Popular Lululemon rival may be cutting corners, fans angered

Popular Lululemon rival may be cutting corners, fans angered

There’s just something about owning clothes that truly last.

Not the fast-fashion kind you toss after a season, but the pieces that somehow become part of your everyday life. The ones you grab without thinking because you know they’ll look good, fit well, and hold up.

For me, it’s my Lululemon leggings. I’ve had them for nearly a decade.

They’ve survived long flights, sweaty workouts, dozens of washes, and at least two out-of-state moves.

And they still look great.

Related: Lululemon’s pricing change sends an ominous sign

When you spend that kind of money — on leggings, a hoodie, or a sweat-wicking tee— you expect that level of quality. It’s not just about brand hype or a logo. It’s about performance.

At a certain point, paying more for clothing becomes an investment.
One that, if the brand holds up its end of the deal, saves you money over time.

So when a rising brand with cult status starts racking up complaints?
Fans notice.

Especially when it’s a company often seen as a sleek, lower-key alternative to Lululemon — one known for quality.

And right now, some of those fans are calling out a change that has them feeling frustrated, disappointed, and even betrayed.

Vuori faces backlash as loyal customers notice a big shift.

Image source: Vuori

Complaints grow as Vuori customers spot product issues

For a brand that built its reputation on buttery-soft fabrics and all-day wearability, the recent wave of Reddit posts feels like a gut punch.

“Almost everything I’ve bought from them in the past year has the seams coming out after a couple of washes,” wrote u/doggos_are_better. “I’m so disappointed because I truly love their stuff.”

Another user, u/billsbillsbilled, echoed the same frustration: “All my Vuori clothes from the past year are noticeably wearing out, while my older ones aren’t showing signs of falling apart.”

Then there’s the behind-the-scenes perspective. “I work in a store that sells Vuori,” said u/LittleLionLadi. “I can tell the quality has gone down along with quality control.”

Related: The men’s Lululemon rival you’ll wish you discovered sooner

Some fans said Vuori’s customer service stepped up and made things right.
Others? Not so much.

Personally, I love Vuori. I still wear my Performance Joggers on repeat (aka right now).
But after seeing these posts, I couldn’t help but remember the tiny holes that showed up in a pair I bought within the last 6 months. I didn’t want it to be true.

At $98 dollars each, that just shouldn’t happen.

And when loyal fans start second-guessing their go-to gear, it’s a sign something’s off.

Ugh. 

Vuori’s fast growth may be creating a quality-control problem

Vuori has been on a tear in recent years.

With sleek activewear, influencer appeal, and that elusive blend of cool but not trying too hard, the brand carved out a loyal following and caught the attention of investors and competitors alike.

Back in 2021, Vuori secured a $400 million investment from SoftBank at a $4 billion valuation.

At the time, its CEO Joe Kudla laid out big plans: global expansion, hundreds of stores, and going head-to-head with Lululemon in the premium space.

And to be fair, Vuori is still growing.

The brand now operates more than 40 retail stores and has pushed into international markets, including London and Shanghai.

But growth comes with pressure. Scaling quickly, especially in retail, can stretch supply chains and shift priorities from craftsmanship to cost efficiency.

And when loyal customers start noticing changes in product quality, it’s not just a Reddit gripe. It’s a potential threat to brand equity.

Vuori has built a business around trust, performance, and premium positioning. If shoppers start to feel like they’re not getting what they paid for, that brand halo can fade fast.

And in a crowded athleisure market, that’s a risk Vuori can’t afford.

I’m still team Vuori. I love this brand and just hope they don’t lose what made me fall for them in the first place.

Related: Amid dupe lawsuit drama, Costco shoppers praise viral product

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