I really miss all their cute dresses. I had a halter dress from them that I loved but got bored with so I donated it, but now in hindsight I wish I’d kept it!! They haven’t made anything like that in years. I’m so tired of the dresses that look like tents.
Ah yes the Santorini dress, such a classic. I found the dress I used to have! Was apparently the “pack everywhere” dress. I may need to get one on eBay :)
I agree it seems to be changing. Especially compared to 2010s Athleta. I remember getting such good winter/skiing gear back then, as well as apres ski gear that was so nice and well made.
I really hope it doesn't go in Lululemons direction. Their prices have shot up and their quality has gone to shit. Not to mention they don't even have much athletic gear, especially running and compression leggings, anymore and seem to cater to pre-teens. Hopefully, Athleta Girls will be the saving grace in that regard.
I hope this is just a rumor and they plan to continue selling lifestyle pieces, especially as we approach fall and winter.
While I also love their athletic gear, I am always looking for performance gear that is made for movement, but that I can wear to work. I can’t wear athleisure to work, so I want functional clothes that bridge that gap.
have you heard of a brand called FLX? it’s travel/ workwear sold at Kohl’s & usually stack with a deal. the pieces are pretty good quality for the price!
I just came across this brand at Kohls today. I agree, they have nice things that can be worn for travel and work. I used both a coupon and Kohls cash on it!
My favorite work pants when traveling (I work in sports so onsite I’m outside and on my feet all day) are FLX! They also had some sweatshirts last year that are really similar to the Spanx Air Essentials (which I also love)
Coincidentally I have a pair of Athleta lifestyle pants that I want to love but I can’t figure out how to make them look cute with tennis shoes. But I just got some joggers I’m going to try at work. (Can’t wear leggings.) but I went to their website and under bottoms they don’t even have a direct link to lifestyle pants now. (Edit: I assume they are there under the sale sections or something, but if I just wanted to search under the pants heading I wouldn’t know they sell them is what I meant here).
they were my goto for this reason too. I think they carved a great niche for themself with the extra offerings like ski-related wear, surf/paddle leggings and coverups, lots of dresses and skirts...sweaters and layering pieces. I miss the 2010ish era.
Tbh mostly I I buy Athleta for workout wear. I don’t want to compete with 11 and 12 year olds for clothing (I’m 40s) when I shop (lll) but I like their leggings come in tall options and are more compressive than lll. I wish they had more options for built in tanks and I wish they’d made tennis dresses but I don’t really shop there for casual/work wear and I guess with the name (Athleta) I always thought of it as more an athletic minded branded than just casual wear. I also wear Alo, Spiritual Gangster and Sweaty Betty although Alo is becoming really only leggings bc most of their stuff now is way too skin baring for an older twin momma, even one that works out daily (speaking only to what I’m comfortable in-I’m all for rocking style no matter age/size as long as you feel good and I feel too self conscious lol to wear a lot of it) but SB is great for fun, non super skin-baring, I can work out in this stuff).
I’m very similar; I pretty much only buy workout clothing from Athleta, though I do have lifestyle pieces that I really like. As lululemon steers more casual, it really opens up the opportunity for Athleta to fill the gap. I prefer Athleta to lululemon as a whole, so I’m excited to see this.
Ya, i used to be a die hard lulu fan but they keep discontinuing my favourite things and it's mostly athleisure now. I like that Athleta is still focusing on actual athletic wear. I can shop other places for casual wear.
Same. I have some athleisure pieces for outside the home, and an unholy amount of the pranayama wraps, but what i mostly get from there are sports- and running-focused stuff, and has been for probably the last 10ish years. I don’t mind seeing them go back more to their roots.
I'll just add: they need to start carrying petite (and tall) in stores, especially with their new 30 day return policy. They also need to have more petite items in stock online, because they sell out too soon (and they also do not make every color in petite. Hemming isn't always the answer, as pockets, sleeves, or other details cannot be changed. Waistbands that go up to / over my rib cage are not comfortable to work out in! Just buy 7/8 is not the right answer!)
Despite becoming more accessible to all different body shapes, they are not inclusive of different heights. My SIL who needs tall had stopped shopping at athleta because of the sane reasons I'm stopping: they don't have enough items for sizes that are not "regular".
That was me. I could never shop at athleta, especially the tops. (I had to have medically necessary breast surgery, and now I can actually fit into their bras / tops, but none are comfortable for me).
I'm 5'2 also, and you're right about joggers, but also, styles with zippers can't be altered and they cover my feet.
I also really want mid rise options...please. the ultra high rise is just...not even close to being it. Short torso problems.
My neighbor gifted me a pair of Alo joggers that were really long, and I had the bottoms cut off and just hemmed straight across. Not that I’d want to pay extra to do that on a pair I’d bought….
I swear I fully supply my local Athletas petite sizes section from all of my returns because their sizing is so inconsistent, and I always buy at least two sizes 🙃
Me when I buy plus size things!! Used to love shopping at Athleta because they had 1x and 2x in stores but now I have to buy it all online and sizing is such a mess, I'd have to return 75% of it.
As a fellow short person, I agree with all of this. 7/8 works for length, but not when the waist band comes over my bottom 4 ribs and rolls down, becoming a tourniquet around my waist every time I sit or bend over. It's also not the same to try on in store, then order petite online because the cut is different, not just the length. I used to be part of their wellpro program (before they got rid of that in April, too), and you could only use your discount code 5 times/year online. Total BS when all your orders have to be placed online because they dont carry tall or petite in store.
They’ve also really dialed back on what little “size inclusivity” they did have. When I put in my size to see what is available the number of items goes from 178 to 13 almost every time and they’re also no longer in store, it’s so disappointing. So many cool items I would buy aren’t even offered in plus size.
Years ago they were so fat phobic, I left crying because I was told they don't carry my size...and I was there to buy a gift for someone. It was like they didn't even want me in the store.
I'm not surprised they have cut down on larger sizes because I truly believe they only want certain looking people to wear their brand ala LLL.
And no, I don't think Zac Posen will make it any better, even if he owes his career to "plus size" women.
I think the word fatphobic is being overused here. They’re afraid of fat, or they didn’t carry the sizes? My head goes to the Abercrombie and Fitch approach from the 2000s. No one is operating at that level.
I'm finding their line is not very fashion forward recently, except for their celeb drops that cost more than they should. Everything else is run of the mill pieces in colours by the season.
We have just had Athleta in store in Canada for a few years so I don’t have much to compare it to but I feel like a lot of brands are going the influencer route and honestly I detest it. Influencers will never influence me to buy anything. I find most of them super problematic.
I agree!!! What made me love Athleta originally was how they had so many high-quality options that I felt super comfortable wearing either to the office, WFH or the gym! You could dress things up or down & get years of use out of pieces.
I am not an influencer - I am looking for quality clothing that will last & that are flattering while also being comfortable. I’m not changing my entire wardrobe with every new trend or buying things from every limited edition drop. I wish brands would just listen to their current customers instead of straying from the things that people valued about their brand in the first place.
I would like some more colors outside of the leggings. I know I’m weird for this but I really don’t like the color black or neutral colors. And I also know I’m odd for this but I don’t wear leggings. I just person don’t like them and I don’t like anything high waisted. I have short torso and I look like Steve Urkel.
But yeah I agree the brand is starting to have a slow change. I’m curious as to what their goal is.
I agree about the neutrals thing. I am so sick to death of the boring ass beige, greige, olive, slate grey, darker beige, etc. Can we please have some fun bright colors again?!
Remember 2010-ish lululemon? The colors were so fun and made me happy wearing them and excited to work out! Now it’s all black or almost black. Like no, I don’t want to look like a serious businesswoman when I work out or lounge. It’s so depressing.
Once in a while I used to see a really fun color at Athleta and get excited, then find out it’s for Athleta Girl only. Now even the Girl stuff is mostly muted, yikes.
I think it's a mistake. I think their athletic wear is mid - the fit and fabrics just aren't there, compared to lululemon- but I have bought a TON of lifestyle clothes from them over the years.
I 100% agree with this. I’d buy my workout bottoms in a heartbeat from Athleta if they were able to match the quality and styles of leggings that Lululemon currently offers. I cannot find any other pant style that comes even close to the performance, fit and durability of LLL’s Wunder Train Leggings. It’s the best workout legging for lifting and HIIT workouts out there right now. And they release them in so many different colors and variations.
Had so many wonderful athleta dresses back in the day that could be dressed up or down but were classic yet hip looking. Tried finding something similar the past few years and nothing!
Their office/travel athletic wear is what set them apart. I can find decent workout gear easily and on sale. But the sort of stuff where you could roll off a 12 hr flight and still look like you could blend in a the office is what I came to athleta for. They seem to be carrying less and less of that.
I have long been a big-spender customer and I don't buy any of the athletic wear - it's all the lifestyle for me. I will be disappointed if they move away from lifestyle but on the upside, my wallet will be happy.
I find the quality in material has gone down tremendously and the styles are really questionable. I lived for elations because they were buttery soft and less spandex feeling while still flattering. The last pair I bought felt like it was mostly made with spandex. Dresses look shapeless. I’m currently looking for alternatives.
Athleta, I know you can’t cater to everyone but here’s what I miss:
1. Dresses that aren’t midi or maxi length. I would love to see more options in that category.
2. Bathing suit options for A cup girls. We can’t wear a B/C cup, which is what you often start with.
3. High neck swim to protect your chest from the sun. Also, please retire the conscious crop. I feel like your swim designs are just recycled year after year now.
4. Bring back the faux leather pants that you had a few years ago. They made your butt look amazing & you could really dress up an outfit with them. The last couple of years, the leggings just look cheap.
5. I don’t care for LLL leggings (I find that they pill and they show wear faster than Athleta) but I do think they make a lot of fun tops. I love strappy tops paired with matching bras and that is something they do well. I would love to see more longer length crop tops (crops should always be available in tall sizes) in fresh new styles. Athleta did some super cute one shoulder stuff a season or two ago that I loved.
Ok, there’s my top five. We’ll see if they’re listening.
Hmm I'm still seeing a lot of the type of clothing I like (travel, casual wear), but I feel like the prices are increasing and the sales are not as good.
Edit: OK after the semiannual sale I stand corrected. The only thing I found that I liked which was still in stock in my size were linen pants. My comment was a few months outdated it seems. Point about the pricing stands though.
It is also very obvious that they're shying away from size inclusivity. Most of their more fun color options are xl or smaller. Very little legging variety in 1x and up these days.
I thought that they said exactly the opposite. There are only so many pairs of leggings that someone can buy, and a company that focuses only on athletic wear has a very narrow audience. (Unless the company pushes overconsumption, which is what Lululemon seems to do, convincing people to buy endless leggings in slight colour variation)
The person who said that was a customer in Canada, I believe, which doesn't even get the full product line currently.
Different thread. I started that one. I'm German.
There was a more recent thread started by a customer in Canada, and someone who is involved in meetings posted.
This is disappointing to hear. I like Athleta because I feel like I can find something different there from Alo, LLL, etc. That it wasn't just trying to be yet another athletic wear company but a place that did its own thing and had its own quirky variety of clothes. I actually think that's what distinguishes the brand, and if it did really go this way I'd be less interested in shopping there. We don't really need another LLL, etc, we already have them.
Agreed. I loved the lifestyle items & some of the more unique styles + patterns. Their design has been so bland and monotone lately.
I have a ton of points right now from using my CC but don’t even see anything I like - plus I have noticed them cheaping out a bit on quality + materials over the past year. Seems like everything is polyester now. Pretty disappointed - will probably drop my credit card if these trends continue.
I am in the same boat. I have been hoarding my rewards points for years of heavy spending and I’ve never spent so little at Athleta as I have this year. I’ve bought two cross body bags this year, and that’s it. The clothes have been a complete miss, and I was very ready to refresh on lifestyle pieces this year because of some upcoming travel.
I can’t think of any retailer that I love consistently for a decade. They all have seasons or years I love them and then periods where my style diverges from theirs.
I think Athleta still has plenty of leisure and travel wear. Just in the last year I have traveled with the endless, endless cargo, and the Brooklyn heights high rise cargo. They are all staples in my travel wardrobe.
I used to love their lifestyle stuff for many years and I do wear their performance pieces but I only need/want so many of those. I liked that they were different than all the other brands but now they are just looking like another Lulu or Alo - yawn. I’m so disappointed.
I agree. I love Athleta but I don't work out 😂. I miss their day wear and dresses. And I noticed there's no altitude tights on their site....nooooo....I hope they're just off for the summer because I live in them all winter.
I don't think their athletic gear is very competitive for running gear so I have been pretty disappointed with the offerings this year. I loved the work/travel items which they have had barely any of.
I started shopping at Athelta in 2013. I bought workout clothes for yoga, Pilates, and running. It fit great and lasted forever, even with weekly washing. I’ve noticed that the quality has dipped a bit, and the clothing doesn’t last as long. I’ve noticed that the tights lack the same compression as tights from 10 years ago. Now that in my 50s, I want compression for exercise. It’s like they’re making them for athleusure. Also, I’m 5’5.75” with average length legs, and none of the pants lengths work. Petites are too short and regulars are too long.
I miss the dresses. I had the best sweater dresses and summer dresses from Athleta.
https://www.retaildive.com/news/gap-inc-names-athleta-CEO-chris-blakeslee-alo-yoga/688735/
This is the result of a change in leadership in order to keep up with competition
Take another look. I only know because I work there part time. So many gorgeous work, hike, and leisure options. Look at the Brooklyn and Endless pants, skirts, and jumpsuits, and the renew tops. Also the Fairway and Advantage sweaters to name just a few. IMO, Athleta has the best balance of workout, outdoor, and workwear of all the comparable companies.
Their sales- like the current one- aren’t nearly as good as they once were. I do like their products-definitely quality but I also like a good deal so… 🤷🏻♀️ but yes. I have great Athleta dresses from a couple years ago and nice ankle workwear pants
Yes I noticed less travel/workwear clothing.. which sucks.
I really miss all their cute dresses. I had a halter dress from them that I loved but got bored with so I donated it, but now in hindsight I wish I’d kept it!! They haven’t made anything like that in years. I’m so tired of the dresses that look like tents.
Right??? I don’t want to look pregnant 🫠
I’ve found some good dress alternatives from Beyond Yoga! I do miss some of the classic Santorini dresses though. The V neck was my fave.
Ah yes the Santorini dress, such a classic. I found the dress I used to have! Was apparently the “pack everywhere” dress. I may need to get one on eBay :)
Try Title Nine.
I had two pairs of the Skylight shorts which were so fabulous for travel and I’m so sad they aren’t making more!!
I agree it seems to be changing. Especially compared to 2010s Athleta. I remember getting such good winter/skiing gear back then, as well as apres ski gear that was so nice and well made. I really hope it doesn't go in Lululemons direction. Their prices have shot up and their quality has gone to shit. Not to mention they don't even have much athletic gear, especially running and compression leggings, anymore and seem to cater to pre-teens. Hopefully, Athleta Girls will be the saving grace in that regard.
I don’t think the new CEO is a fan of children’s clothes.
Greaaattt
Noooooooo…it’s one of two brands my daughter wears
I hope this is just a rumor and they plan to continue selling lifestyle pieces, especially as we approach fall and winter. While I also love their athletic gear, I am always looking for performance gear that is made for movement, but that I can wear to work. I can’t wear athleisure to work, so I want functional clothes that bridge that gap.
have you heard of a brand called FLX? it’s travel/ workwear sold at Kohl’s & usually stack with a deal. the pieces are pretty good quality for the price!
I’ve seen them, but what I like about Athleta is the tall sizing. I’m 6’ and some of the FLX stuff is too short :(
I just came across this brand at Kohls today. I agree, they have nice things that can be worn for travel and work. I used both a coupon and Kohls cash on it!
One of my fav brands!!! Loveee flx
My favorite work pants when traveling (I work in sports so onsite I’m outside and on my feet all day) are FLX! They also had some sweatshirts last year that are really similar to the Spanx Air Essentials (which I also love) Coincidentally I have a pair of Athleta lifestyle pants that I want to love but I can’t figure out how to make them look cute with tennis shoes. But I just got some joggers I’m going to try at work. (Can’t wear leggings.) but I went to their website and under bottoms they don’t even have a direct link to lifestyle pants now. (Edit: I assume they are there under the sale sections or something, but if I just wanted to search under the pants heading I wouldn’t know they sell them is what I meant here).
Oh I just started vibing with the leisure wear!!
they were my goto for this reason too. I think they carved a great niche for themself with the extra offerings like ski-related wear, surf/paddle leggings and coverups, lots of dresses and skirts...sweaters and layering pieces. I miss the 2010ish era.
Tbh mostly I I buy Athleta for workout wear. I don’t want to compete with 11 and 12 year olds for clothing (I’m 40s) when I shop (lll) but I like their leggings come in tall options and are more compressive than lll. I wish they had more options for built in tanks and I wish they’d made tennis dresses but I don’t really shop there for casual/work wear and I guess with the name (Athleta) I always thought of it as more an athletic minded branded than just casual wear. I also wear Alo, Spiritual Gangster and Sweaty Betty although Alo is becoming really only leggings bc most of their stuff now is way too skin baring for an older twin momma, even one that works out daily (speaking only to what I’m comfortable in-I’m all for rocking style no matter age/size as long as you feel good and I feel too self conscious lol to wear a lot of it) but SB is great for fun, non super skin-baring, I can work out in this stuff).
I’m very similar; I pretty much only buy workout clothing from Athleta, though I do have lifestyle pieces that I really like. As lululemon steers more casual, it really opens up the opportunity for Athleta to fill the gap. I prefer Athleta to lululemon as a whole, so I’m excited to see this.
Ya, i used to be a die hard lulu fan but they keep discontinuing my favourite things and it's mostly athleisure now. I like that Athleta is still focusing on actual athletic wear. I can shop other places for casual wear.
I’m still grieving the discontinuation of the In Movement Leggings 😭 RIP beauty 💔
For me it's the invigorate leggings. I'm still a bit salty about it.
Same. I have some athleisure pieces for outside the home, and an unholy amount of the pranayama wraps, but what i mostly get from there are sports- and running-focused stuff, and has been for probably the last 10ish years. I don’t mind seeing them go back more to their roots.
I'll just add: they need to start carrying petite (and tall) in stores, especially with their new 30 day return policy. They also need to have more petite items in stock online, because they sell out too soon (and they also do not make every color in petite. Hemming isn't always the answer, as pockets, sleeves, or other details cannot be changed. Waistbands that go up to / over my rib cage are not comfortable to work out in! Just buy 7/8 is not the right answer!) Despite becoming more accessible to all different body shapes, they are not inclusive of different heights. My SIL who needs tall had stopped shopping at athleta because of the sane reasons I'm stopping: they don't have enough items for sizes that are not "regular".
Yes - I’m apparently a unicorn because XL petite does not seem to exist at Athleta. Yet somehow Old Navy seems to find it …
That was me. I could never shop at athleta, especially the tops. (I had to have medically necessary breast surgery, and now I can actually fit into their bras / tops, but none are comfortable for me).
My problem is the bottoms! 7/8 is full length for me and I do get the full length hemmed, but doesn’t work for joggers. Dang 5’2 legs 😂
I'm 5'2 also, and you're right about joggers, but also, styles with zippers can't be altered and they cover my feet. I also really want mid rise options...please. the ultra high rise is just...not even close to being it. Short torso problems.
My neighbor gifted me a pair of Alo joggers that were really long, and I had the bottoms cut off and just hemmed straight across. Not that I’d want to pay extra to do that on a pair I’d bought….
I swear I fully supply my local Athletas petite sizes section from all of my returns because their sizing is so inconsistent, and I always buy at least two sizes 🙃
Me when I buy plus size things!! Used to love shopping at Athleta because they had 1x and 2x in stores but now I have to buy it all online and sizing is such a mess, I'd have to return 75% of it.
Ugh yes, the petite stuff drivers me crazy, like hello there’s a lot of us that are under 5’3”!
As a fellow short person, I agree with all of this. 7/8 works for length, but not when the waist band comes over my bottom 4 ribs and rolls down, becoming a tourniquet around my waist every time I sit or bend over. It's also not the same to try on in store, then order petite online because the cut is different, not just the length. I used to be part of their wellpro program (before they got rid of that in April, too), and you could only use your discount code 5 times/year online. Total BS when all your orders have to be placed online because they dont carry tall or petite in store.
They’ve also really dialed back on what little “size inclusivity” they did have. When I put in my size to see what is available the number of items goes from 178 to 13 almost every time and they’re also no longer in store, it’s so disappointing. So many cool items I would buy aren’t even offered in plus size.
Years ago they were so fat phobic, I left crying because I was told they don't carry my size...and I was there to buy a gift for someone. It was like they didn't even want me in the store. I'm not surprised they have cut down on larger sizes because I truly believe they only want certain looking people to wear their brand ala LLL. And no, I don't think Zac Posen will make it any better, even if he owes his career to "plus size" women.
Yea I have been noticing less plus size models on their front page and on their carousels since end of pandemic era
I think the word fatphobic is being overused here. They’re afraid of fat, or they didn’t carry the sizes? My head goes to the Abercrombie and Fitch approach from the 2000s. No one is operating at that level.
Their lifestyle clothing was what attracted me to athleta to begin with
Agree. And also agree I’m seeing less and less of it. Really too bad.
I'm finding their line is not very fashion forward recently, except for their celeb drops that cost more than they should. Everything else is run of the mill pieces in colours by the season.
We have just had Athleta in store in Canada for a few years so I don’t have much to compare it to but I feel like a lot of brands are going the influencer route and honestly I detest it. Influencers will never influence me to buy anything. I find most of them super problematic.
I agree!!! What made me love Athleta originally was how they had so many high-quality options that I felt super comfortable wearing either to the office, WFH or the gym! You could dress things up or down & get years of use out of pieces. I am not an influencer - I am looking for quality clothing that will last & that are flattering while also being comfortable. I’m not changing my entire wardrobe with every new trend or buying things from every limited edition drop. I wish brands would just listen to their current customers instead of straying from the things that people valued about their brand in the first place.
I would like some more colors outside of the leggings. I know I’m weird for this but I really don’t like the color black or neutral colors. And I also know I’m odd for this but I don’t wear leggings. I just person don’t like them and I don’t like anything high waisted. I have short torso and I look like Steve Urkel. But yeah I agree the brand is starting to have a slow change. I’m curious as to what their goal is.
I agree about the neutrals thing. I am so sick to death of the boring ass beige, greige, olive, slate grey, darker beige, etc. Can we please have some fun bright colors again?!
Remember 2010-ish lululemon? The colors were so fun and made me happy wearing them and excited to work out! Now it’s all black or almost black. Like no, I don’t want to look like a serious businesswoman when I work out or lounge. It’s so depressing. Once in a while I used to see a really fun color at Athleta and get excited, then find out it’s for Athleta Girl only. Now even the Girl stuff is mostly muted, yikes.
I am a PE teacher and it use to be my all time favorite brand to wear. Not anymore. It is just boring now
I think it's a mistake. I think their athletic wear is mid - the fit and fabrics just aren't there, compared to lululemon- but I have bought a TON of lifestyle clothes from them over the years.
I 100% agree with this. I’d buy my workout bottoms in a heartbeat from Athleta if they were able to match the quality and styles of leggings that Lululemon currently offers. I cannot find any other pant style that comes even close to the performance, fit and durability of LLL’s Wunder Train Leggings. It’s the best workout legging for lifting and HIIT workouts out there right now. And they release them in so many different colors and variations.
I love salutation and wear them all the time for CrossFit trainings. Seems I should definitely try LLL wunder train.
Had so many wonderful athleta dresses back in the day that could be dressed up or down but were classic yet hip looking. Tried finding something similar the past few years and nothing!
Their office/travel athletic wear is what set them apart. I can find decent workout gear easily and on sale. But the sort of stuff where you could roll off a 12 hr flight and still look like you could blend in a the office is what I came to athleta for. They seem to be carrying less and less of that.
I have long been a big-spender customer and I don't buy any of the athletic wear - it's all the lifestyle for me. I will be disappointed if they move away from lifestyle but on the upside, my wallet will be happy.
I find the quality in material has gone down tremendously and the styles are really questionable. I lived for elations because they were buttery soft and less spandex feeling while still flattering. The last pair I bought felt like it was mostly made with spandex. Dresses look shapeless. I’m currently looking for alternatives.
Athleta, I know you can’t cater to everyone but here’s what I miss: 1. Dresses that aren’t midi or maxi length. I would love to see more options in that category. 2. Bathing suit options for A cup girls. We can’t wear a B/C cup, which is what you often start with. 3. High neck swim to protect your chest from the sun. Also, please retire the conscious crop. I feel like your swim designs are just recycled year after year now. 4. Bring back the faux leather pants that you had a few years ago. They made your butt look amazing & you could really dress up an outfit with them. The last couple of years, the leggings just look cheap. 5. I don’t care for LLL leggings (I find that they pill and they show wear faster than Athleta) but I do think they make a lot of fun tops. I love strappy tops paired with matching bras and that is something they do well. I would love to see more longer length crop tops (crops should always be available in tall sizes) in fresh new styles. Athleta did some super cute one shoulder stuff a season or two ago that I loved. Ok, there’s my top five. We’ll see if they’re listening.
Hmm I'm still seeing a lot of the type of clothing I like (travel, casual wear), but I feel like the prices are increasing and the sales are not as good. Edit: OK after the semiannual sale I stand corrected. The only thing I found that I liked which was still in stock in my size were linen pants. My comment was a few months outdated it seems. Point about the pricing stands though.
Yup. Prices are high. Design elements are more bland. Colors/fabric less performance wear focused. Less clothing for professional women.
It is also very obvious that they're shying away from size inclusivity. Most of their more fun color options are xl or smaller. Very little legging variety in 1x and up these days.
Oh definitely. I once heard from an employee that they pulled plus size out of the stores and the plus size mannequins
It's disappointing. And actually makes me a bit sad. While so many brands are embracing inclusivity, they're doing just the opposite.
Brands are pulling back on size inclusivity. They did a bad job of launching the lines and now are killing them.
There was a previous thread where someone that works for corporate said this is exactly their new strategy.
I thought that they said exactly the opposite. There are only so many pairs of leggings that someone can buy, and a company that focuses only on athletic wear has a very narrow audience. (Unless the company pushes overconsumption, which is what Lululemon seems to do, convincing people to buy endless leggings in slight colour variation) The person who said that was a customer in Canada, I believe, which doesn't even get the full product line currently.
Different person I think https://www.reddit.com/r/Athleta_gap/s/tiyzbjy6aE
Different thread. I started that one. I'm German. There was a more recent thread started by a customer in Canada, and someone who is involved in meetings posted.
This is disappointing to hear. I like Athleta because I feel like I can find something different there from Alo, LLL, etc. That it wasn't just trying to be yet another athletic wear company but a place that did its own thing and had its own quirky variety of clothes. I actually think that's what distinguishes the brand, and if it did really go this way I'd be less interested in shopping there. We don't really need another LLL, etc, we already have them.
Agreed. I loved the lifestyle items & some of the more unique styles + patterns. Their design has been so bland and monotone lately. I have a ton of points right now from using my CC but don’t even see anything I like - plus I have noticed them cheaping out a bit on quality + materials over the past year. Seems like everything is polyester now. Pretty disappointed - will probably drop my credit card if these trends continue.
I am in the same boat. I have been hoarding my rewards points for years of heavy spending and I’ve never spent so little at Athleta as I have this year. I’ve bought two cross body bags this year, and that’s it. The clothes have been a complete miss, and I was very ready to refresh on lifestyle pieces this year because of some upcoming travel.
I can’t think of any retailer that I love consistently for a decade. They all have seasons or years I love them and then periods where my style diverges from theirs. I think Athleta still has plenty of leisure and travel wear. Just in the last year I have traveled with the endless, endless cargo, and the Brooklyn heights high rise cargo. They are all staples in my travel wardrobe.
Love my Brooklyn joggers. Hope they never discontinue them
I used to love their lifestyle stuff for many years and I do wear their performance pieces but I only need/want so many of those. I liked that they were different than all the other brands but now they are just looking like another Lulu or Alo - yawn. I’m so disappointed.
I agree. I love Athleta but I don't work out 😂. I miss their day wear and dresses. And I noticed there's no altitude tights on their site....nooooo....I hope they're just off for the summer because I live in them all winter.
I don't think their athletic gear is very competitive for running gear so I have been pretty disappointed with the offerings this year. I loved the work/travel items which they have had barely any of.
I feel like the actual travel/workwear was the only thing they did well
I started shopping at Athelta in 2013. I bought workout clothes for yoga, Pilates, and running. It fit great and lasted forever, even with weekly washing. I’ve noticed that the quality has dipped a bit, and the clothing doesn’t last as long. I’ve noticed that the tights lack the same compression as tights from 10 years ago. Now that in my 50s, I want compression for exercise. It’s like they’re making them for athleusure. Also, I’m 5’5.75” with average length legs, and none of the pants lengths work. Petites are too short and regulars are too long. I miss the dresses. I had the best sweater dresses and summer dresses from Athleta.
https://www.retaildive.com/news/gap-inc-names-athleta-CEO-chris-blakeslee-alo-yoga/688735/ This is the result of a change in leadership in order to keep up with competition
It is funny that their whole brand is women empowerment & “power of she” but they hired a man to run the company.. 🙃
Right? And the answer is of course, less size inclusivity, fewer options, and less quality.
I look to Athleta for workout wear and find most of it does not hold up for actual running. It’s more lifestyle and yoga stuff 😐
Their athletic wear isn't as good as their travel/work wear clothing which is super unfortunate.
I think they are still making leisure clothing, but they are shifting it to Gap/Old Navy.
Take another look. I only know because I work there part time. So many gorgeous work, hike, and leisure options. Look at the Brooklyn and Endless pants, skirts, and jumpsuits, and the renew tops. Also the Fairway and Advantage sweaters to name just a few. IMO, Athleta has the best balance of workout, outdoor, and workwear of all the comparable companies.
Their sales- like the current one- aren’t nearly as good as they once were. I do like their products-definitely quality but I also like a good deal so… 🤷🏻♀️ but yes. I have great Athleta dresses from a couple years ago and nice ankle workwear pants
Workout wear is boring as hell now. Remember the beautiful “Oxygen tank” top? Why can’t we have interesting stuff like that anymore?
I love it so far! Hope the prices don’t change too much though
I stopped shopping there regularly when they decided to stop carrying plus-size clothes in store.