These activewear staples are equally good for your morning sweat session and your evening sitting-on-the-couch-eating-Cheetos session. (Athleta)(Athleta)
In my case, when it comes to athleisure, there should be a much heavier emphasis on the "leisure." Some days, I only break a sweat when I'm hauling a load of my kids' stinky clothes down to the washer. (Suffice it to say that my lofty fitness resolutions are already dead in the water.) But like anyone else, I want to stay comfy whether I'm working, bopping around the house, running errands or, yes, occasionally hopping on my Peloton to remind myself what exercise feels like.
Of course, "comfy" is only one part of the puzzle. "Cute" is the other, and that's where Athleta shines. The sister brand of Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic excels at making clothes that aren't just gym-friendly, but life-friendly. Lots of them are on rare sale now, so I've picked out nine of my favorite styles. See something you like? Grab it now — colors and sizes are going fast.
Related: The best workout leggings, according to our editors
Well hello there, 70% discount! I love this soft mossy green (not to mention the impressive discount). The silhouette here is boxy but not too boxy, and the length is that elusive just-right crop — cute with leggings, but no bare midriff to be found, thank you very much.
"Looks cute with some of my higher-waist pants," said a fan. "It isn't cropped as much as it just really hits higher hip. I wouldn't want it shorter, but it's perfect as is. It is relaxed overall, so it hangs nicely and looks just slightly longer in the back. I like the soft ribbed fabric. This is just an easy little hoodie, and I look forward to getting wear out of it in any season."
I just snagged these very leggings (on sale, of course) and they might be my new cold-weather faves. They have a warm, soft brushed fabric inside, convenient zip pockets and even some reflective spots for all my before-dawn marathon training sessions. (OK, not really. But one day, friends. One day.) Psst: You can get 'em as low as $50, just in more limited colors and sizes.
"These are the leggings you are looking for," said a fellow buyer. "They are smooth like traditional athletic leggings on the outside, and low-pile fuzzy/soft/heavenly on the inside. They are warm when outside in damp, cold weather in the Pacific Northwest. And they make my cellulite/ lumps/bumps virtually disappear. For reference, I'm 50, 5'10" and 190 pounds, and I wear an XL tall. I have recently lost over 100 pounds, so things are not so firm anymore… these pants boost my self-confidence, and just make me happy in general."
These wide-leg stunners are the kind of polished casual we all want to be (but so rarely are, at least in my case). Wear 'em to the office or brunch with friends, and keep them on when you're back home, rotting on the couch. They're structured but stretchy, with a drawstring waist, and wrinkle-resistant.
"Very nice fabric, very nice intricate detailing on the side to make them feel leveled up," wrote a buyer. "So comfy, breathable and professional, yet cool. 10/10."
I'll be the first to admit that Athleta's sweaters are a splurge even at their sale prices. That said, I've never bought a dud, and how classic is this relaxed wool-cashmere blend turtleneck? Shockingly, it's even machine-washable, and the fabric has been refined to better resist pilling.
"Warmest, most comfy sweater I've ever owned," a shopper wrote. "I bought this for a trip to Washington, D.C. on the coldest week of the year (temps in the teens). With a long-sleeved T under this layer and my down jacket, I couldn't have been happier walking around in the cold. Love it. And it's very classic, so it will be good for many seasons."
What, you thought Lululemon had cornered the market on belt bags? Not a chance. Athleta's version comes in over a dozen colors, none of which will ever look as cool on me as they do this model, but such is life.
"It holds more than you think it would as it's deeper and wider than it looks, so that's a huge plus. I love the adjustable strap, the pockets and the water-repellent material. ... I wish it had one more outside pocket on its back side (the side that rests against me). The outer pocket is a little tight for my iPhone Pro Max, so I tend to use it for quick-access things like keys."
As the name suggests, these leggings have a little extra shine, and they come in a ton of colors — plenty are on sale if you want something bolder than basic black. They offer all the compression you need with none of the annoying awkwardly placed seams, and there's even a pocket tucked in the back waistband that's big enough for a phone.
"I am curvy, very curvy, and have a larger butt and thick thighs," a shopper wrote. "I actually got these in the bright orange color. Tried them on and OMG. Lifted my backside, smoothed out my dimples ... almost made my cellulite invisible … these are amazing and completely worth the money. Goodbye, Lulu and Spanx … huge thank you to this company that gets and understands every woman is shaped differently!"
A packable puffer has reached must-have status, right? This one is made from recycled nylon coated in a water-repellant finish, plus it's abrasion- and wind-resistant. You can cinch it at the bottom and pack it into an included travel pouch when you're on the go.
"Was only going to get one but ended up going back and getting another after receiving it," a repeat buyer said. "The nylon is soft and luxurious. Not stiff, cheap or noisy like other nylon jackets. It also fit me perfectly in the petite. It definitely isn't a super heavyweight jacket, but perfect for travel and putting this in your backpack/large purse to have something warm to put on."
My favorite Athleta sweatshirt is from the Coaster Luxe line, so I can vouch for just how cozy this fabric is — it's actually called "Nirvana," if that tells you anything! And how about the wide waistband on these softies? It's perfect for controlling a little pooch. The 4.5-inch inseam is just right for enough coverage without feeling frumpy.
"These shorts are so soft and comfortable," a fan confirmed. "The high waistband doesn't roll over for me, and the pockets are deep enough to hold my phone. I'm 5'4," so they are the perfect length for me, but they may be too short for anyone with long legs."
These UPF 50+ joggers are so light and breathable that you're gonna wanna keep them in heavy rotation year-round. They're also fast-drying and wrinkle-resistant, so they may become your new favorite travel pants.
"I wasn't sure I would like these but decided to give them a try. Okay, now my favorite joggers," said a former skeptic. "The ruching is very flattering, and I thought it would get in the way when working out, but it didn't. I can roll them up and shove them in my carry-on or gym bag, shake them out and they look ready to go. My only slightly negative comment is that the leg cuffs are too tight and make it difficult to get them off. ... I love them so much I will get over it!"
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
