Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II Gravel 7/8 Tight

Author's Rating - 9.1 /  10

PROS / Made with Athleta's popular Powervita fabric, Salutation Stash Pocket II Gravel 7/8 Tight is four-way stretch, breathable and sweat wicking. It is medium high compression, which is suitable for both yoga and high impact workouts. The flat waistband provides great coverage and support.
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CONS / This particular Powervita fabric is thicker than Salutation Tights and Elation Tights. I find it slightly too warm for sweaty practice and workouts.

BOTTOM LINE / Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II Gravel 7/8 Tight is a versatile legging that can be worn for high intensity workouts and yoga. The improved flat waistband keeps my belly tucked in. Two stash pockets are practical and big enough to fit my iPhone 8 plus. The only downfall is the fabric being too thick.

Hsiaolin Yoga - 

It's been challenging for me to create content these days. During the global pandemic, there are many unknowns and uncertainties. My day to day routines continue, yet they aren't the same as they used to be. It's hard to describe my feelings with words. I feel uncomfortable to review / share leggings these days. It seems to be more appropriate to look inward rather than talking about external materialistic stuff.

Oh well... I am doing my best to be open minded and to look at things from a different angle. There is no absolute right or wrong. It all depends on our perceptions. Being shelter-in-place and working from home can be devastating to some people; however, we should try to find peace / joy within and stay positive. The society is built based on the conversation and interaction with people, but we are asked to maintain social distance and avoid contact. It sucks, but things can be worse. In fact, there are many things to enjoy and appreciate in my opinion.
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1. There are less cars on the road as more people are able to work from home; hence, we give the earth a break from car pollution. 
2. I am less stressed since I no longer need to deal with the rush hour traffic. I am grateful that I still have a job and I can work remotely. 
3. The time I saved from driving allows me to take longer savasana after the morning practice. I also have more time to work on specific asanas.
4. I can stay comfy at home. There is no need to update my wardrobe. All I wear everyday is either pajamas or yoga / workout clothes. I skip bras, makeups and contact lens (lots of money saved). 
5. I am able to do house chores, i.e., laundry, during the day.
6. I no longer need to cook on the weekend to prepare for lunch boxes of the week. I can cook everyday and enjoy fresh meals. In addition, I also bake more frequently. I have sweet teeth!
7. I am much closer to my parents in Taiwan as I talk to them more often (~ 3 times a week).
8. There are more online yoga workshops and training courses than ever. I have been taking classes with many senior teachers whom I wouldn't be able to practice with due to work and travel schedule.

If I only focus on the down side of being locked down, my life would sure be miserable. By looking at things in a positive way, the life is pretty awesome. I accomplish many things that I wouldn't be able to otherwise. ​

Details of Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II Gravel 7/8 Tight -

Top: Niyama Sol The X-Back Sports Bra, Black, S (true to size, I am between 32B-34B).
Bottom: Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II Gravel 7/8 Tight, Mineral Brown, XS (true to size).

I bought Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II Gravel 7/8 Tight back in Feb this year. It was before shelter-in-place while the mall was open and the business was as usual. Somehow I feel uncomfortable sharing my purchases when many people lose their jobs and small businesses are struggling to survive. This is one of the reasons that I haven't been actively updating reviews. With that being said, life goes on and we have to adapt to the "New Norm."

Here comes the review of Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II Gravel 7/8 Tight.
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1. Size – I wear an XS. 

2. Style – 7/8 tight, but it fits more like an ankle (full) length legging on me.

3. Inseam – 23.5" long.

4. Front Rise – 11" ultra high rise.
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​5. Waistband – 4.5" flat waistband.

​​6. Fabric – 40% Nylon, 35% Polyester, and 25% Spandex. It is medium high compression. 

7. Design for – Yoga and high impacted workouts. I prefer to wear it for working out than yoga.

​8. Cost – Retail price is $98. I received 30% off as a member of the Athleta FitPro. By the way, it is currently on sale for $38-97 - $47.97 depending on the color.

9. Stitch Seam – Flatlocking seams throughout.

10. Crotch Seam​ – Lined diamond shape gusset.

The legging is made in Vietnam. 
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Performance - 
The medium high compression Powervita fabric makes Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II Gravel 7/8 Tight a great piece for high impact workouts. Although it is designed for yoga, I personally prefer wearing it for exercises when high support is desired. The jacquard like fabric is four-way stretch and breathable. Unlike previously reviewed Athleta leggings, the improved waistband is elastic free, which provides the ultimate support and comfort. One complaint I have is the fabric being too thick, just like most jacquard leggings. It is not ideal for super sweaty workouts (too hot) even though it is sweat wicking and breathable.

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Quality - 
I've never doubted about Athleta's leggings. They are well made. Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II Gravel 7/8 Tight is sewn with flatlocking seams with a lined gusset for reinforcement. The jacquard like fabric is snag-proof. It is free of pilling and discoloration after several washes and wears. Two stash pockets are practical and roomy enough to fit my iPhone 8 Plus. 

Fit - 
It is true to size and I wear my regular size XS. I normally wear XS petite, but I like the the regular length on me (ankle length, 23.5" inseam). The petite size would fit more like a 7/8 tight (21.5" inseam). I recommend size up for a more relax fit since my normal size provides tons of compression (more than what I like for yoga). Overall, it is flattering. It shapes and lifts all the right places of the body. The flat waistband hides the muffin top and keeps my tummy tucked in.

Comfort - 
The jacquard like fabric is cottony soft. The legging hugs my body nicely and makes me feel supported. I am not sure if there are other leggings from Athleta that have flat waistband, but this is the first pair I own. I am so happy to see the "improved" (as described online) waistband from Athleta because the encased elastic band has been my biggest dissatisfaction. 

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Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II Gravel 7/8 Tight is a versatile legging that covers needs for various exercises from yoga to high impact workouts. The fabric is four-way stretch allowing wide range of movement in yoga and medium high compression providing tons of muscles support for HIIT. The improved flat waistband is pinch-free and it keeps my belly tucked in. Though I would prefer a lighter weight fabric, Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II Gravel 7/8 Tight works well for most activities I do.

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If you like Lululemon Nulu, you should check out Athleta Laser Cut Salutation Tight. It offers the same sensation (barely-there) and performance (breathable, fast dry and four-way stretch) to Nulu. The unpinchable high waistband gives great support and coverage. Not only is the last cut detail stylish, but it also provides ventilation. ​

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