Athleta vs. Under Armour: Which brand is better? [2026]

Athleta is designed for women seeking stylish, versatile, and sustainable activewear that transitions from workouts to daily life, while Under Armour focuses on high-performance, technical gear for serious athletes who prioritize function and durability. The core difference lies in their philosophy: Athleta blends minimalist, fashion-forward design with eco-friendly materials, whereas Under Armour engineers apparel with proprietary technologies like HeatGear® and ColdGear® to maximize athletic output.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right activewear brand for your fitness and lifestyle needs.

Athleta: Stylish & Sustainable Activewear

Owned by Gap Inc., Athleta has carved out a niche by creating premium activewear specifically for women with an emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and versatility. The brand targets health-conscious shoppers who want high-quality apparel that looks as good running errands as it does in a yoga studio. Their commitment to using eco-friendly materials and promoting body positivity makes them a favorite among environmentally and socially conscious consumers.

• Product mix: Focuses on leggings, sports bras, tops, and outerwear designed for yoga, training, and everyday life. Many pieces are created for seamless "studio-to-street" wear.
• Price point: Sits in the mid-range to premium category, with most items priced between $30 for a basic top to $150 for performance outerwear.
• Quality & Materials: Known for soft, comfortable, and durable fabrics. The brand heavily incorporates sustainable materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton.
• Sizing & Fit: Highly inclusive, offering sizes from XXS to 3X. Most items run true to size, with a fit designed for comfort and modern silhouettes.
• Aesthetic: Features a modern, minimalist, and often vibrant style that aligns with current fashion trends, avoiding overly athletic or technical looks.
• Sustainability: A core principle of the brand. Athleta is a B Corp Certified company and is committed to using sustainable fabrics and Fair Trade manufacturing processes.

Athleta wins with its blend of fashion, comfort, and ethical production, making it the ideal choice for women who want their activewear to be both functional and stylishly versatile.

Shop Athleta: athleta.com

Under Armour: Performance-Driven Athletic Gear

Under Armour built its global reputation on performance and innovation, creating technical apparel designed to help athletes perform at their best. Their products are engineered to solve specific athletic problems, whether it's managing sweat, regulating body temperature, or providing support during intense activity. The core customer is anyone serious about their training, from professional athletes and sports teams to dedicated fitness enthusiasts.

• Product mix: Extensive range of high-performance sportswear, footwear, and accessories. Known for moisture-wicking shirts, compression gear, and specialized training shoes.
• Price point: Spans a wide range from around $20 for basic accessories to over $200 for advanced technical gear and performance footwear.
• Technology & Innovation: Famous for proprietary fabric technologies like HeatGear® to keep you cool, ColdGear® for warmth, and UA Storm® for water resistance.
• Quality & Materials: Built for durability and function, using materials engineered to withstand rigorous activity, wick moisture effectively, and support athletic movement.
• Sizing & Fit: Offers sizes from XS to 3X with different fits (compression, fitted, loose) to suit various sports and preferences. Sizing is generally true to size but performance-oriented.
• Aesthetic: A bold, dynamic, and performance-driven look. Styles are often sleek and athletic, featuring prominent logos and functional design elements.

Under Armour is the go-to for those who value technical features and durability above all, delivering gear that directly enhances performance during tough workouts and competition.

Shop Under Armour: underarmour.com

Athleta vs. Under Armour Comparison

Price Comparison

Both brands operate in a similar premium price bracket, but their focus differs slightly. Athleta’s prices, typically ranging from $30-$150, reflect the quality of their sustainable materials and fashion-forward designs. While sales are common, they are often seasonal.

Under Armour starts at a lower price point for basic items ($20-$25) but can quickly exceed Athleta's prices for high-tech pieces, with jackets and specialized shoes often costing over $200. Under Armour’s promotions are frequent and often target specific sports gear, making their performance items more accessible during sale periods.

Quality & Materials

Quality is a strength for both brands, but their material philosophy is distinct. Athleta prioritizes a premium, soft feel with a strong commitment to sustainability. They use materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton, which are comfortable enough for all-day wear while still being durable for workouts.

Under Armour’s material science is its claim to fame. They focus on technical performance fabrics that excel at wicking sweat, stretching for mobility, and regulating body temperature. Fabrics like HeatGear® are lightweight and breathable for hot conditions, while ColdGear® is designed to retain warmth without bulk. If your priority is technical performance during intense sweat sessions, Under Armour's materials are engineered specifically for that purpose.

Product Selection & Style

Athleta’s collection feels more cohesive and trend-aware, focusing on pieces designed to be mixed, matched, and worn outside the gym. The styles are modern and minimalist, with a polished look that appeals to women who want functional yet stylish athleisure wear.

Under Armour provides a much broader catalog that caters to specific sports, including running, training, basketball, and more. Their aesthetic is unapologetically athletic and bold, with sleek silhouettes and prominent branding. While they offer casual apparel, their core strength is gear that looks and performs like true sportswear.

Fit & Sizing

Athleta is a clear leader in inclusive and comfortable sizing, offering a range from XXS to 3X across most of its line. The fit is generally true to size and designed to flatter a variety of body types without being restrictive, making it excellent for activities like yoga, pilates, and everyday comfort.

Under Armour also offers a wide size range but focuses on performance fits. Shoppers can choose from compression (ultra-tight), fitted (next-to-skin without the squeeze), and loose fits. This specificity is great for athletes who need a certain type of fit, but it can require more attention to size charts to find the right one for your needs.

Sustainability & Ethics

Sustainability is a central pillar of Athleta's brand identity. As a certified B Corporation, they are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. This is reflected in their widespread use of recycled and Fair Trade-certified materials.

Under Armour has made progress in sustainability by incorporating recycled fabrics and working to reduce their environmental footprint in manufacturing. However, these initiatives are not as transparent or central to their brand messaging as they are for Athleta, which is the clear choice for environmentally conscious shoppers.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer high-quality activewear, but they excel in serving different priorities and lifestyles.

Choose Athleta if:

• You want versatile apparel that you can comfortably wear for a workout, to brunch, and while running errands.
• Sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices are deciding factors in your purchases.
• You prefer a softer, more comfortable fit over a compressive, performance-oriented one.
• A clean, modern, and minimalist style is more your speed than a bold, athletic look.

Choose Under Armour if:

• You need technical gear specifically designed to enhance performance in high-intensity training or sports.
• Durability and advanced fabric technologies that manage sweat and temperature are your top priorities.
• You prefer a dedicated athletic aesthetic with sleek, performance-cut designs.
• You're looking for sport-specific apparel, from compression shorts and running shoes to team gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Athleta or Under Armour more expensive?

Their prices are comparable, but Under Armour's range is wider. While Athleta consistently sits in the $30-$150 premium range, Under Armour has both cheaper entry-level items and more expensive high-tech gear that can exceed $200.

Which brand is better for running?

For serious runners, Under Armour is typically the better choice. Their focus on moisture-wicking technology, lightweight fabrics, and performance-oriented fits is purpose-built to support running in various conditions.

Is Athleta's sizing true to size?

Yes, Athleta clothing generally runs true to size. Their fit is geared toward comfort and versatility rather than tight compression, making it easy to find your size.

Does Under Armour run small?

Under Armour generally fits true to size, but pay close attention to the fit description (e.g., compression, fitted). A "compression" piece will be intentionally skin-tight, which might feel small if you're expecting a looser fit.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Athleta is the clear winner on sustainability. As a certified B Corp with a strong focus on recycled materials and Fair Trade factories, environmental and ethical considerations are central to their business model.

Is Athleta owned by Lululemon?

No, Athleta is not owned by Lululemon. It is a subsidiary of Gap Inc., which also owns Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy.

Can you wear Athleta for more than just working out?

Absolutely. A key part of Athleta's appeal is designing "studio-to-street" apparel that is stylish and comfortable enough for everyday casual wear.

Who founded Under Armour?

Under Armour was founded in 1996 by Kevin Plank, a former special teams captain of the University of Maryland football team, who started the brand in his grandmother's basement.