Athleta Salutation vs. Elation Leggings: What's the difference?

The main difference between the Athleta Salutation and Elation leggings is the fabric and intended use. Salutation leggings feature an ultra-soft, brushed fabric designed for maximum comfort in yoga, Pilates, and lounging, while Elation leggings have a sleek, smooth, high-performance feel that is more versatile for high-intensity workouts and everyday activities.

Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which pair of Athleta leggings is perfect for you.

Athleta Salutation Leggings

The Athleta Salutation legging is a fan-favorite, best known for its luxurious, soft-brushed feel and unmatched comfort. Designed as the ultimate yoga and studio legging, it offers a supportive high-rise fit and minimal seams that move with your body without digging in or causing irritation, making it feel like a gentle, supportive hug.

• What it is: A premium, second-skin yoga legging made from an exceptionally soft, brushed fabric.
• Key features: Unrestricted movement, high-rise supportive waistband, wicks sweat, and dries quickly.
• Price: $90 - $120
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from a brushed, buttery-soft performance fabric, often using sustainable materials. The fabric provides a four-way stretch for total freedom of movement.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size with a forgiving, comfortable stretch. They are designed to conform to your body without being overly compressive.
• Pros: Exceptionally soft and comfortable against the skin. Flattering high-rise fit that stays put. Versatile for low-impact workouts and everyday lounging. Minimal seams reduce chafing.
• Cons: The brushed fabric is more prone to pilling over time than sleeker technical fabrics. Might feel too warm for very intense, sweaty workouts. Higher price point.

This is the legging for those who prioritize a cloud-like, comfortable feel for yoga, stretching, and daily wear.

Shop this product: athleta.gap.com/b/activewear/leggings/salutation-leggings

Athleta Elation Leggings

The Athleta Elation legging is the go-to choice for all-around performance and versatility. Made from a sleek, smooth, and lightweight fabric, these leggings offer supportive compression that’s perfect for everything from intense gym sessions to errands around town. They are known for their modern, minimalist look and durable, moisture-wicking properties that keep you cool and dry.

• What it is: A sleek, versatile, high-performance legging suitable for a wide range of activities.
• Key features: Smooth and lightweight fabric, high-rise for support and coverage, moisture-wicking properties, three-layer waistband.
• Price: $80 - $100
• Materials/Construction: Made from a durable, sleek performance fabric, often a blend of recycled polyester and spandex that's resistant to pilling and fading.
• Sizing/Fit: True to size with a snug, contouring fit. They provide more compression than the Salutation leggings but remain comfortable.
• Pros: Highly versatile and suitable for a wide variety of workouts. Durable fabric holds up well to frequent wear and washing. Wicks moisture effectively during intense sessions. Slightly more affordable than the Salutation.
• Cons: Lacks the ultra-soft, brushed feel of the Salutation legging. The compressive fit may not be as comfortable for pure lounging. The design is more functional than luxurious.

Choose this legging if you need a durable, do-it-all piece of activewear for running, gym training, and an active lifestyle.

Shop this product: athleta.gap.com/b/activewear/leggings/elation-leggings

Athleta Salutation vs. Elation Leggings Comparison

Quality & Materials (The Feel Factor)

The most immediate difference between the Salutation and Elation leggings is how they feel. The Salutation is defined by its buttery, peached fabric that feels incredibly soft against the skin, designed explicitly for comfort. It’s what you grab when you want to feel cozy and coddled.

The Elation has a completely different texture. Its fabric is silky, smooth, and cool to the touch. This technical finish makes it more durable and resistant to pilling, friction, and environmental wear. While very comfortable, its primary purpose is performance, not a plush feel.

Fit & Comfort

Both leggings feature a supportive high-rise waistband that stays in place, but the overall fit is distinct. The Salutation offers a gentler hold and a more forgiving stretch, perfect for deep bends in yoga without any restriction. Its comfort is passive and relaxed.

The Elation provides a more compressive fit. It hugs your body tightly, supporting your muscles during high-impact movement. This snugness is great for performance, ensuring the leggings don't slip or bunch up when you’re running or jumping, but it's less ideal than the Salutation for all-day lounging.

Performance & Versatility

This is where the Elation legging pulls ahead. Its moisture-wicking, quick-drying material is built for high-sweat sessions, gym training, HIIT, and running. The durable fabric handles high friction and intense activity with ease, making it a true workhorse legging.

The Salutation excels in low-impact environments like yoga, Pilates, barre, and stretching. While it can handle light perspiration, its plush fabric isn't designed for heavy sweating. It is, however, incredibly versatile for casual wear and daily comfort, often being the top choice for travel pants or work-from-home outfits.

Price & Value

Salutation leggings are typically priced between $90 and $120, placing them in Athleta's premium comfort category. You're paying for the luxurious, high-quality fabric and specialized yoga-focused design.

Elation leggings are slightly more affordable, usually ranging from $80 to $100. Their value comes from their versatility and durability. For the price, you get a high-performance legging that can handle any workout you throw at it and will last for years, making them an excellent investment for an active lifestyle.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both pairs are excellent, but they are created for different priorities and lifestyles.

Choose the Salutation Leggings if:

• You prioritize a buttery-soft, next-to-skin feeling above all else.
• Your primary activities are yoga, Pilates, stretching, or low-impact workouts.
• You want the perfect leggings for lounging, travel, and comfortable everyday wear.
• You're willing to pay a premium for that luxurious, cozy feel.

Choose the Elation Leggings if:

• You need a versatile legging for a wide range of activities, including running and HIIT.
• You prefer a sleek, smooth, and compressive fit for athletic performance.
• Durability and resistance to pilling are important factors for you.
• You're looking for an all-around workhorse legging at a slightly lower price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Athleta Salutation and Elation leggings?

The main difference is the fabric. The Salutation has an ultra-soft, brushed feel perfect for yoga and comfort, while the Elation has a sleek, smooth performance fabric made for versatile, higher-intensity workouts.

Which Athleta legging is softer?

The Salutation legging is significantly softer. Its brushed, buttery fabric is designed specifically for a luxurious, cozy feel against the skin.

Do Salutation or Elation leggings pill?

The Salutation's soft, brushed material is more susceptible to pilling over time, especially in high-friction areas or if washed improperly. To minimize this, wash them inside out and avoid rough surfaces. The Elation's smooth, technical fabric is very durable and highly resistant to pilling.

Which is better for yoga?

The Salutation legging is specifically designed for yoga. Its soft, flexible fabric allows for complete freedom of movement and feels amazing during studio practices.

Which is better for running or high-intensity workouts?

The Elation legging is the clear winner for running and HIIT. Its moisture-wicking fabric, compressive fit, and durability are built to handle high sweat and intense movement.

Do Athleta Salutation and Elation leggings run true to size?

Yes, both styles generally run true to size. The Elation has a more snug, compressive fit, while the Salutation offers a more relaxed, accommodating stretch. Most people take their usual size in both models.

Are the Salutation and Elation leggings squat-proof?

Yes, Athleta designs both leggings with high-quality, opaque fabric. They both provide reliable coverage during squats and other deep movements so you can work out with confidence.

Which legging is more expensive?

The Athleta Salutation legging is typically priced higher than the Elation, reflecting its premium, brushed fabric and comfort-focused design.