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

The Athleta Elation collection is engineered for high-performance workouts with technical fabrics and a compressive fit, while the Salutation line focuses on everyday comfort with softer materials and a more relaxed feel. Elation uses advanced, moisture-wicking materials for intense training, whereas Salutation prioritizes versatile, sustainable fabrics perfect for yoga, errands, and all-day wear.

Here’s a clear comparison to help you choose the right activewear from Athleta for your lifestyle and fitness routine.

Athleta Elation Collection

The Elation line is Athleta’s premium collection, designed for dedicated athletes and fitness enthusiasts who need their gear to perform under pressure. It emphasizes advanced fabric technology, support, and durability, making it ideal for high-impact workouts where you need maximum support and sweat-wicking properties.

• What it is: A high-performance activewear line designed for intense workouts, running, and training.
• Key features: Utilizes technical fabrics like Power Lyte and Power Max, which offer superior moisture-wicking capabilities, four-way stretch, and enhanced muscular support.
• Price: Generally higher, with pieces ranging from $80 to $150.
• Materials/Construction: Built with high-tech materials focused on durability, shape retention, and performance during rigorous exercise.
• Sizing/Fit: A compressive fit designed to feel supportive and snug, often described as a second-skin feel. Most find it runs true to size, but the tight fit is intentional.
• Pros: Excellent support for high-impact activities, advanced sweat-wicking keeps you dry, durable enough for frequent, intense use, sleek and modern aesthetic.
• Cons: Higher price point, compressive fit can be too restrictive for casual wear or lounging, less versatile for everyday life outside the gym.

This collection is for women who need technical apparel that supports an intense, active lifestyle and won't compromise on performance during a tough workout.

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Athleta Salutation Collection

The Salutation collection is one of Athleta's most popular lines, known for its buttery-soft fabrics and incredible comfort. It’s designed for versatility, easily transitioning from low-impact workouts like yoga or barre to everyday life, making it a go-to for athleisure and all-day comfort.

• What it is: A versatile and comfortable activewear line perfect for everyday activities, light workouts, and casual wear.
• Key features: Known for its soft and breathable fabrics, classic designs, and relaxed yet flattering fits. There is also a strong emphasis on using sustainable, recycled materials.
• Price: More accessible, with most items priced between $50 and $100.
• Materials/Construction: Made from soft, flexible materials like recycled polyester blends that prioritize comfort and gentle support over intense compression.
• Sizing/Fit: A more relaxed fit that feels comfortable rather than compressive. Sizing is consistent and aligns with typical athleisure wear.
• Pros: Extremely comfortable for all-day wear, lower price point, versatile classic style for gym and street, strong focus on sustainability.
• Cons: Less supportive for high-impact workouts, fabrics aren't as technical or sweat-wicking as the Elation line, may not feel secure enough for running or intense training.

This collection is perfect for those who prioritize comfort, style, and sustainability in activewear that can keep up with an active but less intense daily routine.

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Elation vs. Salutation Comparison

Price & Value

There is a clear price difference between the two collections. Elation commands a higher price ($80-$150) due to its technical fabrics and performance-focused construction. While more expensive, it offers great value for serious athletes who need apparel that can withstand intense, frequent use.

Salutation is more affordable ($50-$100), making it an excellent value for those seeking high-quality, comfortable activewear for daily life and light exercise. Its value lies in its versatility and comfort at a more accessible price point.

Quality & Materials

This is the biggest differentiator. Elation is constructed from high-tech, performance fabrics like Power Lyte and Power Max. These materials are engineered for optimal stretch recovery, moisture-wicking, and durability, holding up well to the demands of HIIT, long runs, and heavy gym sessions.

Salutation uses softer, more breathable materials like recycled polyester blends. While still durable for everyday wear and low-impact activities, the fabric's primary goal is ultimate comfort, not peak athletic performance. The emphasis is on a soft-to-the-touch feel that's pleasant for all-day wear.

Fit & Support

The philosophies on fit are completely different. Elation offers a compressive, body-hugging fit designed to support muscles during high-impact movement. It feels tight and secure, which is ideal for running and training to reduce muscle vibration and provide a locked-in feel.

Salutation provides a relaxed, comfortable fit. While still flattering and form-fitting, it doesn't squeeze or compress. This looser silhouette is perfect for activities that require a full range of motion without restriction, like yoga, or simply for lounging and running errands.

Versatility

Salutation is arguably the more versatile collection for the average person. Its classic designs and supreme comfort make it easy to wear a pair of leggings from a morning walk to coffee with friends and then through an afternoon of errands. The understated style blends seamlessly into a casual wardrobe.

Elation is less versatile by design. Its technical look and feel firmly place it in the "workout gear" category. While you could wear it for errands post-gym, it's not designed for all-day lounging in the same way Salutation is.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both collections offer excellent quality, but they serve different needs and activities.

Choose the Elation Collection if:

• You regularly engage in high-impact workouts like running, circuit training, or HIIT.
• You need maximum support and compression from your activewear.
• Advanced moisture-wicking is a top priority to keep you dry during intense sessions.
• You prefer a sleek, technical aesthetic and don't mind a higher price for performance.

Choose the Salutation Collection if:

• Your priority is all-day comfort, whether for working out or daily life.
• Your primary activities are low-impact, such as yoga, pilates, barre, or walking.
• You want versatile pieces that work as both activewear and athleisure.
• You value sustainable materials and are looking for a more affordable option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Athleta Elation and Salutation?

The main difference is performance versus comfort. Elation is built for high-impact performance with compressive, technical fabrics. Salutation is designed for all-day comfort and versatility with softer, more relaxed fabrics.

Are Elation and Salutation true to size?

Yes, both lines generally run true to size, but their fit is different. Elation is designed to be compressive, so it will feel much tighter and more supportive. Salutation has a relaxed fit, so it will feel less restrictive. Choose your normal size in both, but expect a different feel.

Which is better for running: Elation or Salutation?

Elation is far better for running. Its compressive fit provides muscle support and stays in place during high-impact movement, while its advanced moisture-wicking fabric will keep you more comfortable and dry.

Can you wear Salutation for high-impact workouts?

While you can, it's not ideal. Salutation lacks the supportive, compressive features of Elation, so you may experience more bounce and less muscle support during activities like running or jumping.

Which line is more expensive?

The Elation collection is more expensive due to its advanced materials and technical construction aimed at high-performance athletes.

Is Athleta Elation or Salutation better for yoga?

Salutation is the ideal choice for yoga. Its soft, flexible fabric allows for a full range of motion without restriction, and the comfortable fit is perfect for mat-based exercises.

Which line is more sustainable?

Both lines incorporate sustainable practices as part of Athleta's brand mission. However, the Salutation line more frequently highlights its use of recycled and eco-friendly materials as a primary feature.

How do you wash Athleta leggings?

For both collections, it's best to machine wash them in cold water with like colors. Avoid using fabric softener as it can inhibit the wicking performance of the fabric. Tumble dry on a low setting or lay flat to dry to extend their lifespan.