Is Expensive Workout Clothing Worth It?
darreneatschicken
Posts: 669 Member
You know... $100 tights from lululemon... $60 t-shirts from Nike... Is all this fitness attire really worth the extra price?
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Replies
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Depends for me. I have a few pairs of VS tights that I noticed were much higher quality than the ones I got from Kohl's or Target. I hardly ever pay full price for anything since there is always a coupon or promo code for things. So it winds up being the same price as a cheaper less quality pair of leggings.4
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Brand names like NIKE are a rip off. I use old CHEAP t-shirts and cut sleeves off. I do buy good quality weight lifting/biking gloves, padded bike shorts, and good sneakers. But even so, I always look for bargains and most bang for buck.4
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Depends.
My lululemon yoga pants have outlasted 5 other cheap pairs. Still more then 5x cost however
I like sweat wicking shirts but brand name doesn't matter
Running sneakers Brooks Adrenaline is the only ones That don't hurt my feet or knees after 2 miles2 -
I think as others have said the quality and longevity of something is a factor to me, not just in workout clothes but a lot of things in life that I need to purchase. I used to always buy the cheapest option, but I found myself needing to replace stuff often. When I buy high end better quality items they last so much longer and I end up spending less in the long run. I look at the value for the money not the price. I also watch for coupons and shop sales. I have a big outlet mall near me and I can get name brands for on average 50% less then the what they are when items are first released, sometimes even more.5
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No, not at those prices. Find a TJ Maxx or order off of Amazon. If you're looking for moisture wicking, can't get cheaper and better than these options. TJ Maxx has clothes that would cost 40 to 60 for like 10 or 15. Way cheaper than other places but you have to browse often.
Since I've moved to AZ, not many TJ Maxx around, so now I'm ordering off of Amazon. Some of their Amazon Basics are cheap and decent. I prefer TJ Maxx though over Amazon just cause.5 -
MikePfirrman wrote: »No, not at those prices. Find a TJ Maxx or order off of Amazon. If you're looking for moisture wicking, can't get cheaper and better than these options. TJ Maxx has clothes that would cost 40 to 60 for like 10 or 15. Way cheaper than other places but you have to browse often.
Since I've moved to AZ, not many TJ Maxx around, so now I'm ordering off of Amazon. Some of their Amazon Basics are cheap and decent. I prefer TJ Maxx though over Amazon just cause.
I agree about Tjmaxx. If you haven't already, check out their website. You can shop Tjmaxx online and there is a good selection (of course there is shipping but they do run shipping specials sometimes). Also, all of their sister stores like Marshalls and Sierra Trading have good deals too.3 -
I think you'll see the answers will be all over the place. For me personally my pair of Costco yoga pants are more comfortable and lasted longer than the ones from Lululemon. I just bought thermal pants for running on Amazon for approx. $25. They are better than the $100 Under Armour ones. I do, however, buy name brand shoes and socks. Again those are personal preference. I also bought the most amazing thermal running shirt from the running room...it was expensive....but OHHHH so worth it!!0
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I have a little bit of everything. I love Lulu sweaters and tops but I don't prefer their pants. For me my favourite is Bench, it is pricey but it lasts. Victoria's Secret Sport stuff is good it seems to be durable (at least the stuff I got a few years ago), Old Navy is ok but I notice it's not as thick and doesn't last as long as more expensive brands.0
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I have my eyes on a pair of lulu leggings because I've heard they are awesome and last forever, plus the store will hem them or repair them for free. $100 USD for leggings that will theoretically last forever, yes I'd say that's worth it. I am working towards a smaller high quality wardrobe in general though. I'd rather have quality clothes that I love and that last, vs. a large wardrobe full of inexpensive clothes that don't last very long. Better for the environment too. (This will be a slow process because I'm not rich lol)
All my leggings so far as more inexpensive. most of them are fine, but I don't anticipate them lasting *forever*. I usually buy them from amazon or TJ Maxx. I just ordered a pair from a company called Pop Fit, advertised on Instagram. They are normally around $45, but I got them for $14 or so being a first time customer. We'll see how those are. I also would like to try out fabletics.1 -
Well, i've heard good things about lulu but they don't come in my size soooo.......
I am a Fabletics VIP, and if you were to buy Fabletics at list price, it's way too expensive for me. But, a few times a year they do huge sales and that's when I buy. I get the sale price on top of the already discounted VIP price and honestly it comes out to being really affordable and my staple items from them are very high quality.
Good shoes are definitely worth the extra money. I probably won't ever wear anything other than Brooks.
TJ Maxx is a great place for discount brand names, like stated above. Even if it has a defect I don't mind.
I think the people who swear by a certain brand name and dress in it head to toe are more so doing it for a self-branding purpose, which might make you feel like Serena Williams but you aren't getting her endorsement money LOL2 -
i have had horrible experience as far as lululemon and nike and VS lasting.
my champion/c9 and old navy have withstood the test of time.
my favorite was a pair of brooks from tjmaxx.
now i get most of my stuff from tjmaxx.1 -
sammidelvecchio wrote: »Well, i've heard good things about lulu but they don't come in my size soooo.......
I am a Fabletics VIP, and if you were to buy Fabletics at list price, it's way too expensive for me. But, a few times a year they do huge sales and that's when I buy. I get the sale price on top of the already discounted VIP price and honestly it comes out to being really affordable and my staple items from them are very high quality.
Good shoes are definitely worth the extra money. I probably won't ever wear anything other than Brooks.
TJ Maxx is a great place for discount brand names, like stated above. Even if it has a defect I don't mind.
I think the people who swear by a certain brand name and dress in it head to toe are more so doing it for a self-branding purpose, which might make you feel like Serena Williams but you aren't getting her endorsement money LOL
Glad to hear you like fabletics. Never tried them and I want to. Does the VIP membership cost money? Every time I try to do the 2 for $24 deal it never works. (Like, when I get to check out it doesn't ring it up correctly) so I gave up.1 -
Usually cheap leggings don't pass the squat test, so I pay more for good quality leggings that won't flash my undies/butt when I squat.
Like so...
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sammidelvecchio wrote: »Well, i've heard good things about lulu but they don't come in my size soooo.......
I am a Fabletics VIP, and if you were to buy Fabletics at list price, it's way too expensive for me. But, a few times a year they do huge sales and that's when I buy. I get the sale price on top of the already discounted VIP price and honestly it comes out to being really affordable and my staple items from them are very high quality.
Good shoes are definitely worth the extra money. I probably won't ever wear anything other than Brooks.
TJ Maxx is a great place for discount brand names, like stated above. Even if it has a defect I don't mind.
I think the people who swear by a certain brand name and dress in it head to toe are more so doing it for a self-branding purpose, which might make you feel like Serena Williams but you aren't getting her endorsement money LOL
Glad to hear you like fabletics. Never tried them and I want to. Does the VIP membership cost money? Every time I try to do the 2 for $24 deal it never works. (Like, when I get to check out it doesn't ring it up correctly) so I gave up.
The 2 for $24 comes when you sign up to be a VIP. Once you sign up, I think you get a promo code. Basically, every month you get the option to buy an outfit for $50. If you want it, you buy it. If you don't, you go to the web site and choose "skip this month" and you don't get charged. So I skip every month (I have a reminder on my phone) and then buy when the sales hit! If you forget to skip and get charged the $50 without picking an outfit, it stores as credit for a future purchase so you don't lose any money.
If you can remember to skip each month, it's a great deal. Their power hold fabric is the best legging i've ever worn and i've been through a lot of workout clothes, from Nike to VS to Champion and beyond...it's just the best.3 -
I have some more expensive running gear that is worth every penny when it comes for comfort and durability. I wouldn't pay more for something like VS or Lululemon because my impression is that you're paying more for the brand name/style than the actual performance (based on the pieces I've owned). I've also had good luck with some less expensive stuff.
My less than helpful conclusion is that some expensive brands are worth it and others aren't and that it's possible to find good stuff in the less expensive price ranges as well.2 -
I bought a lulu tank on sale and it has turned into my favorite cardio shirt. Having gone through all kinds of running tanks, from Nike to Target, the lulu is, by far, the best at wicking moisture and amazingly comfortable. However, I would never pay $70 for one, which is what it goes for full price. The $50 I paid for it while it was on sale was barely tolerable.0
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I shop at TJMaxx/Ross/Gabe’s for most of my workout attire. I bought some adaidas pants for something like $15 or $20, originally $85! The fabric is wonderfully silky soft! And a neat feature is that the pocket is actually lined with waterproof fabric so stuff doesn’t get sweaty... oh, and fun rainbow/multicolored reflective strips. I have found if I go too cheap the seams pull, rub, and cut into my legs and/or the fabric is weirdly textured, almost itchy. My Costco leggings are my favorites, and actually the fleece lined leggings I was gifted from American Eagle were really nice (sadly I have lost enough weight that they are going to have to be retired, I had to hold them up on my last run
). I don’t have a brand preference for shirts, i wear them around the house to test for seam discomfort before running in them. Marika was another davorite brand, but my MIL bought he a pair of capris for Christmas and while the fabric is really nice they don’t stay up nearly as well as my old pair, and the stitching on the seams popped the first time I pulled them on. Too fragile for my liking!
I have a hard time spending big bucks on clothes... I am “active” around the house and yard so I don’t want to have to baby a clothing item for fear of messing it up. If I snag a pair of $15 pants on the fence while I am feeding chickens I would be frustrated, but not nearly as much so as if they were significant money (and I don’t want to have to worry about changing every time I go to do something).1 -
Depends on the gear. I seek out last year's models sold at discount retailers or online warehouses to find bargains. I bought 5 pairs of UA running shorts 6 years ago and they're still holding up great with little wear and a ton of use. I found them in a local outlet and they were on sale for $10 each. I have a few UA wicking shirts & heat gear and found these much better by comparison.
Look for things like seam quality, material defects, and consumer ratings as quality shifts up and down over time.2 -
I think *good* workout clothing is absolutely worth it. Clothing that fits you well and is comfortable and keeps you warm/cool or whatever you need to be during your workout. That may be an exepsnive brand, that may be a cheap brand. But workout clothes are certainly worth spending the money on if a pricey brand works well for you. Think about how much money we spend in general on things that don't do anything to better ourselves. Health and fitness in general is something I am always happy to splurge on because it helps me improve. If I need to cut from other "fun" things to make the financials work, so be it.2
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i grew up with the saying "look good, feel good, do good" so if buying the expensive pair of something makes you feel good (keeps you cool or warm ) or gives you the confindence to do squats without your butt showing i say go for it. i always spend good money on leggings just because i dont want my butt showing and they usually last longer than a $10 dollar pair and for some reason the nike running shoe is the most comfortable for me but everything else i could care less about as long as i feel good wearing it.2
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nighthawk584 wrote: »Brand names like NIKE are a rip off. I use old CHEAP t-shirts and cut sleeves off. I do buy good quality weight lifting/biking gloves, padded bike shorts, and good sneakers. But even so, I always look for bargains and most bang for buck.
This is exactly what I do, too. I put my money in good shoes. The rest, meh.
For me, the botttom line is this is for me, not for what I look like to other people. I don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on pants and tops to walk and run around a nearby national park, which is where I usually exercise. I'm good as long as I have neon to wear so the cars won't hit me.2 -
I buy cheap ones (Walmart).. I workout at home so I wear old shirts and shorts what not.. lol4
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I have a huge range...Walmart to lulu.
Depends on what the workout is too. My expensive white lulu top is not my first choice for low bar squat day cuz the barbells at my gym are gross.
Also, for spinning, my cheap old navy or Walmart sports bras will not work! Need the Victoria sport or under Armour compression.
But all this said, I love to work out. I’m at the gym 6 days a week. So spending the money on a few more expensive, quality pieces for me is worth it.
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No joke on the neon! Even in our tiny, very quiet little neighborhood I have had a car take a turn WAY too wide and head straight toward me as I was waiting off the road for then to go by... you could see the moment when they finally noticed the NEON shirt and hat when the car jerked back to the road.nighthawk584 wrote: »Brand names like NIKE are a rip off. I use old CHEAP t-shirts and cut sleeves off. I do buy good quality weight lifting/biking gloves, padded bike shorts, and good sneakers. But even so, I always look for bargains and most bang for buck.
This is exactly what I do, too. I put my money in good shoes. The rest, meh.
For me, the botttom line is this is for me, not for what I look like to other people. I don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on pants and tops to walk and run around a nearby national park, which is where I usually exercise. I'm good as long as I have neon to wear so the cars won't hit me.
Function over fashion - each activity will have a different set of needs. Biking in loose pants? Not a good idea... running in loose clothes with noticeable seams? That has great potential for chafing... But on the other hand, I hate all the new leggings that are out with the different panels because the seams irritate me. I need to invest in some good sports bras now that I am running more, the cheap ones aren’t nearly supportive enough and leave pressure hives sometimes.
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I suggest trying the different brands. I have shirts and shorts from nike, reebok, adidas, and some off brands from walmart, as well as underarmour. I found that I like the underarmour material better because its better for moisture wicking than the others, but that's just my opinion...0
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I put my money into quality cycling gear as that is my primary form of exercise and quality cycling gear is worth every penny. I also will put money into quality shoes because I tend to have foot issues. My regular gym workout gear I mostly just get from Target, but all I wear is shorts or track pants and wicking fabric shirts...I don't need anything fancy.
My wife finds quality leggings to be a plus and they usually cost more...I think she has some Lulu stuff. She's found cheap leggings to, for the most part, wear faster...too thin and rip and tear and show the world everything that's going on down there. She gets most of her other gear for running and whatnot from Target primarily. She's an avid runner, so she does invest in higher end running shoes.
I think it all really depends on what you're doing and how you want those clothes to perform. I know a lot of people who just have to have whatever the trendy hot brand name is which I don't get...most of those people I also see kinda prancing around the gym and not doing a whole lot.0 -
I can't justify the money for brands like Lulu. I buy from Ross/Target/Old Navy. I was able to snag a pair of Fabletics from Ross for about $12. I like them a lot. I've never had a quality issue buying cheaper. I still wear clothes from 25 years ago (as you can tell from that statement I'm not much about fashion). I've never a pair of leggings or shirts rip or tear unless I was in an accident. I just make sure I try them on and make sure they are thick enough to now show my goodies before buying.1
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I think this is all about personal values, and the nature/location of one's workouts.
I'm near-totally oblivious to my appearance (other than trying to keep it respectable out in public), so will go with inexpensive but decent quality workout clothing for basic workouts. I don't like tech fabrics much, so I'm wearing a lot of Walmart yoga pants or leggings in simple, plain colors that aren't see-through; and inexpensive cotton or cotton-blend t-shirts. For rowing (on water), I want the shirts in neon colors (those usually come from the crafts chain stores, where they sell them for fabric painting, and they're often 3 for $10 on sale: Works for me). I've gotten some good values at Costco occasionally, too.
For functional technical wear, I'll spend more. My rowing splash jackets (with a sit-on tail, extra-long sleeves because you reach, fit that doesn't risk catching your thumbs or other dangerous things, etc.) are more expensive. I'll certainly be buying high-quality PFDs for canoeing/kayaking wear. Good-weather hats are pretty cheap; it's just a sunshade. Foul-weather hats are technical. Adequate rain gear for long-duration activity in very cold or wet weather is going to be more expensive. Biking tights/shorts need to be decent quality. And so forth.
Personally, I don't care what the brand name is. I care about features, price, and quality (in varying order, depending on the specific item/use).
I don't think ill of people who want cute workout clothes, who value particular brand names, who need to keep things on the way-cheap because of constrained budgets or whatever.
The only time I'm judge-y about workout wear is when new rowers at our club wear things that can be unsafe, when I'll suggest changes and tell them why. (I help with the learn-to-row classes, so this is not just pure interference . . . though I might interfere anyway, as an experienced club member, for safety's sake).4 -
High quality work out pants are important to me as are good sports bras, shirts not so much. I don't care about cute but I do care about functional. I am tall and have a long torso. Badly fitting leggings gap on my bum and cause chafing at the leg seams during runs and don't get me started on see through pants. Eddie Bauer makes leggings in women's tall sizes that fit well. I live in them. Sports bras need to hold everything where it should be held without painful pinching. I haven't been successful in finding inexpensive sports bras that are effective. As long as the shirt is wicking material and long enough, they work for me.1
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Here's a picture of me from March, 2012. In it, I'm wearing two pieces of Arc'teryx gear, the jacket, and the neck gaiter which I'm using as a hat. I've worn that jacket almost every day from October until March almost every year, and the gaiter an awful lot too. I still have and use both of them. Eight years is a long time for stuff like this to last when you use it so much. Arc'teryx is notoriously expensive, until you consider how much use you get out of it. Also, their gear functions very well, and tends to look good as a bonus. So I'd say yes, at least in some cases expensive gear is worth it. I don't have any Nike, North Face, or Under Armor, I'm not saying all expensive clothing is worth it or good. Even among Arc'teryx in whom I have a lot of confidence, I research every piece of gear I think about buying, to see if it's going to fit my needs.
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