Why didn’t I heed their advice sooner? I should’ve known the ladies in my HIIT class — the women who lift heavy, run fast and push me every time I step into the gym — would steer me in the right direction. For years I heard them rave about Athleta workout leggings, but I never considered buying a pair for myself because they’re like $100 a pop!
Super. Crazy. Expensive.
However…when something is good, and I mean really, REALLY good, the calculus may prompt me to go there. And I totally went there.
What ultimately pushed me over the edge was a secondhand pair of Athleta tights my friend Nicol gave me. She teaches the HIIT class I take, and she happened to have an extra pair that didn’t fit her, and she passed ’em to me.
First time I tried them on — and immediately after I stuffed everything I could into the pockets, of which there are SO MANY — I started to wonder if I’d ever wear another pair of pants again, because daaaaang… They were so soft.
Then, of course, I bent over in the mirror to see if they passed the squat test…
They totally did. 🙂 No underwear peeking through!
Next, I wore them to class and could not stop staring at my booty in the mirror, because the pants somehow transformed it into J. Lo’s (#GOALS), LOL!
I didn’t have to pull up my pants once, not once, during the entire class. Also, the waistband stayed up and held in my tum-tum the entire time, and the material stayed intact and didn’t stretch out at all, either, so no baggy knees.
When that class was done, I knew it… I’d be drinkin’ the Athleta Kool-Aid with the other girls soon.
Later that week, I ended up going to the Athleta store in Corte Madera to buy my first pair, because someone in class mentioned there was a sale happening. I left with the camo ones up top (yup, they’re still on sale!).
When I told the sales associate that it was my first Athleta purchase, she told me all about their generous return policy (if you work out in your clothes and don’t love them, you can still return them with a receipt), then gave me a discount on top of the sale for being a new customer.
SWEET!
If you’re into working out, or otherwise particular about your stretchy pants (as am I), I think you’re going to love these. I’m officially saving up for my next pair.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I am the first person who will turn to Athleta before buying anything from Lululemon (jerk who named the store such because Japanese had a hard time pronouncing it).
Athleta’s sizes fit, they have amazing sales online (!!), and YES to the booty and fit factor. I use their short shorts for yoga; they have lasted me so long, have not faded one bit, and just feel so supportive. Their sports bras have been amazing, too. Fit is so good when I had my breast implants taken out, they still wore well and looked great! lol….
I’m so glad you’ve discovered them! 😀 It’s kinda good there is no store here on Oahu. I had to exercise self-control when I lived in center city Philadelphia which had an Athleta store a block from my apartment. O__o
Interesting that you mention the material not fading, because I’ve noticed that a lot of the ladies in my class wear their tights often, and I swear they look brand new! The color, the stitching, everything.
Oh, and P.S., everything that I’ve ever bought from Lululemon fell apart pretty quickly.
I’ve been eyeing Athleta leggings for SO long, but I haven’t taken the plunge yet since they’re so pricey. Their return policy sounds amazing though, so it might be worth it to give them a try! By the way, what kind of shoes are you wearing in the pic?
Hi Deanna,
I’m wearing a pair of Nike Winflo running shoes. I bought them last year, I think!
I also swear by Athleta leggings. I love all the pockets. I love not having to hike up my waistband ever. I usually shop the sale section. Did you know they also do free hemming if you can’t find the pair you love in petites, they’ll hem a pair from their regular size line. My trainer is under 5 feet tall and always has stuff there hemmed.
I have vintage Athleta wear that is 15 years old and still going strong.
I had no idea! I am definitely going to take advantage of that.
Are you home? How was your trip?
I love Athleta! It’s great how diverse their range is, in terms of selling “regular” clothes in addition to activewear. Their girls line is really nice as well.
Since I couldn’t pack my whole closet with me when I moved abroad, I had to be very careful to only pick items that would be the most useful for me. Athleta items make up a pretty decent chunk of my wardrobe right now, and I’m happy I brought them with!
You should also try a pair of their jeans — they’re ridiculously comfortable, and are hands down the best jeans I’ve ever tried.
Hi Ali,
I was wondering about the jeans; they look great. How much do they stretch out?
They’re basically jeggings, but of the nicer variety. They stretch out enough so that you’re comfortable while wearing them, but they will retain their shape between wears.
I love Athletica but my niece works at Lulamon and dance teachers can get a discount .
I am going to give Athletica a try very soon !
I hope you give them a go, Michele! The tights are so good.
They have a fitness pro discount at Athleta too! You could check to see if you qualify. 🙂
Hurrah for Athleta! I work for Gap Inc. HQ- Athleta brand. We have a great line for girls too for Connor Claire one day.
A great advice my boss said to me before about “investing” in more expensive clothing is to do a “cost per wear”. ?
How cool, Hera Kitty! The sales associate that I chatted with mentioned that the company started in Petaluma (just north of Novato), which I think is awesome.
What are your favorite things from the line?!
Check out Alala and Michi since you have jumped into the land of pricey leggings. They are better quality than all of the other brands I’ve tried (and I have tried TONS). Both companies manufacture their clothing in Canada instead of questionable overseas factories. Plus, both are women founded and women owned.
I’m LEGIT blaming you for my very new addiction, being Athleta leggings, lol!! So I went to mine after work last night, and literally was all, “my friend bought these camo leggings on sale…” … they weren’t on sale in the store but agreed to price match online. I went in the dressing room with those as well as the Headlands Hybrid Cargo Tight (in mountain olive) and… HOLY SH*TSKIS!!! I forced myself to only buy one. I have a ton of regular zella leggings, but I have nothing like the hybrid cargos, and my husband and I hike a ton. Literally obsessed. I’m wearing them now, and the look, comfort, pockets (6 in all, I think?)… we’re going for a hike today and I can’t wait to test ride these. Expensive, yes, but if they’re awesome quality and hold up, so worth it. I buy a lot of things based on your recommendation and you’ve literally NEVER steered me wrong. Love your blog and love you! Thank you, girl!!
Okay, I need to check them out. I love working out, but it seems after the babies nothing seems to fit right anymore.
Have you tried the Gap workout leggings? I swear by them, and they’re the same company as Athleta. Best part, you can get the Gap ones for usually 40% off! We don’t have Athleta in Canada, but I did buy one pair when I was in the States; I don’t see much of a difference between them and the Gap.
I love Athleta too! I’m a barre instructor/trainer, and live in my tights. I also love Beyond Yoga, and their tights are even softer… I like that both companies are size inclusive, body positive AND eco friendly! 🙂 If you can find Glyder near you, or are brave enough to order online, theirs are a little less than Athleta, wear phenomenally well, and are equally soft and flattering.