Illustration drawn from the product’s specs — see the brand’s site for real photos and colors.

Athleta · Leggings

Athleta Elation Legging Review (2026): Worth It?

4/5
our rating
$89 seen $59.97Full price on Athleta’s site, checked Oct 7, 2026

Best for: Shoppers who want a soft ultra-high-rise legging in petite, tall or plus sizes.

Skip it if: You need big pockets or firm compression.

Comfort5/5
Performance3/5
Durability4/5
Value4/5

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The Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise Legging is a soft yoga legging with an unpinchable three-layer waistband and a back drop-in pocket. Solid colors are 75% nylon and 25% Lycra (Powervita), and it comes in sizes XXS-3X with Petite 25", Regular and Plus 27", and Tall 30" inseams. List price is $89, and the page shows a 4.66 rating from about 11,500 ratings. It is one of the best size-range picks in this group, which is the main reason to consider it.

What we like

  • Sizes XXS–3X with Petite and Tall lengths
  • Unpinchable three-layer waistband
  • Back drop-in pocket
  • Page rating 4.66 from about 11,500 ratings

Watch out for

  • Back pocket is small
  • Not a high-compression training legging
  • Sale price may end
On this page
  1. Fit and sizing
  2. Fabric and feel
  3. How it performs for yoga and everyday wear
  4. Price and value
  5. Alternatives
  6. Who should skip it

Fit and sizing

The page data lists XXS to XL plus 1X to 3X, with inseams of 25" (Petite), 27" (Regular and Plus) and 30" (Tall). The brand describes the fit as fitted next to the body with an ultra-high-rise waistband. That mix of petite, tall and plus options in one legging is unusual. See our best plus-size leggings, petite and tall pages for comparisons.

Fabric and feel

Solid colors are 75% nylon and 25% Lycra in Powervita, which the brand calls buttery soft with support that feels like a gentle hug. Other colors use different blends, such as a shine version with 75% recycled polyester and 25% Lycra. Because the blend varies by color, check the fabric line for the color you pick. The page lists wicking, breathable and quick-drying properties, and the brand says the three-layer waistband smooths and supports. There is no opacity or squat-proof claim, and owners commonly say black is fine while lighter colors vary.

How it performs for yoga and everyday wear

It is designed for yoga or studio practice, with limited seams and a back drop-in pocket for essentials. That pocket suits a card or keys rather than a phone. The waistband has a mesh lining and the brand calls it unpinchable. For lifting or running, a firmer option like the Fabletics PowerHold gives more hold.

Price and value

List price is $89, with $59.97 shown when we checked. That is low for a soft legging with this many size options. See Athleta for the brand overview. Because Athleta often runs promotions, it is worth checking the current price against the $89 list before you buy.

Alternatives

The Salutation Stash Pocket Tight has side stash pockets. The Lululemon Align is buttery but costs more. Use the leggings finder to narrow down.

Who should skip it

Skip it if you need big phone pockets, heavy compression, or squat-proof assurance.

Specs

ForWomen
SizesXXS–3X
Extended fitsPlus sizes, Petite / short, Tall / long
FabricSolid colors: 75% nylon, 25% Lycra (Powervita)
RiseUltra
Inseam optionsPetite 25, Regular/Plus 27, Tall 30
PocketsWaistband
Fabric feelButtery
Compression3/5
Squat-proof claimSilent
OpacityNo opacity claim on the page. Owners commonly describe Powervita as non sheer in black; lighter colors vary.
FlaredNo
Fleece-linedNo
Good forYoga, Pilates, Everyday wear, Lounging, Walking

On opacity: No opacity claim on the page. Owners commonly describe Powervita as non-sheer in black; lighter colors vary.

The verdict

A soft, inclusive-sized yoga legging at a fair price, with petite, tall and plus options in one style. Buy it for studio and everyday wear. Skip it for heavy training, squat-proof assurance or if you need big pockets for a phone.

Check today’s price at Athleta

Alternatives to consider

Compare all side by side

Frequently asked questions

What sizes does the Athleta Elation come in?

XXS to XL plus 1X to 3X, with Petite, Regular/Plus and Tall inseams.

What fabric is it?

Solid colors are 75% nylon and 25% Lycra (Powervita), per the page data.

Does it have pockets?

One back drop-in pocket.

Is it squat-proof?

Athleta makes no opacity claim. Check lighter colors in good light.

Sources and last checked · Oct 7, 2026

Notes: Ratings estimated from specs and review consensus (owner reviews, brand-page reviews, tester sites); not tested by us. Fabric percentage is for solid colors per Athleta page data; some colors (Shine, Rib) use other blends. Size list from the page: XXS–XL plus 1X–3X. Black only shown.

  1. athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=502359002
  2. athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=502359

Specs and prices come from the sources above and change often; ratings are our editorial estimates, not lab tests. Spot something out of date? Tell us.