The Back-to-School Clothing That'll Make Girls Feel Confident for a Momentous Return

We probably don’t need to remind you, but this past school year was tough (to say the least). After months of your daughter not being able to see her friends, go to an IRL classroom or enjoy group sports, we know how much you’re both looking forward to having her life head back to normal this fall. While we can only imagine how excited she is to take this back-to-school season by storm, it can also be a little daunting making that transition.

But there is one thing that can help build self-assurance for such a momentous return to in-person learning: a new wardrobe that’s comfortable, confidence-boosting and designed to match her very active lifestyle. Having a girl who loves the outdoors means finding the right activewear pieces that can easily adapt to school looks, all while making her feel prepared to tackle any challenge that may come her way — and we know just where you can go to find the quality staples you’ve been looking for.

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From tights and rompers to tanks and tees, Athleta Girl has what your daughter needs to have a successful school year full of possibilities. Many of the brand’s pieces include subtle, motivating details for your girl such as sewn-in mantras, built-in confidence charms, and hidden pockets. Your girl will feel empowered to go the distance, whether she’s acing a math test or preparing to dominate on the soccer field.

With Athleta Girl, you won’t have to worry about your daughter’s comfort: the brand’s high-quality, supportive and made-to-move pieces are thoughtfully designed to make girls feel at ease in their own skin. They’re also built to last, so your girl won’t have to worry about wearing something that will rip, tear or bunch, giving them the confidence to feel (and be!) unstoppable.

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Best of all, with the versatile Athleta Girl picks below, moms everywhere can rest easy knowing that although they can’t be there to give their girl a hug or hand squeeze during that epic first day back, they’re giving them the next best thing: sending them off cared for and well-outfitted in pieces perfectly picked just for them.

Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

High Rise Stash Your Treasures Tight
High Rise Stash Your Treasures Tight

Your girl will feel confident no matter what in these soft, supportive and comfortable tights. With deep yet sleek side pockets, she’ll always have her phone and hand sanitizer handy. There’s even a hidden front pocket for lip balm! If she ever feels down or nervous, all she needs to do is look at the drawstring of her tights for a sewn-in mantra to give her some added encouragement.

High Rise Stash Your Treasures Tight

$54


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Power Up Top
Power Up Top

It’s called the Power Up Top for a reason. Your girl will have no problem owning her power (after all, it does say “own your power” on the inside hem) and getting the job done in this long-sleeved shirt. This inspirational piece includes non-chafing, seamless fabric that’s equal parts comfortable and durable, and thumbholes to keep her hands warm and sleeves in place.

Power Up Top

$49


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Printed Record Breaker 3" Short
Printed Record Breaker 3" Short

These light-as-air shorts are perfect for school, practice or play. They’re made with silky fabric, and have side and back pockets to stash her treasures. These aren’t just groovy-looking shorts: The knit waistband features an encouraging mantra on the drawstring. They even come with a hair tie so she’ll be ready to put her locks up and go!

Printed Record Breaker 3” Short

$36


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This romper will be a go-to for your girl for many reasons. Its breathable recycled polyester fabric feels super light but is insanely durable, and resistant to snags and tears. The roomy side pockets ensure she’ll always have a place to stash her belongings, while the adjustable, novelty waistband gives her plenty of room to move while playing outdoors or hanging out on weekends.

Play All Day Romper

$59


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Double the Fun Tank
Double the Fun Tank

Perfect for school, sports practice or hanging out, this layered tank is lightweight, breathable and includes a printed, more fitted, full-length tank underneath a lightweight layer. It’s basically like two tanks in one, which will give your girl some extra support. It’s also made with quick-drying fabric, so she’ll still be comfortable even when she breaks a sweat.

Double the Fun Tank

$39


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Rest Day Printed Crewneck Sweatshirt
Rest Day Printed Crewneck Sweatshirt

Who doesn’t love a cute, fun sweatshirt made with extra-cozy fabric? Your girl will have no trouble standing out from the crowd and staying comfortable in the Rest Day Printed Crewneck Sweatshirt. If she needs something to pair it with, then she’ll love these confidence-boosting, periwinkle bike shorts.

Rest Day Printed Crewneck Sweatshirt

$34.99


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Camo Lux Print Swing Skort
Camo Lux Print Swing Skort

Ideal for tennis, golf or any sports practice, the Camo Lux Print Swing Skort is made with ultra-soft fabric, so she’ll be able to easily run up and down the court while feeling like her best self. Since it includes built-in shorts, your girl will have the added coverage she needs to feel confident moving around.

Camo Lux Print Swing Skort

$44


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Unlined High Jump Jogger
Unlined High Jump Jogger

Comfortable never looked so good thanks to these joggers. The drawstring and side pockets mean she won’t have to worry about feeling restricted or finding a place to keep essentials on hand during life’s adventures. If your girl is in need of soft clothing that’s light as air, breathable, and both wrinkle and abrasion resistant, then these are without a doubt the pants for her.

Unlined High Jump Jogger

$47.99


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In Your Element Hoodie
In Your Element Hoodie

If your girl loves playful patterns she’ll adore this hoodie, which comes in fun prints ranging from camo to tie-dye. She’ll want to live in the stretchy, super-soft staple and she basically can as it’s suitable for school, practice and play. The front pocket has lots of room to stash personal items, and there’s even a special storage space for her phone.

In Your Element Hoodie 2.0

$49


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Upbeat Bra 2.0
Upbeat Bra 2.0

The Upbeat Bra 2.0 will allow your girl to transition comfortably from school to play. It’s perfect for all-day wear as it’s designed with Athleta Girl’s softest, most buttery fabric and includes stretchy straps that won’t dig into her shoulders. Intricate back details add a fun and stylish twist, and a scoop neckline provides full coverage. Whether she’s on the field or the court, she’ll always be ready to perform.

Upbeat Bra 2.0

$22.99


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This article was created by SheKnows for Athleta Girl.

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