Over the weekend we went to Target and I decided to pick up a pair of capri workout pants. I like my long running tights and wanted something in the capri length for strength training, indoor cycling, etc. I decided to pick up these from Target - a steal at $22 compared to similar styles selling at specialty stores for $65... Right?
So I threw a pair in the cart and continue on my way browsing the aisles of full size laundry detergent, 24 packs of toilet paper and extra large boxes of granola bars (something about shopping in big box stores is incredibly exciting when you live in NYC). I washed the pants on Sunday and tested them out at my Monday night Tri Strength class. In short they pretty much sucked. They didn't fit quite right, the fabric was scratchy, and I felt like my skin couldn't breath. All I could think about was the fact that I should have paid the $65 for something like these - Moxie Capri by Sugoi. They cost $40 more because they are better! They have a fitted flat waistband and are made from Helix fabric - a nylon/spandex mix designed to reduce overheating by allowing perspiration to escape, wick perspiration from skin, and dry quickly.
I have a very bad habit of trying to save money by cutting corners and then I end up with a sub par product that does not really get the job done. Often times I end up buying the item I wanted in the first place and spend even more money. I buy cheap shoes at Payless that turn out to be too uncomfortable to actually wear because I can't stomach spending $40 on a pair of flats. I bought a the Run Keeper Ap and armband for my iPhone ($35) and never used them because I really wanted a Garmin instead. I bought a pair of khakis on sale but I don't actually like khakis and have nothing that goes with them so they just hang in my closet taunting me. I even bought these ugly pink tri shorts because they were on sale instead of spending $20 more on a pair of nice black shorts. Who thought pink spandex tri shorts were a good idea?!
I could go on and on. I don't have a problem with shopping too much (I refuse to buy contact solution until I run out because I hate parting with my money). What I have is a problem with not spending enough to buy the high quality and appropriate item the first time. In the last few years I have come around to spending a little more extra money and buying the name brand product (I am especially devoted to Bounty paper towels and Pam cooking spray).
I will learn my lesson this time. It is more frugal to buy high quality long lasting pieces. I will not buy cheap workout clothes. I will only shop at real fitness apparel stores.
Am I the only one that does this? Do you try to save money by going cheap to only end up spending more in the long run?
10 comments:
The pink shorts look good on you! I get what you're saying though. There's a swap meet at the local velodrome here twice a year and I always end up buying stuff I don't need just because it's a good price. I have a weakness for workout clothes. Sigh.
::singing: You are not alone..... I am here with you
:) LOL
You are not the only one. Luckily I have a husband who is not quite as attached to our money and insists that I buy "good" stuff. It sure works in my favor but sometimes I cringe at the price tag.
Pink tri shorts might not be a good idea, but I would might need to own them anyway. Pink is hot!
Been there. I used to just buy athletic shorts (eg. long baggy shorts) instead of running shorts because they were a good price. However, after I had my first "real" pair of running shorts, I knew I couldn't go back.
I still do my best to find a sale or a good price, but I try not to sacrifice quality anymore.
I find you spend the same amount in the end. i.e. 2 x $20 for crappy shorts that last a year, or 1 x $40 for quality shorts that last a year. The quality shorts are just that: more quality than the crappy. So yeah, I plunk it down on the good stuff, cuz 3 hours on the bike on crap shorts = chafeage city!!!
Those pink shorts are awesome! Seriously, black shorts are so boring. I also tend to buy cheap stuff first and then end up spending more in the long run.
OMG! This really had me laughing because it is EXACTLY what I do. I have learned my lesson with some items (shoes, winter apparel), but not with others. I own those Target pants! However, I really like them; they fit good, better than the stupid low rise adidas ones I have. Why must they make workout attire 'low rise'? Seriously.
My husband hates when I buy the store brand food. He swears the dry roasted peanuts DO NOT taste as good as the Planters...I'm not buying it (literally!).
Those pink shorts don't look half bad.
just stumbled across your blog. I have always wanted to do a triathlon but never started because of the financial side of things. It seems so expensive. I can see why you'd buy the cheap stuff!
I used to have a hard time forking out money for high quality items until I realized, like Jon said above, that it is cheaper in the long run to just buy the good stuff in the first place! Plus, my body really appreciates the nice wicking fabrics and anti-chafe tri/bike shorts! Ha ha!
Word girlfriend. I buy less gear, but good gear. It fits right and lasts longer.
By the way... how is that watch working for you?
SO I love your blog. Just ran across it and I enjoyed your post. There is only one thing I can say...there is no substitution for good equipment.
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