Athleta Review

Hi everyone!  I'm here today to share three reviews of new clothes that I got from Athleta.  Now that my marathon training is halfway done, I wanted to treat myself and replace some of my over-loved and worn out winter clothes.  (P.S. this doesn't break my spending freeze since I have permission to buy running gear!)

I'm also big into setting goals and treating yourself when you hit them.  Going into this training cycle, I knew my biggest obstacle for me would be long runs.  They've always been a big mental struggle for me, so I promised myself that if I hit all of those long runs at the half way point, I could get some goodies.

It just so happened that the halfway point coincided with a big sale at Athleta!  The items that I bought were on clearance, with an additional 20% off.  I've never bought anything from Athleta but heard great things, so I was excited to try out some of their clothes!  I originally was planning on getting a new pair of my Lululemon Toasty Tech Tights since I wear mine all the time, but I ended up getting these three items for less than the price of one pair of tights.  It was a no brainer!

I hope you enjoy these reviews!  My next big milestone will be my 20 mile long run.  This is usually the pinnacle of marathon training, so that's what I'm setting my sights on!  See you on the other side!



Original Price: $74
I got it for: $41.59

Athleta Drifter Tight Review

These pants are very similar to the Lululemon Toasty Tech Tights.They're not quite as warm and don't have the fleecy lining, but these have a similar cut and pocket placement.  I love having a pocket on the inside of the pants, as well as a zippered pocket on the leg.

Athleta Drifter Tight Review

In the Toasty Tech Tight, I have a size 6 which fit a little loosely on me.  In these pants, I got a size XS which fits perfectly.  I would say that the Drifter Tights fit true to size, and an XS would be similar to a Lululemon 4. Here's a comparison of the two sizes:

Athleta Drifter Tight vs Lululemon Toasty Tech Tight

I really like these tights, and I think that they're a great alternative to Lululemon tights.  The look is really similar, and these are a great pair of basic tights.  They're not quite as warm as the Toasty Tech Tights and lack some of the extra details, but it's well worth it for the lower price. They're really comfortable during runs, and are perfect for a wider range of temperatures.  I'm glad to add them to my rotation of running pants!

Athleta Drifter Tight vs Lululemon Toasty Tech Tight



Original Price: $69
I got it for: $44.79

There are a lot of things that I love about this top.  It's a very flattering style, since it has shirring going down the front and back, and I absolutely love the space dye pattern and the colors.  There are also little plastic grippers on the bottom, which helps it "grab on" to your pants and not ride up while you run.  There are thumb holes in the sleeves which is always a good thing!

Athleta Fastest Track Top Review

The fabric is really comfortable as well.  It uses REGUL8 technology, which is supposed to adapt to weather and your body temperature so that you're never too hot or too cold.  I wore this on a short run when it was about 60 degrees out, as well as a long run that started at 40 degrees.  In both scenarios I was completely comfortable in this top!  Another cool feature is the  natural silver salts embedded in the top so that it's less stinky after runs.  After my long run this weekend, I went to Target and Dan didn't notice any smell in the top and wasn't embarrassed to be walking around with me, which means the silver salts must work!

Athleta Fastest Track Top Review

The only downside that I see in this shirt is the sizing.  I got this in an XS and found it to be too loose in the sleeves, and the sleeves were also pretty long on me, and I have long arms.  Overall, I love how this shirt feels and looks.  Even though the fit is a bit large on me, I'm still going to keep it, and I can tell why this is such a popular style at Athleta (also available in short sleeve and sleeveless!)

Athleta Fastest Track Top Review



Original Price: $79
I got it for: $24.79

Athleta Neo Thermal Top Review

This top has a lot of the same features as the Fastest Track Top- REGUL8 technology to keep you comfortable in a variety of weather conditions, and Unstinkable technology to keep you smelling fresh.  It also has thumb holes- my favorite!  Other than that, this top is very different.

Athleta Neo Thermal Top Review

The top is lined with a fleece fabric which keeps you very warm, but is still breathable.  I hate tops that make you feel claustrophobic because the air has no where to go, which traps in all your sweat and makes you even colder.  This top kept me comfortable for my entire run.  It also fits a lot smaller than the other top, so an XS was actually a bit tight.  I bought this mostly for layering under vests or jackets when the temperatures are really low, so this is fine for me.  I would recommend sizing up if you're between sizes or like a looser fit.

Athleta Neo Thermal Top Review

The fabric is also seamless, which makes it really comfortable for running and prevents chafing.  I thought that the shirt was really soft when I wore it, which is perfect for running!   I also liked the design of the side of the shirt, which you can see in this unflattering shot (you can see how tight it is here!)

Athleta Neo Thermal Top Review

Overall, even though this shirt was a bit tight, it's really comfortable and stretchy. It will work perfect as a base layer, and you really can't beat the price for the quality!  Of course, as soon as I put in this order Pittsburgh got hit with spring-like temperatures, so I haven't been able to wear this on an actual run.  I'll be sure to share an update as soon as I do!


Have you bought new athletic gear recently?
What's your favorite place to shop for workout clothes?
Do you also treat yourself during training or when you hit a milestone?

Post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for your support, and happy shopping!

Comments

  1. I've never bought anything from Athleta before but I really love their stuff and I've heard so many things about it. I want the tights!!!

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  2. we have an athlete store right here and I always go in but never get anything! ive tried on a few things in the past but always found the cuts were too big and lulu fit me better but maybe they have come out with newer things since then so I should try again. thanks for the reviews. the tops are cute!

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    1. I think it's all a personal preference thing. I don't like how Lululemon tops fit, and the Athleta tops are cut to fit my body type a lot better. I'm happy they prices are lower and there are more sales too!

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  3. Love those leggings!! Do you mind me asking how tall you are? I have such a hard time finding pants/leggings that aren't capris on my 5'8" frame! :)

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    1. I'm about 5'4, so these will definitely be too short on you :( They do have tall sizes in a lot of their pants though! I have the opposite problem- most pants are way too long so I have to cuff them!

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  4. Athleta is one of my favorite brands! I love their capris and leggings SO HARD

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  5. I love Athleta too. I have a couple running skirts that have been washed and worn for YEARS and still look new. Good stuff! It's been WAY too long since I've stocked up- happy for you :-)

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  6. Love Athleta! My mom and I have that Fastest Track top and we both wear it all the time. Marathon training is a VERY valid reason for new workout clothes :)

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  7. It seems that all of a sudden I may need some new running gear! I know it's a good idea to dress for the run you want to have and right now all of my running clothes are from Target, haha! Remembering this for later.

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    1. Target has great clothes though! About half of my gear is from there, I just haven't liked many things they've come out with recently so I decided to splurge!

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  8. Ohhh very interesting! I have never tried Athleta gear, because there aren't any locations close to me, but I really like the look of that tight (AND of course, the price!). I may have to make the trip out to a store, might be worth it. Thanks for posting an in-depth review!

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    Replies
    1. I'm glad you found this helpful! You can also order online and return for free :)

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  9. I love Athleta! I have a few things from them and they are such great quality. I have a similar thermal top and I wear it a lot during the winter months!

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  10. I have a bathing suit from Athleta, but not any of the clothing. I love the idea of the silver salts. Less stinky is good in my book.

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  11. I bought an Athleta Chi tank recently and it's probably the best running tank I've purchased in a while. I love that they make long sizes for tall runners like myself. But the sizing like you noted is different - I wear an XS in their tops while I usually wear a small everywhere else.

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    1. Agreed. Chi tanks are the best thing ever, especially since they come in tall sizes.

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    2. I wish they came out with petite sizing...I have a really short torso so most tops are too long on me. Luckily these have the grippers so it doesn't ride up but I still wish it would hit me at my hips and not halfway down!

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  12. I've never been to athleta but their clothing is super cute. I have actually been eying the lulu toasty tights lately myself. Any tights with pockets are awesome.

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  13. I don't own anything from Athleta but I browse their website all the time! Rewarding myself with new running/workout clothes is like the best thing ever I think haha :) There isn't a Lulu Lemon store close to where I live, probably within an hour and a half or so. There was a trunk show that came to town last week and of course I was there right when it started and splurged on 2 tops. Hey.. when Lulu Lemon comes to town.. I can't help it haha.

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    1. There's actually 2 lulu stores within 1/2 hour of me, and one of them is about 1 mile away and next door to an Athleta. That is a VERY dangerous street for me- also a Sephora, J Crew, Gap, American Apparel, specialty running store, and juice bars galore!

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  14. I love the pockets in those pants. I've notice that few running pants have pockets and when they do, it's not always in the most convenient location!

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  15. I love that you bribe yourself with running goodies for hitting a milestone because I totally do that too! I usually use running shoes as my bribe but this post is making me want to look into Athleta also!

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    1. I'm glad I'm not the only one :) Might be a child-like system but it works!

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  16. I love that you’re treating yourself! You’re doing a huge task of running a marathon! That deserves some rewards, and I’m glad you’re splurging a bit! I really like everything you picked out for yourself, most notably Track top! I love when there are holes so I extra loved it. Thank you for sharing your finds!

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    1. Thank you Julia! I try to treat myself every so often so it's still special and meaningful, but often enough that I can set achievable goals!

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  17. I don't have anything from Lululemon but I love Athleta for their petite option on pants-- I love when they have the sale on the sale and you can catch something in your size.

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  18. I've never shopped at Athleta (or Lululemon for that matter!) but these prices seem like they might actually fit into my budget. I haven't bought any clothes lately so I'll have to check out their website. I think that's awesome that you reward yourself with workout clothes!

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    1. If you can find a good sale, the prices are reasonable!

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  19. Holy amazing deals, Gretchen! Funny, I haven't shopped at Athleta before but for some reason they started sending me their catalog a couple of months ago so now I have a few of their pieces on my radar (thanks a lot...).
    Gina || On the Daily Express

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    1. I get their catalog too! It always tempts me so now I just pitch it. I wish I could opt out :(

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  20. I love when Athleta has an extra 20% off sale items! Glad you found some things you love.

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  21. i have never shopped at athleta before. i have a pair of lorna jane tights that i wear in the winter, and they are going on.. jeez, 6 or 7 years i think. they don't have a pocket on the outside, i LOVE that.

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  22. Athleta's Polartech tights are the best if you are looking for winter running pants. I also got mine on sale. My legs were never cold during a windy 30 degree morning. Basically I love all things Athleta and I have bought everything from them online since I'm 90 minutes from the closest store in Shadyside. If I lived down the street from them it would be so so dangerous! Good luck this morning on your 15 miler!

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  23. Just tried the Drifter Tights based on your review, and they are great!! I have the Toasty Tech tights, so these are an awesome lighter weight version of them. Thanks for your reviews!

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