Submitted by Just-Mess3012 t3_10ameuz in BuyItForLife
I’m on the lookout for good quality clothing that will last for years of running! I am ok with doing mends and taking care of my clothes, but that doesn’t typically last long with your average polyester leggings etc. Do you guys have any recommendations?
Running stores carry usually higher quality gear than you’d get at mall stores. Don’t just look at the brand, but actually inspect the quality of the materials and the sewing. I have had best luck with Brooks and Saucony branded gear bought at running stores. Nike cannot be trusted, it’s just a logo at this point. . . They make some higher quality stuff but you can’t assume it’s high quality because it says Nike. An $135 brooks running jacket is worth 50 crappy sierra trading or factory outlet running long sleeves.
I've had great luck with Pearl Izumi. My first purchase was a pair of winter running tights from them in 2007. They're still going strong (some pilling in the crotch, zipper pulls broke). Sadly PI discontinued their running specific line a few years ago. Also have some ASICS running shorts that have held up for over a decade (less use than the tights though).
My experience is that the stuff that's meant to be comfortable for casual wear is generally not going to last. If you want something super thin and stretchy, it won't be durable. I'd love to be proven wrong!
I came here to say Pearl Izumi as well. I had a pair of fleece lined leggings that I bought at one of their outlet stores for a steal. They lasted about 15 years and I used them for so many activities: cycling, running, Nordic skiing.
The majority of my running clothing is 10 year old Brooks. Everything looks brand new with the exception of black shorts that experienced some fading.
I mostly buy under armour and athleta leggings.
Not everyone has a BIFL experience with under armour but I certainly have. I beat that stuff into the ground and have some pieces for over 10 years with weekly wear. I began purchasing 10 years ago. That’s the life span. That includes leggings, sweatshirts, running shorts, base layers, cold gear and heat gear.
Athleta: I have casual one to wear under other items. I bought them in 2015 and they’re in great shape. I’ve gained weight so I’ll need new ones this year. 7 years for leggings is pretty decent! I also have dressier ones that I bought 3 years ago and they look brand new aren’t multiple wears weekly. I have exercise leggings that I bought 4 year ago, still in great shape.
For reference: my weight fluctuates 145-158ish, I live hard ( work, play, etc) and I’m hard on clothes. If I followed special washing I could probably get more life out of them. All my items go in the washer and almost always to the dryer and they still last.
Fleo leggings, tanks and shorts. Brooks, Titleninesports for bras and tanks. Smartwool for base layers. I've also loved shorts, tanks, shirts from Oiselle. For reference I am a long distance runner and do Crossfit. I am very hard on clothes ;)
Athleta is a good one.
WSI Sports has some pretty high quality stuff.
Fujisports
Patagonia Lululemon, girlfriend collective, Zella. Hand wash spandex items and they will last you a long time.
Patagonia, Rabbit, Smartwool, Craft
Is it for profession?
Jeans
Practical-Poetry-222 t1_j465k5a wrote
I only buy Lululemon leggings at this point, bc as a runner, they have held up beyond what I can imagine! Get the thick kind that hold you in, and they will last years. My first pair is from 10 years ago, still in great shape and in rotation, and I don’t even have that many and I wear them 3-4 times weekly.