Workout clothing is some of my favorite stuff to buy (even though I rarely workout- I’m trying, though)! Yoga pants are so comfy to wear whether you’re working out, running errands, or just lounging at home. And honestly, I feel like cute workout clothing is motivation to work out, so why not! When I’m buying anything, I like to make sure that I’m going to use it, that it’s a quality product that can last, and purchase it from a sustainable source. So, here’s a list of sustainable activewear brands that I’ve compiled:
Athleta:
Athleta is not as sustainable as some of the brands I’ve mentioned in this post. However, they are a B Corp, which means as a business, according to the B Corp website, they “meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose” (learn more here: https://bcorporation.net). I would recommend buying from Athleta as opposed to a brand like Lululemon. Most Athleta products’ quality and cost are comparable to that of Lululemon, so why not support the more sustainable business? I own several pairs of leggings from Athleta, and they are super soft and supportive! My favorite leggings are the Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight. These leggings are well made, and I love that they have pockets to put your phone in while you’re working out.
Girlfriend Collective:
Girlfriend Collective has super cute and fun pieces as well as good basics. I have yet to try out any of their products, but I have my eyes on their FLOAT Cleo Bra in the color Fern. Girlfriend Collective is extremely size inclusive; they have sizes ranging from XXS-6XL. Their packaging is completely recycled, their dyes are eco-friendly, and they use recycled fabrics in their products. They transform recycled water bottles into clothing! According to their website, their leggings are made from 25 recycled plastic water bottles and their bras are made from 11. Their factory is SA8000 certified, which means they guarantee ethical practices in areas like working conditions, the right to unionize, and wages. To learn more, check out their website. My favorite part about Girlfriend Collective is that they’re so transparent. You can read about all their materials and factory practices on their website.
Groceries Apparel:
Groceries Apparel has amusing pieces! I love their vegetable dye line! Tie-dye is really in trend right now, so I love that I can shop it sustainably. They also have great basic products to wear while working out and throughout the day. Groceries Apparel’s clothing manufacturers are in Los Angeles from their factory, so their labor and production standards are followed effectively. They use sustainable materials that are recycled and fair-trade, such as hemp. Their materials go straight from farms to their factory, thus offering transparency and support to local family farms.
Organic Basics:
Organic Basics is a great place to shop for, wait for it… basics! Organic Basics has a limited activewear line, but their pieces are well made and great staples. They also have excellent everyday clothing like t-shirts and undergarments. They only use Class A, and B materials, which are the most sustainable, and all of their fabrics are natural, recycled, biodegradable, and low impact. Their website is also low impact, which means it decreases data transfer which, in turn, reduces carbon emissions through reduced electricity. They also display each product’s impact index to show its positive environmental impact. Cool, right?
Outdoor Voices:
Outdoor Voices has great workout and everyday life clothing. I like the layering basics they have. I’m looking into buying their cotton t-shirts in long sleeve and short sleeve. Their leggings come in a lot of colors and use TechSweat fabrics that are breathable and sweat absorbing. I especially love their TechSweat 7/8 Zoom Leggings in the bright yellow color because why not be extra? Outdoor Voices uses sustainable fabrics, specifically blue-sign certified fabrics (learn more here: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bluesign.html), and recycled/recyclable packaging. They’re not as sustainable as some of the other brands on this list, but they are working towards goals like increasing their use of traceable fibers.
Patagonia:
How can I talk about sustainable fashion without mentioning Patagonia? They are the best! I recommend Patagonia for more outdoor-based workout gear, such a hiking or biking wear. They also have great outerwear! I have two jackets from Patagonia, and I wore one of them this year in NYC, and it did SO well protecting me from the cold. Patagonia is also a B Corp. They do a great job of using recycled materials, supporting their workers through Fair Trade practices, and reducing their harmful effects on the environment in all ways possible. I recommend checking out their “Business Unusual” and “Our Footprint” pages on their website because Patagonia is doing amazing things! They just met their goal of using all renewable electricity for their operations in the US. Also, 76% of their product line is certified Fair Trade sewn. Isn’t that amazing?! If you can’t tell already, I love Patagonia!
These brands are relatively the same price range and are great alternatives to brands like Lululemon and Nike. The fashion industry is one of the worst industries in terms of its effect on the environment. I think it’s imperative to do our part and support sustainable businesses (if you can) trying to make a change.