Cloud II vs Daydream vs Pulse: Which Vitality Line Is Right for You?

Vitality's three main fabric lines serve different needs, and choosing the right one depends entirely on how you move and what you want from your activewear. Cloud II™, Vitality Daydream®, and Vitality Pulse® each deliver a distinct experience in handfeel, compression, and activity fit. A quick Vitality shorts comparison breaks down exactly where each line excels so you can shop with confidence.

At a Glance: Three Lines, Three Purposes

Before diving into detail, here's the short version. Cloud II is the versatile all-rounder. Daydream is the comfort-first pick for low-impact days. Pulse is the performance fabric for high-intensity training. Every line is made with majority recycled materials, comes in sizes XXS to 4XL, and features Vitality's Dynamic Grading System for proportional sizing across the entire range.

Now for the details that actually help you decide.

Vitality Cloud II Review: The Everyday Workhorse

Cloud II is the line most customers start with, and for good reason. Buttery soft with balanced 2.5/5 compression, the fabric sits right in the middle of the comfort-to-support spectrum. Not too light, not too heavy. Just enough structure to move confidently through gym sessions, yoga, running, errands, and daily life.

The best Vitality activewear line for someone who wants one fabric to handle everything is Cloud II. The 4-way stretch moves with you through squats, lunges, and transitions without restricting range of motion. A double-lined waistband stays in place during movement. The Signature Glute Contour Seam® adds definition without bunching. No front seam means comfortable coverage where you need the most confidence.

Cloud II™ is built for the gym as much as it is for everyday wear. The fabric uses dyed-ground construction and is independently tested for opacity through deep bends and squats across every size in the XXS to 4XL range. Whether you are lifting heavy, running circuits, or heading straight from the gym to lunch, Cloud II™ holds its shape and coverage through it all.

Cloud II shorts are made with 77% recycled nylon and are sweat-wicking, fast-drying, and machine washable.

Best for: Gym workouts, yoga, running, errands, travel, all-day wear.

Start here: The Cloud II™ Volley Short in Midnight paired with the Cloud II™ Scoop Tank in Midnight gives you the full Cloud II experience in Vitality's most versatile colorway.

Daydream: Comfort-First for Low-Impact Days

Vitality Daydream® takes a different approach. Buttery soft with a next-to-naked feel and feather-light 2/5 compression, the fabric prioritizes how a garment feels against your skin over everything else. Where Cloud II balances comfort and support, Daydream leans fully into comfort. Made with majority recycled nylon, polyester, and lycra, the fabric feels barely-there while still offering gentle support.

A Vitality Pulse vs Daydream shorts comparison highlights the biggest difference in the lineup: Daydream is designed for rest and recovery, while Pulse is engineered for peak effort. Daydream won't give you the hold you need for burpees or box jumps, and that's the point. Gentle movement deserves fabric that doesn't fight your body.

Best for: Yoga, Pilates, lounging, recovery days, walking, stretching, slow mornings.

Start here: The Vitality Daydream® Volley Short in Midnight Marl with the Daydream V Tank in Midnight Marl creates a matching set that works from yoga to brunch without a wardrobe change.

Pulse: Performance When Intensity Matters

Vitality Pulse® is where Vitality gets serious about athletic performance. Sleek handfeel with 3.5/5 compression, the fabric is built to handle sweat, impact, and sustained effort. Sweat-wicking and antimicrobial properties keep you comfortable through long, intense sessions. UPF 50+ protection makes Pulse a strong choice for outdoor training.

Where Cloud II feels like a buttery-soft hug, Pulse feels streamlined and locked in. The compression is noticeably higher, which means more support during plyometrics, HIIT, heavy lifting, or sprint intervals. The sleek finish also gives Pulse a polished look that transitions well to casual settings after a workout.

Best for: HIIT, heavy lifting (for those who prefer a sleeker, higher-compression hold), running, cross-training, outdoor workouts, high-sweat activities.

Start here: The Vitality Pulse® Volley Short in Midnight Washed paired with the Pulse Racer Tank in Midnight Washed delivers the full performance experience.

Quick Comparison

Side-by-Side: Vitality Shorts Comparison

Handfeel. Cloud II is buttery soft. Daydream has a next-to-naked feel. Pulse is sleek and smooth. Each texture serves a purpose, so the right choice depends on what your hands and body prefer.

Compression. Daydream at 2/5 offers the lightest hold, ideal for gentle movement. Cloud II at 2.5/5 adds balanced support for mixed activities. Pulse at 3.5/5 locks in with confident compression for intense effort.

Activity range. Cloud II covers the widest range, from workouts to lifestyle. Daydream excels in low-impact and recovery settings. Pulse specializes in high-performance training.

Weight. Daydream is feather-lightweight. Cloud II is a mid-range weight. Pulse carries slightly more structure for durability under stress.

Sustainability. All three lines use majority recycled materials. Cloud II™ shorts are made with 77% recycled nylon specifically.

How to Choose Based on Your Routine

You work out three to five times a week with a mix of gym sessions and daily wear. Cloud II handles both without needing a second pair. One fabric, all activities.

You prioritize yoga, Pilates, or rest days and want your clothes to feel invisible. Daydream's buttery handfeel and minimal compression are exactly right.

You train hard, sweat heavy, and need gear that performs under pressure. Pulse is engineered for intensity and won't let you down during your toughest sessions.

You want more than one line. Many customers own pieces across all three. A Daydream set for recovery mornings, Cloud II for the bulk of the week, and Pulse for performance days gives your wardrobe full coverage.

Both Cloud II™ and Pulse® handle serious gym work. The choice between them depends on feel and compression preference. Cloud II™ delivers buttery soft comfort at 2.5/5 compression for a flexible, all-day hold. Pulse® steps up to a sleek 3.5/5 compression with UPF 50+ protection and antimicrobial treatment for high-sweat sessions.

Every Line, Every Size, Every Journey

Choosing the best Vitality activewear line comes down to matching fabric to movement. All three lines are available in sizes XXS to 4XL with Vitality's Dynamic Grading System, which adjusts measurements across sizes for a proportional fit at every point in the range. Free exchanges and label-free, package-free returns let you try fabrics risk-free until you land on the handfeel and compression that feel right for your body and your routine.

Start strong, stay supported with Vitality activewear. Shop the entire collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Vitality line is best for everyday wear?

Can you wear Daydream shorts to the gym?

What makes Pulse different from Cloud II?

Are all three Vitality lines available in the same size range?

Do Vitality shorts use recycled materials?

Can you mix pieces from different Vitality lines?