80% matchAthleta
Same big-retailer-owned mainstream women's activewear
What changes: Broader outdoor/travel range and own store fleet
Brand profile
Zella by Nordstrom
Nordstrom's in-house activewear label, known for its Live In leggings and sold almost exclusively through Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack.
SeattleOrigin
UnisexFocus
Athleisure / SportswearStyle
$$Price
4 brands like Zella by Nordstrom like Athleta, Fabletics, Beyond Yoga →
What to know about Zella by Nordstrom
House label, one place to buy
Zella is Nordstrom's own activewear line under its Nordstrom Made portfolio, sold almost entirely through Nordstrom stores and site rather than wider retail.
Built as the Lululemon alternative
The Live In High Waist legging is the signature piece, made in brushed four-way-stretch knit and usually priced well below the studio-brand benchmark.
Two tiers, two stores
The main line runs at Nordstrom, while a separate off-price range, Z by Zella, sits at Nordstrom Rack at roughly $10 to $50.
How Zella by Nordstrom fits
Overall fit
true to size
Most shoppers find Zella activewear true to size with an athletic but not overly compressive fit, comparable to mainstream activewear brands.
Tip: Order your usual size for most pieces; the Live In leggings offer compression so size up if you prefer a looser feel.
Medium confidence · based on 15 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trousers & pants | true to size | athletic with four-way stretch | Stick to your usual size; joggers and leggings run true with stretchy, forgiving fabric. |
| Hoodies & sweatshirts | true to size | relaxed athletic | Take your normal size; size up if you want extra room for layering. |
Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.
If you like Zella by Nordstrom
80% match
74% matchFabletics
Cheaper leggings and sets, membership pricing model
73% matchBeyond Yoga
Buttery brushed knits pushed further into athleisure
What changes: Higher price, women's-only focus
72% matchLululemon
The proprietary-fabric benchmark Zella undercuts
What changes: Roughly double the price, technical depth
Zella by Nordstrom fit questions
Does Zella by Nordstrom run big or small?
Zella by Nordstrom fits true to size. Order your usual size for most pieces; the Live In leggings offer compression so size up if you prefer a looser feel. Most shoppers find Zella activewear true to size with an athletic but not overly compressive fit, comparable to mainstream activewear brands.
How does Zella by Nordstrom fit?
Most shoppers find Zella activewear true to size with an athletic but not overly compressive fit, comparable to mainstream activewear brands. Overall shape: regular to athletic.
How do Zella by Nordstrom trousers & pants fit?
Zella by Nordstrom trousers & pants fits true to size. Stick to your usual size; joggers and leggings run true with stretchy, forgiving fabric. Shape: athletic with four-way stretch.
How do Zella by Nordstrom hoodies & sweatshirts fit?
Zella by Nordstrom hoodies & sweatshirts fits true to size. Take your normal size; size up if you want extra room for layering. Shape: relaxed athletic.
Brand facts
Zella is Nordstrom's in-house activewear label, part of the retailer's Nordstrom Made portfolio and sold almost exclusively through its stores and website. The line covers leggings, sports bras, tanks, shorts, joggers and hoodies for women, men and kids, built on brushed four-way-stretch knits in neutrals plus seasonal colors. The Live In High Waist legging is the signature style, commonly positioned as a lower-priced alternative to Lululemon. A separate off-price line, Z by Zella, runs at Nordstrom Rack with prices from roughly $10 to $50.
- Founded
- 2009
- Origin
- Seattle, United States
- Made in
- United States, Asia
- Price
- $$
- Focus
- Unisex
- Facts checked
- August 2026
- Styles
- Athleisure / Sportswear, Minimalist / Contemporary