Are lululemon Dupes Any Good?

Despite my best efforts to prove otherwise, I’m inundated with weekly comments about my “boujee” shopping habits and elegant taste. 

While I do love a good shopping spree and consider myself somewhat of a “brand snob”, if there’s one thing I love more than a new pair of Jordans or $400 rain pants, it’s finding a good deal. 

My evergreen search for great deals is what leads us here today to determine whether the viral lululemon Dupes (made by CRZ) are any good. As someone who swears by the lululemon Commission pants, it’s only right that I compare them to a pair that’s nearly one-third of the price. 

Are lululemon Dupes any good? Or should you shell out a few more bucks for the real thing? Let’s find out.

lululemon Commission Pants Versus CRZ All Day Comfy Golf Pants

• $128 versus $45
• 53% elastomultiester/47% recycled polyester versus 100% polyester
• Snap-closure back pockets, zippered side pocket on each

Stretch

Let’s start with how the two pants are similar. Despite the slight difference in material construction, the lululemon Commission pants and the Dupes (CRZ All Day Comfy Golf pants) have ample four-way stretch. 

Down through the legs of the pants, the stretch is plentiful. However, the waist on the lululemon pants is more forgiving than that of the Dupes.

Zippers

Let’s talk about zippers. Boring, maybe. But necessary? Yes. Like any good golf bag, zippers are an integral part of any good golf pants. Between the zipper fly and the addition of the zippered pocket on our lululemons and Lulu Dupes, it’s important that both function properly. 

Again, there’s not much competition here. While both have the aforementioned zipper pocket, the zipper action is much smoother on the lululemons. The zipper on the Dupes feels sticky and less durable. 

When the little things make a big difference, this is a red flag for me. Chalk this up to another point for the real lululemon pants.

Fit and Function

If you’re looking for the proverbial nail in the coffin of our lululemon challenger, the fit and function will do it. While both pants provide a comfortable fit, lululemon elevates itself with its ABC technology.

What the heck is “ABC” and why should you care?

ABC

lululemon’s ABC technology is the key to the perfect pants. ABC (which stands for Anti-Ball Crushing) technology refers to the unique gusset in the crotch of the pants. 

This allows for freedom of movement and keeps your pants from starting to wear down in this sensitive area due to tension.  This, my friends, is what really separates the lululemon pants from the Dupes. The CRZ All Day Comfy Golf pants lack this tried and true gusset and the same freeing fit that lulu is known for. 

I promise I’m not busting your balls. (Sorry, I had to). The ABC tech is the real deal.

After putting these pants through the ringer the past month or so, all I can say is that the lululemon Commission Pants are officially #ThunderThighCertified.

Quality Matters

While I can’t yet comment on the longevity of the two pants, I can confidently say lululemon has one of the best quality guarantees in the industry. It ensures that if a product doesn’t perform for you, they’ll replace it (or give you the value back in a gift card). 

This doesn’t apply just to items within their return window. If the product fails (normal wear and tear doesn’t count), they’ll take it back. This, above all, is what has kept me coming back to lululemon.

The Verdict

How did the Dupes fair? I’m not shocked by the results. While the Dupes are definitely not bad pants (especially for $45, an incredible value), they’re really no match for the real thing. 

And, when the lululemon Commission pants can be found on sale for $79 or so, it makes the choice even more obvious. 

If there’s anything worth spending the extra few dollars on, it’s a pair of pants that makes you forget you’re even wearing pants at all.

PS: Looking for more budget-friendly pants? Check out these staff-favorite $17 pants from 32 Degrees.