expanding its retail presence through pop-ups and store-in-store concepts at Equinox and select Nordstrom locations.
It's also investing heavily in e-commerce and community, with features like personal shopping services and on-site style consults - a move that mirrors some of Lululemon's most successful growth plays.
According to Grand View Research, the global men's activewear market was valued at nearly $147 billion in 2024 and is expected to surpass $230 billion by 2030.
That means brands offering polish, performance, and versatility are in the perfect position to win big.
In other words: Rhone is rising - and it's not riding on hype. It's earning its place in closets, one shirt at a time.
Related: Nike raises prices and puts the blame purely on tariffs
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This story was originally published June 30, 2025 at 6:37 PM