Why Expensive Leggings Might Actually Be Worth It

So you splurged on a bunch of new workout gear, and you're beginning to think you might have gone a bit overboard. Don't fret! A new study just might convince you that your new wares really are worth it—from a psychological standpoint, at least. 

Shape magazine reported on a new study in The Journal of Experimental Social Psychology that explains the impact certain clothes can have on you—a phenomenon called enclothed cognition. Per Shape, the study "suggests that clothing influences behavior and attitudes because it carries a symbolic meaning. So, what you wear is actually subconsciously changing how you act."

Shape also tapped Dr. Jonathan Fader, a sports psychologist, to offer his take on the idea. "When you put on new fitness gear, you begin to get into character like an actor putting on a costume for a performance," Fader told the magazine. "As a result, you expect to have a better performance, making you more mentally prepared for the task." In other words, you just got the validation you needed to splurge on those amazing leggings you've been eyeing for weeks.

Head over to Shape to learn more about the concept, and scroll down to shop our favorite investment leggings!

What do you think about this study? Tell us in the comments below!

Opening Image: Splash News

Erin Fitzpatrick
Senior News Editor

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 12 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of senior news editor (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.