I know we’ve all seen it, a tiny top with that thick material, paired up with some of those cheetah-print leggings. Lululemon seems to be everywhere right now, but should it be?

Lululemon needs to take a step back, and people should start buying from other brands. The clothes that Lulu sells are targeted toward exercise, but the cost-use ratio is less than ideal. Their pants are five times more expensive than the cost of your average workout pants.

“I can only get a few items every once in a while, because they’re so expensive, ” freshman Taylor Bell said.

The company tries to justify their steep costs by creating limited amounts of each product. Moreover, Lulu doesn’t treat its own employees very well. Their extremely low wages and unhealthy long hours are not enough, employees are required to have the bubbliest personalities and greet their customers with a bright smile, even on their bad days. Additionally, their hiring process, that focuses predominantly on fit, white people makes Lulu ethically undesirable. 

Many might be angered by criticisms of their beloved brand. At school, girls often scoff at the notion that Lululemon isn’t worth the money and defend the brand by talking about the cost of quality.

“Lululemon’s clothes are soft, and they fit nice,” freshman Gabby Moritz said.

I just don’t agree. There are problems even with the quality of their clothing with the numerous complaints about pilling and even see-through clothes leggings and tops.  For the price that the brand charges its customers, their clothing shouldn’t have nearly as many imperfections as have been reported.

Shopping at a place that has the relatively same quality but is much more affordable than Lulu is a more practical and ethical solution. Moritz recommended stores like Athleta, Nike, and even Sam’s Club. Lulu isn’t always the way to go and there are so many other affordable options that cater to student needs without tearing a hole in your pocket.