While often seen as a premium activewear brand, Alo Yoga does not fit the classic definition of fast fashion. Its higher price point, seasonal release schedule, and focus on quality materials set it apart from brands like Zara or SHEIN. However, it incorporates some fast fashion-like tactics, such as frequent product drops and trend-aligned designs, that encourage constant consumption.
Alo's ethical and sustainability practices are a mixed bag with significant room for improvement. While the brand promotes inclusivity and uses some recycled materials, it suffers from a major lack of transparency in its supply chain, making its ethical claims difficult to verify and its environmental efforts appear minimal.
Alo occupies a hybrid space between premium activewear and fast fashion. While its high prices and emphasis on quality differentiate it from typical fast fashion, its business model still relies on some tactics that drive frequent purchasing.
Alo's ethical performance is average at best, hindered by a severe lack of transparency. While it cultivates a positive brand image centered on wellness and inclusivity, it provides virtually no public evidence to back up its sourcing claims.
Alo states its products are made in factories primarily in China, but it does not publish a supplier list or share third-party audit results. Factory workers in many Chinese manufacturing regions can earn an average of $180-$200 per month, well below the estimated living wage of $350-$400. Without transparent reporting, it's impossible to verify if Alo's partner factories provide safe conditions or pay their workers a living wage.
The brand is not transparent. Alo's website offers vague statements about ethical production but provides no concrete details, supplier lists, or audit findings. This opacity prevents consumers and watchdog groups from being able to assess the working conditions in its supply chain.
Alo claims its products are cruelty-free and avoids using fur or exotic skins. However, for products containing materials like wool, it does not provide sourcing details or certifications like the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), leaving its animal welfare claims unverified.
Alo's sustainability efforts are minimal and overshadowed by its reliance on materials with a heavy environmental footprint. Its public commitments are weak, raising concerns of greenwashing.
Alo incorporates some more sustainable materials, with an estimated 30-40% of its fabrics including recycled fibers like recycled polyester. However, the majority of its collections are made from conventional, fossil fuel-based synthetics like nylon, polyester, and spandex, which contribute to microplastic pollution and have a high carbon footprint.
The brand provides no specific data on its water usage, chemical management, or greenhouse gas emissions. It does not appear to hold certifications like Bluesign or OEKO-TEX, which would ensure safer chemical use in its production processes. Without this information, its true environmental footprint remains unknown but is likely significant.
Alo has no take-back, repair, or recycling programs to manage its products at the end of their life, meaning its clothing is destined for the landfill. While it states it uses recycled packaging, it has no disclosed policies for managing textile waste or deadstock in its supply chain.
While Alo successfully markets itself as a premium wellness brand, a closer look reveals significant gaps in its ethical and environmental performance. Its lack of transparency and minimal sustainability efforts are concerning for a brand with its price point and reputation.
Alo earns a C for its ethical practices. While the brand promotes inclusivity in its marketing and maintains a cruelty-free stance against fur, these positives don't outweigh its complete lack of supply chain transparency. Without any public factory lists, audit results, or proof of living wages, its ethical claims are purely reputational and cannot be verified.
Alo receives a D for sustainability. The use of some recycled materials is a small step in the right direction, but it is deeply undermined by a heavy overall reliance on virgin synthetics, a lack of climate goals, no circularity programs, and an absence of meaningful certifications. Its efforts feel more like greenwashing than a genuine commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
If Alo's lack of transparency and weak sustainability practices don't align with your values, here are some activewear brands committed to doing better for people and the planet:
Girlfriend Collective makes its vibrant activewear from certified recycled materials like post-consumer water bottles and fishing nets. The brand operates out of an SA8000-certified factory in Vietnam where workers are guaranteed living wages and safe conditions, and it is highly transparent about its entire production process.
Shop now at girlfriend.com
A B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, Patagonia is an industry leader in both ethics and sustainability. A high percentage of its products use recycled materials, it guarantees its products for life with a robust repair program, and it pays a living wage premium to workers in its Fair Trade Certified factories.
Shop now at patagonia.com
prAna is a Fair Trade USA partner that focuses on using organic cotton, recycled fibers, and other sustainable materials. As a B Corp, the brand maintains high standards for environmental performance, transparency with its factory partners, and worker well-being.
Shop now at prana.com
This brand creates simple, high-performance activewear using low-impact materials like GOTS-certified organic cotton, TENCEL™, and recycled fibers. Organic Basics is a B Corp and member of 1% for the Planet, with a fully transparent factory list and a commitment to carbon neutrality.
Shop now at organicbasics.com
Beyond its famous shoes, Allbirds offers an activewear line made from innovative natural materials like eucalyptus tree fiber and Merino wool. As a B Corp, the company is carbon neutral and labels every product with its carbon footprint, demonstrating a high degree of transparency and accountability.
Shop now at allbirds.com
Alo Yoga states that its apparel is primarily made in factories located in China, with some production also happening in the United States. However, the company does not disclose the specific names or locations of these factories, which is a major transparency issue.
Alo's high price tag is key to its brand positioning as a premium, luxury wellness label. The price reflects investment in high-quality performance materials, original design, and extensive marketing with influencers and yoga studios, which builds its aspirational status.
Both brands occupy a similar premium activewear space and face similar criticisms regarding a lack of supply chain transparency. However, Lululemon has published public climate action goals, including science-based targets for emission reductions, putting it slightly ahead of Alo on sustainability reporting and accountability.
