10 Best Travel Clothes Deals at Athleta Right Now

When I used to travel full-time touring as a dancer, I lived in athleisure because it meant I could squeeze in a quick stretch at the airport thanks to flexible, body-hugging fabrics. Now, I still reach for leggings and tees to pack on my trips as a travel writer because athletic basics are trendless, easy to mix and match, and comfortable. 

So when I noticed that Athleta was having a huge sale, I scoured the newly discounted items to find the most multipurpose clothing to add to a traveler’s capsule wardrobe. I know staple pieces, such as high-rise leggings, basic tees, and crossbody bags, won’t waste space in my carry-on. I was shocked to find some best-selling styles, like their cotton Essential Tank, just $13 (down from its normal $35 price).

Right now is a great time to stock up on basics while Athleta’s most popular colors (like black and white) are on sale. If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to refresh your travel essentials with stylish and comfy pieces (Simone Biles loves the ⅞ inch leggings), then this Athleta sale is it.

Elation Ultra High Rise Rib Legging

Great as comfy all-day travel bottoms or as your pillar gym outfit in a minimal carry-on-only trip, high-rise leggings work hard for travelers. A traveler’s most versatile color, black, is on sale for $45. Other colors that are currently priced under $50 include slate blue, orchid pink, storm cloud gray, and an earthy green.

Breezy Scoop V Tee

I always keep an eye on the price of staples like a V-neck tee so that when these year-round essentials go on sale, I can stock up. For this Athleta sale, this lightweight layering shirt is marked down as low as $12 in certain colors. One shopper noted the impressive quality of the fabric for a T-shirt, “Very nice tee! Soft and comfortable and it hangs really nicely. The fabric is almost sweater-like, but cool and comfortable…it’s a little nicer than your average t-shirt! Will be a great traveling shirt.”

Essential Tank

If you think tanks are just for summer, think again. When it comes to fall and winter dressing, layering is a traveler’s best friend. Athleta’s Essential Tank is now just $13 in every color, including white, abalone, and black (I suggest getting two or three in these versatile colors so you don’t have to do laundry on your trip). Pack tanks to layer when you’re dressing for outdoor runs and workouts, or as a light base layer under a heavy sweater. 

All About Crossbody Belt Bag

Belt bags are some of the best travel bags for preventing theft and pickpockets. They’re slim, sit close to the body, and can fit the essentials like money, cards, hand sanitizer, and your phone. Athleta’s crossbody belt bag can be worn across your shoulder or as a fanny pack thanks to an adjustable strap. Three colors are on sale now for $20, down from the $45 original price.

Coaster Luxe Sweatshirt Dress

Just in time for fall, this sweater dress (with pockets!) has been added to the sale rack in a dusty rose color, available as of now in every size. The zippered pockets are the chef’s kiss for travelers, helping prevent pickpockets or loose items from falling out. Use this dress as the foundation for layering — just add an oversized button-down, scarf, and a quilted jacket. 

Cascade Cargo Poplin Pant

This breathable quick-dry cargo pant in a safari-like tan oak color is just $60, discounted from its original price of $119. Zippered pockets, durable water-repellent (DWR) fabric, and an adjustable bungee hem are just a few travel-friendly details that make a huge difference. I could see myself packing these for travels to Costa Rica where I’ll be hiking through humid climes and need protection from mosquitos and the elements. Thanks to a UPF 40+ for sun protection and water-repellent properties, these pants would have me covered for almost any weather scenario.

Elation Ultra High Rise 7/8 Legging

These butter-soft leggings come in twenty different colors, but select colors are currently priced at $40. With over 6,000 five-star ratings, these leggings are a customer favorite and don’t always hit the sale rack. Reviews say these leggings can handle a lot of different activities — they’re “perfect for working out, running errands and traveling.” But more than just versatile, these leggings are well made, with one shopper saying, ““[The] fabric is comfortable and has held up well, no baggy knees. Purchased another pair, have one pair over three years old, still wearing.”

Transcend Tipped V Crop Bra A-C

If you hate how bras cut into your shoulders and ribs on long travel days, then a crop tank with a gentle built-in bra is great as an airplane outfit. Wear it with high-waisted skirts, shorts, leggings, or pants. Right now a soft green color is available in every size for just $30. This lightweight athletic top is designed for workouts like yoga, pilates, or barre, and won’t feel constricting. It’s comfortable to wear outside of the gym, explains one shopper. “It is a great top with the built in bra to wear alone or as a base layer,” they wrote. “I bought it for comfortable travel, but feel I will get lots of other opportunities for use.”

Renew Seamless V-neck Tee

V-necks are one of the most flattering T-shirt necklines. This seamless tee doesn’t have itchy, chafing tags or bulky, boxy construction. Like any great capsule wardrobe tee, this one can be styled casually or for work travel, as one shopper noted:“I can easily dress this top up or down. It’s perfect for traveling because it doesn’t wrinkle and feels cool even in hot, muggy conditions.” Get colors black, olive, and white are currently on sale for $25 off the original price. 

Ultimate Mesh Top

This long-sleeved exercise shirt with a mesh back is the perfect top for fluctuating temperatures. Wear it for outdoor runs, workouts in a cold hotel gym, or on a travel day where you want breathability as you move between changing temperatures. Lightweight and quick-drying, this top is great for days when you know you’ll be sweating. Black and white are on sale now, in every size, for just $30.

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