If your activewear only works at the gym, it's probably not earning its closet space
The best clothes today have to do more. Whether you're heading to Pilates, catching a flight, grabbing coffee or spending a full day on the go, versatility matters.
That's exactly why Athleta's newest arrivals caught my attention. The brand's new August collections, The Wilder Run Collection and The Fabric Shop, combine lightweight performance fabrics, trend-forward pleating and elevated textures that make activewear feel more wearable beyond a workout. Here, I put together my favorite Athleta new arrivals worth buying this month so you can shop smarter, not harder ahead of fall 2026.
These are the 5 Athleta pieces I'd buy first from the new August collections
- Best running short: Plissé Run Short
- Best matching sports bra: Invigorate Ribbed Bra
- Best travel layer: Plissé Jacket
- Best wear-anywhere dress: Moment Plissé Dress
- Best elevated basic: Perfect Rib Boatneck Tee
1. Plissé Run Short: The piece that makes performance wear feel fashion-forward
Best for: Running, walking, travel days and casual weekend outfits
Athleta Featherweight Plissé Run Short
What makes this short interesting is Athleta's use of pleating, which gives it movement and style without sacrificing performance. It's made from Featherweight Stretch
fabric that feels light, breathable and comfortable when temperatures climb. The result is a running short that looks noticeably more polished than standard workout gear.
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2. Invigorate Ribbed Bra: A versatile sports bra you'll actually want to show off
Best for: Studio workouts, walking, everyday layering
Athleta Invigorate Ribbed Sports Bra A-C
Many sports bras are designed purely for function. The Invigorate Ribbed Bra brings texture and style into the equation, making it easy to wear alone or under a jacket.
The ribbed finish ties into one of the biggest themes throughout Athleta's August launch: performance pieces that can seamlessly become part of an everyday outfit.
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3. Plissé Jacket: My favorite piece for travel
Best for: Airports, morning workouts, layering year-round
Athleta Featherweight Plissé Jacket
Lightweight layers tend to get the most real-world use, and this Athleta jacket combines breathable performance fabric with modern pleated details that immediately elevate the look.
It's the type of layer that works whether you're heading to a workout or boarding a flight
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4. Moment Plissé Dress: The easiest one-and-done outfit
Best for: Travel, brunch, casual office days, weekend plans
Athleta Featherweight Plissé Dress
Athleta's Moment Plissé Dress adds texture and movement through engineered pleating while maintaining the comfort-focused DNA the brand is known for.
For shoppers trying to build a capsule wardrobe with versatile pieces, this may be one of the strongest options in the launch.
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5. Perfect Rib Boatneck Tee: The wardrobe staple you'll reach for most
Best for: Everyday wear
Athleta Perfect Rib Layered Top
Sometimes the highest-performing affiliate products aren't the most exciting. They're the pieces people wear constantly.
The Perfect Rib Boatneck Tee feels like that kind of item. The ribbed texture elevates a classic silhouette while making it easy to pair with jeans, trousers, shorts or activewear.
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The Wilder Run Collection reimagines performance apparel
For women who prioritize both function and personal style, The Wilder Run Collection delivers an elevated take on activewear.
The collection's standout feature is its use of dynamic pleating, which introduces movement, texture, and visual interest while maintaining a performance-first approach. Rather than treating performance apparel as purely functional, Athleta uses thoughtful design details to create pieces that feel expressive and modern.
Each style is crafted from Athleta's Featherweight Stretch fabric, designed to provide:
- Lightweight comfort
- Breathable construction
- Enhanced airflow
- Freedom of movement
- UPF 40+ sun protection
Shop Athleta's Wilder Run Collection
The Fabric Shop brings new dimension to everyday dressing
While The Wilder Run Collection leans into active performance, Athleta's Fabric Shop focuses on elevating wardrobe essentials through tactile design and visual depth.
Inspired by natural forms and Northern California landscapes, the collection incorporates subtle design elements that transform simple silhouettes into standout staples.
Key features include:
- Soft ribbed textures
- Engineered pleating
- Lightweight construction
- Breathable fabrics
- Easy layering potential
- Everyday versatility
Shop Athleta's Fabric Shop
What is USA TODAY Shopping's Fall Reset?
USA TODAY Shopping's Fall Reset is a seasonal shopping event that highlights editor-curated products, style trends and practical purchases to help readers prepare for the transition into fall. Coverage includes fashion, home, travel, beauty, back-to-school essentials and seasonal deal recommendations.
What trends are shaping activewear this fall?
Many shoppers are prioritizing activewear that blends technical performance with everyday style. Lightweight fabrics, textured knits, engineered pleating and easy layering pieces continue to gain popularity because they transition seamlessly between different parts of the day.
Where can I find more Fall Reset shopping recommendations?
Readers can explore additional USA TODAY Shopping Fall Reset coverage for expert recommendations on seasonal fashion, home upgrades, travel essentials, back-to-school products and other editor-selected finds.
- I found 10 back-to-school gadgets students will actually use every day
- 6 sneakers everyone will be wearing this fall, from adidas to Nike
- Drowning in sticky notes? This paper-like device helps organize it all
- The back-to-school smart home upgrade I cannot live without
USA TODAY Shopping will be covering all the best deals and drops, so be sure to sign up for text alerts, check us out on Flipboard, follow us on TikTok, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to stay updated!
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: These are the 5 Athleta pieces I'd buy from the new August collections
