Athleta

Founded in 1998 by entrepreneur Scott Kerslake in Petaluma, California, Athleta was created to provide women with technical athletic apparel designed specifically for female athletes. At a time when the activewear industry was largely focused on men’s performance gear, Athleta developed products tailored to women’s bodies across a variety of sports and fitness activities. Following its acquisition by Gap Inc. in 2008, Athleta experienced rapid expansion, growing into one of the leading women’s activewear brands in North America. Today, the company offers leggings, sports bras, dresses, outerwear, swimwear, hiking apparel, tennis, golf, yoga, running, and travel collections, blending technical performance with everyday comfort. Athleta has become an industry leader in size inclusivity. Most collections are available in XXS-3X, with petite, tall, and extended-size options designed using body-specific fit models rather than simply grading up straight-size garments. The brand also offers sports bras in a wide range of band and cup sizes and regularly features athletes and models of diverse body types, ages, races, and abilities in its marketing. In 2018, Athleta became a Certified B Corporation, reflecting its commitment to social and environmental responsibility. The company incorporates recycled and responsibly sourced materials across many collections while supporting initiatives that promote girls’ participation in sports and leadership through partnerships with organizations such as the Women’s Sports Foundation and Girls on the Run. Today, Athleta operates hundreds of retail stores across North America while continuing to champion performance, sustainability, and inclusivity through its mission to empower women and girls to reach their limitless potential.