We don’t need to tell you that Simone Biles is an inspiration to young girls everywhere (not to mention us not-so-young girls). For every routine the American gold medalist nails on the global Olympic stage, there is a little girl cheering her on from behind a screen. That’s why it was so important to Biles to honor them in the latest installment of her ongoing collaboration with the woman-led apparel line Athleta. Biles tells Glamour she wants the collection, which has a range of bright colors and breathable fabrics, to feel like there’s a “little Simone” on the shoulder of every young hopeful who wears it “telling them they can achieve anything they put their mind to.”
For the former Woman of the Year, the Simone Biles x Athleta Girl collection is everything she wanted as a child. Growing up, she says, she would lug around a giant bag with two outfits—her school clothes and gym clothes. And who really likes carrying that much stuff with them all the time? “What’s so great about this collection,” she tells Glamour, “is that it doesn’t matter if you’re going from school, to the gym, or to whatever sport you’re in—you can wear it at both.”
One blink-and-you-might-miss-it detail? There are hidden love notes in every piece of clothing, from the yellow hoodies (her favorite color) to the biker shorts because Biles wants every girl wearing it to remember that there are generations of women supporting them. All the phrases were inspired by her own personal mantras: Because I can. The floor is yours. No dream is too small or too big. “Anybody can do it if they put their mind to it,” Biles says. “If you just allow yourself to be vulnerable, to be courageous, you can really do it.”
When the GOAT tells you her faves, naturally, you have to click “add to cart” faster than she breaks world records. In Glamour’s latest installment of Your Fave’s Faves, Biles breaks down her bucket hat obsession and what she’s most excited to buy on her way to the wedding chapel.
What I’m most excited to buy now that I’m engaged
I feel like it would have to be the groom‘s ring and then the day-of gift. I know some people don’t do gifts, but I think I’m gonna do a little gift because I feel like what I’m going to do is very personal so it’s cute.
The leggings and sports bra combination I’m constantly restocking
The Athleta matching sets. Those are my favorite, especially to go to the gym, because I don’t have to pick out an outfit. It’s set for you.
The treat I constantly buy for my dogs
My dogs are chewers. They actually like bones a lot. They like treats sometimes, but they’re kind of aggressive chewers.
The summer trend I’m most excited to wear
I really love bikinis—or any bathing suit, it doesn’t matter. I have some one pieces too, but I feel like swimsuits [are what I’m most excited for].
What I have packed in my beach bag
A good pair of sunglasses, sunscreen… I love a bucket hat. I’m obsessed. I think those are the top three in my in my beach bag. And then a margarita in hand.
My favorite Athleta product I can’t keep out of my online cart
Right now, I’m definitely a hoodie person. We released three colored hoodies, and they are so soft. The material is breathable and it’s so comfortable. That’s probably my favorite.
My ideal way to spend a day off
I had two days off the other day and I just thought I was going stir crazy. But, I feel like in the backyard by the pool with the dogs or watching Netflix. Or if it’s a day off somewhere I would definitely be by the beach.
My latest Netflix obsession
I just finished The Ultimatum and oh my gosh, that show is real good. I don’t know who thought of it, but it’ll also piss you off.
My skincare essentials
I don’t do too much because if I do too much then my face will start to break out. I try get a facial every six to eight weeks and then just use sunscreen. Besides sunscreen, I do use SK II products sometimes—I love their Milky Airy lotion.
My favorite recovery (and guilty pleasure) snack
Post recovery, it would be a smoothie. I’m really big on strawberry-banana smoothies. But if it’s a guilty pleasure food, I would definitely have to say a chocolate chip cookie or a good fudge brownie. I do store bought cookies, unless I’m making s’mores cookies because those are the only ones that turn out really good for me, but I make my brownies.
