Sustainable Activewear to Work Out In… Without Guilt!

Not most people think about this…

But our activewear are usually made of synthetic fabrics for “performance.” So the way that they are made and washed *ahem microfibers* can be unsustainable.

I do admit that it is still difficult to find great sustainable activewear, especially since most are a mix of materials, for example with elastane and spandex. Even if most eco activewear brands are made with organic cotton or recycled materials like polyester, the blend of materials makes the clothes harder, if not, impossible to recycle again.

The answer is new technology and innovation which still need to be developed. But in the meantime, it’s a move forward!

Here are some sustainable activewear brands that are trying to make a change and within the $$ budget:

Sundried

This is an ethical activewear brand that believes in the circular economy and zero waste movement. It has an “eco charge” collection with clothes made from recycled water bottles and recycled coffee. In addition, it minimizes its carbon footprint throughout a product’s full lifecycle partnering with the Low Carbon Innovation Fund. It also encourages a “wash cool, sun dry” care instruction for its products. Moreover, it also believes in giving back and works with several charities like Surfers Against Sewage, Havens Hospices, and Water For Kids. Finally, it promotes transparent ethical production with safe factory conditions and fair wages.

From Clothing

This is an organic, sustainable activewear and lifestyle brand focused on yoga. It uses GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton. This is better than conventional cotton production – fair labour conditions and chemical, allergen, and toxin free production. *Learn more about cotton here.* Plus, it uses merino wool from certified South African farms that “practice good animal husbandry.” From Clothing also transforms its factory scrap fabrics into accessories like scarfs and head bands to further reduce their environmental impact. Its products are still, however, blended with elastane.

Vege Threads

This is an Australian brand that provides organic and sustainable activewear focused on yoga, as well as basics, underwear, and swimwear. Made locally, its products are easily traced allowing the brand to have a *nearly* transparent supply chain. Vege Threads uses GOTS certified organic cotton that local mills in Melbourne knit into yarn. It also uses woolmark accredited merino wool knitted and dyed locally. It admits that this supply chain for wool isn’t 100% traceable as the raw fibres are sent offshore for processing, but it is a working progress. In addition, it dyes it sustainable activewear:

1. using ACO (Australian Certified Organic) dyes – a local dyeing facility recycles and disposes of the dye water waste in a responsible manner
2. using 100% natural plant dyes (from mango leaf, tree bark, indigo, seaweed) – a family run facility in Bali hand dyes the items.

Finally, it is a member of ECA (Ethical Clothing Australia) which ensures that the garments’ production is traceable and transparent, and that the supply chains are fully transparent and legally compliant. It also gives back by being a member of the 1% for the Planet – “a global movement inspiring businesses and individuals to support environmental solutions.” Vege Threads uses and makes organic fabrics, but its products are still lycra blends.

Threads 4 Thought

This is a lifestyle, casual activewear brand producing responsibly and sustainably. It sources sustainable materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and lenzing modal. Moreover, its factory Artex is located in Weihai, China. The factory and the city commit to recycle 80% if its water waste. Artex is also certified with Bureau Veritas and WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production). Both are independent organizations ensuring safe, lawful, and ethical manufacturing. Its products are still spandex blends, however. Finally, this sustainable activewear brand also gives back partnering with the International Rescue Committee which is a global NGO (nongovernmental organization) providing aid to refugees.

The Popular Sustainable Activewear Brands

You may already know these brands, but I couldn’t NOT include them…

Patagonia

Patagonia, unlike the brands above, have a wide variety of sustainable activewear and is a certified B corporation.  It has started many initiatives and created organizations devoted to sustainability. For example, the brand co-founded The Conservation Alliance and 1% for the Planet (mentioned above).  Its business mission and model revolve around the environment. The brand has recycle and reuse programs such as the “trade-in program” where it sells pre-owned Patagonia clothing and the “worn wear” which recycles worn items into new products. In addition, it uses sustainable materials like GOTS certified organic cotton, hemp, and recycled fabrics. Patagonia is also a member of different organizations like the FLA (Fair Labor Association) and FFC (Fair Factories Clearinghouse).

Honestly….

There is so much information on their website that I suggest surfing Patagonia’s website. It is great to see a brand making moves!

Girlfriend Collective

This brand offers luxury, minimalist sustainable activewear. It mainly uses recycled materials. The items are made of recycled polyester from water bottles and of recycled nylon from fishing nets.  It even thinks about its packaging which is also recycled and recyclable. However, like the other brands above, its products are spandex blends. On the other hand, Girlfriend Collective treats wastewater to ensure that it is safe before discharging it into the water streams. It also transforms its dump dye mud into paving stones to create sidewalks in the community. The brand is certified by OEKO-Tex Standard 100 and its facilities are SA8000 certified (Social Accountability International). It traces all of its supply chain and shares lots of information and a code of conduct on its website!

And The Most Obvious…

Second Hand Activewear

It’s quite surprising *or not* the amount of brand new activewear that you can find in the second hand market, either in stores or through community selling apps like Depop.

In short, these brands are not perfect, but are progressing. There are definitely more brands that are trying to make a change!
Let me know in the comments below what are other sustainable activewear brands that think about the people, planet, and animals.