Even if they're designed to be worn while working out, everyone wants a nice pair of joggers that look and feel great if they're just hanging out on the couch. For this reason, many shoppers have turned towards higher-end brands like Vuori, thanks to their high-quality products that also perform and stand up over time. But if spending near triple digits on a pair of well-made sweatpants is out of your budget, you might want to consider the Vuori jogger dupes that Costco sells instead. Read on to see if experts say the purchase is worth it.
READ THIS NEXT: Costco Sells Super Cheap Lululemon Dupes—Are They Just as Good?
Customers are raving about joggers sold at Costco that look like Vuori dupes.
CostcoIt can be difficult to fork out a lot of money for athleisure wear. But according to shoppers on social media, Costco sells a pair of joggers that easily pass as a Vuori dupe that look and feel fantastic.
In a series of Instagram video posts, shopping account @Costco_Empties highlights pairs of Kirkland Signature Lightweight Jogger pants that are nearly identical to the name-brand pair. They show off the range of colors, similar drawstring, ankle cuffs, and deep pockets on the product made of super soft material.
In a follow-up video, the user makes a direct side-by-side comparison between the Vuori and Costco versions. They first point out that the Kirkland version is about an inch longer and wider than the name-brand pants, but both have identical waistbands and strings—even though Vuori has a metal tip versus a plastic one.
Despite their similarities, there's a significant difference in price between the two.
iStockThe social media review points out a handful of noticeable physical similarities between the pants. But ultimately, experts point out that the higher-end version is much more expensive than the warehouse retailer's version.
"Though Vuori has a few different types of joggers, the ones most similar to the Kirkland Signature joggers seem to be the Performance line, which costs $94 per pair," says Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with DealNews.com. "With Costco, the joggers are between $12.99 and $14.99 per pair depending on if you shop in-store or online, so already the low price makes these well worth checking out."
RELATED: Costco Sells Super Cheap Lovesac Couch Dupes—Are They Just as Good?
Shopping experts say there's a clear difference in quality.
ShutterstockOf course, any shopper might expect a difference between products with such a vast price difference. But according to retail experts, the more affordable version could still be a surprising bargain.
"While quality can vary by item, most Kirkland Signature pieces seem to be pretty solid and can last for quite a while if cared for," says Ramold. "So it stands to reason that even though the price tag is much cheaper, that doesn't mean the Kirkland Signature joggers will have a shorter lifespan than the much more expensive Vuori's."
Other customers back this up. "Online reviewers have given these an overall score of 4.7 out of 5 stars online, and while some reviewers have noted that the material might be very slightly less soft than Vuori, they still feel luxuriously soft," Ramhold says.
Still, these differences could pose some serious problems. "These may be almost identical to Vuori joggers when it comes to fabric and softness, but in terms of style and fit, they have been described as not fitting as well as Vuori—especially in the length and width of the pants," Jeanel Alvarado, founder and CEO of popular retail news and analysis site Retail Boss, tells Best Life.
For more shopping advice delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Sheila Fitzgerald / Shutterstock.comBut are the pants worth purchasing overall? According to Alvarado, customers need to consider the quality, comfort, and design details when deciding between a premium product and its dupe. And in this case, you might be getting what you pay for.
"Costco's joggers are quite comfortable and definitely are great for lounging around or for working out, but they may not be as sleek as the Vuoris," warns Ramhold. "For the price, that likely won't matter to a lot of shoppers—a slightly slouchy look won't be a dealbreaker for those looking for a bargain—but it is good to note that, of course, these aren't exact dupes."
Ramhold clarifies that they're well worth trying—especially since Costco has such a generous return policy. But if you're hoping to find a pair that's indistinguishable from the pricey Vuori counterpart, it's best to temper your expectations.
"True, you may not be able to tell unless the two items are side-by-side. But for those familiar with both products, they're likely to notice the small differences," she says.
