Spanx vs. Athleta Leggings: Which one should you buy?

The main difference between leggings from Spanx and Athleta comes down to purpose: Spanx leggings are designed with high-compression, body-sculpting technology for a sleek, "held-in" feel, while Athleta leggings prioritize sustainable fabrics, all-day comfort, and functional versatility for workouts and everyday life.

Here's everything you need to know to decide whether the shaping power of Spanx or the soft versatility of Athleta is the right choice for you.

Spanx Leggings

Known for its shapewear roots, Spanx brings its expertise in sculpting and smoothing to its activewear line. Spanx leggings are engineered to contour your figure, offering a high degree of compression that provides support and creates a polished, streamlined silhouette for both workouts and casual wear.

• What it is: High-compression leggings with built-in shapewear technology designed to smooth, sculpt, and support.
• Key features: Signature high waistbands, seamless construction options, smoothing fabrics, and contouring panels that enhance your natural shape.
• Price: $70 - $120
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from performance blends of nylon, spandex, and elastane designed for maximum compression, moisture-wicking, and durability.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a very snug, high-compression fit that feels supportive and secure. Tends to run true to size, but the compressive nature means they will feel tighter than typical leggings.
• Pros: Excellent shaping and slimming effects. High-waisted designs offer great core support. Durable materials hold their shape over time. Seamless options provide a completely smooth look under clothes.
• Cons: The high compression can feel restrictive for some, especially for lounging or all-day wear. Less focus on sustainable materials compared to competitors. Typically fewer functional details like pockets.

These leggings are for anyone who prioritizes a figure-flattering, sculpted look and wants the confidence of a secure, "held-in" fit during workouts or daily activities.

Shop this product: spanx.com/collections/leggings

Athleta Leggings

As a B Corp certified brand, Athleta focuses on versatile, stylish, and sustainable activewear. Their leggings are celebrated for their incredibly soft fabrics, functional designs, and inclusive sizing, making them a go-to for everything from intense workouts and yoga to running errands and lounging at home.

• What it is: Performance leggings made with soft, sustainable fabrics, designed for comfort, versatility, and a wide range of activities.
• Key features: Signature Powervita™ fabric (buttery soft and gently compressive), versions with multiple pockets, inclusive sizing from XXS to 3X, and a focus on eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester.
• Price: $80 - $130
• Materials/Construction: Emphasizes innovative, eco-conscious fabrics like Powervita™, Recycled Polyester, and Lycra that are breathable, lightweight, and flexible.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for a comfortable and flexible fit with a less intense compression level than Spanx. Offers inclusive sizing across the board (XXS-3X) and is generally true to size.
• Pros: Extremely comfortable for all-day wear. Made with sustainable, high-quality materials. Highly versatile for different activities. Inclusive sizing fits a wide range of body types. Many styles include convenient pockets.
• Cons: Less shaping and sculpting compared to Spanx. A slightly higher average price point. The style is more sporty and casual, which may not be as sleek as Spanx for certain occasions.

This brand is ideal for the active person who values sustainability, all-day comfort, and versatile pieces that perform just as well at the gym as they do on the go.

Shop this product: athleta.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=1025878

Spanx vs. Athleta Leggings Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

Spanx leggings lean into a sleek, polished aesthetic. With features like seamless construction and contouring panels, they are designed to create a smooth, sculpted silhouette that can easily be dressed up or down. They are perfect for achieving a polished look, whether you're at the gym or pairing them with a sweater for a casual outing.

Athleta offers a modern, sporty, and functional aesthetic. The designs are often more minimalist, with a focus on practical features like flatlock seams and pockets. The overall feel is relaxed and versatile, designed to transition effortlessly from a yoga class to grabbing coffee with friends, prioritizing comfort and function in its look.

Fit & Sizing

The defining feature of Spanx leggings is their high-compression fit. They are meant to feel very snug and supportive, which is what provides the shaping effect. While they are true to size, some may find this "held-in" sensation too restrictive for all-day wear. Sizing is standard but doesn't have the broad range Athleta offers.

Athleta excels at inclusive sizing, offering a range from XXS to 3X. Their leggings have a more relaxed level of compression, designed for freedom of movement and comfort. The fit is reliably true to size, focusing on accommodating different body types without feeling constricting.

Quality & Materials

Spanx uses high-performance compression fabrics, typically blends of nylon and spandex, that are thick, durable, and excellent at retaining their shape. The material feels substantial and is engineered for smoothing and support, making it ideal for high-impact activities or when you want extra security.

Athleta's reputation is built on its signature fabrics like the buttery-soft Powervita™. They prioritize comfort and sustainability, using materials like recycled polyester. Athleta's fabrics are soft, breathable, and flexible while still providing gentle support, making them feel lightweight and comfortable against the skin.

Price & Value

Both brands sit at a premium price point. Spanx leggings typically range from $70 to $120, and their value lies in their dual function as both activewear and shapewear. You are paying for the advanced compression technology and contouring design.

Athleta leggings are priced slightly higher, from $80 to $130. The value here comes from the premium, sustainable fabrics, inclusive sizing, and extreme versatility. You are investing in a comfortable, ethically made, and durable piece that serves multiple purposes in an active wardrobe.

Sustainability & Ethics

This is a clear point of differentiation. Athleta is a certified B Corporation, a certification that legally requires it to consider the impact of its decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. They prominently use eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester and are transparent about their supply chain.

While Spanx is beginning to incorporate more sustainable practices, it is not the core focus of the brand identity. Athleta has made sustainability a central pillar of its business, making it a better choice for the eco-conscious consumer.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer excellent products, but they cater to very different priorities.

Choose Spanx leggings if:

• You want a strong shaping effect that smooths and contours your silhouette.
• You love a secure, high-compression fit that feels supportive during workouts.
• You prioritize a sleek, polished look that can be easily dressed up.
• You don't need pockets and value a seamless design above all else.

Choose Athleta leggings if:

• You prioritize all-day comfort and buttery-soft fabrics.
• Sustainability and ethical production are important factors in your shopping decisions.
• You want versatile leggings for a wide range of activities, from high-impact sports to lounging.
• Pockets are a must-have feature for you.
• You're looking for inclusive sizing options that accommodate more body types.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Spanx and Athleta leggings?

The main difference is compression versus comfort. Spanx leggings offer high-compression shaping to sculpt your body, while Athleta leggings prioritize all-day comfort with soft, sustainable fabrics and a more relaxed fit.

Which brand is better for working out?

It depends on your workout. For high-impact activities or when you want extra core support, Spanx can be great. For activities requiring flexibility like yoga or for general gym use and running, many prefer the breathable and comfortable feel of Athleta.

Do Spanx leggings run small?

Spanx leggings are designed to be highly compressive, so they will feel much tighter than standard leggings. However, they are generally true to size. If you are between sizes or prefer a less intense squeeze, consider sizing up.

Are Athleta leggings true to size?

Yes, Athleta leggings are known for fitting true to size. Their focus is on a comfortable, flexible fit, so you can typically order your usual size with confidence. They also offer a very inclusive size range from XXS to 3X.

Which brand is more expensive?

Their price ranges are very similar and both are considered premium. Athleta's average price is slightly higher ($80-$130) than Spanx's ($70-$120), largely due to the investment in sustainable materials and B Corp certification.

Are Spanx leggings just shapewear?

No. While Spanx started as a shapewear brand, they have a complete line of activewear, including leggings designed for workouts. They simply integrate their signature shaping technology into their performance apparel.

Which leggings are more comfortable for all-day wear?

Athleta wins for all-day comfort. Their buttery-soft fabrics, lower compression, and breathable design make them ideal for extended wear, from workouts to errands to lounging at home.

Do Athleta leggings have pockets?

Yes, many of Athleta's most popular styles, like the Salutation Stash and Elation Stash tights, feature side pockets large enough to hold a phone, keys, and cards, making them highly functional.