By Sonia Ahmed
Living a sustainable and ethical lifestyle is becoming increasingly important to many people today. One area where this mindset is gaining traction is in the world of activewear. Thankfully, there are now numerous brands that are committed to producing sustainable workout gear without compromising on style or functionality. These brands not only prioritize the health of the environment but also the wellbeing of those involved in the production process.
Qualities of Ethical and Sustainable Activewear Brands
Before diving into the brands themselves, let's quickly discuss what to look for when choosing ethical and sustainable workout clothes:
Natural Fibers
When it comes to sustainable activewear, natural fibers are key. Look for brands that use organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo, which are often blended with recycled synthetic fibers for flexibility. Tencel, a popular choice among ethical activewear brands, offers both comfort and sustainability.
Recycled Synthetics
Many eco-friendly sports gear companies are doing a fantastic job of recycling plastic and turning it into new products. However, it's essential to be aware of microfibers that can break off during washing and end up in our waterways. Using filters to catch these microfibers and disposing of them safely is crucial.
Eco-Conscious Production
Manufacturing products without harming the environment is a fundamental aspect of eco-friendly brands. Look for brands that avoid using harmful chemicals, recycle waste, and dispose of it responsibly.
Fair Labor and Transparent Supply Chain
Sustainability isn't just about the environment; it also includes fair labor practices and a transparent supply chain. Opt for brands that source their raw materials from renewable resources, provide fair wages and benefits to workers, and actively reduce their carbon footprint.
Charitable Endeavors
Many sustainable brands are passionate about giving back to society. They engage in community work, support charities and nonprofits, and encourage their customers to make a difference through donations.
Now let's explore some of the top sustainable activewear brands in the market:
nuud activewear
Photo Credit: Rachel Marshall
nuud activewear is a female-founded zero-waste dance and yoga wear brand that is built from the ground up for sustainability. They prioritize keeping production materials and products from ending up in landfills. In fact, nuud activewear utilizes all production offcuts and offers free repair or a 40% discount on the same style. Their style is minimal and timeless, with garments that flatter the body and provide a luxurious feel. Made with premium recycled fabrics sourced from an Italian factory committed to sustainability, these clothes are perfect for sweating and staying cool. Furthermore, nuud activewear works closely with an Estonian manufacturer to ensure a dignified workplace and a fair pay. By supporting nuud activewear, you're also supporting the International Tree Foundation.
Girlfriend Collective
If you're looking for fashion-forward gymwear that complements your body curves, Girlfriend Collective is the brand for you. This brand intricately designs aesthetic and luxurious activewear without incurring any environmental or social damage in the process. They have recycled over 8 million water bottles and fishing nets, with each pair of leggings made from 25 plastic bottles. Comfort, fit, and function are never compromised with Girlfriend Collective. They prioritize fair labor practices and empower women through fair trade. Ever wondered where you can buy sustainable leggings? Girlfriend Collective is your answer.
Tripulse
Franziska Mesche, the founder of Swedish Activewear brand Tripulse, pushed the possibilities of ethical sportswear to new heights. They have partnered with Climate Neutral to measure their carbon footprint and purchase carbon credits to offset this footprint entirely. Tripulse avoids materials that shed harmful microplastics and utilizes innovative natural fibers that perform just as well, if not better, without causing environmental harm. Their material suppliers and clothing production factory have fair labor conditions. Additionally, their packaging materials are reusable, recyclable, biodegradable, and kept to a minimum. Tripulse's mantra of fitness, sustainability, and community drives them to make a positive change.
Boody
Boody is a certified sustainable activewear brand with eco-ethics ingrained in every fiber. They create the softest, most comfortable clothing essentials, sports bras, underwear, and basics for men, women, and kids. Boody fabricates its revolutionary products from organic bamboo yarn treated only with water and no chemicals. Their fabrics are ethically sourced with sustainable materials, and all production is zero-waste. By supporting Boody, you're also contributing to the betterment of the world.
These are just a few examples of the numerous sustainable activewear brands available in the market today. Each brand listed above is dedicated to producing durable, high-quality products while maintaining fair trade policies, labor laws, and a commitment to social and ecological endeavors.
When choosing activewear, remember to prioritize comfort, moisture-wicking ability, style, and the suitability of the clothing for your chosen activity. Look for certifications such as Oeko-Tex 100, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Fair Trade, Ecocert, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and B-Corp to ensure the brand meets sustainable and ethical standards.
Join the movement towards sustainable activewear and stay fit while making a positive impact on the planet and its people.
