Summer is around the corner, and you probably already have taken the resolution to stay active. Keeping your body active and fit is the key to good health, and wearing sustainable activewear can make your workout sessions more enjoyable and convenient.
The fast-fashion industry is choking planet Earth in many ways. Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon take hundreds of years to decompose. Moreover, emissions from textile manufacturing are projected to increase by 60% by 2030.
Before you shop for new activewear, consider these nine brands. They are taking the initiative to reduce their environmental impact with more sustainable activewear. So, suit yourself up for summer fitness and reduce your clothing’s impact on the planet at the same time.
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TenTree inMotion Mesh Insert Bra Top
TenTree is one of the premier sustainable fashion brands that makes Earth-First essentials using eco-friendly materials. They reduce the environmental impact of the fast-fashion sector in many ways.
TenTree plants 10 trees for every item they sell, attempting to offset the carbon produced during manufacturing and distribution. It uses sustainably made materials, including Tencel, recycled polyester, hemp, and organic cotton, and FSC-certified recycled paper for packaging. The brand follows ethical manufacturing practices, including supply chain transparency and ethical labor rights.
Start your TenTree shopping with the inMotion Mesh Insert Bra Top, a sports bra top made from recycled fabric. The slim fit, racerback top is available in two colors – black and periscope gray. The production of each of these bra tops helps save 0.69 liters of water, 0.15 kilograms CO2, and 0.2 grams of waste.
Girlfriend Collective Taro Classic Jogger
You must have come across brands that tout transparency but deliver nothing but flashy headlines. Girlfriend Collective tries to address the challenge by trying to be as transparent as possible. The brand’s packaging is 100% recycled. The materials used for making products include 79% recycled polyester, 21% spandex, post-consumer bottles, recycled fishing nets, ECONYL yarn, recycled nylon, and 100% cupro, a cellulose-based rayon.
Girlfriend Collective’s manufacturing facilities are SA8000 certified, which ensures safe and best labor practices. And the recycled fabric they use is Standard 100 certified by OEKO-TEX, which guarantees reduced environmental impact. They also use BPA-free recycled polyester.
Made from a blend of recycled and organic cotton, the Taro Classic Jogger is a relaxed-fit jogger that’s comfy for you and the planet. It’s available in seven colors, and you can pair it with a Taro Classic Sweatshirt or a top of your choice. The production of each jogger saves 287 gallons of water, 0.87 pounds of CO2, and 1.53 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy.
Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoodie
Founded in 1985, Patagonia is a brand that believes that all life on Earth is under the threat of extinction, and something needs to be done about it. Patagonia recognizes that whatever they make has an impact on the planet. They’re doing whatever they can to reduce that impact and make a change.
Sixty-four percent of the fabrics Patagonia uses are made from recycled materials. One hundred percent of the virgin down they use is certified to the Advanced Global Traceable Standard. Patagonia also uses Regenerative Organic Certified pilot cotton that restores farmland, recycled spandex, PrimaLoft P.U.R.E., NetPlus recycled fishing nets, and recycled nylon, wool, and cashmere. They also support Fair Trade, Supply Chain Environmental Responsibility Program, and Living Wage standard.
The Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoodie is a Fair Trade certified product made from 100% recycled polyester. If you’re looking for a breathable, lightweight, and comfortable hoodie that helps you stay warm, stylish, and sustainable in cold conditions, this full-zip hoodie has got you covered. It’s available in three colors: Regen Green, Smolder Blue, and Steller Blue.
Kaira Active Biker Shorts
Kaira Active is an outdoor sportswear and beachwear brand that aims to facilitate outdoor adventure in a sustainable and environment-friendly manner. The brand uses ECONYL-based fabric that’s made of recycled fishnets and nylon waste. One percent of each purchase at Kaira Active goes to Healthy Seas – a nonprofit devoted to cleaning and protecting oceans.
If you’re an athlete, gym-goer, or fitness enthusiast who wants to break some sweat sustainably, Kaira Active Biker Shorts have got you covered. These shorts are comfortable and versatile; wear them for sweaty workouts, cycling, morning walks, and more. They also include pockets for extra convenience.
REI Co-op Farlands Hoodie
Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) is a brand that believes in spending life outdoors in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. The company invests 70% of its profits in the outdoor community through dividends to REI members, employee profit-sharing and retirement, and nonprofits.
REI uses recycled materials, cotton, lyocell & modal, wool, and leather. The brand also follows bluesign, the American Footwear and Apparel Association’s Restricted Substance List, and OIA sustainable supply chain guidelines. REI is committed to becoming a climate-neutral company and is putting in efforts to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. REI also abides by sustainable packaging standards to minimize operational waste.
Check out REI’s ROI Co-op Farlands Hoodie, a must-have in every woman’s activewear wardrobe. Made from 55% hemp and 45% organically grown cotton, this casual hoodie has an easy-going style. Pair it with shorts, joggers, chinos, and even denim. It’s available in two colors: Granite Peak Blue and Nutmeg.
Manduka Aurora Leggings
Manduka is more than just a brand that offers yoga apparel; it’s a community of more than 900 yogis and yoga ambassadors. With the motto “Made for Good,” Manduka focuses on reducing global consumption and making better, long-lasting products.
They follow a thoughtful design approach rooted in the principles of conservancy, transparency, and avoiding the use of toxic chemicals and dyes. Manduka products are made from OEKO-tex certified fabrics, including emission-free PVC, recycled polyester, organic cotton, and biodegradable natural tree rubber.
If you want to make your yoga practice more seamless, stylish, and environment-friendly, check out Manduka’s Aurora Leggings. The smooth construction makes them ideal for everything from daily wear to a sweaty yoga session. The leggings have a high rise and center back pocket. And they’re made from OEKO-tex certified 81% nylon and 19% spandex.
People Tree Lizzie Vest
Founded by award-winning social entrepreneur Safia Minney, People Tree is a sustainable Fair Trade fashion brand. The brand promotes organic farming and uses organically produced cotton, Tencel, denim, wool, and linen. People Tree is certified by Fair Trade, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Soil Association, and PETA. Their collections are made using traditional artisan skills like hand knitting, hand embroidery, and hand weaving to reduce carbon footprint and increase rural employment.
People Tree’s Lizzie Vest is a luxuriously soft and comfortable stretch jersey that you can wear for almost any purpose. You can wear it for workouts in summer and use it as a breathable base layer in winters. It’s available in Eco-white and Black. The vest is made from 95% GOTS-certified organic cotton and 5% elastane.
Alternative Apparel Blair Cotton Modal Interlock Hoodie
Alternative Apparel uses oxo-biodegradable mailer bags to reduce the waste in its packaging. Most of its factories are WRAP-certified and adhere to the workplace code of conduct and Fair Labor Association Guidelines. All Alternative Apparel products are made from organic cotton and post-consumer recycled polyester.
Alternative Blair Cotton Modal Interlock Hoodie is a smooth, soft, and comfortable hoodie made from OEKO-tex certified cotton Tencel and cotton modal spandex. The hoodie is a perfect addition to your casual wardrobe, and you can pair it with pajamas, joggers, and denim.
Adidas by Stella McCartney Training Suit Track Pants
Adidas may not be known as a sustainable fashion brand, but it has made numerous efforts to reduce its environmental impact and embrace sustainable practices. The company’s offices worldwide are plastic-free, and the brand is making efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. Several of the company’s products are made from 100% sustainable cotton, recycled post-consumer plastic, and recycled polyester.
The Stella McCartney Training Suit Track Pants by Adidas are one of the products from Adidas’s sustainable product range. The track pants are made from 100% recycled polyester taffeta. They’re loose-fit and come with a drawcord on elastic waist along with bungee-adjustable cuffs and side and back zip pockets. These track pants are available in three colors: Dove Gray, Black, and Clay.
Jump Into a Sustainable, Active Life
While keeping your body fit is essential, it’s equally important to ensure the health and well-being of the planet. While no brand can be entirely eco-friendly – every item manufactured has some negative impact – the activewear brands mentioned above have taken steps towards a sustainable, environment-friendly, and transparent fashion industry. By buying these products, not only can you upgrade your wardrobe but also become a part of the sustainability movement.
Looking for more sustainable fashion? Check out 5 Sustainable Fashion Lines for Women.