Why I’m Psyched About the Athleta Semi-Annual Sale

Over the past few years, I have become a big Athleta fan. I have realized that a lot of my activewear heads to the donation pile sooner than I'd like, while my Athleta pieces keep being favorites year after year. Athleta isn't cheap but I think you get what you pay for with quality and style. But heck, I gotta admit I am psyched when Athleta has a sale. And the Athleta Semi-Annual Sale starts today! I have all the deets and share my personal favorites I own or will be purchasing.

Starting today, through December 30th, the Athleta Semi-Annual Sale is on with up to 70% off sitewide and an additional 30% off for those who have Gap brand cards.

Personally, I have found benefit with a Banana Republic Visa card. Special discounts like this happen often for all the Gap brands (Gap, Gap Factory, Banana, Banana Republic Factory, Old Navy, Athleta), but also you accrue points that give you dollars off your purchases. I shared on Substack how when my mom died, I charged all the funeral and estate expenses on my Banana Republic Visa and got practically free winter activewear from Athleta with the points. It's two years later and those pieces are still going strong and performing beautifully. It's part of the reason why I am such a loyal Athleta customer and psyched about this sale.

This winter, I fell in love with the Athleta color Borealis. It's just as gorgeous of a color in person. I got the Rainier Legging, Flurry Henley, and Softshell Gloves in this color and they look so good with lavender, chartreuse, teal, black, white, and navy. I'm tempted to get the matching Aire Puffer Jacket, this color makes me so happy!

• I now own three pairs of the Rainier Leggings. They're thicker and warmer than traditional leggings without being bulky. I appreciate the reflective details, and my iPhone Max fits into the zipper thigh pocket easily.
• If you prefer a looser fit, check out the Rainier Jogger. I think customers like them even better than the iconic winter leggings!
• The Flurry Henley gets worn so often. It's the perfect base layer for outdoor activities. It's long enough that it stays tucked in and grips so it will stay down if left untucked. The neck isn't too tight when all snapped up and I love the ribbed fabric. I may get another one during this sale, all the colors are great.
• The Softshell Gloves are nothing revolutionary, but they fit me far better than the North Face ones I got a few years ago, are a bit thicker, and I like they can clip together so I don't lose them.

Two years ago, Athleta had an acid yellow/chartreuse color and I got a few pieces. The absolute best piece is the Inlet Apex Vest. It's an excellent fit, works with my curves, is warm but thin enough that I can fit it under a jacket or roomier fleece. I'm intrigued by the Inlet Jacket, which is essentially the vest but with sleeves and a removable hood.

The Athleta Forever Fleece is so nice. Thick and plush and soft, but unlike a lot of other brands with similar fabric that is all synthetic, Athleta's is 75% cotton. And it washes well and holds up nicely. The colors are fantastic, and perfectly color match with the activewear so you can create a mini capsule.

• Cardinal, Dahlia, Borealis, and Elm are my personal favorites, but don't sleep on Truffle which is the richest chocolate brown that looks Cool Girl, not doo doo. Bone is also chic, as long as you're not one to splatter your morning coffee.
• The half-zip hoodie (cover up for a nap) and joggers (no dragging in a bathroom) are the perfect matched travel set that doesn't look sloppy but will be comfy for a long flight.

Athleta is great for activewear, but also great for functional streetwear and really stellar versatile travel fashion.

• The Brooklyn Mid Rise Ankle Pant is a cult favorite for travel and everyday; plenty of functional pockets, a wrinkle-resistant stretch fabric that dresses up and down with ease, and a great silhouette that looks good with sneakers, flats, and even boots. Unfortunately, only Forest is on sale if you don't have a Gap card.
• The Endless High Rise Pant is also a great travel pant of a slightly heavier, softer fabric. These are also great for travel as they are versatile, have zipper pockets, and look polished yet can keep up with an active day. That being said, these look refined enough for the workplace, too. This has sold out fast, but a few sale colors remain.
• The Jetset Bomber is a great jacket for travel. It weighs hardly anything, has a stowable hood, is water-resistant and wind-resistant yet breathable, and looks hella cool with the ruching and zipper details. Speaking of zippers, it has zipper pockets which makes it even better for travel. IMO, there is no bad color in this very cool jacket but I love the gray, which is on sale.

Are you an Athleta fan like me? What are your favorite pieces, and what do you plan to purchase during the Athleta Semi-Annual Sale?