6 Delightful Alternatives to Alo Yoga That Actually Care About the Planet

Published on: November 17, 2024
Hero Image of product cashmere-crewneck-cardigan
Hero Image of product orion-legging
Hero Image of product black-sieve-non-wire-bra
Hero Image of product spacedye-uplevel-midi-jumpsuit-darkest-night-sd6162
Hero Image of product bootcut-legging
Hero Image of product aspen-leggings
Hero Image of product ananday-cork-yoga-mat
1 / 0
Let's face it - Alo Yoga has mastered the Instagram game with their sleek designs and endless parade of celebrity endorsements. But while they've been busy dominating social media feeds, several innovative brands have quietly developed impressive alternatives that match Alo's quality while prioritizing sustainability and ethical production. We've discovered some fascinating companies that bring fresh perspectives to conscious manufacturing, innovative materials, and inclusive design.

: Turning Cork into Performance Gold

Nature has a funny way of providing solutions to our modern problems. We're intrigued by how Ananday transforms sustainable cork into high-performance yoga gear that actually gets grippier as you sweat. Their zero-waste manufacturing isn't just an aspirational goal - it's baked into every step of their production process.
Their holistic view of sustainability extends beyond materials. Each purchase supports forest gardens that bolster food security and community development. While other brands focus solely on eco-friendly materials, Ananday considers the entire lifecycle of their products, from sourcing to eventual biodegradation.

Why we like Ananday

  • 1

    Zero-waste manufacturing

    Complete commitment to waste-free production processes

  • 2

    Self-improving grip

    Cork material becomes more grippy with use and sweat

  • 3

    Community impact

    Supports forest gardens and local food security initiatives

: Where Architecture Meets Movement

In the crowded world of activewear, Live The Process stands out by drawing unexpected inspiration from architectural principles. Their pieces reflect a fascinating intersection of structural design and body mechanics, resulting in garments that feel both grounded and ethereal.
We're particularly drawn to how they bridge the gap between high fashion and functional athletic wear. Their background in fashion PR and wellness brings a fresh perspective to performance clothing design, proving that practical doesn't have to mean purely utilitarian.

Why we like Live The Process

  • 1

    Architectural design

    Unique approach combining structural principles with movement

  • 2

    Fashion-forward

    Seamlessly blends high fashion with athletic functionality

  • 3

    Innovative perspective

    Fresh take on performance wear through fashion PR lens

: From Kitchen Scraps to Killer Leggings

Who knew banana peels and avocado pits could make such stylish workout gear? Groceries has cracked the code on turning food waste into vibrant activewear, operating from their downtown LA factory where sustainability meets innovation.
Their dyeing techniques challenge conventional wisdom about what's possible in eco-friendly manufacturing. The resulting colors - think subtle onion-skin pinks and avocado-pit browns - create an aesthetic that feels distinctly organic. We appreciate how they've managed to maintain high ethical standards while experimenting with unprecedented production methods.

Why we like Groceries

  • 1

    Food waste innovation

    Transforms kitchen scraps into sustainable dyes

  • 2

    Local production

    Downtown LA factory ensures ethical manufacturing

  • 3

    Natural aesthetics

    Unique color palette derived from organic materials

: Size-Inclusive Performance Wear That Actually Performs

Beyond Yoga's approach to inclusive sizing goes deeper than just offering more numbers on a label. Their rigorous fit process considers how different body types move and stretch, resulting in pieces that work for everyone - not just the Instagram-standard body type.
Their signature Spacedye material tells an interesting story about the relationship between quality and sustainability. By creating fabrics that maintain their shape through countless wash cycles, they're tackling waste reduction from a durability angle. We're impressed by how they've scaled their business without compromising their commitment to ethical manufacturing.

Why we like Beyond Yoga

  • 1

    True size inclusion

    Comprehensive fit process for all body types

  • 2

    Durable materials

    Spacedye fabric maintains shape for extended wear

  • 3

    Ethical scaling

    Maintains commitment to ethical practices while growing

: Activewear with a Side of Mental Health Awareness

Most brands claim to care about wellness, but Madhappy walks the talk by explicitly connecting physical and mental health. Their community initiatives and educational content transform traditional retail spaces into hubs for meaningful dialogue about emotional wellbeing.
Their thoughtful use of color psychology in design offers a refreshing take on performance wear. Instead of relying on trendy neon or basic black, they've developed uplifting color palettes that serve as daily reminders of self-care - without veering into cheesy territory.

Why we like Madhappy

  • 1

    Mental health focus

    Integrates emotional wellbeing into brand identity

  • 2

    Community building

    Creates spaces for meaningful wellness dialogue

  • 3

    Thoughtful design

    Uses color psychology for positive impact

: Taking Synthetic Materials Out of the Equation

Creating high-performance activewear without synthetics seems about as likely as making an omelet without eggs. Yet Reprise Activewear has managed to do just that, developing natural fiber alternatives that keep plastic away from our skin and out of our waterways.
Their candid approach to discussing sustainability challenges is refreshing. Rather than making grandiose claims about being 100% eco-friendly, they acknowledge the small amount of spandex still needed in their products while actively researching fully biodegradable alternatives. We appreciate this level of transparency in an industry often clouded by greenwashing.

Why we like Reprise Activewear

  • 1

    Natural materials

    Minimizes synthetic fibers in performance wear

  • 2

    Transparency

    Honest communication about sustainability challenges

  • 3

    Innovation focus

    Actively researching biodegradable alternatives

Kelley Arena

Kelley Arena

02/06/24

These are the most comfy, stretchy, but squeezy leggings- made from plant based fabric (no microplastics please).

Looking Ahead: The Future of Conscious Activewear

These six brands represent a shift in how we think about performance clothing. From food waste innovation to mental health advocacy, they're proving that exceptional activewear doesn't require compromise - whether in terms of function, style, or environmental impact. The activewear landscape is evolving, and these companies are helping write its next chapter.