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Athleta Is Now In Canada, And These Are Our Editors’ Favourite Pieces

Our team checked out Athleta’s line of elevated activewear and found the best pieces to buy right now
By Athleta
Athleta Is Now In Canada, And These Are Our Editors’ Favourite Pieces

If your tolerance for “hard pants” is still set on low, get ready to love a new women’s clothing brand coming to Canada: Athleta, available duty-free online now and in Toronto and Vancouver stores this fall. The cult-favourite brand is known for its wide range of styles, from high-performance workout gear to wearable biz-casual pieces—as well as sponsoring gymnastics legend Simone Biles. The brand walks the walk when it comes to size inclusivity, with sizes XXS to 3X, as well as tall and petite. It is also a certified B Corp, which means it’s been rated as a company that uses growth and profit to create a positive impact on employees, communities and the environment.

As Athleta rolls out in Canada, these are the key pieces Team Chatelaine recommends:

Athleta Brooklyn Lined Jogger

These joggers are unbelievably comfortable. With a sporty, cool-to-the-touch outer fabric and soft jersey lining, you’ll feel like you're wearing pyjamas all day. The mid-rise waistband is quite flattering, and the slim legs taper at the bottom for a neat, fitted look. The material is breathable, but the pants themselves are fairly warm because of the lining—perfect for chillier weather but less so during a heat wave (they’re quick-drying, though, which is good news for those breaking a sweat or clumsy with their coffee). These will definitely be a wardrobe staple come fall. —Radiyah Chowdhury, associate editor, Chatelaine

Brooklyn Lined Jogger, $119, available in Black

jogger pants

Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight

I did a strength class with lots of lunges and squats, followed by a run on a hot day, and these tights passed the test. They felt comfortably stretchy, but the waistband never slipped down while I was squatting or running, and I couldn’t feel any uncomfortable seams. There was no bagging at the knees, no sagging in the crotch and no bunching at the ankles. Despite the extreme humidity, my legs didn’t feel sweaty or sticky; with the wicking fabric—they actually felt cool. A major selling feature for me is big side pockets so I can carry my phone and a collapsible water bottle for long runs. The biggest surprise was taking off the tights after my sweat session; they literally peeled off, no wrestling moves were required. —Sun Ngo, creative director, Chatelaine

Salutation Stash Pocket Tight, $109, available in Minimalistic Grey, Spiced Cabernet, Navy, Black, Grey Heather

tights with POCKETS

Athleta Brooklyn Jumpsuit

I've been living in nothing but comfort since I had a baby 18 months ago, and this jumpsuit is the perfect addition to my wardrobestill stretchy-soft but on trend, too. I can dress it up with a blazer, a scarf and Chelsea boots for the fall or keep summer going for as long as possible with some cute sandals and my favourite sunglasses. As a plus-size woman, I really appreciate that it's easy to find in my size, too. —Cassandre Cadieux, senior editor, branded content

Brooklyn Jumpsuit, $149, available in Black

black jumpsuit

Athleta Pranayama Wrap

In the Before Times, jeans + cool tee + blazer was my standard office look. But pulling on a blazer in my home office feels ridiculous (who hangs out at home in a blazer!?). This flowy wrap is the perfect WFH compromise that would work for the office as well: as comfy as sweats but still one chic notch above. With pockets, a butt-covering length, and sporty-looking thumbholes in the sleeves, it’s perfect to layer on for a post-workout coffee, too. —Sasha Emmons, managing director, branded content

Pranayama Wrap, $109, available in Mocha Latte Heather, Minimalistic Grey, Bright White, Blue Star Heather, Navy, Fog Grey Heather, Seaweed Snack, Marl Grey Heather, Black

comfy wrap with thumbhole sleeves

Athleta Girl High Rise Stash Your Treasures Tight

My daughter plays rep soccer, so she's always on the move and needs to be comfortable. I love these tights for her because they have built-in pockets and the fabric is buttery soft. She loved the drawstring pull on the waistband as clothes tend to be a bit big on her (and she thought all the empowering words/phrases that were printed on the drawstring were pretty cool, too). Fun bonus: The tag also came with a hair tie that had yet another you-go-girl message printed on it. —Stephanie Han Kim, art director, Chatelaine

High Rise Stash Your Treasures Tight, $69, available in Antique Rose, Minimalistic Grey, Navy, Black

pink kids tights

Athleta Ultimate 2-in-1 Support Top

Years ago, I bought a couple of Athleta tanks with built-in bras on a trip to the U.S., and they're still the workout shirts that I reach for most often. I've used them so much the logo and care tag are worn off, but they're still the best in my drawer. This newer incarnation is a little trickier to pull on, since the bra is actually separate from the tank, just attached by the top straps. But the good news is the latest design helps the top breathe better, as it's drapey rather than form-fitting around the torso. —Denise Balkissoon, executive editor, Chatelaine

Ultimate 2-in-1 Support Top, $79, available in Antique Rose, Black

pink tank top+

Athleta Inlet Vest

I really enjoy being active in all seasons and this Inlet vest can take me from fall tennis to winter skating and more. The colour and fit make it easy to be fashionable on the court, but it’s also versatile enough for errands afterward. The fitted side panels taper the waist but function isn’t forgotten with pockets on the inside and out (perfect for a cellphone). I’ve tried a lot of other vests, but none fit quite the same way. —Jessika Fink, marketing director

Inlet Vest, $165, available in Oxidized Yellow, Black

yellow vest

Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation 7/8 Tight

There are leggings that slap against your legs as you pull them on (which I’d argue is a workout in itself), then there are the leggings that stretch without the struggle. The Elation Tight is the latter, fitting snugly like a second skin—yet not so tight that they compress your body in ways that feel restrictive. The fabric is soft and breathable, with a matte finish that doesn’t look too sporty on those occasions when I just want to run errands or hang out. And the best part? The waist doesn’t roll down when you sit. —Meaghan Yuen, executive editor, branded content

Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation 7/8 Tight, $99, available in Navy, Blue Star, Grey Heather, Black

navy tights

Athleta Hanover V-Neck Sweater

This sweat-wicking merino wool-blend sweater is just the piece for days when you have to go straight from a light workout to running errands or seeing friends. It’s the perfect blend of cozy comfort and sophistication. I love that the V-neck, ribbed detailing and high-low hem elevate it beyond your typical sweatshirt—just layer a couple of necklaces, throw on a pair of earrings and you’re ready for brunch.” —Andréanne Dion, senior style and beauty editor, Chatelaine

Hanover V-Neck Sweater, $119, available in Black, Mountain Olive Heather, Shasta Purple, Mist Grey

black v-neck sweater

Athleta Solace Bra

I've never considered wearing a sports bra for regular day-to-day support, but this one was so comfortable that I completely forgot I had it on. With its pretty, strappy back and Orchid Pink shade, the bra worked well under a thin white linen shirt for my Zoom calls as well as a sweaty ride to the lakefront. A lifelong member of the itty-bitty committee, I find sports bras tend to flatten me out, but with soft cup inserts and a gentle front scoop, the Solace Bra gave me a bit of lift and cleavage—bonus! —Nadine Silverthorne, managing director of marketing

Solace Bra, $59, available in Orchid Pink, White, Navy, Black

beige sports bra

Athleta Whisper Featherless Jacket

As the seasons change and it gets a bit cooler, this coat will easily be my grab-and-go jacket. It's lightweight, breathable, incredibly cozy but not bulky at all. I love the jacket’s deep and secure pockets for days I'm out and about running errands or for travel. After feeling how soft and comfortable the fabric was, I was surprised to learn that it's made with recycled nylon that’s both water-repellent and abrasion-resistant. I'm broader in the shoulders and a bit busty, so I was happy that the fabric also had some give to it and didn't feel uncomfortably tight. I especially love the high-low hem as it enables a bit more range of motion while still providing nice coverage in the back. —Janu Yasotharan, editor, branded content

Whisper Featherless Jacket, $235, available in Enchanted Blue, Cattail Brown, Dark Sky Violet and Black

light brown jacket
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