Let’s be real—when we think of yoga, we think of mindfulness, balance, and being in harmony with ourselves and the world around us. But what happens when the brands making our favorite yoga clothes don’t exactly align with those values?
Lately, two big names—Alo Yoga and Lululemon—have been catching heat for their business practices. As someone who cares about both yoga and sustainability, I had to take a deep dive into what’s really going on with these brands. And, well… let’s just say it’s not all good vibes.
The Problem with Fast Fashion in Yoga Wear
We tend to associate fast fashion with trendy, cheap clothes that fall apart after a few washes. But did you know that even high-end brands can fall into this category? Yep, just because a brand is expensive doesn’t mean it’s ethical or sustainable.
Fast fashion isn’t just about price—it’s about how quickly brands produce new collections, the materials they use, and their environmental and labor practices. And unfortunately, both Alo Yoga and Lululemon have been accused of some pretty shady stuff in these areas.
Alo Yoga vs. Lululemon: Who’s Worse?
Both brands market themselves as high-end, premium yoga wear companies, but their impact on the planet and people tells a different story.
1. Environmental Impact
Alo Yoga: Uses mostly synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, which shed microplastics into the environment every time they’re washed. They also haven’t made any real commitments to reducing their carbon footprint.
Lululemon: Similar story—tons of synthetic fabrics and little transparency about how they plan to cut down emissions. They have some sustainability initiatives, but many argue it's just greenwashing.
Bottom line: Both brands rely heavily on unsustainable materials and contribute to pollution.
2. Labor Practices
Alo Yoga: There’s very little information available about their supply chain, which is usually a red flag. The brand has been rated “Not Good Enough” in terms of labor ethics according to GreenMatters.
Lululemon: Despite their feel-good branding, reports have exposed poor working conditions in factories that supply their products, with allegations of low wages and worker mistreatment.
Bottom line: Neither company is transparent about how their workers are treated, and that’s a problem.
3. Ethical Concerns & Use of Animal Products
Alo Yoga: Their name stands for Air, Land, Ocean, yet they still use materials like leather, wool, and down. So much for being a cruelty-free brand.
Lululemon: Known for their “inclusive” and “mindful” branding, but in 2019, they were called out for sourcing from factories accused of worker abuse.
Bottom line: Both brands talk a big game about ethics, but their actions don’t always match up.
My Personal Take on Animal Products
I don’t personally have an issue with using animal products. I’m not a vegan, and I believe animal products can be incredibly beneficial for our health, wellness, and connection to the earth. They’ve been used for centuries for nourishment, healing, and even clothing, and I don’t think there’s anything inherently wrong with that.
However, I do believe in treating animals with kindness, love, and compassion—which is where I see a major issue with brands like Alo Yoga. If a company is going to use materials like leather, wool, or down, they should be transparent about where they’re sourcing them from and ensure ethical treatment of the animals involved. Otherwise, they’re just exploiting nature while profiting off the yoga lifestyle—a lifestyle that’s supposed to be rooted in respect for all living beings.
So… What’s the Alternative?
If you’re looking for yoga wear that actually aligns with the values of mindfulness, sustainability, and ethical fashion, there are better options out there. Brands like Organic Basics, PACT, and Mate the Label use natural fibers, focus on fair labor practices, and aren’t just hopping on the “sustainable” bandwagon for marketing.
That being said, I have to admit that when it comes to style, the natural fabric industry is seriously lacking. While I love the idea of wearing breathable, toxin-free materials, I often find that eco-friendly brands just don’t offer the same level of cute, stylish, and flattering designs that synthetic brands do. There’s definitely room for improvement, and I hope to see more natural fiber brands stepping up their game in the fashion department which is part of my vision for NATURRE!
The Wellness-Conscious Alternative: NATURRE Eco Fashion
As a yoga teacher and holistic wellness advocate, I knew I couldn’t keep wearing toxic fabrics that went against everything I believe in. That’s why I created NATURRE—an eco-friendly fashion boutique designed for women’s health, comfort, and well-being.
Our black cotton leggings are made with 95% breathable cotton, offering a more skin-friendly, non-toxic alternative to synthetic fabrics like polyester and spandex. Less PFAS, less harmful chemicals—more pure, comfortable, natural fabric that moves with your body.
And this is just the beginning! We’re rolling out new pieces and new fabrics like cashmere, silk, and wool—all designed with natural fiber fabrics to help you reduce exposure to toxins while feeling amazing in your clothes.
More Than Fashion: Supporting Women’s Wellness
At NATURRE, we believe in giving back. That’s why 10% of all proceeds support The Women’s Mindfulness Collective, a nonprofit community for women focused on mindfulness, conscious living, and personal growth. When you shop NATURRE, you’re not just choosing better clothing—you’re supporting a movement.
It’s Time to Ditch the Toxins
You deserve activewear that’s healthy, breathable, and truly wellness-focused. If you’re ready to make the switch to non-toxic, sustainable fashion, shop NATURRE leggings today and take the first step toward a healthier, more conscious lifestyle.
Let’s move, breathe, and live a more toxin-free life together.
Written by Ashlee Sunshine
Founder of Sunshine Paradise Retreat and NATURRE