Smart Tips to Save Money on Athleta Clothing
In recent years Athleta has developed the reputation of having high quality workout and yoga clothing for girls and women. Many would put their styles on par with Lululemon but at a lower cost which is a plus for many frugal shoppers. But I’m here today to drop the knowledge on clever ways to save significant money on your next Athleta purchase, making them an even better value. Here are my 8 favorite tips so you can start saving money today.
1. Make “Final Sale” Your Best Friend
If you’re shopping the regular priced items at Athleta you’re REALLY overspending.
Always start your online shopping at the Athleta.com Final Sale section where the savings ranges from 50% off all the way up to an incredible 85% off the original price.
The amazing part is that Final Sale items include their most popular styles like Yoga pants, athletic tops, and even expensive jackets and vests.
The one caveat is that ALL items are obviously FINAL SALE and not returnable or exchangeable under any circumstance, but the savings is TOTALLY worth the risk.
It’s also a bit hit or miss as some of the items are only available in limited colors and sizes.
PRO TIP: TURN OLD ATHLETA ITEMS INTO NEW CLOTHING
Did you know you can trade-in gently used Athleta clothing for shopping credits via a partnership with thredUP?
Just visit Athleta’s dedicated page for thredUP and request a free Clean Out Kit.
Then you just put your gently used Athleta items (and clothing from other accepted brands) in the provided bag or your own box, attach the free prepaid label, and send it to thredUP.
Once thredUP receives and processes your items, they’ll determine which pieces meet their resale standards. You’ll receive an Athleta shopping credit for eligible items. The credit amount depends on the resale value of each item.
Use can then use the shopping credit for your next Athleta purchase, either online or in-store. Pretty cool!
2. Score a Rare Athleta Coupon
While not a regular occurrence, keep an eye out for Athleta coupon codes that you can use on your next online purchase.
The absolute best way to automate the process is to download the HONEY browser extension and you’ll be notified when checking out from the Athleta website if there’s a coupon code available.
Offers range from 20% off your entire purchase to an additional 40% off all “Sale” items.
3. Their Rewards Program is Actually Worthwhile
Join the free Athleta Rewards program and you’ll immediately start earning 2 points for every $1 spent.
Earn 500 points and you’ll get a $5 reward.
It’s not a lot…but if you’re going to be shopping with them anyways you might as well earn some rewards.
PRO TIP: COMBINE ORDERS ACROSS GAP INC. BRANDS
When shopping online, you can add items from multiple Gap Inc. brands (Athleta, Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic) into a single shopping cart.
The BEST reasons to do this is that these brands share the same free shipping threshold, which is typically $50. So if your combined total from all brands meets or exceeds this amount, your entire order qualifies for free shipping.
Also, promotions like sitewide percentage discounts or “Spend $100, Get $20 Off” often apply across all Gap Inc. brands. Adding items from different brands can help you qualify for these deals.
4. Shop eBay and Save on Current Athleta Styles
The one thing to remember with Athleta is that it’s a brand you WILL NOT find at discount stores like TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, or Ross.
So easily the best alternative to these discount stores is checking out the Athleta deals on eBay.
Many entrepreneurs will snatch up closeout deals and try and turn a quick profit by putting their “loot” up on eBay.
In most cases you’ll pay WAY LESS than the regular-price and even get free shipping.
TIP ALERT: Look for eBay sellers that accept “Offers” on their Athleta products and offer then 20% less than their asking price. Many sellers will happily meet you in the middle or accept your first offer. Winning.
See Also: What Name-Brands Can You Find at Ross, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls
5. Buy a Discounted Athleta Gift Card
Were you aware you can buy Athleta gift cards for LESS than face value? True enough.
For example, right now at CardCookie.com you can score a $100 gift card for only $87.
Similarly at CardCash.com you can get a $75 gift card for about $66 for a savings of 11%.
If you know exactly how much you’ll be spending at Athleta, buying discounted gift cards is a slick way to guarantee some savings.
6. Hit Up Athleta Live Chat and Ask for a Deal
Can’t find a coupon code and are about to pay full price?
STOP!
Before you complete your purchase, hit up Athleta Live Chat and ask a chat operator if they have a way for you to save some money.
In most cases they’ll either throw you a coupon code or tell you where on their website the most savings currently exists.
See Also: All the Popular Retailers with Chat Operators Who Hand Out Coupons
7. Wait & Buy During Their Semi-Annual Sale
If you’re not in a hurry to make a purchase, you’re best served to wait for the Athleta Semi-Annual Sale which will score you savings up to 60%.
Their Semi-Annual event takes place in July and then again in mid-December.
Mark your calendars accordingly and stock-up.
8. Clever Tip to Get Free Shipping on $50
Athleta offers free shipping when you spend at least $50.
If you’re about to pay $7 for shipping on your $46 order, I have a clever tip for you.
I have it on VERY good authority (my wife) that their beanies are some of the most comfortable around.
Buy one for about $10 in the Final Sale section and you’ll basically get if for FREE when the shipping charges get wiped away.
Ask the Reader: How do you save money at Athleta? Or are you content paying full price and essentially throwing your money down the toilet?
By Kyle James
Photo by Mike Mozart.
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)