15 Athleta Items for Beginners, From Leggings to PJs
We are sharing multi-purpose Athleta finds that will fit into any lifestyle.
For those of us emerging on the other side of winter, the days of wearing a baggy collegiate t-shirt and shorts in public are long gone. As we’ve made our way back to gyms, yoga studios and happy hours, the need for elevated yet quality athleisure has never been higher. While your Instagram feed might be inundated with splashy, colorful brands promising to deliver on both style and performance, Athleta is the real deal. The brand's design philosophy of “beautiful, technical, conscious” has achieved its mission as evidenced by thousands of raving reviews. With a size range of XXS to 3X, they offer an inclusive variety of exercise gear, loungewear, pajamas and functional everyday essentials.
And if you need more evidence for why Athleta is the go-to for upgrading your wardrobe staples, look no further than TikTok. A scroll down the hashtag (which boasts over 65 million views!) shows Athleta in dance challenges, exercise tutorials, shopping hauls, get ready with me vlogs, self-care diaries...you get the idea. Plus, it's part of the Gap family, so you know their quality is that tried-and-true variety that our parents loved in the 80s and 90s. As a work-from-home, amateur yogi and online shopping pro, I feel qualified to weigh in. I’ve done the dirty work of sifting through the reviews, so you don’t have to. Ahead, the best trending Athleta pieces, according to the internet.
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Best Trending Items at Athleta
Best Athleta Leggings for Comfort
Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight, $109 at Athleta
The votes are in, and these are confirmed the comfiest leggings that still give off that sculpted appearance. Made from Athleta’s Powervita fabric, they’re buttery soft and stay cool throughout the day with moisture-wicking technology. The slightly cropped length and high waist combo make for a universally flattering fit on all figures. From sun salutations to coffee runs, these will be your new go-to legging. Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight, $109 at Athleta
Best Athleta Maternity Leggings
Ultra High Rise Elation Tight, $89 at Athleta
A quick look at online reviews will tell you that these leggings are worth the hype. With the perfect amount of snugness, lovers of this style report that they stay in place regardless of whatever activity they’re doing. The three-layer waistband smooths and supports your midsection without feeling constricting. The stretchy fabric that maintains its elasticity is perfect for pregnant and postpartum bodies. Ultra High Rise Elation Tight, $89 at Athleta
Best Athleta Leggings for Working Out
Rainier Unbrushed Tight, $109 at Athleta
Checking off both the style and function boxes, these leggings are warm enough for chilly winter runs yet cool enough to garner compliments at yoga. Form-fitting and lightweight, they sit at the natural waist without digging in, making them comfortable for all-day wear. Plus a pocket that fits an iPhone?! Try them in this fun color to boost your mood on your next workout. Rainier Unbrushed Tight, $109 at Athleta
Best Athleta Shorts
Printed Mesh Racer Run Short, $49 at Athleta
If there’s one thing that reviewers can agree on, these shorts are near perfect! They’re so widely loved that both my college roommate and aunt have the same pair. Their elasticized waist sits comfortably and doesn’t sag, while the inseam is the ideal length to avoid the dreaded inner-thigh chafe. One reviewer pointed out that the printed styles are especially good for covering up sweat and dirt for those brave souls out there doing trail running! Printed Mesh Racer Run Short, $49 at Athleta
Related: 12 Lululemon Items for Beginners
Best Athleta Skirt
Soho Skort, $59 at Athleta
If Gen Z’s current skirt obsession is the tennis skirt, this is her older Millennial sister. A little bit more classic but with a lot of style and function. The Soho Skort features front and back pockets, and built-in shorts for a hidden utilitarian twist. Its fit is so good that several reviewers returned for a second color. Soho Skort, $59 at Athleta
Best Athleta Sports Bra
Conscious Crop A-C, $59 at Athleta
This sports bra takes the cake for its modern cut, smoothing fabric and versatility. The Conscious Crop lives up to its name with a longline silhouette that offers coverage down to the mid-torso. Its sleek, seamless design makes it almost indistinguishable from your favorite going-out crop top. And if you’re one of the millions of people still working from your living room, this bra has got professional-level coverage for those Zoom meetings you’d rather be emails. Conscious Crop A-C, $59 at Athleta
Best Athleta Tank
Renew Racerback Tank, $49 at Athleta
The classic ribbed racerback tank top is another wardrobe essential that Athleta has somehow improved. A staple in every 90s baby’s closet, this version of it is dual-function. While it’s made from a breathable material suitable for an easy workout, its simple and chic silhouette can instantly be elevated to a night-out look since the fabric gives off a luxe ribbed appearance. As someone always grabbing a staple tank, this one was an easy add to cart. Renew Racerback Tank, $49 at Athleta
Best Athleta Work Pants
Brooklyn Ankle Pant, $99 at Athleta
Dubbed “the unicorn of pants” by one reviewer, these are those elusive pants that feel like pajamas, but you can wear them to a meeting with a client. They have a flattering semi-fitted shape with a mid-rise waist and tapered leg. Made from a specialty wrinkle-resistant fabric, they’re ideal for business travelers and digital nomads alike. Brooklyn Ankle Pant, $99 at Athleta
Related: Best Black Leggings of 2022
Best Athleta Joggers
Salutation Jogger, $89 at Athleta
Draped in the fan-favorite Powervita fabric, the Salutation Jogger is the ultimate lay around the house all day on a Sunday item, but like you, it also has range. An easy throw-on for a quick coffee meet-up, weekend errands, or a restorative yoga practice, these pants feel like a hug from a cloud. Salutation Jogger, $89 at Athleta
Best Athleta Jacket
Westerly Jacket, $149 at Athleta
Once again, Athleta demonstrates why they belong in every part of your closet with this functional yet fresh design. Constructed from a water-repellent, wind-resistant recycled polyester, this jacket was crafted to keep you dry and comfortable despite the elements. A mid-thigh grazing length and semi-fitted shape make it easy to use as a layering piece. Westerly Jacket, $149 at Athleta
Best Athleta Sweatshirt
Retroterry Wrap Sweatshirt, $99 at Athleta
This sweatshirt gets major points for versatility. Its wrap shape allows for a full range of movement. The wrap detail allows for some sporty layering looks post-workout. It’s an easy choice for everything from a sunrise stroll through the neighborhood to a cozy date night. Retroterry Wrap Sweatshirt, $99 at Athleta
Best Athleta Hoodie
Triumph Hoodie, $108 at Athleta
The Triumph Hoodie is a gold-tier garment available in three different torso lengths. It's the final layer you put on before walking out of the warm gym into the chilly parking lot post-workout. It's the perfect balance between warm and lightweight. Over a thousand reviewers agree that this is the ultimate active hoodie with invisible zipper pockets, ergonomic thumbholes and a chin-grazing zipper. Triumph Hoodie, $108 at Athleta
Related: Best Leggings With Pockets
Best Pajama Set
Nighttime Bliss Sleep CYA Tee, $69 at Athleta
Look no further than this sleep tee for a restful bedtime. This comfy shirt can be worn alone or paired with leggings or shorts. Either way, the stretchable soft fabric will help you relax. Nighttime Bliss Sleep CYA Tee, $69 at Athleta
Best Athleta Bag
Coffee Run Wallet 2.0, Starting at $19.99 at Athleta
Whose unexpected online shopping journey is really complete without a new wallet? That’s right, Athleta’s trendiest bag is not a bag at all. This sleek, simple, durable wallet has hundreds of reviewers singing its praises. Clip your keys to your wallet to get your life together. Coffee Run Wallet 2.0, Starting at $19.99 at Athleta
Best Hair Accessory
Knotted Headband in Powervita, Starting at $5.97 at Athleta
The beloved Powervita fabric reaches new heights in this Knotted Headband style. This exclusive fabric allows for a comfortably snug fit that doesn’t slip or fall during wear. From keeping hair out of your face during a spin class to disguising day three hair, this piece's versatility is a must-have in every busy woman’s toolkit. Knotted Headband in Powervita, Starting at $5.97 at Athleta
Next Up, 15 of the Best Hoka Products
