Athleta Chaturanga vs. Salutation: Which one is better?

The Athleta Salutation Stash Tight and the classic Chaturanga Tight are two of the brand's most popular styles, but they serve very different purposes. The Salutation is famous for its buttery-soft Powervita™ fabric, high waist, and convenient side pockets, designed for yoga and all-day comfort. The Chaturanga, a legacy style, is known for its higher compression and slicker, performance-focused fabric that holds you in during more intense workouts.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide which iconic Athleta legging is the right addition to your wardrobe.

Athleta Chaturanga Capris & Tights

The Chaturanga is one of Athleta's original hero products, a classic compressive legging that earned a loyal following for its secure, holds-you-in feel. While it has been largely phased out in favor of newer fabrics and styles like the Salutation, it remains a favorite on resale sites and occasionally appears in outlet stores. It's built as a workhorse tight for gym sessions and sweaty yoga practices where you want to feel locked in and supported.

• What it is: A supportive, compressive athletic tight designed for medium- to high-impact workouts.
• Key features: Mid-to-high rise waistband, compressive fit that sculpts and supports, durable fabric construction, classic three-seam design in the back.
• Price: Originally priced around $79-$89, often found for less on resale markets.
• Materials/Construction: Typically made with Athleta's fan-favorite Pilayo® fabric, a supportive and breathable nylon/spandex blend known for its sweat-wicking properties and durability.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size but with a very snug, compressive feel. It's meant to hug your body tightly.
• Pros: Excellent compression and support, fabric stays put during intense workouts, highly durable and less prone to pilling than softer fabrics, great workhorse tight for the gym.
• Cons: Fabric is less soft and comfortable for all-day lounging, largely discontinued and hard to find new, some styles have a lower waistband than modern leggings.

This tight is ideal for athletes who prefer a classic, high-compression fit and find a great deal on a pair online or at an outlet.

Shop this style (legacy): athleta.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=1025875

Athleta Salutation Stash Tight

The Salutation Stash Tight is Athleta’s current bestseller and its answer to the buttery-soft legging trend. Made with the luxurious Powervita™ fabric, it's designed for maximum comfort in yoga, Pilates, and everyday life. The addition of deep side "stash" pockets adds game-changing functionality, making it a truly versatile piece that can go from the studio to errands without missing a beat.

• What it is: A buttery-soft, lightly compressive high-waisted tight with side pockets, perfect for yoga and lifestyle wear.
• Key features: Powervita™ fabric, high-rise bonded waistband, deep side pockets large enough for a smartphone, fewer seams for a sleek look.
• Price: $109
• Materials/Construction: Made from Athleta’s proprietary Powervita™ fabric, a nylon/lycra blend that is incredibly soft, breathable, and sweat-wicking with a supportive stretch.
• Sizing/Fit: True to size with a comfortable, second-skin feel. Offered in regular, tall, and petite inseams for a customizable fit.
• Pros: Supreme comfort and buttery-soft feel, functional side pockets are a huge plus, flattering high waist is comfortable and secure, versatile for workouts and daily activities.
• Cons: The soft fabric is more prone to pilling with high-friction activities or improper washing, offers less compression than the Chaturanga, higher price point.

This is the perfect choice for anyone who prioritizes comfort and wants a versatile, functional legging for yoga, lounging, and everyday life.

Shop this product: athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=531238

Chaturanga vs. Salutation Stash Tight Comparison

Fabric & Feel

The most immediate difference is the feel of the fabric. The Chaturanga's Pilayo® fabric is slick, cool to the touch, and has a classic athletic finish. It’s smooth and structured, gliding against the skin rather than hugging it softly.

In contrast, the Salutation's Powervita™ fabric is designed to feel buttery-soft and weightless, almost like a second skin. It has a slightly brushed, matte finish that feels cozy and less traditionally "athletic," making it exceptionally comfortable for long periods of wear.

Fit & Compression

The Chaturanga is built for performance and offers a high level of compression. It actively holds you in, providing a sculpted, secure feel that supports muscles during intense movement. This secure fit means it is very unlikely to slip or slide down, even during runs or plyometrics.

The Salutation is much less compressive. It provides a gentle, supportive hug rather than a performance squeeze. The fit is still secure, thanks to the high, bonded waistband, but the primary focus is on freedom of movement and comfort, making it ideal for the deep bends and stretches of yoga.

Features & Versatility

The Chaturanga is a straightforward performance tight. Its primary feature is its compressive fit and durable fabric. It shines in the gym or during a tough workout but lacks the comfort and features for relaxed, all-day wear.

The Salutation Stash tight's defining feature is its pockets. The deep side pockets are perfectly placed and designed to securely hold a large smartphone, keys, or cards, which massively increases its versatility. This functionality, combined with its unmatched comfort, makes it suitable for wearing to the studio, on a coffee run, while traveling, or just working from home.

Price & Availability

As a current, top-selling product, the Salutation Stash is widely available in a full range of sizes and colors at a premium price point of $109. The Chaturanga is a legacy style and is no longer part of Athleta's main collection. You'll have to search for it on resale sites like Poshmark or hope to get lucky at an Athleta outlet, but it can usually be found for a much lower price.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both are excellent leggings from Athleta, but they cater to very different preferences and activities.

Choose the Chaturanga if:

• You prioritize high compression and a "locked-in" feeling for workouts.
• You want a durable, no-fuss legging for running, HIIT, or gym training.
• You find a pair secondhand or on clearance and want a fantastic value.
• You prefer the feel of a traditional, smooth, slick athletic fabric.

Choose the Salutation Stash if:

• You prioritize buttery-soft comfort for yoga, lounging, and everyday wear.
• You need functional side pockets for your phone, keys, and cards.
• You're looking for a versatile legging that easily transitions from a studio class to errands.
• You love a flattering, comfortable high-waisted fit and the feel of a second-skin fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Athleta's Chaturanga and Salutation tights?

The biggest difference is fabric, feel, and compression. The Chaturanga features a smooth, highly compressive fabric for performance. The Salutation uses a buttery-soft, lightly compressive fabric designed for studio comfort and has pockets.

Does Athleta still sell the Chaturanga tight?

No, Athleta has largely discontinued the Chaturanga style in favor of newer designs and fabrics. However, you can still find them on third-party resale websites and occasionally in Athleta outlet stores.

Which Athleta legging is better for yoga?

The Salutation Stash is specifically designed for yoga and low-impact studio workouts. Its soft, flexible fabric moves with you and feels weightless on the mat.

Which legging is better for running?

The Chaturanga is a better choice for running due to its higher compression and slicker fabric that reduce friction and stay put. For running and high-impact training, a better modern option is Athleta's Ultimate Stash Tight.

Does the Salutation fabric pill?

The soft, brushed Powervita™ fabric can be more susceptible to pilling than more technical fabrics. To prevent this, wash your Salutation tights inside out in cold water, avoid washing them with abrasive items like towels or denim, and lay them flat or hang to dry.

Are the Salutation Stash Tight pockets big enough for a smartphone?

Yes, the "stash" pockets are one of their best features. They're deep and stretchy, designed to securely fit most modern smartphones, even in a case.

What Lululemon legging is the Salutation Stash similar to?

The Athleta Salutation is most often compared to the Lululemon Align because of its buttery-soft feel. However, many find the Salutation's Powervita™ fabric to be slightly more durable and compressive than Lululemon’s Nulu fabric, and importantly, the Athleta version includes pockets.

How do these leggings fit? Do they run true to size?

Yes, both styles generally fit true to size. The Chaturanga will feel much tighter and more supportive, while the Salutation offers a more relaxed, second-skin hug. If you are between sizes, you could comfortably size down in the Salutation for a bit more compression, but it's not necessary.