Athleta Supersonic vs. Powervita: What's the difference?

The main difference between Athleta Supersonic and Powervita fabric is their intended purpose and feel. Powervita is a buttery-soft, lightly compressive fabric designed for low-impact activities like yoga and everyday wear, prioritizing supreme comfort. In contrast, Supersonic is a sleek, highly compressive technical fabric built for high-impact workouts like running and HIIT, focusing on maximum support and staying in place.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right Athleta fabric for your lifestyle.

Athleta Powervita

The Powervita collection is Athleta's signature fabric, known for incredible softness and a second-skin feel. It’s engineered for activities like yoga, Pilates, and studio classes, but its supreme comfort has made it a favorite for all-day wear and errands. Powervita offers gentle compression that lightly hugs the body without feeling restrictive.

• What it is: An ultra-soft, supportive knit fabric made from a proprietary nylon/spandex blend, designed for low-impact workouts and versatile comfort.
• Key features: Buttery-soft texture, gentle four-way stretch, moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, excellent shape retention. Most styles feature a high-rise waistband for comfortable core support.
• Price: $80 - $100
• Materials/Construction: Athleta's proprietary nylon and Lycra® spandex blend. Some products are made with recycled nylon to support sustainability.
• Sizing/Fit: Provides a comfortable, body-hugging fit that's supportive but not constricting. It's easy to wear all day without feeling squeezed.
• Pros: Extremely comfortable and soft, versatile enough for workouts and daily life, great shape retention even after many washes, excellent coverage.
• Cons: Lower compression isn't ideal for high-impact activities, may show sweat more than technical fabrics during intense workouts.

This fabric is perfect for those who prioritize a soft, comfortable feel for yoga, studio classes, or simply lounging and running errands in stylish activewear.

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Athleta Supersonic

The Supersonic fabric is Athleta's answer for high-intensity training. Engineered for running, HIIT, and demanding gym sessions, this fabric is all about supportive compression and technical performance. It has a sleek, cool-to-the-touch feel and is designed to stay locked in place, so you can focus on your workout without adjusting your gear.

• What it is: A high-performance, compressive fabric made from recycled materials, built for high-impact training and running.
• Key features: High compression for muscle support, lightweight and breathable feel, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, flatlock seams to reduce chafing, and a secure, no-slip waistband.
• Price: $90 - $110
• Materials/Construction: A technical blend, often featuring recycled nylon or polyester with Lycra® spandex for durable stretch and recovery.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a secure, locked-in fit. It will feel noticeably tighter and more compressive than Powervita, which is by design. Stays true to size but expect a firm hug.
• Pros: Provides excellent support for high-impact activities, stays put during intense movement, durable and holds its shape, sleek and flattering appearance.
• Cons: High compression can feel restrictive for casual, everyday wear. Lacks the soft, cozy feel of Powervita. Slightly more expensive.

It is ideal for dedicated athletes or fitness enthusiasts who need maximum support, durability, and a lightweight feel during high-intensity workouts.

Shop this product: athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=982550

Athleta Powervita vs. Supersonic Comparison

Feel & Compression

The most immediate difference is how these fabrics feel. Powervita is famous for its buttery-soft feel and gentle "hug." It offers light compression that supports without squeezing, making it a clear winner for all-day comfort.

Supersonic, on the other hand, has a sleek, smooth, and cool-to-the-touch finish. Its high compression feels much more athletic and secure. You'll feel locked in and supported, which is exactly what a high-performance fabric should do. The trade-off is that it isn't as cozy or soft for just relaxing.

Performance & Best Uses

Your choice should really come down to your primary activity. Powervita is the go-to for low-impact movement. Think yoga flows, Pilates, barre classes, long walks, and travel days. Its unrestricted stretch moves with you beautifully, while its softness makes it wearable for hours on end.

Supersonic excels when you're pushing your limits. It is explicitly designed for running, HIIT workouts, cross-training, and any activity that involves a lot of jumping and dynamic movement. The compressive nature supports your muscles and, crucially, keeps your leggings from sagging or sliding down, no matter how much you sweat.

Fit & Comfort

While both fabrics typically feature a high-rise waistband, the fit experience is quite different. The Powervita fit is about flexible support and everyday comfort. The waistband holds you in gently without digging, maintaining its comfort whether you're in child's pose or grabbing coffee.

The Supersonic fit prioritizes performance. The compression is higher throughout the leg, and the waistband is engineered to be no-slip. This creates a secure, performance-ready feel that can be less comfortable for long periods of sitting or casual wear.

Price & Value

Supersonic apparel is typically priced about $10-$20 higher than similar items in Powervita. This reflects its advanced technical construction and performance-oriented design. If your main goal is logging miles or tackling intense workouts, Supersonic offers excellent value as a durable piece of performance gear.

Powervita offers fantastic value for its incredible versatility. The ability to wear a pair of leggings comfortably from a yoga class to the grocery store to lounging at home makes it a highly practical investment for many.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both fabrics are excellent performers in their respective categories, so the right choice depends entirely on your needs.

Choose Powervita if:

• You prioritize buttery-soft comfort for all-day wear.
• Your main activities are yoga, Pilates, barre, or light gym workouts.
• You want a single pair of leggings that are versatile enough for exercise and running errands.
• You prefer a gentle, second-skin supportive feel over high compression.

Choose Supersonic if:

• Your workouts involve high-impact movements like running, jumping, and circuit training.
• You need maximum muscle support and a locked-in, compressive fit.
• You prefer a sleek, cool, and technical feel from your activewear.
• You need a durable fabric designed to stay securely in place during intense activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Athleta Powervita and Supersonic?

The main difference is intent and feel. Powervita is an ultra-soft fabric for comfortable, all-day wear and low-impact exercise like yoga. Supersonic is a highly compressive, technical fabric built for high-impact workouts like running and HIIT.

Which fabric is softer?

Powervita is significantly softer. It's renowned for its buttery, "second-skin" feel and is one of the most comfortable fabrics in the athletic apparel market.

Which fabric is better for running?

Supersonic is definitely the better choice for running. Its high compression supports muscles and the no-slip design ensures leggings stay put, which is critical during high-impact movement.

Do Supersonic leggings stay up?

Yes, one of the key design features of the Supersonic fabric and garment construction is its ability to stay up during intense workouts. The compressive fit and secure waistband prevent sagging and slipping.

Are Powervita leggings see-through?

No, Athleta's Powervita fabric is revered for being opaque and passing the "squat test," providing excellent coverage even in deep stretches.

Is Supersonic comfortable for everyday wear?

For most people, Supersonic is less comfortable for everyday wear than Powervita. Its high compression can feel restrictive when you're just sitting or relaxing for long periods.

How do I wash Athleta leggings?

For both fabrics, Athleta recommends machine washing in cold water and tumble drying on a low setting. This helps preserve the fabric elasticity and softness over time.

Can you wear Powervita for a HIIT workout?

You can, but it may not be ideal. The fabric doesn't offer the same muscle support as Supersonic, and its softer material may show sweat more readily and might require occasional adjusting during high-impact moves.