5 Sustainable Activewear Brands
THAT MAKE AT-HOME WORKOUTS MORE FUN
By Natalie Folchi
Image Source: Haute Stock
If you belong to a gym, fitness or yoga studio, you probably understand how important it is to have people around you who can encourage you to accomplish your health and wellness goals and keep you on track. But after our favorite fitness studios closed their doors to help slow the spread of COVID-19, we transformed our living rooms, bedrooms and any other space we could find into our personal gyms. But we lost our community to help us stay accountable.
This is why we look for inspiration in the little things, like a killer playlist and of course, a cute workout set. Something as simple as slipping on a buttery soft pair of leggings can instantly transform your mood and put a little extra pep in your step. Just enough to get you through that workout.
We’ve rounded up our favorite environmentally-conscious activewear brands that will make getting dressed and staying active at home something to look forward to, everyday.
GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE
Recycled water bottles transform into chic activewear
We love everything Girlfriend Collective stands for, like body positivity (inclusive sizing options range from XXS – 6X!) and its ability to turn someone else’s trash, like water bottles and fishing nets, into activewear treasure. With so many options to choose from, we can guarantee you’ll find something you love. And once you’re ready to move on, you can simply recycle your garment with the company’s program, ReGirlfriend. It’s a no-brainer!
Sustainable Practices:
Uses 100% recycled and recyclable packaging
Clothing is made from a combination of recycled polyester, spandex, post-consumer bottles and fishing nets and other waste
Tees and tanks are 100% cupro and the yarn is made in a zero-waste, zero-emission facility in Japan
Uses eco-friendly dyes
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
High-Rise Run Short ($48)
ORGANIC BASICS
When in doubt, stick to the basics
Organic Basics’ activewear collection is simple, clean and comfortable. The items come in three solid colors – black, burgundy and sea blue, so they’re perfect for the minimal consumer or traditional yogi. The sleek yet practical designs are proof that basics are anything but boring.
Sustainable Practices:
Uses only natural, renewable, recycled, biodegradable and low-impact textiles
Works with sustainable and certified factory partners
Ensures workplaces are safe and employees are paid a fair wage
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
PACT
Versatile options for lounging or sweating
While Pact doesn’t promote the traditional workout set, the brand is perfect for those who are looking for simple, affordable basics. The collection contains a wide variety of fun prints and colors, so there really is an option for everyone. Also, their pieces are extremely versatile, so they can be worn for a workout or for running errands. We’re all about that!
Sustainable Practices:
Fair trade factory certified
Organic cotton GOTS certified
Ships product in recycled and compostable packaging
Uses non-toxic dyes
Accepts old and used clothes through its own clothing donation program
Price Range: $
Our Picks:
Hoodie Long Sleeve Tee ($45)
Modern Racerback Bra ($25)
TALA
Plantable paper tags are just one reason why we love this inclusive brand
TALA’s styles are modern and a bit edgy, and we love how inclusive they are when it comes to sizing. There is a flattering fit and style for every body type, and that’s something to celebrate. And we admire how their product tags are made of plantable paper. Simply remove your new piece from its recycled package and plant the tag in a pot of soil. Water it and watch it grow!
Sustainable Practices:
Packaging is recycled and recyclable
TALA uses a high proportion of eco-friendly materials including
Use of eco-friendly materials – including upcycled materials – limits the amount of chemicals, water and wastewater used in production
Tags are made from 100% plantable paper
Price Range: $$
Our Picks:
Zinnia Legging ($50)
Porto Hoodie ($61)
YOGAVATED
Fashion meets art meets sustainability
Yogavated Athletics collaborates with local artists to create limited-edition activewear pieces that are sustainably-made, functional and one-of-a-kind. All of their pieces are made by hand and we love the use of color in their designs. As an added bonus, their antimicrobial techno-fabric is breathable and fast-drying, so it keeps you nice and cool during intense workouts.
Sustainable Practices:
Every piece is made by hand in-house from recycled fabric scraps
The brand’s scrap material is collected during production and repurposed to create hang tag strings, free headbands, reusable rags, dog beds and more
Price Range: $$-$$$
Our Picks:
Vortex Key Legging ($96)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Natalie Folchi is a contributor at SISTAIN. As a full-time photographer, she spends most of her days behind the lens capturing big moments for her clients — from brand launches to wedding days and everything in between. Outside of work, she loves scouring thrift and antique stores for hidden treasures, traveling, binging true crime podcasts and capturing the world on 35mm film.
