Athleta vs. Alo: Brand comparison [2026 updated]

Athleta is known for versatile, sustainable, and inclusive activewear with a mid-range price point, making it accessible for a wide range of shoppers. In contrast, Alo operates in the luxury space, offering high-end, fashion-forward pieces with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic and a higher price tag. The core difference comes down to Athleta's focus on functional performance and inclusivity versus Alo's emphasis on luxury materials and a trend-conscious, streetwear vibe.

Let's compare them side-by-side to help you decide which brand fits your activewear needs.

Athleta: The Versatile & Sustainable Activewear Choice

Owned by Gap Inc., Athleta has built a strong reputation for empowering women with stylish and functional activewear that performs across various activities. The brand appeals to women who seek high-quality gear for everything from yoga and running to daily wear, without compromising on sustainability or size inclusivity. Their aesthetic is a blend of modern simplicity and practical design, making them a go-to for durable, everyday-friendly pieces.

• Product mix: A comprehensive range of leggings, sports bras, tops, outerwear, swimwear, and accessories designed for activities like training, yoga, running, and travel.
• Price point: Positioned as a mid-range to premium brand, with most items priced between $40 to $150. Popular leggings, like the Salutation Stash style, typically cost around $80-$100.
• Quality & Materials: The focus is on durable, performance-driven fabrics like recycled polyester, nylon, and spandex blends that are rigorously tested for stretch and moisture-wicking properties.
• Sizing/Fit: Athleta is known for its inclusive sizing, offering a broad range from XXS to 3X. Most items are designed to be true to size, making online shopping reliable.
• Style & Aesthetic: The overall look is modern and functional, often featuring solid, vibrant colors and some patterns. The designs are versatile enough to wear for both workouts and casual errands.
• Sustainability: As a certified B Corporation, sustainability is a core part of Athleta's identity. They use a high percentage of recycled materials and promote fair trade manufacturing practices.

Athleta is the ideal choice for those looking for affordable, high-performance, and sustainable activewear that offers an inclusive fit for various body types.

Shop Athleta: athleta.gap.com

Alo: The Luxury & Fashion-Forward Yoga Brand

Founded in Los Angeles, Alo blends luxury, fashion, and technology to create studio-to-street activewear. The brand targets a fashion-conscious audience that sees workout clothes as part of their everyday wardrobe. With a sleek aesthetic, premium technical fabrics, and a higher price point, Alo has cultivated a loyal following among yogis, celebrities, and those who prioritize a polished, high-end look.

• Product mix: Specializes in yoga-centric apparel including high-end leggings, sports bras, crop tops, jackets, and loungewear that often doubles as streetwear.
• Price point: Alo is firmly in the luxury activewear category, with most items falling between $70 and $200. Their signature leggings are often priced from $120 to $180.
• Quality & Materials: Uses premium technical fabrics with a focus on a soft, luxurious feel. Materials feature four-way stretch, are moisture-wicking and anti-odor, and the construction quality is meticulous.
• Sizing/Fit: While inclusive, the fit is often compressive and designed to contour the body for a sleek silhouette. Many customers find that Alo clothing runs slightly small and suggest sizing up.
• Style & Aesthetic: Known for its clean lines, muted color palettes, subtle branding, and a sophisticated streetwear vibe. Alo’s pieces are intentionally designed to be worn both in and out of the studio.
• Return policy: Offers returns, but is often more restrictive than competitors, with shorter windows and specific conditions.

Alo excels in creating highly stylized, luxury activewear for customers who value premium fabrics and a fashion-forward look and are willing to invest in it.

Shop Alo: www.alo.com

Athleta vs. Alo Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference in price between the two brands. Athleta offers accessible, mid-range pricing, with popular leggings costing around $80-$100 and frequent sales that provide good value. They also have a customer rewards program that offers further discounts.

Alo sits at a luxury price point, with leggings starting around $120 and going up to $180 or more. Sales are far less common, reflecting their strategy of maintaining brand exclusivity and premium positioning. For budget-conscious shoppers, Athleta is the much more economical choice.

Quality & Materials

Both brands produce high-quality apparel, but their focus is different. Athleta prioritizes durability and function, using tough, performance-oriented fabrics like recycled polyester designed to hold up through intense workouts and frequent washing. Their items are made to last and perform reliably.

Alo focuses on a soft, luxurious feel with its premium technical fabrics. While durable, the emphasis is on immediate comfort and a high-end feel against the skin. Alo's meticulous flatlock seams and refined finishes give their pieces a more polished, upscale quality straight out of the box.

Fit & Sizing

Fit and sizing are major differentiators. Athleta is a leader in size inclusivity, offering a wide and consistent range from XXS to 3X that generally fits true-to-size. This makes it easier for a broader range of body types to find comfortable, well-fitting activewear.

Alo’s sizing is less consistent and often runs small, especially in their leggings and bras. The fit is compressive and body-contouring, intended to create a signature sculpted look. Many shoppers find it necessary to size up to get a comfortable fit, so checking size guides and reviews is crucial when buying from Alo for the first time.

Sustainability & Ethics

For shoppers who prioritize sustainability, Athleta is the clear leader. As a certified B Corp, the brand is transparent about its supply chain and is committed to using sustainable materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton. They also heavily promote certifications like Fair Trade in their factories.

Alo's sustainability efforts are not as central to its brand message. While they emphasize quality craftsmanship designed for longevity, reducing the need for replacements, their focus remains more on luxury and performance than on eco-friendly initiatives.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice depends on your budget, priorities, and what you’re looking for in activewear. Both brands are leaders in their respective markets.

Choose Athleta if:

• You're looking for versatile, functional activewear at an accessible mid-range price.
• Sustainability and ethical manufacturing are important factors in your purchasing decisions.
• You need a broad range of sizes (XXS to 3X) and a dependably true-to-size fit.
• You want durable pieces that hold up well for high-impact workouts like running and HIIT.

Choose Alo if:

• You are willing to invest in luxury activewear with a high-end, fashion-forward look.
• Premium fabrics with a soft, luxurious feel are your top priority.
• You prefer a sleek, body-contouring fit and a sophisticated, muted style palette.
• You want versatile pieces that look just as good on the street as they do in the yoga studio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Athleta or Alo cheaper?

Athleta is significantly cheaper than Alo. Most of Athleta's core items are priced in the $60-$120 range, with frequent sales and promotions. Alo is a luxury brand, with comparable items typically costing between $100-$200.

Which brand has better quality?

Both brands offer excellent quality, but for different purposes. Athleta’s quality is rooted in durability and performance for intense activities. Alo’s quality is defined by its premium, soft fabrics and meticulous construction, offering a more luxurious feel.

Does Athleta or Alo run small?

Alo generally runs smaller and has a more compressive fit, so most customers recommend sizing up. Athleta typically runs true to size, offering a more consistent and inclusive fit across its extensive size range.

Which is more sustainable?

Athleta is the much more sustainable brand. As a certified B Corporation, it publicly commits to using recycled materials, fair trade manufacturing, and other eco-conscious initiatives. These priorities are central to their brand identity.

What is the main style difference between Athleta and Alo?

Athleta's style is functional, versatile, and often features vibrant colors and patterns. Alo's style is fashion-forward and minimalist, defined by sleek silhouettes, muted tones, and a distinct streetwear aesthetic.

Which is better for yoga?

Both brands are excellent for yoga. Alo was founded as a yoga brand and its entire collection reflects that ethos - a second-skin feel and non-restrictive movement. Athleta also has fantastic yoga-specific lines, like its Powervita™ fabric, that are beloved for their soft, supportive feel.

Which brand has better size inclusivity?

Athleta is the clear winner for size inclusivity. They offer a comprehensive size range from XXS to 3X, catering to a much broader variety of body shapes and sizes than Alo.

Do both brands have physical stores?

Yes, both Athleta and Alo have their own brick-and-mortar stores. Athleta stores are more widespread across the United States, whereas Alo boutiques are typically located in major cities and high-end shopping districts.