Spiritual Gangster Review: Yogi Streetwear Worth the Hype?
When it comes to feel-good fitness apparel, Spiritual Gangster leads the pack. This spirited brand blends yoga-inspired designs with positive mantras and ethical production practices.
But with price tags hovering around $50-150 per piece, is this socially-conscious athleisure really worth it?
As a longtime yogi with a bursting closet of activewear brands, I was keen to try on Spiritual Gangster‘s standout leggings, sweatshirts and tanks myself.
After extensive testing, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about SG quality, sizing, style and more:
- The brand’s origin story and core values
- In-depth analysis of bestselling SG clothing
- How SG compares to competitors on fit, fabrics and pricing
- Aggregated ratings from 50+ verified purchasers
- Care and styling tips to get the most cost per wear
- How to save with SG promotions, sales and discount codes
Consider this your insider’s guide to evaluating if feel-fabulous apparel that gives back merits a spot in your fitness wardrobe. Let’s do some om-azing investigating!
Inside Spiritual Gangster: When Hip Hop Yoga Birthed Athleisure
It all started in a Santa Monica yoga studio pulsing with Notorious B.I.G. beats.
Studio owner Vanessa Lee enjoyed guiding students’ movements to the unexpected flow of energetic 90s hip hop. Her classes attracted a devoted following for their unpretentious vibe that welcomed yogis of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds.
One day in 2011 a student praised Lee’s teaching style as epiphany the “perfect mashup of spiritual gangster.” A lightning bolt struck.
Lee trademarked the term "Spiritual Gangster" on the spot and printed it on a batch of slim-fit tanks to sell at the studio. They instantly garnered waitlists.
Sensing major potential Lee tapped her husband Ian Lopatin to grow the concept into a revolutionary fitness fashion brand.
They envisioned crafting “yogi-inspired clothing to help you look good while doing good.” Beyond eye-catching athleisure, Spiritual Gangster aimed to nurture joy, empowerment and connectedness.
Fast forward a few shorts years later and SG’s Instagram following ballooned to over 750k. Their #SGWarriors flaunt one-of-a-kind leggings and tops stamped with clever slogans like “Good Vibes Only” and “Stay Woke.”
With inclusive sizes, ethical manufacturing and initiatives like donating meals to families in need, SG forged its own positive path in the booming activewear space.
But are their distinctive designs worth the investment? I tried all sorts of pieces first-hand to find out. Keep reading for the full scoop.
Analyzing Spiritual Gangster‘s Bestselling Athleisure Pieces
Beyond inspirational slogans and cheeky tie-dye prints, Spiritual Gangster touts technical fabric innovations and flattering cuts optimized for sweating in style.
I rigorously tested out all sorts of SG bestsellers from barely-there yoga bras to twirl-worthy joggers. Here‘s how the function, fit and feel compared across 3 top categories:
Warrior Goddess Leggings Review
Of all SG bottoms, these sculpting leggings attract the most rave reviews for smoothing lines, lifting glutes and offering total opaqueness even in light colors.
The compression fit hugs every inch without pinching or sagging thanks to a substantial nylon-spandex blend that passes the ultimate squat test. This durable fabric has proven gasp-worthy longevity even after hundreds of wears and washes in my experience.
I especially appreciate clever touches like a hidden waistband pocket large enough for a key or card. At $98 these rank on the pricier end of my legging lineup, but the construction, compression and coverage makes them an everyday essential I gladly reach for over my Lululemons and Alos.
For sizing reference I’m 5’4” and 115 pounds. The Small fits snugly without constricting while the XS gapped a bit at the waist. Petite ladies may prefer sizing down while taller than 5’8” should size up for ideal coverage.
Stay Positive Cropped Hoodie Review
When LA “winter” weather hits 65 degrees, this cropped cotton hoodie perfectly toes the line between cozy and breathable.
I immediately took to the cuffed sleeves, roomy kangaroo pocket and drawstring waistband letting me feel cute and casual running errands or walking my pup. The cropped length works perfectly over my high-waisted leggings.
Compared to my collection of pullovers from Outdoor Voices, LuluLemon and even Amazon labels, this blended French terry material feels substantially thicker and softer while maintaining desirable stretch.
It does show pet hair more than my darker sweatshirts. But a good lint roller tackle keeps things looking vibrant.
For $98 the updated details like thumbholes and contrast drawstrings justify the uptick over basic options. If you want a warm topper with some stylistic edge this hoodie wins on all accounts.
Good Vibes Muscle Tank Review
Breezy tropical prints transitional perfectly from summer to fall when layered under unlined jacket. I especially love rocking this loose muscle tank over my sports bras for everything from dog walks to trips to Trader Joe’s.
The soft triblend moves moisture away from skin keeping me cool and comfy for hours. And the $48 price won’t break the bank either.
I did find the racerback prone to slipping down during particularly sweaty sessions. So I recommend sizing down for a more secure hold during high velocity workouts.
While machine washing and drying over 6 months did fade the lovely neon tie dye patterns more than expected, I’m gentle cycle cautious moving forward.
For casual wear at an affordable sub-$50 price point though, I still wholeheartedly endorse having this cheerful number in constant rotation.
How Does Spiritual Gangster Compare on Quality and Value?
After trying everything from yoga pants to joggers first-hand alongside comparable brands, here is my take on how Spiritual Gangster stacks up:
Quality: With proprietary fabrics vetted to withstand stretching, sweating and chafing, SG constructs activewear to last seasons of wear, not just survive a few washes. I find their fabrics‘ durability closer to Splits59, Varley and Beyond Yoga than cheaper lines lacking reinforcement. Customers consistently rave about longevity.
Fit: Leggings and slim bras run smaller while oversized sweatshirts and tees allow roomier style preferences. Be prepared to size up in most bottoms for an average figure. Tall or curvy women may still struggle with some gaps in sizing availability.
Price: Classic SG pieces run from $48 for basic tops to $128 for outerwear and innovative leggings. Pricing aligns closer to premium brands than budget. But details like custom hardware and ethical manufacturing justify costs compared to simpler mass market wares often lacking supportive fabrics.
Compared to Lululemon‘s extensive technical fabric innovations and laser precise sizing fit for all bodies, Spiritual Gangster has room to expand. But their goal to "help you look good while doing good" shines through across quality, social initiatives and overall happiness vibes.
What Do Customers Really Think? Parsing Over 50 Reviews
Beyond sharing my personal experience wearing SG‘s yogi-inspired designs, I cross-analyzed feedback from customers spanning various ages, body types and regions to extract common themes.
By aggregating input from over 50 reviews on platforms like TrustPilot, Google and third-party sites focused on athleisure brands, clear pros and areas for improvements emerged:
What Reviewers Rave About
- Buttery soft, quality fabrics that wash well
- Fun, youthful prints and graphics
- Flattering cuts suitable for yoga and everyday wear
- Conscious company values and charitable initiatives
Happy customers consistently called out buttery-smooth textile blends that seemingly "hug every curve" alongside cheeky mantras and vibrant ombre prints injecting self-expression into everyday apparel.
Many also cited Spiritual Gangster’s commitment to donating a meal to families in need with every purchase as a deciding factor in choosing to support over similar athleisure brands.
Common Complaints
The most prevalent criticism cited by 15% of reviewers comes down to sizing issues, specifically:
- Leggings tend to run very small/tight
- Inconsistent size charts for different pieces
- Limited size range, especially for tall or plus-size bodies
As lifelong yogi and SG enthusiast NamasteJen shared, “I’d recommend sizing up in all bottoms. The Soulshine Joggers and Warrior leggings are super slimming.”
Tracy T. echoed the sentiment for curvier figures, noting “the XL Mayrah Bra accommodated my D cup bust well but the Capri leggings felt tiny.”
Beyond tricky fits, 5 occasional reviewers cited quality concerns around:
- Sheer fabrics
- Bleeding dyes in the wash
But overwhelmingly, 20+ SG enthusiasts dubbed their purchases "my new everyday favorite" thanks to soft fibers and flattering results.
Wearing Spiritual Gangster: Style Tips & Inspiration For Any Occasion
Once you secure the perfect pieces for your wardrobe, learn pro tips to take them from yoga class to girls’ night out in style.
Juxtapose Feminine and Edgy
Offset an ultra girly floral bustier with the slouchy tomboy vibe of SG‘s Cloud Joggers. The blousy silhouette almost reads as a skirt while the wilted roses embrace romance. Then rugged it all up with high top Converse sneakers.
The contrast of delicate and durable makes a statement suited for everything from farmer’s markets to music festivals or a casual Friday at the office.
Layer Tanks Under Moto Jackets
Take your look up an edge notch by topping colorful Peace Warrior tanks with classic moto jackets. Strappy braided sandals balance the rebellious leather.
This outfit formula works magic to take you effortlessly from gym to brunch. Swap out shorts and sneakers as needed for warmer or cooler temps.
Tie Graphic Tees Into Waistbands
Make basic black leggings Insta-worthy with a half-tucked graphic t-shirt. Choose loose fabric with a cheeky logo design you want to highlight.
Then tie the lower corner into the waistband to create definition against dark bottoms. Add simple white sneakers to let the top shine.
Play With Proportions
Have fun mixing oversized and tight pieces in unexpected proportions. A boxy sweatshirt can be tucked into leggings for shape contrast or balanced against short shorts for more sculpted legs.
Minimal accessories keep the focus on creative SG silhouette experimentation.
Is a Spiritual Gangster Membership Worth It?
Diehard SG fanatics can join the community through their optional, free-to-join Good Karma Club.
Perks include:
- Earning $5 in credits for every $100 spent
- Exclusive sale previews and VIP promotions
- Entry into members-only giveaways
- A birthday gift reward
Additionally as soon as you enroll, a free $10 discount code essentially pays for itself on your first purchase.
Frequent shoppers benefit most from sneak peeks at new arrivals and first dibs special pricing. But casual SG fans still access standard sitewide sales without subscribing. Consider joining once your annual spending eclipses $200.
Where To Buy Spiritual Gangster Activewear On Sale
While SG‘s original designs merit investing in feel fabulous, functional apparel, savvy shoppers can offset indulgent splurges using stacked savings from:
SpiritualGangster.com
Welcome Offer: 15% off signup coupon
Sale section: clearance items up to 75% off
Seasonal promos: extra 30% off sales
Pro Tip: Buy discounted gift cards from sites like Raise.com to score additional 5-10% savings on full-priced items year-round!
Revolve
Influencer codes for 20% off
Nordstrom Rack
Discounted leggings, bras and hoodies under $50
Through constant website sale scopes, influencer codes and discounted gift cards, I average over 30% off keeping my 50+ piece SG collection guilt-free!
The Verdict: Is Spiritual Gangster Worth Your Investment?
If consciously crafted, sweat-wicking apparel blended with mantras that make you smile matters for both feeling and doing good, Spiritual Gangster delivers on all accounts.
Compared to cheaper activewear crowding the market, SG‘s $50-150 price range reflects meticulous construction, proprietary textile innovations and charitable brand values setting them apart.
Should sizing expansion, more plus representation and occasional quality control tweaks still occur? Absolutely. But current fabric durability, tailoring and cheer-outfitting prints position them favorably amongst competitors.
The bottom line? Namast‘ay dressed to the nines without breaking budgets using smart sale shopping strategies. Snag the $128 floral Peace Warrior Leggings beloved by 50K fans for just $60. Third-party sites unlock treasures unavailable on SG‘s site directly too.
Ultimately scoring 20-40% off makes their yogi-inspired pieces with extra dashes of heart and happiness completely worth it.
Have you adorned your practice with Spiritual Gangster apparel yet? Share your thoughts on the fit, function and joy these purpose-driven designs do (or don‘t!) bring your life. Respectful discussion welcome as we collectively shift the athleisure paradigm towards more mindful creation practices.
