As a writer and pop culture aficionado, I like to stay on trend. So when brands like Alo Yoga grow so successful the business is now valued at $10 billion! Although they’re still privately owned, they’re now the go-to activewear brand…well. This definitely caught my attention.
As a yoga instructor, I’ve always preferred Lululemon. The mats are slip resistant, the clothes are comfortable to practice (and sweat) in, and they’re also so fashionable. I get compliments — always.
Alo’s been around for years, but has more recently piqued the interest of the public thanks to the elusive Alo Gyms strewn across the nation.
Geared towards the rich-and-famous, the Alo Gym is invite-only. The likes of Glen Powell, Tate McRae, and many more have been photographed at this latest celebrity hangout.
The Canceled Podcast’s Brooke Schofield often raves about the joint, posting mirror selfies clad in the brand while working out in the eponymous gym. And maybe it’s the exclusivity of the gym and its clientele that’s catapulted Alo into “It Brand” status.
Sure, Alo does a terrific job of staying on-trend. Releasing popular colorways at the perfect time, launching a tennis-core collection right after Challengers, and of course, the army of online influencers wearing their product.
And although I’m a devout Lululemon shopper, I decided to bite. It’s winter and I need cute sweat sets to work from home in.
Long story short, I bought the Alo Accolade Set…and I hate it.
Why The Alo Accolade Set Missed The Mark
As far as I’m concerned, the secret to a comfy sweat set is the oversized factor. I want to feel like my clothes are barely touching my body. And hey, that’s the style now.
We’re bordering on the 90s with trends. For women, a baggy, loose jean is all the rage right now. So, my sweatshirts and sweatpants are no different.
I pored through the Accolade Set’s reviews to try and find my best fit. Normally, I wear a size small in clothing. Since the reviews claim they run large, I opted for a medium this time.
In SKIMS, a medium sized sweatshirt that touts its oversized fit means it fits like an extra-large. In Alo, a medium fits like a small.
I’ve purchased other items from Alo and have been fine wearing their size small. However, this medium sweatshirt and sweatpants fit my body too perfectly.
Since everyone was warning that you want to size down in the set, I would actually beg to differ.
But the sizing isn’t my only qualm.
Unfortunately, the set’s fabric isn’t the best either. It pills easily, any piece of dust or lint will forever stick to it.
I don’t want to say it, but there’s no other way to put it: it looks cheap and a little replicable. For a sweat set that costs over $200 in total, I guess I was expecting too much.
Look, it’s comfortable. It’s trendy. The metallic logo itself makes the set look expensive. But is it worth the hype or the money? Hell no.
There are a ton of cute athleisure moments sold at Alo, but I wouldn’t bite on this iconic set. I sure wish I hadn’t.
Which Sweat Sets Are Worth My Money?
Great question, dear reader! Luckily for you, I’ve purchased many sweat sets in pursuit of the best.
I know which are worth spending money on and which aren’t (looking at you, Alo).
Here are five brands with better sweat sets than Alo:
I bet you didn’t expect me to start off so cheap! Ironically, Old Navy has one of the most comfortable sweatshirts I’ve ever had the pleasure of wearing. A recommendation by a friend that turned out to be a life-long decision, you won’t regret this set.
As I write this, I’m snuggled in the “Best Of Hoodie,” which lives up to the name in every sense. Perfectly capacious and oversized, a terry interior that suits all seasons, and an easy choice for workouts. A good sweatshirt and pair of sweatpants from Free People are unmatched.
It would be a sin not to mention Lulu in this list since I’ve already sworn my allegiance to them. Lululemon will forever be worth the money to me, and remains the superior loungewear.
You can hate Kim Kardashian all you want, but her SKIMS brand is like no other. Innovative styles, delish loungewear, and not to mention Kim made shapewear stylish. The sweat sets are the perfect material mixed with the ultimate oversized fit.
If you want to be trendy and brand-conscious while choosing your sweat set…then opt for Aritzia. The TNA line is a bestseller for a reason, and you won’t regret their cute colorways and comfortable fit.
