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

Active delivers performance-focused, durable activewear at a mid-range price, making it ideal for a variety of sports and intense workouts. In contrast, Alo Yoga is a premium lifestyle brand that offers fashion-forward, luxurious apparel designed to transition from the yoga studio to the street, with a higher price point to match.

Let's compare these two activewear brands to help you decide which one best fits your style, budget, and fitness needs.

Active: Performance-Driven & Versatile Activewear

Active is a well-established brand specializing in athletic apparel for a wide range of fitness activities. The brand is known for its emphasis on comfort, durability, and fabric innovation, catering to both serious athletes and casual gym-goers. Their focus is on creating functional, reliable gear that supports movement without a premium price tag.

• Product mix: A broad selection of athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories designed for running, training, and various sports.
• Price point: Mid-range and accessible. Most tops and shorts fall between $30 and $80, while performance footwear ranges from $60 to $150.
• Style: The aesthetic is modern, functional, and sporty. Expect sleek lines, practical designs, and a variety of vibrant color options suitable for performance.
• Quality: Known for durable, high-performance materials designed to withstand rigorous activity. Their fabrics are often moisture-wicking and built for comfort during intense workouts.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is generally consistent and true to size, offering a standard fit that accommodates many body types across their XS-XXL range.
• Sales: Holds frequent sales events and seasonal promotions, making their already accessible price point even more attractive.
• Sustainability: The company is incorporating more sustainable practices, including using recycled materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes in its product lines.

Active is the practical choice for shoppers seeking a wide variety of good-quality, performance-oriented activewear at a wallet-friendly price.

Shop Active: active.com

Alo Yoga: Premium Studio-to-Street Style

Alo Yoga is a premium 'studio-to-street' brand that combines high-fashion aesthetics with technical performance, primarily centered around yoga and mindfulness. The brand appeals to a trend-conscious audience that values luxurious fabrics, flattering fits, and a design that works as well for a coffee run as it does for a yoga class. Alo is often seen as an investment in a high-end activewear wardrobe.

• Product mix: A curated collection of leggings, sports bras, tops, and loungewear with a focus on yoga and athleisure.
• Price point: Premium. Leggings and tops typically range from $60 to $150, with specialty outerwear and sets costing more.
• Style: The aesthetic is chic, minimalist, and modern. Their collections heavily feature neutral tones, subtle branding, and innovative fabric textures that are both stylish and functional.
• Quality: Uses exceptionally soft, luxurious, and innovative fabrics - like their signature "Airbrush" material - that feel premium against the skin and maintain their shape after repeated wear.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits are designed to be flattering and body-contouring. While generally true to size, some customers suggest sizing up in certain leggings styles for a more comfortable fit. Offers a size range from XXS to XL.
• Sales: Sales are less frequent compared to more accessible brands, often occurring during major shopping events.
• Sustainability: A core component of the brand's identity, Alo Yoga is committed to ethical, eco-conscious manufacturing and the use of sustainable and recycled materials.

Alo Yoga is ideal for those who see activewear as a part of their fashion wardrobe and are willing to pay a premium for superior fabrics, fashionable designs, and a polished aesthetic.

Shop Alo Yoga: aloyoga.com

Active vs. Alo Yoga Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference in pricing strategies between the two brands. Active is positioned as an accessible, mid-range option, with most items priced between $30-$80. Paired with regular sales, it presents exceptional value for budget-conscious shoppers who still want performance features.

Alo Yoga operates in the premium category, with items generally costing between $60 and $150. The higher cost reflects their investment in high-end fabrics, fashion-forward designs, and brand exclusivity. While shoppers will spend more, they are paying for a luxury product that doubles as both workout gear and stylish streetwear.

Quality & Materials

Active prioritizes technical fabrics designed for durability and high-intensity performance. Their materials are typically moisture-wicking, breathable, and supportive enough for activities like running, HIIT, and weight training. The focus is on function and longevity through rigorous use.

Alo Yoga’s main selling point is its luxurious, soft fabrics. Pieces are made to be extremely comfortable while also offering performance characteristics like four-way stretch and moisture-wicking properties. Fabrics like their "Airbrush" blend are engineered to be sculpting and smoothing, creating a flattering silhouette that has become a brand signature. While durable, the materials are first and foremost designed for premium feel and style.

Style & Aesthetic

Active offers a traditional sporty and functional look. Their collections feature bolder colors, athletic cuts, and performance-oriented designs that clearly look like workout clothes. The style is versatile and practical for a wide array of fitness pursuits without being overtly trendy.

Alo Yoga embodies a minimalist, chic, and fashion-forward aesthetic. Their designs use muted color palettes, subtle textures, and elegant cuts that feel sophisticated and intentionally stylish. Their pieces are designed to be cohesive wardrobe items, allowing you to easily mix and match for a polished look that’s appropriate far beyond the gym or studio.

Fit & Sizing

Active generally runs true to size with a standard, forgiving fit across its XS-XXL size range. This makes online shopping straightforward and reliable for most people. Their designs focus on comfort and ease of movement rather than compressive or contouring silhouettes.

Alo Yoga’s fit is more specific, focusing on a body-contouring and sculpting look. While mostly true to size, some styles, particularly leggings, can fit snugly or feel compressive. Many shoppers recommend checking reviews or sizing up if you are between sizes or prefer a less restrictive feel. Their size range typically runs from XXS to XL.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands are mindful of their environmental impact. Active has been making strides to incorporate recycled materials and more environmentally friendly production methods in its supply chain. They are following industry trends toward greater responsibility.

Sustainability is a much more central part of Alo Yoga's brand narrative. They have a strong commitment to ethical manufacturing, holding certifications for their production processes and using recycled and eco-conscious materials across their line. For shoppers who prioritize sustainable and ethical practices, Alo Yoga is very transparent about its efforts.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both Active and Alo Yoga offer high-quality products, but they cater to very different priorities and budgets.

Choose Active if:

• You prioritize performance and durability for high-impact workouts.
• You're looking for great value and affordable, mid-range pricing.
• Your style is functional and sporty rather than trendy.
• You need versatile gear for a variety of different fitness activities.

Choose Alo Yoga if:

• You want activewear that doubles as fashionable streetwear.
• You are willing to invest in premium, luxurious fabrics and a high-end feel.
• Your aesthetic is modern, minimalist, and chic.
• Sustainability and brand prestige are important factors in your purchasing decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Active or Alo Yoga cheaper?

Active is significantly cheaper. With most apparel priced in the $30-$80 range, it's a much more budget-friendly option than Alo Yoga, where prices typically start around $60 and go up to $150 or more for core items.

Which brand is better for high-intensity workouts?

Active is generally better for high-intensity workouts like running, circuit training, or CrossFit. Its materials are specifically engineered for durability, support, and moisture management during vigorous activity.

Is Alo Yoga worth the money?

For many, yes. If you appreciate high-end fabrics, a fashion-forward style, and a flattering fit that you can wear both in and out of the studio, Alo Yoga is worth the investment. However, if your primary need is purely functional workout gear, you can find more affordable options.

How does sizing compare between Active and Alo Yoga?

Active typically offers a standard fit that is true to size. Alo Yoga is also generally true to size but provides a snug, body-contouring fit. Some people prefer to size up in Alo's leggings for a less compressive feel.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Both brands incorporate eco-friendly practices, but Alo Yoga positions sustainability as a core pillar of its brand identity. They are very transparent about their sweatshop-free, eco-conscious manufacturing and use of certified materials, making them a stronger choice for environmentally-focused consumers.

Can I wear Active for yoga?

Absolutely. While Alo Yoga specializes in yoga apparel, Active's gear is versatile enough for most fitness activities, including yoga. Its stretchable and comfortable fabrics provide the range of motion needed for most poses.

Does Alo Yoga ever go on sale?

Yes, but sales are not as frequent as at other brands. You can typically find discounts during major shopping holidays like Black Friday, or at other seasonal sale events on their website.

What is Alo Yoga's famous "Airbrush" fabric?

Airbrush is one of Alo Yoga's signature performance fabrics. It's known for its incredibly soft, smoothing, and sculpting properties that feel like a second skin while providing a flattering, airbrushed look.