As an avid runner, hiker and surfer clocking 15-20 active hours a week, having quality athletic clothing I can count on is a must. My name is Jen and as a professional apparel tester contracted by retailers and top brands for over a decade, I was eager to put Athleta to the test when I heard rave reviews from fellow female athletes.
Over the past two months I‘ve done just that – we‘re talking hot yoga sessions, 10K beach runs, and even restorative Sundays juggling errands and kid duty dressed head to toe in Athleta.
And I have to say…this brand delivers on both performance and style with technical fabrics tailored for women‘s bodies through every stretch, pose and stride.
Keep reading for my full hands-on review across factors like sizing, quality, value and sustainability efforts. I‘ll also share insider tips for shopping the Athleta collection as an athlete to get your hands on those perfect pieces for feeling confident and supported no matter how demanding your active lifestyle.
A Bit More About Athleta
Founded in 1998 by two female designers in Petaluma, California passionate about activewear for women, Athleta has blossomed into a certified B Corporation with over 200 stores across North America.
Gap Inc. acquired the brand in 2008 to accelerate growth, now aiming to outfit over 100 million female athletes and activate even more through movement. By 2030, Athleta is striving for 80% of materials used to be sustainable, recycled or organic.
Over 75% of employees at Athleta stores are female which fosters an inclusive environment centered around community, mentoring and promoting confidence through health and fitness.
Inside the 2,500 sq ft NYC Athleta flagship store (Image: Athleta)
Quality Fabrics + Flattering Fits = Confidence
Having tested apparel across the spectrum from mass retail to luxury brands, I‘m thoroughly impressed by both the quality and fit delivered consistently by Athleta.
Their fabrics offer the perfect balance of stretch, breathability, sweat-wicking performance and recovery shaping. Pieces hold up beautifully through my weekly rotation of beach runs, vinyasa yoga and HIIT training.
My current Athleta workout staples include:
Utopia Stash Pocket 7/8 Tight
These lightweight compression leggings have become my daily go-to for everything from working out to weekend errands. The fabric is super smooth with stash side pockets to hold essentials. I especially love the contoured waistband providing extra tummy support. After at least 10 wears already, they look and perform like new.
Advance Bra
Finding a supportive sports bra as a 34D gal can be tough but the cross-back design and molded cups in this bra check all my boxes. It wicked away sweat even through double sessions of hot power yoga and HIIT training. The straps convert 4 ways and it comes in over 10 colors too!
Salutation Jogger
Buttery soft with the perfect relaxed fit, I now have these joggers in 3 colors to throw on after workouts and love wearing them for weekends playing with my niece. I can even dress them up a bit with boots or heels for a coffee date night out.
Farallon Wrap
This ultra soft wrap makes layering for early morning or evening workouts a breeze. I love having the thumbholes and can even wear it during yoga since the draped back won‘t bunch. And with UPF 50, I know my skin stays protected if stretching out post-surf session.
Athleta Sizing vs Other Major Brands
| BRAND | TOPS | BOTTOMS | SPORTS BRA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athleta | Tended true for looser items. Size down for compression. | Consistently true to size | Consistently true to size |
| Lululemon | Runs small, size up especially for bust | Slim fit, consider sizing up | Runs small, size up |
| Nike | Standard but slimmer through mid-section | True to size | Standard sizing |
| Adidas | Standard sizing | True to size with stretch | Standard sizing |
| Under Armour | Loose standard sizing | Compression, size up 1 | Loose standard sizing |
Reference sizing chart
Through testing, I found Athleta to run fairly true-to-size but do reference their size charts since some variance exists for stretchier compression fabrics. Their customer service team is also super helpful if you need fit advice.
Sustainability Driven From Materials to Manufacturing
As a mindful consumer aiming to reduce environmental impact with purchases, I appreciate how embedded initiatives like:
- 60%+ recycled materials used across their entire line from polyester to nylon
- Collecting over 100 tons (and counting!) of clothing from customers for recycling
- Powering stores with 100% renewable energy
Smaller touches like shipping items in recycled plastic bags and box packaging derived from recycled paper also make feel good sporting the brand.
Their designs are thoughtfully crafted for versatility too – transitions from studio sessions to school pickups means more use-cases and wears per piece.
Shop Like an Insider: Stores, Site and Sales
Over 10 years testing products, I‘ve gleaned more than a few tips on shopping athleisure brands. Here‘s my athlete-approved advice for navigating all things Athleta:
In Stores
- Try a complimentary yoga or HIIT class offered Saturdays at select locations
- Ask for hemming on leggings, pants, etc. to get that perfect ankle length
- Reference hangtag size charts if between sizes to pick your best fit
Online
- Filter by activity like yoga, tennis or hiking to easily spot relevant items
- Use live chat for the fastest sizing and style recommendations
- Pick free expedited 2-day shipping on orders $100+
Sales
- Shop seasonal clearance using filters for extra 50% off lowest sticker price
- The 5 Days, 5 Wows early access event offers deep discounts before public sale
- Stack student discounts on already reduced items for maximum value
Inside access to early previews means I‘ve grabbed previous $100 leggings for $25!
Giving Back Through Community Support
What impresses me most about Athleta though is their initiative supporting organizations empowering women and girls – over $1M in grants already awarded!
Recent inspiring partnerships include:
-
The Women‘s Sports Film Network spotlighting overlooked contributions of females in athletics through original documentaries
-
Gold Medal Program providing full sponsorships for emerging gymnasts from Leanne Wong (featured in Vogue) to Shilese Jones with sights set on Paris Olympics
You can often find inspiring ambassadors and pro athletes in stores hosting free events too. I love that they actively foster confidence through movement.
My Final Take: A Standout for Active Women
Over the past months testing performance across cardio, strength and stretching activities alike, I stand firmly behind Athleta as apparel I‘ll keep reaching for without fail.
The quality fabrics hold strong wash after wash while thoughtful technical traits like UPF protection, strategically-placed pockets and sweat-wicking maintain comfort mile after mile.
Inclusive sizing accommodates curves with multiple length options to find that made-for-you fit for any active pursuit. Whether powering through a beach run solo before work or chasing kids through playdates on weekends, I feel supported through it all in Athleta.
Right now you can take an extra 40% off all sale items using code ACTNOW40 through March 10th only – don‘t miss out on these deals!
If my review resonates, I encourage giving Athleta activewear a try yourself this season. Shoot any questions my way as a decade-long product tester here to help!
