Who ever thought that squat-proof leggings would become a real consideration when picking your next gym outfit? I know we’re all wary of the infamous see-through black legging phenomenon, but it’s really blown past that hallmark with the explosive interest in athleisure in the last decade.
And sure—if all you’re going to do in your activewear is grocery shop for your weekly meal prep? Functionality and opacity don’t matter as much as comfort. But as someone who’s always leery of blasting the color of my underwear to the whole gym whenever I bend over, I have a few stipulations for my workout gear. So here’s a few fantastic, eco-friendly, and sustainable activewear companies to consider when it’s time to retire barely-there leggings.
Boody
Boody uses organic regenerative bamboo in its clothing for its breathability and softness, making it ideal for activewear. (And while bamboo viscose may not top the list of sustainable fabrics, grown organically it is a big step up from conventional cotton and synthetics.) As a company, they’re also dedicated to giving back to non-profit organizations like Goodbye Malaria. Offered in XS-XL; hopefully they’ll add more extended sizing for workout clothes like they did with their undies.
TALA
Based in the UK, TALA was actually the first company that showed me how transparency and sustainability should look in a clothing brand: upcycled materials and responsible production. And while they do offer a larger range now of casual wear, I’ll always salivate juuust a little for their sustainable leggings.
Summersalt
This women-led eco-friendly brand offers swimsuits, lounge and sustainable activewear, and utilizes either sustainable or recycled materials in its business model from the clothes they offer to the packaging it comes in. They are mid-range priced, and currently come in sizes up to 2X/womens 22.
PACT
Even if you’re fairly new to the sustainable fashion world, you’ve probably heard of Pact. Pact is a reasonably priced, organic cotton-focused brand. Sure, their designs are simple, but isn’t that kind of what you want when it comes to activewear? They boast a range of basics and athleisure wear all manufactured at a Fair Trade Certified factory, and eco-conscious shipping practices like packaging made from 100% post-consumer and biodegradable materials. Plus, they’ve got mens, kids, baby, and even maternity so you can outfit the whole fam. XS-2X.
Allbirds
What started as an eco-friendly sneaker brand (remember those wool commercials?) has spawned a whole line of sustainably-made activewear. Allbirds is perfect for any level of activity from yoga to HIIT, and with their popularity growing, you can probably find a brick-and-mortar store near you. I can see their run tank quickly becoming a staple. Materials include tencel, recycled nylon, hemp, and more. XS-3XL.
Free Label
Free Label (based in Vancouver, Canada) is more casual and loungewear than workout per se, but it’s worth mentioning due to their supima cotton tees, reversible sports bras, and bamboo pants you can wear to both yoga and a dinner out. They offer sizes from XS-4X, with a selection of bras designed for bigger busts.
Threads 4 Thought
We all know Threads 4 Thought, right? T4T places an emphasis on accountability with their transparent operation reports and continual pledge to better their sustainability practices. (Which we’re all about keeping them accountable for.) They source eco-friendly fabrics like Lenzing Modal which is derived from regenerated beech trees, and boast an affordably-priced XS-3XL size range.
Day/Won
Day/Won boasts an eco-conscious, manufactured on-demand, operation out of upstate New York that focuses on utilizing recycled materials and promoting size-inclusivity with their no-exception XS-5XL (0-32) activewear line. Their brand is an excellent choice for anyone who favors louder prints, and more performance-tailored fits.
Girlfriend is Mindy Kaling approved.
Girlfriend Collective
I want to take a moment to bow down to this absolutely ICONIC brand. Not only does Girlfriend have a fully transparent supply chain and FAQ on how they source and manufacture their main source of recycled material (plastic water bottles from Taiwan), they’re also the only sustainable activewear brand I’ve found that’s size-inclusive enough to offer XS to 6XL. 👏(If you know of others, do tell.) Also, everyone I know that’s tried Girlfriend has absolutely sworn off any other leggings, ever.
LA Relaxed
LA Relaxed is a more affordable loungewear brand (and you can score 20% off by signing up for their newsletter) offering soft basics like tees, joggers, leggings, and sleepwear. Choose from organic cotton, modal, linen, or tencel.
Oko Living
Looking for the perfect yoga mat to pair with your sustainable activewear? Oko Living’s eco-friendly yoga mats are 100% natural, herbal dyed, and ethically hand loomed in India by women artisans who are paid fair wages and guaranteed safe working conditions.
Pangaia
Plant Based clothing company Pangaia leads the way in materials science with their innovative fabrics. They also have accessories such as another workout must: a reusable stainless steel water bottles are made from fully recyclable materials. Each bottle sold in partnership with Ocean Bottle funds the collection of approximately 1,000 plastic bottles by collectors in coastal communities.
Let us know what other sustainable activewear brands you swear by, and check out our guide to sustainable loungewear here.
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