For over two decades, Beyond Yoga has built a loyal following not just on the “buttery soft” texture of its Spacedye fabric, but on the promise of Los Angeles-based manufacturing. However, the industry landscape shifted significantly following the brand’s $400 million acquisition by Levi Strauss & Co. in 2021. Now, in 2026, with the brand expanding into brick-and-mortar stores nationwide, savvy consumers and industry insiders are asking: Does the “Made in LA” claim still hold up?
This article provides a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of Beyond Yoga’s supply chain, examining the reality behind the labels, the impact of corporate acquisition, and how emerging brands can replicate this level of quality through partners like ASG Fashions.
Is Beyond Yoga Still “Made in LA”?
Despite the massive scaling efforts under Levi’s ownership, the core answer remains largely unchanged: Yes, the majority of Beyond Yoga’s production is still based in Los Angeles.
According to official brand disclosures and supply chain audits, approximately 90% of Beyond Yoga’s collections are manufactured in Los Angeles. However, for industry professionals and educated consumers, the term “manufactured” requires precise definition.
Decoding “Cut and Sew” in Los Angeles
When a brand states “Made in USA,” it typically refers to theCut and Sew stage of the supply chain. This is a critical distinction from “Assembled in USA” or “Designed in USA.”
- The Process: Giant rolls of fabric are delivered to facilities in LA (often within a few miles of the brand’s Culver City HQ).
- The Labor: Skilled garment workers verify patterns, cut the fabric, and sew the final garment.
- The Benefit: This allows for real-time Quality Control (QC). If a seam is puckering, the design team can be on the factory floor in 20 minutes to correct it—a luxury impossible with overseas production.
However, “Made in LA” does not mean “Grown in LA.” The brand’s labels explicitly state: “Made in the USA of imported fabrics.” This indicates that while thelabor is domestic, the supply chain for raw materials (yarns, polymers, and dyes) is global.
Impact of the Levi Strauss Acquisition (2021) on Manufacturing
In September 2021, Levi Strauss & Co. completed its acquisition of Beyond Yoga. Corporate acquisitions of this magnitude usually trigger fears of cost-cutting and offshoring. So, what has actually changed by 2026?
1. The Logistics Shift, Not the Production Shift
Levi’s primary contribution has beendistribution power, not manufacturing interference. By plugging Beyond Yoga into Levi’s global logistics network, the brand could open stores in Chicago and expand online fulfillment without necessarily moving the sewing machines out of California.
2. Addressing the Rumors (Reddit & Social Media)
Search threads on Reddit often feature users asking if quality has dipped or if they’ve spotted “Made in Vietnam” tags. Our investigation into 2025-2026 inventory reveals a nuanced reality:
- Core Items (Leggings/Tops): Remain strictly LA-based. The risk of moving the production of their signature Spacedye fabric is too high, as the “hand-feel” is the brand’s primary asset.
- Accessories & Outerwear: There is evidence that peripheral items (e.g., water bottles, complex puffer jackets, or specific technical gear) utilize Levi’s broader global supply chain. This is a standard “hybrid model” where brands keep high-margin hero products local while outsourcing lower-margin or high-complexity accessories.
The acquisition did not dismantle the LA factory model; it insulated it by providing the capital needed to keep expensive domestic lines running.
Ethical Standards and Sustainability Ratings
A common misconception in the fashion industry is that “Made in USA” is synonymous with “Sustainable” or “Ethical.” While geography is a factor, it is not the whole picture.
The “Good On You” Analysis
Independent sustainability rating agencyGood On You currently rates Beyond Yoga as“It’s a Start.” This objective rating highlights why location isn’t everything:
- Labor Standards: Manufacturing in California guarantees workers receive the state minimum wage (which is significantly higher than federal standards) and are protected by strict labor laws like SB 62. This eliminates the risk of sweatshop labor common in unregulated regions.
- Environmental Transparency: This is where the brand scores lower. While thesewing is local, the environmental impact of shipping heavy fabric rolls from overseas mills to LA is significant.
The Spacedye Fabric Origin
The famousSpacedye performance fabric isBluesign® certified.
- What this means: The chemical processes used to dye the fabric meet the world’s strictest environmental safety standards.
- The Origin: Bluesign certifications are most commonly held by advanced textile mills in Taiwan and China. This confirms that the “soul” of the garment (the fabric) is an imported technological product, while the “body” (the construction) is American.
Why “Made in USA” Matters for Yoga Apparel Quality
For activewear brands, the decision to manufacture in the US is rarely about cost—it is about control.
Quality Control (QC) Cycles
In the production of high-stretch yoga apparel, tolerance for error is microscopic. A millimeter difference in a seam can cause leggings to become sheer or roll down.
- US Model: Problems are identified during the first shift and fixed by the second shift.
- Overseas Model: Problems are identified upon delivery, often resulting in weeks of delays or entire batches being discarded (waste).
Comparative Analysis
The following table compares the operational models of leading market players versus the “Made in LA” approach.
| Feature | Beyond Yoga (Made in LA) | Lululemon (Overseas OEM) | ASG Fashions (Strategic Mfg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Mfg Location | Los Angeles, USA | Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka | Custom (Global Premium Hubs) |
| Fabric Source | Imported (Taiwan/China) | Global (Proprietary Mills) | Imported High-End Performance |
| Cost Basis | High Labor / Low Shipping | Low Labor / High Volume | Optimized (Quality/Cost Balance) |
| Typical Retail Price | $97 – $110 | $98 – $128 | Flexible (Brand Dependent) |
Sourcing Similar Quality: Can You Replicate Beyond Yoga’s Supply Chain?
For new or expanding activewear brands, the “Beyond Yoga model” presents a dilemma. Replicating a 100% Los Angeles supply chain in 2026 requires capital that most startups do not have, pushing retail prices toward the $110 mark.
However, the “secret” to Beyond Yoga’s quality is not just the Los Angeles location—it is the fabric technology and the precision of the cut. This is where specialized manufacturers likeASG Fashions bridge the gap between boutique quality and scalable production.
The ASG Fashions Approach: “Beyond” the Standard
Instead of choosing between “Cheap Overseas” and “Expensive Domestic,” ASG Fashions operates as a premium manufacturing partner that focuses on the specific technical attributes that make brands like Beyond Yoga successful:
- Fabric Parity: ASG Fashions sources from the same tier of performance fabric mills that supply major global activewear brands. This means access to “buttery soft” Spacedye alternatives, moisture-wicking nylons, and Bluesign® certified materials without the restrictive minimums of massive OEMs.
- Technical Construction: The “Made in LA” fit comes from experienced pattern making. ASG employs technical designers who specialize in activewear ergonomics, ensuring that leggings have the necessary gusset construction and flat-lock stitching to rival top-tier brands.
- Cost Efficiency for Growth: By optimizing the “Cut and Sew” phase in specialized global facilities with high ethical standards, ASG allows brands to achieve the Beyond Yoga quality standard at a cost structure that permits healthy profit margins.
The Strategy for 2026:
If your brand’s story is purely “Made in USA,” you must manufacture domestically and accept lower margins. But if your brand’s promise is “Premium Feel and Performance,” partnering with a manufacturer like ASG Fashions allows you to deliver that top-tier product experience while maintaining the flexibility to scale—avoiding the common trap of being “priced out” of the market.
Conclusion
Beyond Yoga remains a case study in brand integrity. In an era of fast fashion, their commitment to Los Angeles manufacturing—even after a $400 million acquisition—is commendable. They have proven that domestic manufacturing can scale, provided the product commands a premium price.
For the rest of the industry, the lesson is clear: Quality is verifiable. Whether verified by a factory visit in Culver City or by a technical audit from a partner like ASG Fashions, the future of activewear belongs to brands that refuse to compromise on the construction of the garment.
FAQ: Understanding Activewear Supply Chains
1. Is Beyond Yoga made in the USA or overseas?
The core collection (leggings, tanks, tops) is manufactured in Los Angeles, USA. Labels typically read “Made in the USA of imported fabrics.” However, some accessories or non-core items may be produced internationally as the brand diversifies.
2. Did Levi’s move production after acquiring Beyond Yoga?
No, Levi Strauss & Co. has not moved the brand’s core manufacturing offshore. The acquisition focused on expanding retail distribution and e-commerce capabilities. The manufacturing base in Los Angeles remains a key part of the brand’s identity.
3. Is “Made in USA” automatically more sustainable?
Not necessarily. While it ensures fair labor practices under US law, sustainability also depends on raw materials. Since Beyond Yoga uses imported synthetic fabrics, the carbon footprint of shipping materials still exists.
