Athleta Tall vs. Regular: Sizing comparison [2026]

The primary difference between Athleta's Regular and Tall collections is straightforward: length. While both lines offer the exact same styles, high-quality materials, and pricing, the Tall collection is specifically proportioned for women 5'9" and over, featuring longer inseams, sleeves, and torso lengths. Regular sizing is designed to fit average-height frames perfectly right off the rack.

Here's everything you need to know to choose the right fit for your body type and preferences.

Athleta Regular Sizing

Athleta's Regular sizing is the brand's standard offering, designed for women of average height who want high-performance activewear without length-related fit issues. This collection forms the core of Athleta's product line, featuring the widest selection of styles, colors, and inventory across all categories like leggings, tops, and jackets.

• What it is: Athleta's standard size-and-length apparel for women of average height, typically anyone below 5'9".
• Key features: Standard inseams on bottoms (typically 28-30 inches for full-length leggings and joggers), standard sleeve lengths, and torso proportions designed for a standard fit.
• Price: Same price as the Tall collection. Leggings generally range from $75 to $98.
• Materials/Construction: Identical to the Tall collection, featuring high-performance fabrics like Powervita and Recycled Polyester with flatlock seams and moisture-wicking properties.
• Sizing/Fit: Follows standard US apparel sizing. It is designed to fit true to size for those with average height and proportions.
• Pros: Largest selection of styles and colors available. Widely accessible in stores and online. Consistent fit for average-height women.
• Cons: Inseams and sleeve lengths are often too short for women 5'9" and over. Torsos on tops and jackets may fit awkwardly or feel cropped on taller frames.

This sizing is ideal for women of average height seeking stylish, high-quality activewear with standard proportions that fit perfectly without any excess fabric.

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Athleta Tall Sizing

Athleta's Tall collection offers the same popular styles as the regular line but re-proportioned for taller bodies. Created for women 5'9" and taller, this specialty collection solves the common problem of too-short leggings, sleeves that don't reach the wrist, and tops that feel uncomfortably cropped.

• What it is: A specialized collection of Athleta apparel tailored with longer inseams, sleeves, and torsos for women 5'9" and taller.
• Key features: Extended inseams on bottoms (approximately 32-34 inches for leggings), along with proportionally longer sleeves and shirt lengths to ensure proper coverage and fit.
• Price: The same as the Regular sized items.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from the exact same high-quality, sustainable fabrics as the Regular collection, ensuring no compromise on performance or durability.
• Sizing/Fit: Follows standard US chest, waist, and hip sizing but is scaled up in length. If you wear a medium in Regular, you will wear a medium in Tall.
• Pros: Provides an excellent fit for taller women, eliminating issues with short inseams and sleeves. Flattering proportions designed for a longer frame. Avoids the need for custom tailoring.
• Cons: Selection of styles and colors can sometimes be more limited compared to the regular collection. Primarily available for purchase online.

This is the definitive choice for taller women who have struggled to find activewear that provides an adequate, comfortable, and flattering fit.

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Athleta Regular vs. Tall Comparison

Inseam & Length

The most important distinction between a Regular and Tall size at Athleta is the length. For bottoms like leggings and joggers, Regular inseams are typically around 28-30 inches, designed to hit the ankle on a person of average height. On someone taller, this can look like a cropped or 7/8 length, which may not be the desired style.

In contrast, Tall sizes add several crucial inches, with inseams extending to 32-34 inches. This extra length ensures the leggings or pants reach the ankle as intended, providing full coverage and a more proportional look for taller individuals. The same principle applies to tops and jackets, where both the torso and the sleeves are lengthened to provide better coverage and eliminate the feeling of a "shrunken" fit.

Fit & Proportions

Beyond simple length, the fit is adjusted proportionately. Athleta doesn't just add fabric at the hem, the entire garment's design is reconsidered for a longer frame. In the Tall collection, this means the rise on bottoms might be slightly adjusted, and the overall cut accounts for longer limbs and torsos, ensuring a comfortable and functional fit during any activity.

The Regular fit is optimized for a body with standard proportions, so everything from the knee placement on leggings to the elbow on sleeves is designed for that frame. Choosing the right collection ensures that all these design details fall in the right place on your body.

Style & Selection

Aesthetically, the collections are identical. Athleta ensures that shoppers needing Tall sizes have access to the same modern, minimalist, and functional designs as those buying Regular sizes. You won't find different styles or looks in the Tall section - just length-adjusted versions of the core collection.

However, the breadth of selection can be a factor. As the Regular line serves a larger segment of the customer base, it occasionally offers more colorways or a wider range of specialty items. That said, Athleta does a commendable job of including most of its popular items like the Salutation Stash Leggings and Elation Tights in the Tall collection, so you'll rarely feel like you're missing out on key styles.

Price & Value

There is absolutely no price difference between Regular and Tall sizing at Athleta. A pair of leggings costs the same regardless of the inseam you choose. This commitment to equitable pricing is a huge advantage for taller shoppers who are often penalized with higher costs for specialty sizing elsewhere.

The value of the Tall collection is clear: it provides a tailor-made fit without the cost and hassle of alterations. For any tall person who has had to live with slightly-too-short activewear, the ability to get a perfect fit right off the rack is invaluable.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both collections offer the same great quality, but the right choice depends entirely on your height and proportions.

Choose Athleta Regular if:

• You are under 5'9" in height.
• Standard-length leggings and pants typically hit you perfectly at the ankle.
• You've never had issues with top or sleeve lengths feeling too short.
• You want access to the broadest possible range of styles and colors.

Choose Athleta Tall if:

• You are 5'9" or taller.
• You often find that standard-length leggings look like capris or 7/8 tights on you.
• Long-sleeved tops frequently end up looking like they have bracelet sleeves on your arms.
• You are tired of tops feeling too cropped and want better torso coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Athleta Tall and Regular?

The only difference is length. Athleta Tall sizes are designed for women 5'9" and over, featuring longer inseams (32-34"), longer sleeves, and longer torsos. All other aspects, including fabric, quality, style, and price, are identical to their Regular counterparts (28-30" inseam).

Do Athleta Tall sizes cost more?

No, there is no price difference between Athleta's Regular and Tall collections. The brand is committed to fair pricing across its different size offerings.

How much longer is the inseam on Tall pants?

Tall inseams are typically around 4 inches longer. For example, a pair of full-length leggings in a Regular size might have a 28" inseam, while the same style in a Tall size will have a 32" inseam.

Are the materials and quality the same?

Yes, the materials, construction quality, and performance features are exactly the same. Athleta uses premium fabrics like Powervita across both its Regular and Tall lines.

I have long legs but I'm 5'8". Which size should I choose?

This comes down to personal preference. If your main issue has always been leggings feeling too short, ordering a pair in Tall could be the perfect solution. If you're concerned about them being too long, you might start with a Regular and see how the standard inseam fits.

Does Athleta also carry Petite sizing?

Yes, Athleta is very inclusive and also offers a Petite collection for women 5'4" and under, which features shorter inseams and adjusted proportions for a smaller frame.

Are the styles different in the Tall collection?

No, the styles are exactly the same. The Tall collection offers length-adjusted versions of the same popular and fashionable activewear found in the Regular collection.

Where are Tall sizes available for purchase?

While you may find a limited selection in some retail stores, the widest assortment of Athleta's Tall collection is available on their official website. The site has a dedicated filter to easily shop for all Tall items.