Fall semester is here, and we’re all settling back into classes. As a city girl who just moved to Durham two months ago, I’ve already noticed that while the city offers some entertainment, it can feel limited at times. When that happens—when the weekends feel quiet or there’s “nothing to do”—many of us turn inward and start prioritizing our health, both mental and physical. For students here, training and exercise quickly become a star point in the daily routine, shaping not just our schedules but also our well-being.
As we keep going back to the gym—and since many of us love to mix fitness with a little shopping—why not take this year as an opportunity to make more sustainable choices? After all, the gear we wear can be just as important as the workouts we do, and choosing wisely means caring for both ourselves and the planet.
I did some research for all my girlies trying to be mindful about what goes on their skin while our bodies are sweating and our pores are open—ready to absorb whatever’s in the fabrics hugging them. Here are a few great options:
Activewear
1. Quince
This is a brand providing affordable, minimalistic activewear made from carefully selected sustainable and recycled fabrics. Their colors can really elevate your everyday gym outfit.
2. Girlfriend Collective
This brand does not only offer comfortable activewear ethically made from recycle materials, but also encourages customers to recycle their old clothes by rewarding them for it. Their price are slightly higher compared to the last suggestion, but still affordable.
Sneakers
Of course, no outfit is complete without a trendy—but eco-friendly—pair of sneakers. Here are two great picks:
1. On Running
This is where you can find a handful of trendy running shoes. On Running is a company that continuously experiments to provide sustainable technologies while deliver state-of-the-art performance.
2. Veja
A variety of interesting materials such as Amazonian rubber or Brazilian organic cotton has been used for the past 20 years to enrich the market with these sneakers. They can be your go-to shoes whether you are hitting the gym, going out for a walk or even hitting the bars for this much needed drink of the week.
P.S. You’re so capable of saving that money, girl! A good activewear set is definitely worth the investment.