Athleta vs. Zella: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Athleta is a premium activewear brand focused on sustainable materials, fashion-forward designs, and inclusive sizing up to 3X. Zella, Nordstrom's in-house brand, provides high-quality, minimalist activewear at a much more affordable price point. The core difference comes down to cost and ethos: Athleta represents a higher investment in sustainable innovation and trend-driven style, while Zella excels at delivering classic, durable basics that offer excellent value.

Let's compare these two activewear brands to help you decide which one is right for your workouts and lifestyle.

Athleta: The Sustainable & Fashion-Forward Activewear Choice

Owned by Gap Inc., Athleta has carved out a space as a go-to for women seeking versatile, stylish, and high-performance activewear. Their collections are designed for everything from yoga and running to daily life, with a strong focus on empowerment and body positivity. The brand is a certified B Corp, showing a clear commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

• Product mix: A wide range of leggings, sports bras, tops, outerwear, dresses, and joggers that easily transition from a workout to casual wear. Their styles are often modern, incorporating bold patterns and vibrant colors.
• Price point: Mid-range to premium pricing. Leggings typically cost between $98 and $128, while sports bras range from $50 to $70.
• Quality & Materials: Known for high-quality, durable fabrics that hold up well over time. Athleta prioritizes sustainability, using materials like recycled polyester, TENCEL™ modal, and organic cotton.
• Style & Aesthetic: The aesthetic is modern, chic, and functional. Expect contemporary cuts, on-trend colors, and designs that are both performance-ready and fashionable enough for everyday activities.
• Sizing/Fit: Highly inclusive, with most items available in sizes XXS to 3X. The fit is generally true to size and designed to flatter a variety of body types.
• Sustainability: As a certified B Corporation, Athleta meets high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. A large portion of their materials are made from sustainable fibers.

Athleta is the ideal choice for shoppers who prioritize sustainable manufacturing, inclusive sizing, and vibrant, fashionable designs, and are willing to pay a premium for them.

Shop Athleta: athleta.com

Zella: High-Quality Activewear on a Budget

Zella is the popular in-house activewear brand from Nordstrom. It strikes a balance between performance, comfort, and style at an accessible price. Zella's collections are known for their soft fabrics, durable construction, and minimalist designs, making them a favorite for workouts and as comfortable athleisure wear.

• Product mix: Essentials include leggings, sports bras, tanks, jackets, and sweatpants. The selection is focused on core workout and lifestyle pieces that are versatile and easy to wear.
• Price point: Very affordable. Their best-selling leggings are usually priced between $30 and $60, and tops often start around $20. The brand is also frequently featured in Nordstrom's sales events.
• Quality & Materials: Zella products are widely praised for their high quality relative to their price. They use moisture-wicking and four-way stretch fabrics that are both comfortable and durable for everyday use.
• Style & Aesthetic: Sleek, modern, and minimalist. Zella primarily features neutral tones and simple, clean lines, focusing on timeless pieces rather than fast-fashion trends.
• Sizing/Fit: Generally runs from XXS to XXL, with some specific items offering extended plus sizes. Most customers find the fit to be consistent and true to size.
• Shopping Experience: Exclusive to Nordstrom, shopping for Zella comes with the retailer's renowned customer service, free shipping, and flexible return policy, which is a major perk.

Zella delivers exceptional value, offering dependable, comfortable, and stylish activewear basics backed by Nordstrom's trusted shopping experience.

Shop Zella: nordstrom.com/browse/brand/zella

Athleta vs. Zella Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference in price between the two brands. Zella is significantly more budget-friendly. A pair of their flagship leggings, like the Zella Live In High Waist Leggings, typically costs around $59 but can often be found on sale for under $40. Athleta's popular Salutation Stash O.G. Tight is priced at $109.

This pattern continues across all categories. Athleta's sports bras start around $50, while Zella's are often closer to $25-$45. If your primary goal is to build an activewear collection without a large financial investment, Zella is the clear winner for value.

Quality & Materials

Both brands offer excellent quality, but their materials reflect their price points. Athleta invests heavily in premium, technical fabrics and sustainable materials like recycled nylon and organic cotton. Their pieces are designed for high-performance activities and are renowned for their shape retention and durability through countless washes.

Zella provides outstanding quality for its price. The fabrics are soft, moisture-wicking, and comfortable with strong seams and great stretch. While they may not feature the same advanced sustainable technology as Athleta, they are extremely durable for everyday workouts and casual wear. For most users, Zella's quality is more than sufficient.

Style & Aesthetic

Your style preference will play a big role in your decision. Athleta is more fashion-forward, releasing seasonal collections with trendy colors, bold prints, and modern silhouettes. Their pieces are often designed as versatile lifestyle wear that works for the office, travel, or a coffee run after a yoga class.

Zella's aesthetic is clean, minimalist, and timeless. The color palette focuses on black, gray, navy, and other easy-to-mix neutrals. The designs are simple and functional, appealing to those who want classic activewear that doesn't scream "workout clothes."

Fit & Sizing

Athleta is a leader in inclusive sizing. Most of their apparel is offered in sizes XXS-3X, and they also offer tall and petite inseams. Their commitment to representing a wide range of body types is a central part of their brand identity.

Zella offers standard sizing from XXS-XXL, with some styles available in 1X-3X. While not as extensive as Athleta's range, they still cater to many body types. Both brands generally run true to size, making online ordering reliable.

Sustainability & Ethics

Athleta builds its brand around sustainability and ethical production. As a certified B Corp, they are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. They extensively use recycled and eco-friendly materials.

Zella adheres to Nordstrom's corporate responsibility standards, which include ethical sourcing. However, they do not have the same level of public-facing transparency or certifications as Athleta. For shoppers who prioritize environmental and social governance, Athleta has a clear advantage.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands are excellent, but they cater to different priorities and consumers. The right one for you depends on what you value most.

Choose Athleta if:

• Sustainability and ethical manufacturing are top priorities in your purchasing decisions.
• You need inclusive sizing options, such as plus, tall, or petite fits.
• You prefer trendy, fashion-forward activewear that can be styled for everyday life.
• You are willing to invest in premium technical fabrics with a higher price tag.

Choose Zella if:

• You are working with a tighter budget and want the best possible value.
• You prefer a classic, minimalist style with a neutral color palette.
• You value the convenience and customer service guarantees of shopping at Nordstrom.
• You need durable, comfortable basics for workouts and everyday lounging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Athleta or Zella more expensive?

Athleta is significantly more expensive than Zella across all product categories. An entire workout outfit from Zella can often be purchased for the price of a single pair of leggings from Athleta.

Which brand has better quality leggings?

Both brands offer excellent quality. Athleta uses more premium, sustainable, and technical fabrics tailored for a variety of sports. However, Zella's leggings are famous for their durability, comfort, and flattering fit for a much lower price, making them a better value for overall quality.

What is the sizing like for Athleta vs. Zella?

Athleta is more inclusive, offering a wider range of sizes from XXS to 3X as well as tall and petite options. Zella mainly offers standard sizes from XXS to XXL, with some plus sizes available. Both brands are generally considered true to size.

Where can I buy Zella activewear?

Zella is a private-label brand sold exclusively at Nordstrom stores and on the Nordstrom website.

Is Athleta a sustainable brand?

Yes, Athleta is a leader in sustainability within the activewear industry. It is a certified B Corporation, meaning it adheres to high standards of social and environmental responsibility, and over 70% of its products are made with sustainable materials.

Do Athleta and Zella ever go on sale?

Yes. Athleta has major sales a few times per year, especially at the end of seasons. Zella is frequently included in Nordstrom's sales events, including the famous Nordstrom Anniversary Sale where you can find deep discounts on new arrivals.

Which brand is better for high-impact workouts?

Both brands offer styles suitable for high-impact activities. However, Athleta has a broader collection of technically advanced fabrics and compression levels specifically designed for different sports like running and training, which may give it a slight edge for serious athletes.

Can I return items to Athleta and Zella easily?

Absolutely. Athleta has a "Give-It-a-Workout Guarantee," allowing you to return items you've worn if they don't meet your expectations. Because Zella is sold through Nordstrom, it benefits from one of the most generous and hassle-free return policies in retail.