Sweaty Betty vs. Athleta: Which brand should you buy?

Sweaty Betty is a premium British activewear brand known for its bold, fashion-forward designs and technical performance fabrics. In contrast, Athleta, owned by Gap Inc., focuses on versatility, sustainability, and highly inclusive sizing with a more classic, minimalist aesthetic.

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

Sweaty Betty: The Fashion-Forward Performance Wear

London-based Sweaty Betty blends high-performance activewear with runway-inspired trends. The brand targets women who see workout clothing as part of their personal style and are willing to invest in pieces that are both functional and fashionable. Known for its signature "bum-sculpting" leggings, vibrant patterns, and innovative materials, Sweaty Betty offers a distinct aesthetic that transitions from the studio to the street.

• Product mix: Extensive collection of leggings, sports bras, tops, jackets, swim, skiwear, and accessories designed for activities from yoga to running.
• Price point: Premium pricing. Best-selling Power Leggings are around $100, while new or specialized styles can cost up to $150.
• Quality & Materials: Known for technical, durable, and sculpting fabrics that offer excellent support and stretch. The brand often uses innovations like Power Mesh for added compression and a flattering fit.
• Style & Aesthetic: Bold, energetic, and trend-driven. Expect bright colors, eye-catching prints, and modern silhouettes.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to run true-to-size, though some compression styles can feel snug. Sizing typically ranges from US 2 to 12.
• Sustainability: The company is making strides by incorporating recycled fabrics and offering repair services to prolong a garment's life.

Sweaty Betty is the go-to for high-performance activewear that doesn't compromise on bold, contemporary style.

Shop Sweaty Betty: sweatybetty.com

Athleta: The Versatile & Sustainable Choice

Gap Inc.-owned Athleta has built its reputation on creating versatile, high-quality activewear for women of all shapes and sizes. As a certified B Corporation, its mission is centered on sustainability, empowerment, and inclusivity. Their clothing is designed to support an active lifestyle, easily moving from a morning yoga class to an afternoon of errands or travel without looking out of place.

• Product mix: A wide range of activewear, travel separates, everyday basics, and swimwear. Strong focus on versatile pieces that work for multiple activities.
• Price point: Mid-range and accessible. Popular Salutation Stash and Elation leggings typically cost between $70 and $100.
• Quality & Materials: Emphasizes durable, comfortable, and sustainable materials like recycled polyester, nylon, and organic cotton. Known for its buttery-soft Powervita™ fabric.
• Style & Aesthetic: Modern, clean, and classic. The color palette often features muted tones and minimalist patterns designed for easy mixing and matching.
• Sizing/Fit: A leader in inclusivity, offering sizes from XS to 3X (approximately US 0 to 24), along with petite, tall, and regular inseams.
• Sustainability: A certified B Corp committed to eco-friendly materials, responsible sourcing, and transparent supply chains. A large percentage of its collection is made with recycled materials.

Athleta offers durable, comfortable, and an inclusive range of sizes for women who value sustainability and want their activewear to be as hardworking and versatile as they are.

Shop Athleta: athleta.com

Sweaty Betty vs. Athleta Comparison

Price Comparison

Sweaty Betty is positioned at a premium price point, consistently costing more than Athleta. For instance, a core pair of leggings at Sweaty Betty hovers between $100 and $130, while a comparable style from Athleta is usually in the $70 to $100 range. This price difference applies across most categories, from sports bras to outerwear.

While both brands host seasonal sales and promotional events, Sweaty Betty’s pieces reflect a higher cost for its London-based design and fashion-centric focus. Athleta offers excellent value by combining durable materials, sustainable practices, and inclusive sizing at a more accessible mid-range price.

Quality & Materials

Both brands deliver exceptional quality, but their focus differs. Sweaty Betty shines in fabric innovation and performance engineering. Its materials are often highly technical, designed for sculpting, compression, and sweat-wicking during intense workouts. The construction feels robust and geared toward supporting athletic performance.

Athleta prioritizes comfort, durability, and sustainability. Its immensely popular Powervita™ fabric is known for being incredibly soft and comfortable for lower-impact activities and all-day wear. The brand's commitment to using recycled and organic materials is a core part of its quality promise, ensuring products are both long-lasting and better for the planet.

Style & Aesthetic

This is where the two brands diverge most clearly. Sweaty Betty embraces a bold, vibrant aesthetic. It's the brand you choose when you want to make a statement with your activewear, featuring unique prints, color-blocking, and fashion-forward details. The style is distinctly energetic and trendy.

Athleta’s style is more understated, versatile, and classic. The brand relies on minimalist designs, clean lines, and a palette of mostly neutral and muted tones. This approach makes its pieces easy to integrate into a daily wardrobe, serving the woman who wants her workout clothes to blend seamlessly with her everyday life.

Fit & Sizing

Athleta is a clear leader in providing inclusive and comprehensive sizing. Offering a range from XS to 3X as well as petite and tall options, the brand truly caters to a diverse array of body types. Their fit is generally consistent and reliable, making online ordering straightforward.

Sweaty Betty has a more traditional sizing model, typically offering US sizes 2 through 12. While their fit is consistent, some garments, particularly high-compression leggings, can run a bit small. It’s always best to consult their size chart before purchasing.

Sustainability & Ethics

Athleta has made sustainability and ethical manufacturing a central part of its brand identity. As a certified B Corporation, it adheres to high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. A significant portion of its clothing is made from sustainable materials like recycled polyester.

Sweaty Betty also has sustainability initiatives, such as using recycled materials and promoting clothing care to extend longevity. However, its programs are not as comprehensive or as central to its brand messaging as Athleta's.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to what you prioritize in your activewear. Both brands are excellent, but they cater to very different needs and tastes.

Choose Sweaty Betty if:

• You view your activewear as a key part of your personal style and love making a statement.
• You prioritize technical performance fabrics that sculpt, support, and compress during high-intensity workouts.
• You appreciate trend-driven designs, bold prints, and bright colors.
• You are comfortable with a premium price point for fashion-forward activewear.

Choose Athleta if:

• Versatility is your top priority, you want clothes that function for workouts, travel, and everyday errands.
• Sustainability and ethical production are important factors in your purchasing decisions.
• You need inclusive sizing options, including plus, petite, or tall sizes.
• You prefer a minimalist, classic aesthetic with comfortable, soft fabrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sweaty Betty or Athleta more expensive?

Sweaty Betty is generally more expensive than Athleta across almost all categories. Its premium pricing reflects its focus on highly technical fabrics and fashion-forward designs.

Which brand is better for plus sizes?

Athleta is the clear winner for plus sizes. With a size range extending to 3X, it offers far more options and a much more inclusive fit for a wider variety of body types compared to Sweaty Betty's standard US 2 - 12 range.

Do Sweaty Betty leggings run small?

Sweaty Betty leggings generally run true-to-size, but styles with high compression can feel smaller or more restrictive. It is wise to check their specific size guide for each product if you're between sizes.

Is Athleta a sustainable brand?

Yes, Athleta is highly focused on sustainability. It is a certified B Corporation and uses a large percentage of recycled and eco-friendly materials in products like swimwear made from recycled nylon and tops from organic cotton.

Which has better quality, Athleta or Sweaty Betty?

Both brands offer excellent quality, but it's tailored to different purposes. Sweaty Betty's quality is evident in its technical performance and sculpting fabrics ideal for intense activity. Athleta's quality shines in its durable, ultra-comfortable, and sustainable materials built for versatile, everyday use.

Can you wear Athleta clothes for things other than working out?

Absolutely. This is one of Athleta’s key selling points. Many of its collections are specifically designed as "athleisure" to transition seamlessly between fitness and daily life, including travel, work, and casual wear.

Where are Sweaty Betty and Athleta from?

Sweaty Betty is a British brand, founded and based in London, UK. Athleta is an American brand headquartered in California and owned by Gap Inc.

Do Sweaty Betty and Athleta have sales?

Yes, both brands have sales and promotions throughout the year, especially at the end of seasons. These sales are a great time to purchase items at a lower price point.