Craving activewear that aligns with your love for nature? Look no further.
Sustainable activewear is the name of the game – it’s about conscious choices, ethical crafting, and top-notch materials. As the fashion industry faces its reckoning, this blog unveils the issues at hand and dives into the realm of eco friendly workout clothing. Get ready to meet the trailblazing sustainable activewear brands steering us toward a greener, kinder future.
Ready to break a sweat while breaking the cycle of fast fashion? Let’s dive in and discover sustainable activewear that honours both you and our planet.
Fast Fashion’s Unveiled Reality
The allure of fast fashion – trendy, cheap, quick – has cast a shadow over its darker side. This model, while feeding consumer cravings, unearths a slew of environmental, social, and ethical demons.
Subpar Quality
Cheap and quick production breeds a dirty secret: shoddy clothing that wears out faster than you can say “trendy.” This practice fuels our waste problem, filling landfills with disposable, poor-quality garments.
Enter the global arena: Some nations are banning secondhand clothing imports, choking their textile businesses and straining waste disposal. Inferior quality impedes sustainable clothing choices, amplifying the challenge.
Environmental Havoc
Fast fashion’s footprint is anything but small. In two decades, our clothing purchases skyrocketed by 60%, but the lifespan of each piece plummeted. Surplus inventory – around 30% unsold – fuels a trillion-dollar wasteland. Landfills groan under 13 million tons of discarded textiles annually, and recycling plants struggling to make a dent. With 85% winding up as landfill casualties, textile’s thirst for water and toxic dyeing create more harm.
Exploitation at the Seams
Behind the scenes, cheap labour reigns supreme. Despite promises of fair wages, many brands aren’t transparent. Manufacturers compete for scraps, leaving workers with pennies. Safety is elusive; factory disasters haunt workers’ lives. The cost-cutting frenzy imperils dignity and health.
Elevating Your Fitness Game with Eco Friendly Workout Clothes
Sustainable activewear brands stand apart from fast fashion, donning a mantle of social and environmental accountability. They lace their DNA with transparency, ethical practices, and quality activewear that wields minimal environmental and social impact. It’s not just clothing; it’s a commitment to bettering the world.
Transparency and Ethics
These brands write a different story – one of transparent supply chains and ethical choices. They craft high-quality activewear while minimizing harm to both the environment and production workers. Some even weave their efforts into local communities, advocating for artisans and embracing the slow fashion movement. Each piece is a result of careful consideration and is produced in small, impactful batches.
The Fabric of Sustainability
Materials make the difference. Organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, and wood weave the fabric of sustainability. But it doesn’t end there. Recycled polyester from discarded plastic bottles and fishing nets joins the league, embodying a circular economy. These fabrics undergo rigorous testing for harmful substances, ensuring both safety and environmental friendliness. A side effect? Prolonged garment lifespans that keep waste out of landfills.
Impactful Choices
Sustainable activewear is a symphony of impactful choices. Recycled materials, limited production runs, and eco-friendly packaging compose the score. The use of recycled materials slashes pollution, conserves energy, and diverts waste from landfills. These brands align with environmentally conscious factories, participating in initiatives like 1% for the Planet to give back to the environment that sustains us.
Caring for All
It’s not just about clothes; it’s about people. Sustainable activewear brands prioritise workers’ welfare by ensuring fair wages, safer working conditions, and improved quality of life. Some go the extra mile by donating used apparel to support those in need.
Eco-friendly activewear isn’t just about workouts; it’s a commitment to a healthier world. Join the movement, one step at a time.
20+ Sustainable Activewear Brands to Flaunt Your Environmental Flex
Your quest for sustainable activewear allies ends here. We’ve curated a lineup of brands that share your values of sustainability and social responsibility. These brands aren’t just about clothing – they’re your partners on the journey towards a brighter future.
Go Gentle
Images source: gogentlejencatco.com
South Africa
Founded in 2022 by visionary Jenna Coyle, Go Gentle bridges the gap between vibrant activewear, an invigorating lifestyle, and a deep-rooted concern for our planet. With a debut that featured 7 captivating legging prints, this brand has evolved to encompass an array of eco-conscious offerings, including sports bras, flares, and sustainable knitwear. At its core, Go Gentle remains dedicated to striking a balance between sustainability and affordability.
Rooted in a commitment to environmental stewardship, Go Gentle’s distinctive charm lies in its fusion of flair and sophistication. Each print, inspired by the grace of nature, is a unique masterpiece, reflecting the brand’s audacious spirit. But it’s not just about aesthetics – Go Gentle’s activewear defies convention. Suitable for aquatic adventures, their quick-dry, anti-UV, and chlorine/salt-resistant properties redefine activewear’s purpose. Dive into the waves, slip on a wetsuit, or simply seize the day – their versatile designs have you covered.
The newest stars in their constellation are the Wild Flower and Lush recycled leggings(in picture), arriving just in time for spring’s embrace. With a broad waistband that delicately embraces your curves, these leggings celebrate your natural allure while embodying eco-sensitivity.
Sustainable Materials
Go Gentle proudly bears the certification of the Global Recycle Standard. This accolade is the emblem of their dedication to sustainability, weaving together garments from high-quality fabrics like 100% recycled spandex and 75% recycled polyester.
Environmental and Social Impact
Go Gentle’s story is not only about eco-friendly fashion; it’s a narrative that champions local communities. Nestled in Cape Town, South Africa, their products come to life through the hands of local artisans, infusing socio-economic upliftment into every seam.
Go Gentle isn’t just activewear; it’s a pledge to navigate life gently, embracing style without compromise. Join the movement that dances with nature, respects the Earth, and adorns you in mindful elegance. Check out Go Gentle’s Activewear range.
Nautra
Images Source: Nautra
United Kingdom
Nautra’s women’s activewear collection encompasses Shorts, Leggings, and sports bras, with the newest additions being the Wahoo & Whale Shark 6-inch shorts. Engineered for ultimate comfort during workouts, these shorts boast a luxuriously soft and moisture-wicking fabric, coupled with a high waistband and a practical phone pocket. Notably, the Whale Shark variant(in picture) showcases a captivating design that pays homage to the ocean’s majestic gentle giants. Check out Nautra Activewear.
Sustainable Materials
Taking a stand against ocean plastic pollution, the brand crafts its chic activewear from upcycled plastic materials, including discarded ocean plastic and repurposed fishing nets. Partnering with ethical manufacturers, they employ low-waste printing methods and opt for 100% sustainable packaging, embodying eco-consciousness throughout their production cycle.
Environmental Impact
Nautra’s dedication to environmental well-being doesn’t end with its products. The brand’s ethos extends to impactful action. A share of their proceeds is directed towards funding initiatives aimed at safeguarding marine ecosystems. By sporting Nautra’s activewear, every individual becomes an active participant in the mission to preserve the Earth’s precious natural wonders.
Zone
Australia
Images source: zonebylydia.com
Zone is an Australian brand that provides beautiful, unique, and sustainable yoga and wellness products. The brand believes that practising yoga not only benefits personal health and well-being but also fosters love, connection, and empathy towards all living things. Through their products, they aim to help individuals access a state of mindfulness and flow, called “the ZONE.” Zone draws inspiration from nature, athleticism, and sustainability, with a mission to improve people’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being while striving to protect the environment. Their product range includes hoodies, sweaters, shorts, joggers, and tops, all designed to enhance the yoga and wellness experience. You can check out Zone here.
Sustainable Materials
Zone primarily makes their activewear from hemp and organic cotton, both of which are sustainable and biodegradable natural fibres. The brand’s hemp activewear is not only strong and hypoallergenic but also UV resistant and naturally antibacterial, making it anti-odour and requiring less frequent washing. Their short tights include organic hemp and organic cotton, offering comfort and flexibility. The benefits of hemp are numerous. It has low water requirements compared to cotton and replenishes the fertility of the soil without toxic chemicals or pesticides. Additionally, hemp clothing becomes even softer with each wash and boasts a tensile strength eight times stronger than cotton.
Environmental and Social Impact
In terms of environmental impact, Zone has pledged to donate 1% of its annual sales to support approved environmental nonprofits through the 1% for the Planet initiative. Additionally, the brand aims to reduce plastic waste and pollution by using sustainable materials like cork and hemp and adopting plastic-free packaging. To prevent more textile waste, the brand’s timeless designs rather than seasonal trends promote sustainable fashion choices, encouraging customers to cherish and wear their products for a longer time.
N3YH
South Africa
Image source: N3YH
N3YH is an incredible South African eco-luxe brand that knows how to make you look good and stay comfortable all day (and night!) long! They specialize in activewear, loungewear, and sleepwear – so basically, they’ve got you covered!
But what makes N3YH really special is its commitment to the slow-fashion revolution. They care for the planet and take pride in using environment-friendly materials like recycled fabrics that are gentle on Mother Earth.
N3YH draws inspiration from nature itself – think cute floral patterns and organic silhouettes thoughtfully designed with a feminine touch. These clothes not only make you look great but they bring out your inner goddess as well. Check out N3YH.
Sustainable Materials
N3YH’s sustainable fabrics flaunt an ultra-soft, premium feel that boasts natural floral prints. Offering exclusivity and quality over mass production, each garment is custom-tailored to fit a variety of body types.
The activewear range’s recycled materials offer a snug yet flexible second-skin sensation perfect for any activity, while the bamboo loungewear offers both breathability and comfort in one stylish package – ideal day or night!
N3YH provides eco-friendly alternatives with fashion-forward designs so everyone can make conscious decisions without sacrificing style or cosiness.
Environmental and Social Impact
N3YH aims to be both environmentally as well as socially sustainable with their brand new Plain Colour Range 2023 collection. With a focus on ethically sourced materials, such as using sustainable fabrics, it minimizes resource consumption while keeping a lower production impact on the environment.
They also partner with local manufacturers in Cape Town that provide employment opportunities to support fair labour and benefit local communities.
By catering to self-care and wellness – a modern trend of holistic health – the N3YH brand gives wearers feelings of well-being without sacrificing style or comfort!
Wearing this eco-friendly activewear, which is high-performance yet fashion-aware, consumers can make conscious choices about purchases that both satisfy themselves and help our planet at the same time!
Soho Rocks
France
Images Source: sohorocks.com
Soho Rocks is a sustainable brand that infuses functionality with fashion-forward style in its women’s activewear line. Based out of Paris, France, and made from Italian fabrics, their collection ranges from leggings, bras, sweatshirts and jackets, to accessories such as baseball caps and resistance bands. Check out their entire collection here.
The brand has thoughtfully curated quality high-performance pieces that contain materials such as protected spandex to last longer. Their clothing also has quick-dry technology, and is breathable, anti-static, and squat-proof; perfect for taking on those personal fitness goals.
Soho Rocks encourages women to wear their versatile clothing during a workout and incorporate their functional pieces as part of their daily wardrobe. For example, check out their high-waisted Lucette leggings in shiny black – these flattering leggings are sure to turn heads, as they are perfect for moving seamlessly from your workout to your night out.
Sustainable Materials
With their philosophy of leading the way without making the earth sweat, Soho Rocks ensures their eco-footprint is as small as possible by adhering to a minimal waste policy. The brand uses recyclable and eco-friendly materials to create ethical clothing that leads the way in fashion and functionality, so you can be proud of what you are wearing.
In addition, with a globally recognized Oeko-Tex certification, all materials used in Soho Rocks clothing are without harmful chemicals and toxins, guaranteeing that their clothing is safe and ecologically friendly.
Environmental and Social Impact
The creators behind Soho Rocks recognize the importance of prioritising both environmental and social responsibility in today’s world.
The brand proves itself ethically sound as its manufacturers and suppliers are certified with SGS or BSCI – meaning that they are thoroughly assessed through a global capacity, to ensure that their supply chains comply with optimum quality, safety and sustainability standards.
In addition, Soho Rocks maintains high workplace ethics throughout the entire production process, by working alongside certified factories that pay adequate living wages and practice ethical working conditions.
But that’s not all. They’re also giving back environmentally, on a global scale. Soho Rocks recently implemented a program called Soho Rocks Gives, in which they are participating in global efforts of conservation and reforestation by planting trees in numerous countries across the world.
Vocus Vit
Ireland
Images source: Vocus Vit
Inclusive, sustainable and built upon female empowerment, Ireland-based Vocus Vit is an activewear brand making waves in eco-conscious apparel. Leaping way beyond your typically questionable sustainability claims, this forward-thinking brand produces leggings, tops and shorts from recycled plastic bottles. It seems that with Vocus Vit, positive impact is the only way, and there’s no messing about.
It’s not just the material that makes Vocus Vit impressive either. With lofty goals, they’re on a marathon mission to empower women of all shapes and sizes by providing them with comfortable, eco-friendly and truly stylish activewear. Creating their products in sizes all the way from XS to XXL, everyone’s invited to join the movement.
Boasting a fun palette of evergreens and electric blues, as well as offering the all-time activewear favourite – black – there’s not much you’ll be left wanting for.
Sustainable Materials
Vocus Vit is all about quality, and with true quality must come sustainability. The brand knows exactly what it wants when it comes to making a positive impact, and it knows exactly how to make it happen.
Vocus Vit uses FENC® TopGreen® fabric for all activewear pieces. This innovative fabric is made from Ocean Recycled Filament, which takes plastic waste from the ocean and transforms it into new clothing. Following a process of grinding, washing, melting, and spinning the plastic to create yarn, durable activewear is brought to life. Stretchy, tight and high-quality, it’s ideal for your gym workouts, walks by the ocean or morning runs.
Social and Environmental Impact
On top of using FENC® TopGreen® as their source of fabric, Vocus Vit is certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®; one of the world’s best-known certifications for guaranteeing a lack of harmful substances.
But there’s more. Manufacturing their products in Bali, Vocus Vit puts their workers first. Working with a factory providing working conditions aligned with Western standards, the factory pays its employees twice the minimum wage, provides medical insurance for employees’ families and even feeds them healthy meals daily. Run the distance with Vocus Vit. Browse their products here.
Nice to Meet Me
Image source: Nice to meet me
Austria
In the realm of fashion, one brand stands apart – Nice to Meet Me. Their name echoes their ethos: a fusion of passion and an eco-conscious vision. They are champions of creativity, innovation, and caring for our planet. Their emblem embodies a yoga philosophy, bridging self-awareness and environmental connection. Here, authenticity and compassion are the way of life.
The heart of Nice to Meet Me beats with movement, yoga, and nature. Their dedicated team in Vienna is a force of passion, crafting sportswear that resonates with both your inner self and nature’s rhythm. Each piece is hand-designed in their studio, and scrutinised by yogis and athletes for practicality.
Their collection of activewear is your companion, whether you’re on a yoga mat, scaling mountains, lifting weights, hiking trails, pedalling on bikes, or even under wetsuits. For women, their range includes shorts, sports bras, and leggings; for men, there are t-shirts and pants.
Sustainable Materials
Nice to Meet Me champions ethical fashion through eco-friendly materials. Organic cotton from Turkey and Greece blossoms with 90% less water, devoid of toxins or genetic engineering, supporting fair-priced farmers. TENCEL™, born from eucalyptus, embraces low water use and non-toxic solvents, weaving sustainability. Hemp regulates body temperature, eschews chemicals, and boasts a negative CO2 footprint. Recycled polyamide and polyester find new life from old PET bottles and fishing nets, leaving a lighter environmental footprint.
Social and Environmental Impact
Their creations come to life exclusively in Europe, where they work with partners in Portugal, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic. Fair production, ethical conditions, and social responsibility are their guiding lights. Nice to Meet Me isn’t just activewear; it’s a journey, a connection to oneself and the world around us. Through mindful creation, they beckon us to embrace both our inner authenticity and environmental consciousness. Are you ready to meet your true self? Explore Nice to Meet Me’s sustainable activewear range.
Horizon Active
Images source: horizonactive.com
United States
In a world where brands often merely speak of change, Horizon Active leads by example. They seamlessly blend style, sustainability, and social responsibility into each thread. Their commitment to longevity shines through, understanding that even the most durable clothing can experience wear and tear. But what sets Horizon Active apart is their solution – send back your well-loved piece, and they’ll revitalise it, no cost involved.
Sustainable Materials
Horizon Active’s dedication to sustainable materials is commendable. They craft leggings and bras from 83% recycled polyester, and tees from 80% recycled nylon. This transformation in collaboration with Repreve adds another layer of authenticity to their eco-conscious mission. Their conscientious choice to inject colours directly into the fabric rather than traditional dyeing methods is a testament to their commitment to reducing waste and pollution. Even their packaging follows suit, embracing plant-based materials that can seamlessly transition into compost.
Environmental and Social Impact
From design to creation, Horizon Active’s in-house approach guarantees top-notch quality and a lower carbon footprint. It’s refreshing to see a brand so deeply committed to fairness – ensuring that everyone in their ecosystem receives fair wages and optimum working conditions. But their devotion doesn’t stop there. Imperfections aren’t discarded; they’re opportunities. Whether repairing or transforming, Horizon Active redefines what it means to give clothing a second chance. And for those looking to contribute to the cycle, the option to send back old pieces not only fuels this vision but also rewards you with a 15% discount towards your next step in conscious fashion. Check out Horizon Active.
Berkeh Active
Images source: berkehclothing.com
Canada
Berkeh Active stands tall as a female-owned sustainable and ethical women’s activewear brand. Anchored in the belief that small actions can trigger momentous change, they embark on a mission to curtail the tide of waste engulfing our landfills and oceans. One recycled plastic bottle at a time, they’re staunch contributors to the betterment of our environment.
Berkeh Active’s vision harmoniously blends the quest for personal health with the care of our planet’s well-being. Their activewear doesn’t just empower your body; it empowers the planet too. Imagine vibrant organic hues, compression that moulds to you, comfort that accompanies every movement, and a fit that feels like a second skin. Berkeh Active’s range embodies all these elements, inviting you to stride forward with purpose and dress with intention. Explore Berkeh Active’s activewear collection.
Sustainable Materials
Central to their ethos is the embrace of sustainable materials. Each fabric they craft emerges from recycled ocean-bound plastic bottles, forming a blend of 77% Recycled Nylon and 23% Elastane. Their commitment continues with natural, eco-friendly dyes, and 100% biodegradable packaging, a testament to their unwavering dedication to minimising waste.
Social and Environmental Impact
Berkeh Active’s impact extends beyond the environmental realms; it encapsulates social responsibility. Their ethical production practices ensure that every link in their supply chain is treated equitably. Workers in their manufacturer’s fold receive fair wages, comprehensive medical insurance for themselves and their families, nourishing meals, essential vitamins, reasonable work hours, and a secure work environment. Their manufacturer’s involvement in a local charity underscores their commitment, to aiding the rehabilitation of mothers and children who rely on scavenging dumpsters for sustenance.
Nimble
Australia
Image source: nimbleactivewear.com
Nimble is an activewear brand from Australia that specialises in creating eco-friendly workout clothes for women. Their activewear fabrics are designed to withstand rigorous activities, stretching, bending, and releasing sweat while maintaining their quality for years. The brand prioritises transparency, safe working conditions, and fair wages for its manufacturers located in Taiwan and China. Their main objective is to offer their customers high-quality and sustainable fabrics. Their product range includes leggings, bras, shorts, tops, jumpsuits, and outerwear.
Sustainable Materials
Nimble has achieved a 62% utilisation of sustainable materials in its products and has engineered five sustainable fabrics. The brand replaces traditional virgin cotton with recycled and organic varieties sourced from Vietnam. Additionally, they use recycled polyester made from discarded plastic bottles, significantly reducing the carbon footprint compared to virgin cotton. The mechanically recycled polyester which they use contributes to a more than 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to virgin polyester.
Nimble’s CiCLO® Knit range combines linen-cotton yarn with CiCLO® fibres, a recycled polyester designed to biodegrade at a rate similar to natural fibres while providing breathability and durability. In some of its other products, the brand incorporates Modal fibres made from renewable wood sources. As for their fabrics, they are either Oeko-Tex or BlueSign certified. These are organisations that certify fabrics free of harmful chemicals and substances, ensuring their activewear is safe for human health.
Environmental and Social Impact
In terms of environmental impact, Nimble takes significant steps to reduce its carbon footprint and waste. Amazingly, the brand has recycled over 1 million plastic bottles to create sustainable materials for its activewear. As for printing, they use environmentally friendly digital printing technology for 99% of their printed activewear range, resulting in lower CO2 emissions and less water consumption compared to conventional printing methods.
Nimble aims to extend the lifespan of its garments and reduce landfill waste. In support of this, the brand provides a garment care guide to customers, encouraging eco-friendly washing practices. To manage their local footprint, they have partnered up with Upparel to divert fabric waste from landfills, contributing to the recycling of 214 kg of fabric waste thus far. As for ocean conservation, the brand supports the Seabin Foundation by donating funds raised through its sample sales and limited edition prints.
As far as packaging goes, Nimble’s packaging is compostable, reducing single-use plastic waste and environmental harm.
Inner Fire
Canada
Image source: myinnerfire.com
Inner Fire is a Canadian activewear brand that specialises in sustainable activewear for men and women. The brand’s core philosophy centres around creating active lifestyle clothing that fosters a sense of connection and reverence for Mother Earth. Their primary goal is to design clothing that looks great and brings joy, inspiration, and smiles to their customers. As for their range, their products include sports bras, tops, shorts, capris, leggings, bottoms, rompers/joggers for women, and tops, shorts, and leggings for men. You can check out Inner Fire here.
Sustainable Materials
Inner Fire uses environmentally friendly materials in their clothing. One notable example is the brand’s leggings, which it makes from BPA-free recycled water bottles. In terms of printing, the brand uses eco-friendly water-based inks on its garments.
Environmental and Social Impact
Inner Fire recognizes the importance of educating its global community about sustainable practices and actively promotes mindfulness and positivity. By transforming plastic waste into high-quality activewear, the brand contributes to reducing environmental pollution and waste. As for their carbon footprint, their choice to produce their garments in North America likely helps reduce their carbon footprint by minimising the distance travelled in the supply chain.
Corbeaux
United States
Image source: corbeauxclothing.com
Corbeaux is an American activewear brand that produces high-performance next-to-skin apparel. The brand designs its products with the help of athletes in the Elk Mountains of Aspen. The brand creates fashion-forward styles for outdoor adventurers seeking sustainable apparel. As far as fabric goes, their fabrics are soft, quick-drying, fast-wicking, and temperature-regulating. They offer a range of activewear for men and women, including tops, fleece, and bottoms. You can check out Corbeaux here.
Sustainable Materials
Corbeaux makes their breathable fabrics from recycled plastics, which helps to divert waste from landfills and reduce pollution and energy consumption. The brand sources its materials responsibly and its fabrics meet the BLUESIGN™️ standard. This means that their supply and manufacturing chain adheres to the highest environmental and consumer protection standards. As for dyeing, Corbeaux dyes their Energy Saving Yarn (ESY) at significantly lower temperatures than traditional yarns, leading to a nearly 50% reduction in energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Environmental and Social Impact
In addition to using sustainable materials, Corbeaux operates with a responsible supply chain and manufactures in small batches locally in the United States. To limit waste, they repurpose fabric scraps into useful accessories like Goggle Bags and Harlan Headbands. Corbeaux handcrafts these items in Colorado, offering valuable trade skills to women coming off of government assistance.
Through its ‘Join the Fight’ program, Corbeaux collects gently used athletic apparel and clothing to donate to two causes: first, to guide and porter communities in underdeveloped mountain cultures, and second, to homeless shelters in the USA.
Isabelle Moon
Indonesia
Image source: isabellemoon.com
Isabelle Moon is a sustainable activewear brand for women founded by Meghan Currie. The brand’s essence is rooted in a profound love for nature, textures, and creativity. The founders created Isabelle Moon with the intention of embracing the wild sensuality, playfulness, and whimsicality that resides within women. They design their clothing line to offer freedom and comfort both on and off the yoga mat, drawing inspiration from the female silhouette, the raw beauty of nature, and a yogic lifestyle. Isabelle Moon’s offerings include tops, bodysuits, shorts, leggings, outerwear, and pants. You can check out Isabelle Moon here.
Sustainable Materials
Isabelle Moon’s eco-friendly fabrics are dyed naturally. Amazingly, they create their own dyes from shredded leaves that are cooked in boiling water. They use Tarum leaves for indigo, Secand wood for red, and Mango leaves for yellow dyes. As for their fabric, they make their tops, leggings, and bodysuits from a combination of 90% Bamboo and 10% Spandex. Bamboo is a highly sustainable material as it grows fast and does not require replanting. To be more eco-friendly, farmers grow the plant organically without harmful pesticides and fertilisers. In terms of benefits, Bamboo fabric offers numerous, such as being moisture absorbent, breathable, antibacterial, durable, and exceptionally soft.
Environmental and Social Impact
Bamboo, being an environmentally friendly fabric, helps mitigate climate change as it absorbs five times the volume of greenhouse gases compared to the same number of timber trees and releases 35% more oxygen. In the interest of social responsibility, the brand has a partnership with local Indonesian artisans who are family-owned, fostering the growth of ethical practices within the region.
Bewildher
Canada
Image source: bewildher.com
Bewildher is a Canadian slow fashion activewear brand with a unique approach to sustainability and social impact. The brand specialises in pre-order-only activewear for women, aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and empower women. They provide a range of activewear including shorts, capris, and leggings suitable for activities such as running, hiking, gym, and yoga. You can check out Bewidher here.
Bewildher’s mission is to connect active women with the process and people behind its activewear, while facilitating ways to give back to society and protect the environment. To address the challenge of affordability in the slow fashion market, Bewilder encourages pre-orders. Pre-orders help reduce material waste from leftover inventory and enable the brand to offer discounted prices to customers.
Sustainable Materials
In terms of sustainable materials, the brand recycles plastic bottles, transforming them into activewear. They make a conscious effort to source these materials locally.
Environmental and Social Impact
Bewildher actively supports various initiatives to make a positive impact on both the environment and society. For every garment purchased, the brand donates to plant a tree. Additionally, they are a member of 1% For The Planet, donating 1% of their annual revenue to environmental causes.
In addition to their environmental efforts, Bewildher empowers women in the fashion industry. The brand works with a female-owned garment factory that pays fair wages to its employees. Moreover, they support organisations like the Clean Clothes Campaign, advocating for safe working conditions and fair wages for garment workers worldwide.
To create awareness about working conditions, Bewildher offers a behind-the-scenes look into the production process. The brand prioritises quality and aesthetics, actively seeking customer feedback to improve its designs.
Baythe
Australia
Image source: baytheswim.com
Baythe is an Australian athleisure brand catering to the modern, conscious woman who values movement, comfort, and versatility. The brand designs its clothing to be timeless and transcend seasons and trends. They believe that protecting and nourishing the environment is a necessity. By embracing the slow fashion movement, Baythe encourages its community to shift towards mindful consumption, promoting the idea of buying less, buying better, and wearing items for longer. Their product range includes leggings, bodysuits and tops. You can check out Baythe here.
Sustainable Materials
Baythe manufactures its products with innovative environmentally friendly fabrics. The brand crafts its leggings and bodysuits from soft, supportive, and mostly recycled materials. They use mostly recycled nylon in their leggings, and mostly regenerated polyester in the lining. Both materials are GRS-certified (Global Recycled Standard). To avoid toxins, the brand employs REACH fabrications, which adhere to strict standards for chemical registration, evaluation, and authorization.
For their tops, Baythe uses a blend of cotton and Tencel Modal fibres. Tencel Modal is a sustainable fabric derived from beechwood pulp, known for its eco-friendly production process and biodegradability.
Environmental and Social Impact
Baythe ensures fair working conditions for its employees and supports local communities by hand-making all pieces locally in Australia. As for production, the brand follows a low-volume approach to avoid oversupply and waste.
108sportif
Australia
Image source: 108sportif.com
108sportif is a conscious women’s luxury activewear brand based in Australia that bridges the gap between activewear and athleisure. The brand’s mission revolves around creating better quality products so that consumers need to buy fewer items. Unlike trend-driven fashion, they design their activewear to be seasonless, classic and withstand the test of time. They use sustainable materials to produce their garments without compromising on luxury or style. Their product range includes one-pieces, sports bras, bottoms, and tops. You can check out 108sportif here.
Sustainable Materials
108sportif has moved towards regenerated fabrics to reduce their environmental impact. One of the main fabrics used in the brand’s sports bras and leggings is ECONYL®. Econyl is 100% regenerated nylon fibre/yarn made from pre and post-consumer waste like fishing nets and other nylon waste. In addition, they use Certified Organic Bamboo crafted from LENZING™ Viscose. The Bamboo fibre is made from sustainable wood and pulp from sources that are certified and controlled.
108sportif uses Recycled Nylon for its one-piece and tops. The brand produces this fabric from super soft, high-quality REPREVE® fibre, which is derived from recycled plastic bottles.
Environmental and Social Impact
In terms of the environment, 108sportif’s garments are certified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, ensuring they’re free from toxic chemicals that could harm the environment or people. As for production, the brand produces its La Femme en Noir collection in small production runs, which helps cut down on waste.
In terms of packaging, 108sportif uses eco-friendly, compostable packaging across its supply chain.
As far as logistics go, 108sportif is mindful of the carbon emissions they generate with shipping. To offset these emissions, the brand partners with DHL Express and their GoGreen initiative for carbon-neutral international customer shipments.
Skimmed Milk
United Kingdom
Image source: skimmedmilk.london
Skimmed Milk is a UK-based sustainable activewear brand that caters to women. The brand offers a range of joyful activewear in interchangeable colours, making it easy to mix and match with your wardrobe. Additionally, you can use their fitness and athletics wear across various disciplines. In terms of fabrics, they design their styles using the latest moisture-wicking fabrics with 4-way stretch capabilities. As for packaging, Skimmed Milk presents unique and eco-friendly packaging by delivering your order in a Milk Carton. Their product lineup includes bodysuits, bottoms, sports bras, and tops. You can check out Skimmed Milk here.
Sustainable Materials
In order to save resources, Skimmed Milk strives to cut down on material wastage by working with a specialist manufacturer and technology that maximises the number of garments cut from their fabrics. They make 73% of their products out of certified recycled polyester (recycled plastic), while the remaining 27% is elastane.
Environmental and Social Impact
In the interest of the environment, Skimmed Milk partners with fabric suppliers who monitor and conserve water and energy during the dying and fixing process. Additionally, Skimmed Milk encourages recycling and has plans to launch a recycling scheme for their garments, where you can recycle your activewear when you are done using it. Furthermore, for every non-recycled item they sell, they make a donation to Project Jonah, a charity in New Zealand that maintains marine life and organises beach clean-ups.
Concerning its manufacturing process, Skimmed Milk works with factories that are dedicated to environmental sustainability. The brand prioritises fair treatment, health, and safety for employees, ensuring they work in clean and safe conditions with enough rest. While Skimmed Milk does not own the factories, they have partnered with manufacturers that share their values and commitment to ethical and responsible practices.
Gngr Bees
United Kingdom
Image source: gngrbees.com
Gngr Bees is a UK-based brand that specialises in sustainable activewear for women. The brand’s core philosophy revolves around creating beautiful and honest activewear using reclaimed materials. To go beyond simply selling products, they have a real purpose that involves contributing to sustainability projects worldwide. Gngr Bees’ activewear range includes leggings, joggers, bodysuits, sports bras, and tops. You can check out Gngr Bees here.
Sustainable Materials
Gngr Bees uses reclaimed and recycled materials in their activewear. To date, the brand has repurposed an impressive amount of waste, including 28,974 plastic bottles, 1,062 metres of fishing nets, 4,728 metres of textile waste, and 1,033 kilograms of ocean-bound plastic. Their core fabric is recycled polyester made from plastic bottles.
Environmental and Social Impact
Gngr Bees is actively involved in various environmental and social projects. The brand reinvests a portion of its profits into sustainability initiatives through its HIVE foundation. This includes funding reforestation efforts and a partnership with Beach Collective for ground-level work.
In terms of Gngr Bees’ projects, some notable environmental projects include the Nursery Project, where they have planted 2,712 mangroves to support reforestation and biodiversity restoration in Tonga. In another initiative, they developed a community garden for food security in Tonga. Additionally, their Clean Water Project involves collecting fishing nets from the ocean and repurposing them into sports bags.
In terms of inclusivity and diversity, Gngr Bees features women from their Instagram community in their photoshoots. Here, the brand adheres to a “photoshop-free” policy, emphasising genuine representation and embracing passionate individuals to represent their clothing line. You can connect with them on Instagram @gngrbees to join their community and contribute to their purpose-driven initiatives.
Solomon Street
Australia
Image source: solomonstreet.com.au
Solomon Street is an Australian brand that creates activewear with a strong commitment to ethical manufacturing practices. The brand makes its clothing in Bangladesh with manufacturing partners who adhere to high standards of working conditions. To ensure responsible practices, the factory is certified through the Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) program, a body that ensures responsible practices in the manufacturing of sewn products. As for labels, Solomon Street avoids fabric labels, printing labels directly onto the inside of their clothes to reduce waste. The brand offers a range of tops, leggings, and shorts for women. You can check out Solomon Street here.
Sustainable Materials
Solomon Street uses hemp and organic cotton for its activewear to give you that fresh and dry feeling. Hemp is known for its antimicrobial properties, making it ideal for garments in close contact with your skin. In terms of printing, the brand prints its fabric digitally, eliminating runoff that often occurs with traditional printing and dyeing methods, which can pollute waterways. Additionally, all their inks are OEKO-TEX100 certified, ensuring they are free of harmful chemicals.
Environmental and Social Impact
To lower their carbon footprint, Solomon Street’s manufacturing partners use solar energy in their offices and factories. In terms of social impact, the knitting factory is a member of Amfori BSCI, with whom they undergo frequent audits to improve their social performance in the supply chain. As for recycling, the brand encourages you to send your old clothes back for reuse and recycling, and they reward you for doing so, promoting a circular approach to fashion.
In terms of shipping, Solomon Street uses compostable or reusable materials in its packaging. Additionally, the brand offsets its emissions from shipping, making its parcel deliveries carbon-neutral.
Universal Performance
United Kingdom
Image source: up.clothing
Universal Performance is a UK-based brand that specialises in sustainable activewear for both men and women. The brand’s core philosophy centres around the belief that performance wear can be a force for good, not only for individuals but also for the planet and its communities. They design their clothing to keep wearers fresh and dry during workouts. This is thanks to technologies like Polygiene™ StayFresh, which breaks down bacteria molecules on contact to reduce odour. Additionally, drirelease® technology pushes perspiration and body odour out of the fabric and into the air. The product range includes Men’s t-shirts, vests, tank tops, shorts, hoodies, sweaters and women’s sports bras, tank tops, leggings, shorts, t-shirts, and hoodies. You can check out Universal Performance here.
Sustainable Materials
Universal Performance uses a variety of innovative sustainable materials. These include Recycled Polyester, Bamboo, deadstock fabric and Tencel Lyocell, a biodegradable fabric made from wood pulp. Additionally, the brand uses Recycled Polyamide in its men’s t-shirts and women’s leggings which offer odourless technology. In terms of certification, the men’s t-shirts, vests and shorts are Oeko-Tex Eco Passport certified free from harmful chemicals and registered under REACH standards for chemical registration, evaluation, and authorization. Furthermore, they use Organic Cotton in their women’s sweaters and their men’s shorts which are Bluesign® approved and safe for humans and the environment.
Environmental and Social Impact
In order to save resources, Universal Performance manufactures in smaller batches. The brand’s emphasis on handmade production by traditional craftspeople in Portugal helps preserve traditional skills and supports local communities.
In terms of recycling, Universal Performance encourages you to participate in its UPcycle program, where you can send your old performance clothing to be transformed into new fabrics.
As for packaging materials, the brand’s protective bag is fully recycled, and they make the outer packaging from eco-friendly, carbon-neutral sugar cane.
8 Arrows
United States
Image source: 8arrows.com
8 Arrows is a sustainable activewear brand based in the United States that specialises in women’s clothing. The brand’s focus is on natural elegance, conscious consumption, and promoting healthy lifestyles through its clothing dedicated to the female form. One of their key missions is to offer activewear that is free from the toxic chemicals and dyes commonly found in the fashion industry. Their range includes leggings, sports bras, joggers and a jumpsuit. You can check out 8 Arrows here.
Sustainable Materials
In line with their commitment to sustainability, 8 Arrows has developed fabrics that are made from TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibres. These compostable fibres originate from renewable raw materials such as wood and are produced using an environmentally responsible process.
TENCEL™ Modal fibre, derived from naturally grown beech wood, is known for its exceptional softness and flexibility. It enhances the comfort and longevity of clothing, maintaining its soft touch even after repeated washing and drying while adhering to the highest chemical and dyeing regulations.
Environmental and Social Impact
In support of local communities and ethical practices, the luxurious raw materials used by 8 Arrows are knitted and dyed in Los Angeles at a family-owned, conscious production factory. As for packaging materials, the brand’s packaging is 100% compostable.
Horizon Athletic
Australia
Image source: horizonathletic.eu
Horizon Athletic partners with trusted manufacturers both in Europe and in its home country, Australia. The brand’s “Topography” collection, named after Swiss glaciers, aims to raise awareness about the impact of glacial recession on the natural environment. Considering the issues of climate change and plastic waste in the oceans, they believe in reflecting love and respect for the planet through their products while actively addressing these issues facing our world. Horizon Athletic offers a range of sportswear, including tops, bottoms, and jumpers. You can check out Horizon Athletic here.
Sustainable Materials
In terms of sustainable materials, Horizon Athletic’s “Topography” collection includes recycled polyester composed of recycled plastics from the ocean. The brand’s tops and bottoms include ECONYL® regenerated nylon and they use Recycled Polyamide in their jumpers.
Environmental and Social Impact
Horizon Athletic recognizes the urgent threat of global warming to glaciers and aims to make a difference by supporting initiatives related to environmental preservation. As part of this dedication, the brand donates 1% of sales from its “Topography” collection to support efforts that address environmental issues.
Reverve
United Arab Emirates
Image source: revervetherapy.com
Reverve is a sustainable fashion brand based in the United Arab Emirates. The brand aims to inspire women towards a brighter future by promoting sustainable style and a conscious way of living. They are driven to create a meaningful impact and positive change. In terms of Reverve’s colour palette, it draws inspiration from nature and tribal prints, with earthy tones, wild and tribal patterns, as well as warm and cool neutral colours. Their product range includes tops, bottoms, bodysuits, and coverups. You can check out Reverve here.
Sustainable Materials
To create their fabrics, Reverve uses post-consumer waste such as plastic bottles and fishing nets. Their bras, leggings, and bodysuits are made with a fabric called Comfort Luxe, which is a high-quality recycled material composed of 77% recycled nylon and 23% elastane. This fabric has a low carbon footprint and is dyed using eco-friendly methods. Additionally, these fabrics are traceable, trusted, and certified, ensuring transparency and accountability in the supply chain. The brand sources these materials from one of the world’s leading innovators in synthetic and eco-performance fibres.
Environmental and Social Impact
To promote the reduction of single-use waste, Reverve uses plantable clothing tags made with spinach seeds. Instead of throwing the tag away, you can plant it and contribute to the growth of greenery. As for packaging, the brand uses compostable bags, which are made with PLA, a bioplastic derived from cornstarch and water-based inks. Impressively, these bags start to degrade after just six months.
Closing the Chapter on Sustainable Activewear
Our curation of sustainable activewear brands isn’t just a lineup; it’s a testament. Fashion can be a beacon of sustainability. These brands redefine the game with ethics, eco-friendly materials, and fair labour practices. They aren’t just stitching clothes; they’re stitching a new narrative for the industry, igniting the spark of hope for a better tomorrow.
As consumers, our choices wield might. By standing with these brands, we demand transparency and sustainability from the fashion world. Together, let’s craft a planet-friendly legacy. Let’s cultivate a future that thrives on ethics and compassion, one sustainable activewear choice at a time. Join us in this movement of change, where fashion syncs harmoniously with both humanity and Earth.
What’s your go-to sustainable activewear brand? Share your thoughts below – let’s inspire each other!
Cover image credits: 108sportif.com, 8arrows.com, revervetherapy.com.
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