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The Alo Yoga versus Lululemon debate is hotter than a Bikram yoga session.
These two popular activewear brands are known for their yoga clothing and trendy workout attire. Whether you're striking an asana, sweating it out in a cycling class, or running errands, the perfect pair of leggings for you is out there—and you can likely find it at either of these go-to retailers.
Narrow down your options with our guide to Alo versus Lululemon activewear. We'll dive into what makes each brand unique and how their leggings compare.
Alo Yoga is a Los Angeles-based brand founded in 2007 with a commitment to mindful living and sustainability. This commitment, along with their multipurpose approach to athletic wear, is evident in the company’s name—an acronym for “air, land, ocean.”
Post-launch, Alo quickly became a go-to for yogis who prioritize both style and comfort in their activewear. The company has evolved into a premier lifestyle brand offering items such as performance-driven sports bras, yoga pants, and sneakers for women and men. Alo also sells accessories like yoga mats and blocks.
Like ThredUp, Alo Yoga values sustainable clothing production. The company focuses on ethical manufacturing and operates 100% sweatshop-free. And they’re platinum-certified by Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP).
Alo employees personally craft each garment in their own facilities. A dedicated staff member oversees the location’s day-to-day operations, guaranteeing quality control and adherence to the brand's standards. Alo also uses water-efficient dyes and low or no-waste production models. And they power their Los Angeles headquarters and flagship stores with solar energy.
Alo’s clothing is designed to go from the yoga studio to the street, and you can shop their vast collection by filtering for your desired activity. You can also explore their featured collections, like New Arrivals or the Loungewear Edit, for the latest styles.
The brand is known for their innovative use of proprietary fabrics, each designed to meet specific needs. Their Airlift fabric provides high compression and maximum support while maintaining a sleek, lightweight feel—ideal for more intense workouts. AloSoft fabric is ultra-soft and breathable, perfect for lounging or hot yoga sessions. And with a matte, smoothing, and supportive fit, their Airbrush fabric delivers on comfort and looks great.
Alo Yoga's reach extends beyond Los Angeles, with flagship stores in major cities across the U.S. There are 43 stores and counting in North America, and plans are underway to expand into Europe.
Premium yoga and activewear are an investment, with Alo Yoga leggings typically starting at over $100. For those who appreciate the brand’s high quality but prefer more budget-friendly options, thrifting is a fantastic alternative. Enjoy the same premium quality at a more accessible price by shopping for gently used Alo Yoga pieces on ThredUp.
Lululemon was founded in Vancouver in 1998. This Canadian athletic wear brand has since become a global powerhouse, known for their trend-setting approach to performance apparel.
The brand, focused initially on yoga clothing, now offers women and men a wide range of apparel and other items. These include leggings, bras, and accessories tailored to every kind of workout, no matter how you like to sweat.
With Lululemon, quality and meticulous product design are the name of the game. The brand's Align leggings are made from its signature Nulu fabric, which is supple and lightweight. This fabric is designed to feel like a second skin, perfect for activities like pilates and stretching. Lululemon's Everlux fabric is technically innovative and fast-drying, and the brand's Luxtreme fabric is sleek, supportive, and sweat-resistant.
Every garment in Lululemon's collections is thoughtfully crafted. Pieces are stretchy, supportive, seamless, water-resistant, anti-stink, and moisture-wicking. Lululemon aims to meet the needs of athletes so your clothing won't slow you down, whether you're practicing your sun salutations or going for a run.
Like Alo, Lululemon supports sustainability, incorporating recycled materials into some of their products. The company is continuously innovating to reduce their environmental footprint while avoiding depleting valuable natural materials. Lululemon aims to make 75% of products with preferred materials by 2025 and 100% of products with preferred materials by 2030.
Building community online and in person is a cornerstone of Lululemon's mission. The brand fosters connections through in-store events, virtual classes, and ambassador programs. And with 710 locations and 38,000 employees worldwide, they’re building a network of people dedicated to their vision.
Lululemon is known for premium quality, which often comes with a higher price tag than some customers like. Additionally, shoppers report that sizing of certain items can be inconsistent. For example, a customer might wear a size small in the Energy Longline bra but require a size medium in the Like a Cloud bra.
To enjoy this brand while being kinder on your wallet and the planet, consider thrifting gently used Lululemon pieces on ThredUp. It’s a savvy way to get top-tier athleisure at a more accessible price point.
Comparing Lululemon versus Alo leggings is tricky because both brands offer top-tier options at similar prices.
Lululemon's comfortable, functional leggings are ideal for yoga, pilates, and everyday wear. When they first emerged on the market, they were unique for their innovative front seam design that prioritizes comfort and performance. Now, The Wunder Train Tight style is highly supportive for high-intensity training, while the Align leggings are made from low-support Nulu fabric for less intense activity. For running, the Fast and Free Tight offers a nearly weightless feel. Lululemon's leggings feature high waistbands that stay in place without digging into your skin, and many pairs include hidden pockets to keep small items safe.
Alo Yoga leggings combine performance and style. With a sleek, sculpting fit and various finishes—from matte to glossy—they offer compression and structure in a range of attractive aesthetic options. These fashion-forward leggings are well-suited for low-impact activities like yoga and more intense workouts like CrossFit. The brand’s AloSoft pairs are light and breathable, with four-way stretch. The Airlift leggings are sculpting and lifting, great for activities like running and cycling. Alo’s leggings feature design details like a sweetheart seam in the back, flat-locked seams, front-smoothing panels, and high-rise waists.
If you’re still torn on the Alo versus Lulu debate, consider your sizing needs. Lululemon’s leggings are available in sizes 0–20, a more size-inclusive range than Alo Yoga’s XXS (0) through L (12–14).
When choosing Lululemon or Alo Yoga leggings, the best answer ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and fitness needs. Both brands offer high-quality leggings that provide comfort, support, and versatility. While Lululemon promises a reliable fit and all-around functionality, Alo Yoga’s pieces combine performance with a trendy appeal. You can’t go wrong with either brand—and you may find you’re a fan of both!
Alo Yoga and Lululemon are stylish, comfortable athleticwear brands, but their price tags can be prohibitive. That's where ThredUp comes in. We offer a vast selection of preloved pieces, so you can enjoy high-quality leggings, sports bras, and more at a fraction of the original cost.
ThredUp helps you make smart, sustainable choices for your closet. Use Style Chat to tell us what you’re looking for, whether it’s a whole outfit based on a trend or a specific piece for an event, and we'll show you a range of options. And if you need to make room for your new finds, send us your gently used clothes with a Clean Out bag and earn thrifting credit.
If you're committed to sustainability and love scoring a great deal, make ThredUp your go-to source for Alo Yoga and Lululemon must-haves.
