Are $120 Leggings Worth It?
When I first started teaching step aerobics in 1989, the "uniform" was simple: a thong leotard, shiny spandex shorts underneath, and a special pair of high-top Reebok Step shoes.
(I still remember shelling out $150 for those shoes — a fortune, considering I made $15 a class and $3.50 an hour at my retail job.)
The '90s Shift: Yoga, Running & Target Bras
Fast forward to the '90s: yoga and running and my own blend of gymnastics drills became my go-to workouts, and my activewear shifted to simple Target sports bras and Adidas shorts. Nothing fancy. Nothing that would break the bank. It got the job done.
Early 2000s: Postpartum + Fold-Over Yoga Pants
After having my two daughters, my workout wardrobe became whatever I could grab from Old Navy or Gap which was usually a fitted tank with fold-over wide-leg yoga pants that, to be honest, would often sag mid-sun salutation. Annoying.
2008: Boot Camp Era = Time to Upgrade
When I started teaching Boot Camp classes in 2008, I needed gear that could survive real-life wear and tear — not just a one-hour yoga class, but six-hour stretches of sweat, squats, running drills, and life-on-the-go.
That’s when I started investing in higher-end brands like North Face, Lululemon, and Athleta. Lukily I had a couple of friends that worked for North Face and passed along the discount. Score! Fun fact: I still own a couple of North Face jackets from that era — 17 years later. No joke.
(Side tangent: I'm a snowboarder too. Shoutout to Burton for making gear that actually holds up to years of powder days. One jacket I have is actually 25 years old!)
Real Talk: Is Expensive Activewear Worth It?
2025 Update:
Last weekend, I splurged on a new Beyond Yoga set — leggings and a matching tank.
No, I don’t get a professional discount.
Yes, the price tag always makes me gulp.
And YES — it was 100% worth it.
Here’s why:
I own at least 10 pairs of Beyond Yoga pants including slim, wide-leg and joggers. Plus a few shorts and a dress.
Some of them get washed every week for over five years.
Not a single sign of pilling.
The fabric is thick, soft, breathable, and flattering enough that I’ll actually leave the house in them.
Compared to some of my Lululemon leggings (which are a bit thin and tend to highlight every bump and line), Beyond Yoga just feels better — thicker, more structured, and more flattering.
Let’s be real: At 52, I like a higher waist that stays put and doesn’t need adjusting mid-workout. Structure is my friend. I like my lumps and bumps SMOOTHED.
Sustainability Note:
I need to double-check how eco-conscious Beyond Yoga is, but honestly? Longevity is sustainability too. The fewer leggings I have to buy over the years, the better for my wallet and the planet.
That said, I’ll give credit where it’s due — Lululemon holds up really well. I had one piece that lasted nine years, and they repaired the zipper twice for free. (Though I did boycott them briefly after some weird CEO comments. Thankfully, they’ve cleaned house a bit.)
New Kid on the Block: Vuori
Let’s talk Vuori.
Their marketing? Top tier. You basically can’t open Instagram without seeing a pair of buttery soft joggers pop up.
I own four or five pairs. They’re comfy and stylish, but a bit on the thinner side. Great for lounging or errands — maybe not ideal for high-intensity training unless you go for the darker colors.
Plus, they run about $100+ per pair.
I’ve had some minor durability issues — tiny holes, drawstring drama — but let’s be fair: I’m a personal trainer. I beat the crap out of my clothes. For the average person? I think they’ll hold up just fine.
Final Verdict:
Are $120 leggings "worth it"?
If you're living in them like I do — teaching classes, running errands, squeezing in a yoga session, and maybe even lounging on the couch after — absolutely. Investing in good gear that lasts and fits well is totally worth it. You don't need a closet full — just a few key pieces that stand the test of time (and sweat).
Quality matters.
Fit matters.
Feeling good in what you're wearing matters.
And if you can stretch a pair of leggings over five or ten years of active life without them falling apart? That’s not just a splurge. That’s a smart investment.
PS I’m NOT sponsored by these brands. But, they should consider giving me free gear! LOL.