https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:27:43 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest/page/2#post-2221764 Sun, 05 Sep 2021 17:47:18 +0000 LaPed 2221764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m a longtime Athleta fan. Their cuts tend to work better for me than lululemon, which is sometimes too narrow in shoulders/hips and often too tight in the legs/sleeves. Athleta’s fabrics are better quality than Zella IMHO — softer, more flexible, launder well. As others have noted, durability and longevity are generally excellent. I like the dark/muted core colour palette, and think they do a pretty good job with their limited seasonal colours too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest/page/2#post-2221752 Sun, 05 Sep 2021 16:13:08 +0000 elpgal 2221752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zelle - fabrics and seams are just a wee bit unrefined compared to Lulu.</p> <p>Lulu - great fabric and feel, very limited offerings but extremely consistent</p> <p>Athleta - more variety but you have to try them on because things keep changing, cuts, materials etc.</p> <p>Sweaty Betty - love their leggings, they do the best prints.</p> <p>If price was equivalent, I’s say Lulu and Sweaty Betty are at the top of the heap for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest/page/2#post-2221102 Thu, 02 Sep 2021 19:10:30 +0000 Gail 2221102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Athleta quality is very good . I don't have loads of pieces but what I do have wash and wear very well. I have 2 pairs of the Headlands Cargo Tights, they are very comfortable and can be dressed up or down. I have 2 of the Pranayama Wrap Cardigans they wear like iron one of mine has been really abused and still looks ok. I have a couple of pairs of the salutation leggings - I don't reach for those much , I think because the ones I have don't have pockets.<br />Only downside for me is a lot of their colors don't look great with my coloring ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest/page/2#post-2221060 Thu, 02 Sep 2021 16:56:43 +0000 mtnsofthemoon 2221060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I read most of the responses.&nbsp; I am a long time Athleta fan and have worn their travel, workout/gear, dresses, etc exclusively for decades.&nbsp; I totally agree with all the positive comments others have already made.&nbsp; However, I don't believe anyone mentioned their items GO ON SALE at a much greater discount and frequency than Lululemon.&nbsp; You have to be fast/quick to grab the sale items because sizes run out quickly.&nbsp; I have duplicated many of my favorite items.&nbsp; I don't care for Lululemon for a number of reasons (don't like their fabrics, sizing and lack of sale items and pricing is higher than Athleta for same quality - in US) but I acknowledge they have quality items.&nbsp; You can look at my Wardrobe or collections to see the assortment of items I have if you wish.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest/page/2#post-2220826 Wed, 01 Sep 2021 20:52:18 +0000 Ginger 2220826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I cannot compare to others' usage, or to Lululemon or Zella, but add another Athleta fan. There are stores here as well. I was very impressed by the fit of both the tops and single pair of leggings I got. I also have quite a few sweater dresses (bought secondhand) that are favorites. They are quality, and although not designed for pear shapes (nothing is), the construction and materials are good enough that they adapt very well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220748 Wed, 01 Sep 2021 14:12:15 +0000 Roberta 2220748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a huge fan of Title Nine, but have no idea about Maple Leaf shipping, sorry. They are women-owned and designed and have decent sales. I own leggings, tops, jackets, sweaters, and more. They use "real" (is there a better word?) women in their catalogs, which I love, and everything is really well-made and durable. Also an excellent source for sports bras! They're having a sale right now: -&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.titlenine.com/title-nine-sale.html">https://www.titlenine.com/title-nine-sale.html</a>&nbsp; BUT - their sizing is not exactly extensive.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have Athleta pants and fleeces from 15 years ago that wear like iron. I guess they should, being manmade fiber! When I lived in a drafty house, I wore their Polartec pants all winter long. Now I live in an over-heated condo and wear them for winter walks. They have multiple zipper pockets AND don't collect pet hair.&nbsp;</p> <p>The reason I don't shop at Athleta any more is purely because of the limited color palette. It seems like everything is black, olive, or grey - an "urban" palette - and I like a lot more color in workout wear.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've bought a couple Z by Zella shorts from the Rack and like them a lot, especially for the price, but I had to try and return a few before I found a style that really worked. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220729 Wed, 01 Sep 2021 13:12:51 +0000 viva 2220729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We are fortunate enough to have an Athleta brick and mortar store in Portland. A caveat for the following opinion is that I buy/refresh workout wear VERY rarely (even with working on average 4x/week, I find that the stuff lasts forever, and I am not about style when I sweat LOL).&nbsp;</p> <p>Still, I really like Athleta. Their leggings fit me well and have a beautiful handfeel, the one dress I have has been a go-to for the beach, and the store is very customer-friendly and inclusive. Plus they have an amazing return policy. When I last bought leggings there - at least a year ago - they said, "Just try them out. If they're uncomfortable or don't work for barre, bring them back." And, being a Gap company: frequent sales. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220705 Wed, 01 Sep 2021 11:04:06 +0000 Staysfit 2220705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I almost exclusively wear Athleta and have for years. &nbsp;Athleta design puts function and movement first; nice style is a bonus, &nbsp;Athleta&nbsp;took me through training and running multiple marathons.&nbsp;No chafing. No stinking, No stretching out. No riding up or sliding down. &nbsp;The clothes wear like iron if you hang them dry….which I do. &nbsp;A pair of their leggings can last me up to three years with heavy use before they lose their umph. They have moved towards sustainability without a decrease in quality or change in fit. They have a wide range of sizes and I assume more inclusive sizing. &nbsp;Their catalogs show a wide range of models that look like real people mixed with real athletes. Athleta&nbsp;fits me better than Lululemon. &nbsp;Torso fit, Sleeve and leg length is perfect for me in their wide selection of size small tall. &nbsp;Sizing is consistent, &nbsp;I know whatever the garment, if I order my size, it will fit. There are all sorts of thoughtful and practical details…little hidden pockets, reflective details for safety, good quality zippers, thumb holes, UPF, features to help keep clothes from slipping and sliding.&nbsp;They stay in place&nbsp;when I do Pilates and Yoga. Zella does not move as well or have as many thoughtful functional features. Their items are more likely to ride up, stretch out, fray at seams, fade, chafe, or even strangely pill. &nbsp;At most I can get one season of wear from Zella, maybe less. &nbsp;My experience with Lululemon is generally positive. The quality and durability is about the same as Athleta. &nbsp;The basic Lululemon styles that they carry on repeat have good functional designs but most of their clothes in my size are black, a neutral I do not wear. &nbsp;</p> <p><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220686 Wed, 01 Sep 2021 08:10:02 +0000 Jessikams 2220686@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like athleta for their thoughtful, functional details. Thumb holes where you need them, zippered pockets, elastic loops for key rings, mesh inserts for sweat…it’s clear that the designs are considered carefully. And their stuff lasts forever— I think the only athleta pieces I’ve had to throw away were due to “user error” (an intimate encounter with a jagged piece of coral killed my swim trunks; and a big spill of mosquito oil stained some other shorts). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220679 Wed, 01 Sep 2021 06:56:43 +0000 Kate 2220679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love Athleta, and most of my gear comes from there. Great quality. I prefer it to Zella. I found the Zella tops and jackets ran too narrow across the shoulders for me, so I ended up buying from the men’s line. The quality and fit is not on par with Athleta.</p> <p>Sweaty Betty I used to love, but of late the quality and size consistency has suffered, so I no longer buy from them. My old SB items are wonderful and still going strong. I only have one item from Lululemon, a flirty lightweight midi skirt that I duplicated in a different color. Those skirts are great, but I would only buy from LL on sale. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220644 Wed, 01 Sep 2021 01:28:16 +0000 Peri 2220644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love Athleta but haven't tried the others you mentioned. I don't really buy for workout wear...mostly I love their "city" type pants for everyday wear. Their featherweight stretch fabric helps make summer in the South more bearable.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220637 Wed, 01 Sep 2021 00:50:30 +0000 Anonymous 2220637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dresses aren’t on the Cdn website , interestingly . That’s one category I was really looking forward to trying . </p> <p>Not familiar with Title Nine - off to look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220621 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 23:14:04 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 2220621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to adore Athleta back in the day before Gap bought them out. I agree with people who say their pieces last a long time. I prefer Lulu and Tory Sport and ALO these days. It’s difficult to articulate what I like better about the cut and fit of leggings when they’re inherently tight, but Athleta’s leggings are never my go-to (I feel the same way about Zella ….maybe it’s the fabric?) For hiking type athletic wear I’m very partial to Title Nine but I doubt they ship to Canada in a cost effective way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220620 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 23:12:28 +0000 Janet 2220620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that Athleta has more variety— in color as well as styles. Lulu seems to have adopted a tight color palette each year for the past couple of years and if you don’t love the colors you’re pretty much limited to black. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220619 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 23:11:59 +0000 Christina F. 2220619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Others have covered the gear and pants. I also love the dresses I’ve got them Athleta this year. I expect them to be go-to items for travel in particular. Lightweight, quick dry, no wrinkles etc.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220617 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 22:58:19 +0000 Angie 2220617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Lisa P</b>, for you, I suspect it will boil down to the silhouette variety and fit between the two brands. You might find more interesting things at Athleta, and a larger assortment of colours. The quality is comparable.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220614 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 22:28:53 +0000 Anonymous 2220614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie - my point being that Lululemon and Athleta are almost the same at retail here - which is why they'd be considered " the competition" for me. I'm fortunate to be right in the middle of sizing, so it's not an issue . &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220613 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 22:22:38 +0000 Linda 2220613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, I find Brooks sports bras are great! I run and do some high impact work at the gym, so I want a supportive bra for that. Brooks bought the company Moving Comfort and has kept the same quality. I don’t know if Brooks is available in Canada. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220608 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 22:08:50 +0000 ophelia 2220608@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My 1 experience w/ Athleta didn’t work out-during my search for high neck tanks (before I copied your tank tops) I ordered petite size &amp; the armholes were so low &amp; wide, they gave a complete view of the *entirety* of my bra. It was the smallest size available so I gave up. I’d suggest sizing down. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220606 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 21:52:46 +0000 Angie 2220606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Athleta (and Zella) are much more popular with my clientele than Lululemon because it's cheaper, more size inclusive, great value and quality, and has a HUGE assortment of so much! Great current design and crossover into very casual wear. It's easy to shop with any Gap retail card too.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220601 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 21:38:19 +0000 sarah 2220601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have bought quite a lot of bottoms and tank tops from Athleta and have been really happy with the quality. I have not tried their leggings. The sweatshirt is about the softest most comfie thing I’ve ever owned. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220597 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 21:28:23 +0000 Anonymous 2220597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay- you can finally get Athleta!!!<br /> I haven't tried Zella or SB yet, but nearly all my gear is from Athleta now. </p> <p>Many of the bottoms have zip pockets, or else pockets big enough for a phone. All completely opaque- and have stayed that way through weekly washings. The tops have elastic on the bottom so don't ride up. </p> <p>I didn't like the sports bras I tried, they just didn't feel covered enough for comfort (very thin). </p> <p>They also have quite a few streetwear type clothes, so definitely a good source for workwear. </p> <p>In general really good value for the money, and I like how they go out of their way to be inclusive.</p> <p>ETA- fits tend to be generous, but if there's something you like, don't wait for a sale. Only the smallest sizes are left when things go on sale </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220592 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 21:22:41 +0000 Laurie 2220592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also have numerous things that I've collected over the years from Athleta - their city pants/joggers go in and out of working for me. Currently the only style that's worked is the Venture pant, but I think they're phasing it out (glad I got my usual multiple colors!). So many folks love the Brooklyn jogger, including my mom and sister, but it doesn't have a tie waist so didn't fit me right. I love that new hoodie that I just got last week. Excellent quality and style.</p> <p>I much prefer LuLu's yoga tights to any other brand. They feel, truly, "like butter".</p> <p>I get occasional Zella and 90 Degree items from Nordstrom / Rack and they're ok. I've worked out and walked in a few pairs of 90 Degree bike shorts with the side pockets for phone, and they've been great for the price. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220580 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 20:53:17 +0000 Anonymous 2220580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s not like I need anything - I have more workout gear than you can imagine I am always on the hunt for just the right sports bra though , as Lulu discontinued the one I like best . I also see Athleta as being a good source for work wear for me . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220578 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 20:50:08 +0000 Suz 2220578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, <b>Lisa</b>, it seems like you and I might be buying up the athletic wear again this year, :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220577 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 20:43:47 +0000 Preppy Pear 2220577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you have questions about particular items, I wear both Salutation and Elation 7/8 tights, and speedlight tanks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220575 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 20:34:56 +0000 Preppy Pear 2220575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m with Jenn. I wear my gear hard and wear Athleta almost exclusively. I don’t know if this is true in Canada, but you can return items after wearing/washing them out in the U.S. if they don’t work out. I never return anything, though - love my tights, tanks, and sports bras. I wear their swimsuits, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220573 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 20:25:01 +0000 Suz 2220573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for starting this, <b>Lisa</b>! I was just browsing the site, wondering the same!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220570 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 20:05:48 +0000 MidwestrnChic 2220570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a large number of items from Athleta.&nbsp; I buy mainly for the quality and fit.&nbsp; Nearly all of my leggings, workout tops and shorts are in perfect condition and some date back to 2016--they simply don't wear out and believe me, they get a ton of wear.&nbsp; I also am a fan of their joggers and Brooklyn bottoms.&nbsp; I love the wide leg pants that are similar to the Luluemon on the fly bottoms for travel.&nbsp; Always arrive uncreased and feeling put together. One sweater that I bought that was pricey quickly pilled so I can't recommend that, but nearly everything else are winners.&nbsp; Love Athleta! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/athleta-vs-the-rest#post-2220567 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 19:55:47 +0000 Sal 2220567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have two Athleta pieces and the quality has been excellent - similar to Lululemon which I also think wears brilliantly. I also have lots of mainstream sports gear - mostly Adidas now - and I find this hard wearing although not quite as feature rich, thoughtfully designed. </p>