AIBU to think Sweaty Betty quality has gone downhill?!

[Whelp]

I’ve been a long-term Sweaty Betty customer and have always been prepared to pay the premium because, historically, I thought the quality justified it.
But I’m increasingly wondering what on earth has happened to the brand.
I bought these Power leggings just last month. They’ve been washed ONCE, following the laundry instructions, and this is what has happened to the fabric/printing.
For leggings costing around £88, I just don’t think this is acceptable (I’ve contacted SB). And it’s particularly frustrating because I have older SB pieces that have lasted for years and years and still look fantastic.
I’ve also noticed that some of the newer fabrics don’t feel as substantial as they used to. It seems like the quality has been quietly eroded while the prices certainly haven’t gone down.
I vaguely remembered there being a private equity connection and wondered whether that was behind it — but having looked it up, I think L Catterton (PE) invested in SB and then Wolverine Worldwide bought the whole company in 2021. So perhaps I’m barking up the wrong tree!
Has anyone else noticed a real decline in Sweaty Betty quality?
I’m particularly interested in hearing from people who have been buying SB for 10+ years — do you think the older stuff was genuinely better, or am I suffering from rose-tinted leggings?!
And if you’ve defected from Sweaty Betty, where have you gone?
I’m looking for genuinely good-quality activewear — leggings, gym kit, sweatshirts, jackets etc — that will actually stand up to being washed and worn regularly. I’m happy to pay for quality, but increasingly reluctant to pay £80+ for something that looks knackered after one wash.
Who has replaced Sweaty Betty for you?

You're not suffering from rose tinted leggings.😉
I have a couple of pairs of ten year old SB yoga pants which I loved, I have worn them a lot and they are close to death. So I bought the 'same' ones again last year and the fabric is thinner. They are still okay, I like the fit, but they are not as good as the originals. And as you say they are expensive.

I tried Bam, which are okay but I don't like the fit or fabric as much. I also tried M&S who have an SB 'copy' but again the fabric is not right, it's a bit thin and too stretchy and goes baggy. So I still prefer second rate SB.

Yep, I've pairs that are 6 years old amd still going strong while my newer ones are definitely not the same quality.

Agree with you OP. My old SB's are fine. My 2 newer pairs bit wobbly, print washed off and just look worn out.

Findng the Holy Grail of leggings is a pain.

I’ve been buying for years (10+). About 5 years ago I bought a pair and the stitching came unravelled at one of the ankles but they were still perfectly wearable.
The photo you’ve shared is on the inside of the waistband at the back isn’t it, it’s not visible from the outside, this wouldn’t bother me in the slightest tbh. I’ve had a pair of shorts I bought a few months ago and washed and worn multiple times and are still fine and some leggings bought in March time that some of the wording has rubbed off a bit like yours has but the actual leggings still function as they should.
So I haven’t really noticed a decline in the quality that affects performance. I do only buy the full length power leggings and I’ve not noticed in any change in the fabric at the moment.
So i’m all good right now. Will be devastated if they start going downhill though as they’re the absolute best workout leggings on me!

Some are still ok-there seem to be different types of Powers now, whereas in the past only one (as in the Ultrasculpt/walking Powers now available).
I still haven't found any others as good as the "normal" Powers for staying up, resilience etc.
They are overall much cheaper now though, as they have more sales and offers, so over the last few years, on average I've paid less.

I started buying sweaty Betty back at the start of the century and you’re right, they used to be a lot better quality. Nowadays I stick with adidas (cheap!) or lululemon (bloody expensive!) fortunately I also still have loads of old sweat Betty leggings that are still going strong.

I agree that my 10 years+ power leggings are in a muchh better condition than ones I have had for a year. I always get black so not worried about fading but the recent ones come apart at the seams. Plus the Gary yoga leggings changed to a far inferior version, I don't know what I'll do when mine give up the ghost!

I think generally it's gone downhill, not much I would buy from there now and I used to be obsessed with it as I worked in Notting Hill when the original shop opened.

Does seem to be the way that once good quality brands start producing poorer quality stuff. I do alot of exercise, always have and I have always thought 80 quid on leggings, even 40 in the sale, is not necessary as they are going to get muddy and sweaty. Ive always made do with Sainsbury. Decathlon and bargains from TK MAX. The only thing I wont compromise on is footwear. So sorry I cant actually answer your question!

Did you use AI to write the post? <nosy>

yes not just quality but interesting items. I bought some nice shorts recently but I go in and it’s all the same stuff as anywhere else.

My older pair has a couple of freys now but my new pair are fine although it’s too early to notice any faults tbh . They are just so comfortable.

I loved the sports bra for a few weeks, but it has washed really badly. I always need to wear my running vest to keep everything in place. It cost a fortune (by my standards anyway)

Used to buy loads of sweaty Betty stuff but yes I agree, it’s all gone downhill.
Ive converted to lululemon which is expensive but excellent quality and also some bits from sports brands eg asics

Did you use chat gpt to write that?

Didn't they sell to a US company - they have tried to copy Varley in last ditch attempt at staying popular but I think they are on their way out tbh. I predict store closures and more sales than Carpet Right.

They're absolutely on their way out and I'm not surprised the quality has reduced. They are in a massive legal battle with an online PT-turned-influencer over using a slogan she came up with in their advertising campaigns. The way they have behaved is disgusting and I wouldn't buy from them again.

Agree - I no longer buy them.

I've 100% noticed this too - the quality of the fabric is absolutely atrocious (weirdly thick and uncomfortable on some of the leggings) and the stitching seems to unravel of its own accord. I've resorted to buying old SB leggings from vinted - the quality difference is night and day!

I'm a big fan of the older versions of their Gary yoga joggers and the breathe easy t-shirts and the newer ones they sell now are just trash by comparison. Poor quality fabric, poorly cut, drab colours. Their stuff used to be so lovely. I pick up old ones on Vinted or Ebay as there's much more longevity in older second hand than buying brand new.

The only thing I still occasionally buy new are socks but even they have declined massively in quality!