Hey there, fellow athleisure addicts! If you‘re like me, you practically live in comfy leggings and sweat-wicking tops. But as a gal who loves fashion as much as fitness, I‘m always on the hunt for workout clothes that are both cute and functional. Sound impossible? Well I‘ve finally found the holy grail with Athleta.
After wearing Athleta for years and practically stalking their website for new arrivals, I‘m here to give you the full scoop on this popular brand. As a self-proclaimed Athleta-holic, I‘ll share my honest review of their clothes, the pros and cons, and how they compare to other activewear brands out there. Consider this your one-stop shop for all things Athleta!
What is Athleta?
Before we dive in, let‘s cover the basics for any Athleta newbies. Athleta is a premium women‘s activewear brand that was founded in 1998 and is now owned by Gap Inc. With 200+ stores across the U.S. and a loyal online following, they‘ve made a name for themselves as a go-to for high-quality workout clothes that are equal parts stylish, functional, and sustainable.
Athleta‘s mission is all about empowering women through fashion and fitness. In addition to outfitting you for your sweatiest pursuits, they also aim to build a community of strong, confident women. We love to see it!
Why I Love Athleta: Key Features and Benefits
Okay, so what exactly makes Athleta stand out from the sea of activewear brands out there? Here are the key reasons I‘ve become a die-hard fan:
1. Soft, durable & performance fabrics
The first thing you‘ll notice about Athleta clothing is how incredibly soft and luxurious it feels against your skin. Like "where-have-you-been-all-my-life" soft. But don‘t be fooled – their signature fabrics like Powervita and Supersonic are also sweat-wicking, breathable, and quick-drying to keep you cool and comfy through your toughest workouts.
And unlike cheaper brands, Athleta‘s fabrics really hold up wash after wash without pilling, fading, or losing their shape. Seriously, I have Athleta Elation leggings that still look new after 4 years of heavy rotation!
2. Thoughtful, functional designs
Besides the dreamy fabrics, Athleta really goes above and beyond with the little details in their designs. Almost all of their leggings and shorts have handy pockets to stash your essentials. No more awkwardly shoving your phone in your sports bra!
They also add chafe-free seams, adjustable/removable cups in sports bras, zip pockets, and other smart features to make their clothes as functional as possible for active ladies. Oh, and THUMBHOLES. Can we take a moment to appreciate the small but mighty thumbhole?!
3. Size-inclusive & body positive
Another major selling point of Athleta is their focus on size inclusivity. Their clothes range from XXS to 3X, with many styles also coming in petite, tall, and plus sizes. You can actually find your perfect fit instead of tugging at too-tight waistbands or drowning in fabric.
I also love that Athleta features diverse models in their ads and has a dedicated plus-size line. More of this, please!
4. Sustainable & ethical practices
Not only will you look and feel amazing in Athleta, but you can also feel great about supporting an eco-conscious brand. A whopping 70%+ of their materials are made with sustainable fibers like recycled nylon and polyester, Tencel, and organic cotton.
They‘re also working towards 100% sustainable packaging and reducing their carbon footprint. As a certified B-Corp, Athleta meets rigorous standards for social and environmental responsibility. We love a brand that cares about the planet and its people!
5. Affordable prices & frequent sales
Now I know what you‘re thinking – all those fancy features and sustainable practices must mean $$$$. But here‘s the great news: Athleta is actually quite affordable for a high-end activewear brand. Leggings average around $80, sports bras around $50, and tops around $60.
While full-price items are still an investment, Athleta has sales and promo codes alllll the time. As a loyal Athleta Girl member (it‘s free to join!), I get notified about all the deals to save even more. Their semi-annual sale is the best time to stock up for 50%+ off!
Putting Athleta to the Test: My Real-Life Review
Alright, so those are the key selling points I noticed as a long-time Athleta customer. But does their clothing actually live up to the hype? I put some of their best-sellers to the ultimate test to find out.
For reference, I‘m 5‘7", 140 lbs, and usually wear a size small or 6 in Athleta.
Elation 7/8 Tight in Powervita
The Elation leggings are hands-down my favorite style from Athleta, and I know I‘m not alone. This best-selling tight has over 3,500 positive reviews and comes in a variety of rises, lengths, and colors for every preference.
I opted for the 7/8 length with pockets in the gorgeous Excursion Green shade. The moment I put them on, I audibly said "Whoa". The Powervita fabric is truly unmatched in softness and the high-rise fit perfectly hugged me in. I could tell these were leggings I would reach for again and again (and I was right).
I put the Elations to the test with an intense HIIT session followed by running errands all day. From squats to Starbucks runs, these leggings didn‘t budge, pinch, or create awkward sweat stains. The side and waistband pockets were perfect for my phone, keys, and cards so I could be hands-free.
After months of regular wear and washing, my Elation tights still look and feel like new. There‘s been no pilling, stretching out, or color fading at all. If you‘re going to invest in one pair of Athleta leggings, make it these!
Ultimate Bra in SuperSonic
To go with my spiffy new leggings, I also tried Athleta‘s best-selling Ultimate Bra. I chose the regular strap style in classic black, since a LBB (little black bra) is a workout wardrobe essential.
Athleta‘s bras are known for being insanely supportive and this one delivered. The molded cups lifted and separated to avoid that dreaded sports bra "uni-boob". I‘m a 34C for reference and the Medium fit like a dream with no spillage or gapping.
I was impressed that the SuperSonic fabric was silky smooth and didn‘t create bulky lines under my top. The back hook-and-eye closure made it easy to put on and adjust the fit. Even during plyometric cardio moves, the Ultimate Bra kept everything securely in place without suffocating me. After a few washes, it maintained its shape and support like a champ.
My only gripe is that the bra straps are a bit tight and dig in after wearing all day. Luckily Athleta has a number of other strap options and styles to suit every body and activity level. Overall, the Ultimate Bra gets a thumbs up from this D+ sister!
Triumph Hoodie
Okay, it‘s impossible to talk about Athleta without mentioning their fan-favorite Triumph Hoodie. With over 1,600 glowing reviews, this baby is famous for its unreal softness and versatility. Obviously I had to see what all the fuss was about!
I grabbed the Triumph in a pretty Copper Brown shade, since I can never resist a good neutral. Right away I could see why this hoodie has a cult following. The textured stretch lining felt so plush and cozy without being too hot. The oversized cocoon shape was perfect for a relaxed, sporty vibe.
I styled my Triumph with the matching Elation joggers for the ultimate chic yet comfy travel outfit. No surprise, I got multiple compliments at the airport and didn‘t want to take this set off! I can tell the Triumph is going to be a go-to for everything from errands to actually working out. It‘s pricey at $100+, but I already know I‘ll get my cost per wear out of it.
All in all, I have to agree with the hype on Athleta‘s best sellers. I‘m always impressed with the quality, fit, and comfort of their pieces. They really do make me feel ready to take on anything!
Athleta vs. Other Top Activewear Brands
Of course, Athleta isn‘t the only premium activewear brand out there. Their biggest competitors are Lululemon, Outdoor Voices, Girlfriend Collective, and Alo Yoga. So how does Athleta compare?
I‘ve tested out all of these brands and here‘s my honest take:
| Brand | Athleta | Lululemon | Outdoor Voices | Girlfriend | Alo Yoga |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric quality | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Fit & performance | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Size range | 5/5 | 4/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Sustainability | 5/5 | 4/5 | 2/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Style | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Value | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
In my opinion, Athleta comes out on top for overall quality, fit, and size range. Lululemon is a close second but loses points for their limited sizes. Outdoor Voices excels at trendy, Instagram-ready styles but the quality and fit aren‘t as consistent.
Girlfriend Collective is the most sustainable option with pieces made from recycled materials, but their size range and compressive fit are lacking. Alo Yoga also makes luxe, studio-to-street pieces but tends to be overpriced and geared toward a very thin body type.
Athleta Review: The Final Verdict
By now I‘m sure you can tell I‘m a huge Athleta fan girl. I really put their clothes through the wringer, and I‘m always blown away by how well they hold up. Beyond the quality, I love supporting a brand that celebrates all women and is working to make a positive impact on the world.
Bottom line: if you want truly comfortable, functional, and stylish activewear, Athleta is SO worth the hype. Their pieces are pricey but truly last for years to come. I‘d much rather invest in a few quality essentials I love than a drawer full of "meh" leggings I‘ll never wear.
Trust me, once you go Athleta, you won‘t want to wear anything else for all your sweat sessions and beyond! Use my tips to score the best deals and let me know what you think. Catch you in the next gym mirror selfie!
