Oysho vs. Alo: Which brand should you buy? [2026]
Oysho is an affordable activewear and loungewear brand known for comfortable, trendy, and feminine designs perfect for casual use and light workouts. In contrast, Alo is a premium Los Angeles-based label that creates high-performance activewear with sleek, modern aesthetics and a higher price point, designed to transition from the studio to the street.
Let's compare everything you need to know to choose the right activewear brand for your lifestyle and budget.
Oysho: The Affordable & Stylish Comfort Brand
As part of the Inditex group (which also owns Zara), Oysho provides fashion-forward activewear, loungewear, and intimates at an accessible price. The brand appeals to women aged 18-35 who look for stylish and practical pieces for light exercise, running errands, or relaxing at home. Their aesthetic is typically soft, relaxed, and minimalist, often featuring pastel colors and comfortable fabrics.
- Product mix: A wide range including leggings, sports bras, tops, loungewear sets, sleepwear, and underwear. Oysho also offers accessories like yoga mats and bags.
- Price point: Very budget-friendly, with most items falling between $20 and $60. Leggings and tops can often be found for under $50.
- Quality & Materials: Fabrics are soft and comfortable, making them excellent for everyday wear and low-impact activities like yoga or walking. They may not offer the technical compression or durability needed for high-intensity training.
- Sizing/Fit: Generally runs true to size, offering sizes from XS to XL. The fit is designed for comfort and a relaxed feel rather than technical compression.
- Sustainability: Oysho is increasing its use of eco-friendly fabrics and promotes in-store recycling programs as part of Inditex's broader sustainability goals.
- Sales: Holds frequent sales and promotions online and in its widespread physical stores, making it easy to find good deals.
Oysho offers great value for anyone seeking fashionable, comfortable activewear for casual daily life and light activities without a hefty price tag.
Shop Oysho: oysho.com
Alo: The Premium Performance & Studio Style Brand
Alo has established itself as a luxury activewear brand that successfully fuses high-performance function with modern, chic style. Based in Los Angeles, the brand is worn by celebrities and fitness enthusiasts alike who are willing to invest in superior quality, fabric technology, and a polished aesthetic. Their pieces are designed to be versatile, looking just as good on the street as they do in a yoga studio.
- Product mix: Focuses on high-end activewear including their famous leggings, sports bras, tops, jackets, and accessories, all designed for performance.
- Price point: Positioned in the premium market, with most products ranging from $70 to $150. A pair of their popular leggings typically costs over $100.
- Quality & Materials: Alo uses proprietary, high-performance fabrics that feature moisture-wicking, four-way stretch, and body-sculpting compression. Their garments are known for their durability and ability to maintain shape and function through intense workouts and frequent washing.
- Sizing/Fit: Known for a consistent and flattering fit that contours and supports the body. Their sizing guides are precise, helping customers find the perfect fit for a sculpted look.
- Sustainability: The brand emphasizes ethical manufacturing and uses recycled and eco-conscious materials, making sustainability a key part of its premium brand identity.
- Shopping Experience: Offers a curated, high-end experience through its sleek website, luxury packaging, and presence in upscale department stores.
Alo is ideal for those who see activewear as an investment in performance, durability, and a sophisticated aesthetic that seamlessly blends fitness and fashion.
Shop Alo: alosport.com
Oysho vs. Alo Comparison
Price Comparison
There is a significant price difference between the two brands. Oysho is designed for accessibility, with leggings often priced around $40-$50 and sports bras around $30. Their frequent sales make these prices even more attractive, allowing you to build a full activewear wardrobe on a budget.
Alo operates in a different tier. Leggings start around $100 and can go up to $150, while bras and tops are typically in the $70-$90 range. The price reflects an investment in advanced fabric technology, durability, and a defined brand image. While more expensive, many customers feel the quality and longevity justify the cost.
Quality & Materials
Oysho's fabrics are chosen for comfort. They feel soft against the skin and are perfect for lounging, travel, and low-impact exercises like stretching or walking. While pleasant to wear, they lack the technical features like heavy compression or advanced moisture management needed for intense activities like running or HIIT.
Alo's reputation is built on its materials. Their signature fabrics, like the Airbrush and Alolux, provide a second-skin feel combined with performance features. They offer sculpting compression, are fully opaque during squats, and effectively wick sweat away. For serious workouts, the performance and durability of Alo fabrics are superior.
Style & Aesthetic
Oysho embraces a feminine, trendy, and often understated style. Their collections feature seasonal color palettes, often leaning toward pastels and muted tones, with simple silhouettes. The overall vibe is relaxed and casual – perfect for a wellness-focused lifestyle that values comfort and modern fashion.
Alo projects a sleek, modern, and minimalist look. Their aesthetic is distinctly "LA cool," with a focus on clean lines, monochrome color schemes, and subtle branding. The designs are meant to be versatile, functioning as high-performance gear that also serves as a sophisticated streetwear outfit.
Fit & Sizing
Oysho's fit is generally true to size and prioritizes comfort. The cuts are often more relaxed, providing ease of movement for everyday living rather than a locked-in, compressive feel. Some shoppers note minor inconsistencies between different collections, so it's always good to check the size chart for a specific item.
Alo is known for its precise, body-contouring fit. Their engineered designs are intended to lift, sculpt, and support. Sizing is very consistent across their product lines, and their pieces often have a compressive feel that holds you in during demanding workouts.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands deliver on their promises, but they serve very different customers and needs. Your choice comes down to your priorities, lifestyle, and budget.
Choose Oysho if:
- You are shopping on a budget and love finding a good deal.
- Your activities are mostly low-impact, like walking, yoga, or stretching.
- You prioritize comfort and soft fabrics for lounging and everyday wear.
- You enjoy a feminine, trendy style with rotating seasonal colors.
Choose Alo if:
- You're willing to invest in high-performance activewear that will last.
- You need technical features like compression and advanced moisture-wicking for intense workouts.
- You prefer a sleek, minimalist, and modern aesthetic that you can wear both in and out of the gym.
- A consistent, body-sculpting fit is your top priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oysho or Alo cheaper?
Oysho is substantially cheaper than Alo. Oysho's prices are in the fast-fashion to mid-range tier (around $20-$60 per item), while Alo is a premium activewear brand with prices usually ranging from $70-$150 per item.
Which has better quality, Alo or Oysho?
Alo has higher quality materials designed for athletic performance and durability. Their fabrics offer better compression, moisture management, and shape retention. Oysho offers good quality for its price point, focused more on comfort and casual style rather than intense exercise.
What is Oysho’s style like?
Oysho's style is feminine, comfortable, and trendy. They often use soft, muted colors, pastel shades, and simple designs. Their aesthetic is perfect for relaxed, everyday wear and light activities, focusing on comfort without sacrificing style.
Is Alo considered a luxury brand?
Yes, Alo is considered a premium or luxury brand within the activewear market. Its pricing, high-performance materials, celebrity following, and focus on a chic, "studio-to-street" aesthetic position it at the higher end of the market.
Does Oysho run true to size?
Generally, Oysho runs true to size. Since comfort is a major focus, many of their pieces have a slightly more relaxed fit. It is always recommended to consult their specific size chart for each product before purchasing.
Which brand is better for yoga?
Both brands are popular for yoga, but they serve different needs. Alo - whose name stands for Air, Land, Ocean - is deeply rooted in the yoga community and makes high-performance gear designed for serious practice. Oysho is a great, affordable option for gentle, at-home, or beginner yoga where technical compression isn't as critical.
Are both brands sustainable?
Both brands have made commitments to sustainability. Oysho has initiatives focused on using more sustainable materials and recycling as part of the larger Inditex group's goals. Alo places a stronger emphasis on ethical production and using eco-conscious materials, making it a visible part of their premium brand identity.
