Fabletics vs. Alo: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Fabletics offers trendy, affordable activewear with an accessible subscription model and inclusive sizing, making it ideal for those who want fashionable styles without a high price tag. In contrast, Alo is a premium yoga and lifestyle brand known for its high-quality materials, minimalist aesthetic, and higher price point, appealing to those who see activewear as a long-term investment.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right activewear brand for your needs.

Fabletics: The Trendy & Affordable Athleisure Brand

Founded with star power from Kate Hudson, Fabletics disrupted the activewear market with its subscription-based "VIP Membership" model that delivers trendy outfits at a low cost. The brand's target customers are looking for fun, stylish, and functional gear for the gym, errands, and everything in between, prioritizing newness and value over premium, technical features.

• Product mix: A wide range of leggings, sports bras, tops, outerwear, and accessories. Fabletics also offers a men's line and has expanded into footwear and wellness products.
• Price point: Affordable, especially for members. Leggings and bras often come in 2-for-$24 deals for new VIP members, with individual items ranging from $30 to $80 at retail prices.
• Quality: Good for its price point, featuring moisture-wicking and four-way stretch fabrics like PowerHold and Motion365. While perfectly suitable for most workouts, the materials may not have the long-term durability of more premium brands with heavy, frequent use.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Fun, trendy, and often colorful. Expect bold patterns, unique cutouts, and new style drops that reflect current fashion trends.
• Sizing/Fit: Highly inclusive, with sizes ranging from XXS to 3X. Fabletics generally runs true to size, offering fits designed for a wide range of body types.
• Shopping model: The VIP Membership is central to the Fabletics experience. Members pay a monthly fee, which becomes a "promotional credit" to spend on new outfits. It's a great value if you shop frequently but requires you to "skip the month" if you don't want to be charged.
• Return policy: Standard 30-day return window for unworn items with tags.

Fabletics is an excellent choice for shoppers seeking fashion-forward activewear on a budget, offering an impressive variety of styles and an inclusive size range that fits different needs.

Shop Fabletics: fabletics.com

Alo: The Premium Yoga & Studio-to-Street Apparel

Alo (short for Air, Land, Ocean) is a luxury activewear brand with deep roots in the yoga community. It focuses on premium, high-performance fabrics and a sophisticated, minimalist aesthetic that easily transitions from the studio to the street. Alo's customer is willing to pay a premium for superior quality, a flattering fit, and timeless styles that last.

• Product mix: Focuses on high-performance leggings, sports bras, tanks, and cozy outerwear. Known for its matching sets and versatile layering pieces.
• Price point: Premium. Leggings typically cost between $90 and $130, and sports bras range from $60 to $80.
• Quality: Exceptional. Alo is known for its proprietary fabrics like the slick, smoothing Airlift and the soft, matte Alosoft. The garments are constructed with flatlock seams and reinforced stitching for incredible durability, shape retention, and comfort.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Minimalist, modern, and sleek. It relies on muted color palettes, subtle branding, and sophisticated silhouettes rather than loud prints.
• Sizing/Fit: Less inclusive than Fabletics, with most styles running from XS to XL. The fit is generally true to size but is highly compressive and contouring. Some customers recommend sizing up if you prefer a less restrictive feel.
• Sustainability: The brand emphasizes eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing processes. It is a key part of their brand identity.
• Return policy: 30 days for unworn merchandise with a full refund.

Alo excels in producing high-quality, long-lasting activewear with a polished, minimalist style, making it the go-to for serious yoga practitioners and fashion-conscious buyers.

Shop Alo: alo.yoga

Fabletics vs. Alo Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a significant price gap between the two brands. Fabletics is built on affordability, with its VIP membership making it possible to get a full two-piece outfit for under $50. Regular non-member pricing is still accessible, with most items under $80. This model encourages frequent purchases and wardrobe updates.

Alo operates in the premium market. A single pair of their signature leggings can cost more than two Fabletics outfits. For example, the popular Alo Airlift High-Waist Legging is over $120. The higher cost reflects an investment in advanced fabric technology, superior construction, and long-term durability.

Quality & Materials

Alo has a clear edge in quality and materials. Fabrics like Airlift, Alosoft, and Vapor are engineered for performance, offering a second-skin feel, excellent compression, and impressive moisture-wicking capabilities. The garments withstand constant wear and washing exceptionally well, retaining their shape, color, and softness over time.

Fabletics offers solid quality for its price, with fabrics that hold up to moderate workouts and provide comfortable stretch. However, they may not offer the same level of compression, a buttery-soft feel, or the long-term durability of Alo’s products. Shoppers sometimes note piling or stretched-out fabric after many wears and washes, which is a common trade-off for the lower price.

Style & Aesthetic

The brands' styles appeal to different tastes. Fabletics is trend-driven, dropping new collections monthly with bright colors, bold patterns, and trendy details like cutouts and mesh panels. It’s for the person who wants to make a statement at the gym and enjoys having variety in their activewear collection.

Alo’s aesthetic is clean, minimalist, and sophisticated. The color palettes are often muted and cohesive, focusing on flattering silhouettes and versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. Their "studio-to-street" focus means many of their jackets, hoodies, and leggings look just as good running errands or meeting friends for coffee as they do in a yoga class.

Fit & Sizing

Fabletics is the better choice for size inclusivity, with nearly all its products available from XXS to 3X. The designs are made to accommodate many different body shapes, and a sizing quiz on their website helps customers find their best fit.

Alo provides a more limited size range, typically from XS to XL. Their focus is on a compressive, body-contouring fit designed to support muscles and create a sleek silhouette. While considered true to size, the high-performance fabrics mean the fit is snug, and shoppers between sizes may prefer to size up for comfort.

Sustainability & Ethics

Alo places a strong emphasis on sustainability and ethical production. They often use eco-friendly fabrics and are transparent about their manufacturing processes, which appeals to environmentally conscious shoppers. This is a core part of their brand's identity and value proposition.

As a larger, value-focused brand, Fabletics is making strides towards better practices by incorporating recycled materials but does not have the same level of dedication or transparency as Alo. For shoppers where sustainability is a top priority, Alo has the clear advantage.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your personal priorities, budget, and style.

Choose Fabletics if:

• You're shopping on a budget and love a good deal.
• You enjoy having a large rotation of trendy, colorful activewear.
• You want inclusive sizing that accommodates a wide range of body types.
• You're looking for versatile outfits for moderate workouts and casual wear.

Choose Alo if:

• You prioritize premium quality and durability and are willing to invest in pieces that last for years.
• You prefer a minimalist, sophisticated aesthetic with neutral tones.
• You need high-performance gear specifically for yoga, Pilates, or studio workouts.
• Sustainability and ethical manufacturing are important factors in your purchasing decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fabletics or Alo cheaper?

Fabletics is significantly cheaper. Thanks to its VIP membership model, you can often get a complete two-piece outfit for under $50, whereas a single pair of leggings from Alo typically costs over $100.

Which brand has better quality leggings?

Alo is widely recognized for having superior quality. Their leggings are made from proprietary, high-performance fabrics that offer better compression, durability, and a more luxurious feel. While Fabletics offers good quality for its price, Alo's leggings are designed to withstand years of heavy use.

Can you buy Fabletics clothing without a subscription?

Yes, you can purchase Fabletics items at retail price without a VIP membership. However, the prices are considerably higher than the discounted rates offered to members.

Which is better for yoga?

Alo is specifically designed with yoga in mind. Its fabrics provide the ideal combination of flexibility, compression, and softness for studio practices. Fabletics gear is suitable for yoga, but Alo's performance-oriented design gives it the edge.

Does Alo ever have sales?

Yes, Alo does have sales, but they are infrequent compared to Fabletics' constant promotions. You can usually find sale items in a dedicated section on their website and during major shopping holidays like Black Friday.