Athleta Salutation vs. Interval: What's the difference?

The Athleta Salutation leggings are known for their buttery-soft fabric and versatile, comfortable fit ideal for yoga or all-day wear, while the Athleta Interval leggings offer a more compressive, locked-in feel designed for high-impact workouts like running and circuit training. Though both come from powerhouse brand Athleta, the Salutation prioritizes flexible comfort and the Interval prioritizes high-performance support.

Here's everything you need to know to choose the right pair for your active life.

Athleta Salutation

The Athleta Salutation is a fan-favorite legging celebrated for its exceptional comfort and sleek, flattering fit. Made primarily for low-impact activities like yoga, Pilates, and studio classes, its buttery-soft fabric and gentle support make it incredibly versatile for both workouts and everyday casual wear.

• What it is: A best-selling, high-rise legging designed for comfort, flexibility, and low-impact workouts.
• Key features: Made with soft, moisture-wicking Powervita™ fabric, a comfortable high-rise waistband, minimal seams to prevent chafing, and excellent stretch and recovery.
• Price: Around $80-$100
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from Athleta’s proprietary Powervita™ fabric, a blend of nylon and Lycra® Spandex that feels supportive yet unrestricted.
• Sizing/Fit: True to size with a balanced, comfortable fit that hugs your body without feeling restrictive. The high-rise waistband offers gentle tummy support.
• Pros: Exceptionally soft and comfortable for all-day wear, highly versatile for studio workouts and lounging, flattering and sleek silhouette, durable material that holds its shape.
• Cons: Lacks the compression needed for high-impact training, may not feel secure enough for intense running or HIIT sessions.

This is the perfect choice for those who value buttery-soft comfort for yoga, pilates, or casual daily activities.

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

Athleta Interval

The Athleta Interval legging is built for high-performance activity where support and stability are key. Designed with a sleek, compressive fabric, this style is engineered to stay locked in place during high-intensity workouts like running, HIIT, and training, making it a reliable choice for your toughest sessions.

• What it is: A high-performance, compressive legging designed specifically for running, training, and high-impact workouts.
• Key features: Made from Athleta's supportive Power Performance fabric, featuring a secure no-slip high-rise waistband, flatlock seams to reduce chafing, and quick-drying properties.
• Price: Approximately $90-$120
• Materials/Construction: Constructed from a durable, thick, and compressive Power Performance fabric blend designed to offer maximum support during vigorous movement.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size but offers a much snugger, more compressive feel than the Salutation. The fit is designed to hold everything securely in place.
• Pros: Excellent support and stability for high-impact workouts, no-slip waistband stays put, durable fabric stands up to intense activity, quick-drying performance.
• Cons: The compressive feel is less comfortable for all-day wear or lounging, fabric is not as soft as the Salutation, can feel too restrictive for activities requiring maximum flexibility, like yoga.

This legging is ideal for runners and athletes who need maximum support and a secure fit during intense training sessions.

Shop this product: athleta.gap.com/interval-leggings

Athleta Salutation vs. Interval Comparison

Fabric & Feel

The immediate difference between the Salutation and Interval leggings is the fabric. The Salutation is made with Athleta's Powervita™ fabric, which is famous for its exceptionally soft, breathable, and buttery feel. It provides a luxurious next-to-skin comfort that makes it ideal for long-term wear, whether you’re in a yoga class or running errands.

The Interval, on the other hand, uses Power Performance fabric. This material is thicker, sleeker, and noticeably more compressive. It feels smooth and cool to the touch, and its primary purpose is to provide a locked-in, supportive sensation rather than a soft, cozy one. It's built for performance above all else.

Fit & Compression

Both leggings generally fit true to size, but their on-body experience is quite different. The Salutation offers a gentle "hugged-in" feel with light compression that smooths and supports without constricting. It moves with your body, making it perfect for the fluid movements of yoga or Pilates.

The Interval legging has a much higher level of compression. The fit is intentionally snug and secure to minimize muscle bounce and keep the leggings from sliding down during high-impact activities like sprinting or burpees. If you prefer a less restrictive feeling, the Interval’s compressive nature might feel too intense for casual wear.

Performance & Best Use Cases

Your choice really comes down to your primary activity. The Salutation excels in low-impact environments. Think yoga, barre, gentle stretching, or city walks. Its flexibility and softness are its greatest strengths. While you can wear them for just about anything, they lack the high-level support needed for more intense training.

In contrast, the Interval legging is purpose-built for high-intensity, high-sweat scenarios. It's the pair you'd grab for a 5k run, a CrossFit WOD, or a demanding HIIT class. The compressive fabric provides muscle support and the waistband is engineered to stay put, giving you confidence through every jump, squat, and stride.

Price & Value

The Salutation typically costs between $80 and $100, while the Interval is slightly more expensive, ranging from $90 to $120. The price difference reflects the Interval's more technical construction and performance-oriented materials. For frequent loungers and yogis, the Salutation offers incredible value due to its comfort and versatility. For serious athletes, the higher price of the Interval is justified by its superior support and durability during intense workouts.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both leggings are excellent choices but are designed for fundamentally different needs.

Choose the Athleta Salutation if:

• You prioritize buttery-soft comfort for all-day wear and yoga.
• Your main activities are low-impact, such as Pilates, barre, walking, or stretching.
• You want a versatile legging that looks great at the studio and for casual errands.
• You prefer a flexible fit with gentle compression over a locked-in feel.

Choose the Athleta Interval if:

• You participate in high-impact workouts like running, circuit training, or HIIT.
• You need a secure, supportive fit that stays in place during intense movement.
• You prioritize performance features like muscle support and quick-drying fabric.
• You prefer the sleek, held-in feel of a truly compressive garment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Athleta Salutation and Interval?

The biggest difference is fabric and function. The Salutation uses a buttery-soft Powervita™ fabric for comfort in low-impact activities like yoga, while the Interval uses a compressive Power Performance fabric for support during high-impact training like running.

Which legging is better for running?

The Interval is explicitly designed for running. Its higher compression provides muscle support and the no-slip waistband ensures it stays put during high-impact movement. The Salutation lacks the support needed for comfortable, long-distance runs.

Which legging is softer?

The Salutation is significantly softer. Its Powervita™ fabric is renowned for its buttery, next-to-skin feel, making it much more comfortable for lounging and all-day wear.

Are the Salutation and Interval leggings true to size?

Yes, both styles generally fit true to size. However, be aware that the Interval will feel much snugger and more compressive due to its design. If you are between sizes, you might prefer to size up in the Interval for a little more breathing room, but most find their usual size offers the intended supportive fit.

Do these leggings show sweat?

Both leggings have moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties. Darker colors in both styles are very effective at hiding sweat. Lighter colors may show some moisture, particularly with the Salutation, but the quick-drying nature of the Interval's technical fabric makes it a slightly better performer for heavy sweat sessions.

Which style is more versatile for everyday wear?

The Salutation is far more versatile for everyday wear. Its balance of comfort, style, and gentle support makes it perfect for transitioning from a yoga class to coffee with friends or simply relaxing at home.

Are they both squat-proof?

Yes, when you are wearing the correct size, both the Salutation and Interval leggings are designed to be opaque and squat-proof. The thicker fabric of the Interval provides an extra level of confidence.

Is the price difference between Salutation and Interval worth it?

The value depends on your needs. If you're a serious athlete who needs high-performance gear, the extra cost for the Interval's support and durability is well worth it. If you prioritize comfort and versatility for less intense activities, the Salutation offers better overall value for your lifestyle.