What is sustainable activewear? (Plus 10 brands doing it right!)

Working out and staying active is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but have you ever considered the impact your workout clothes may have on the environment? As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, more and more people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint, and that includes their wardrobe. So let’s talk about sustainable activewear and how they benefit the environment. I’ve also got a list of 10 different brands that sell sustainable workout wear to help you make the switch!

What makes workout clothes sustainable?

Sustainable workout clothes are made from materials that are environmentally friendly and designed to minimize waste. These materials are often made from recycled or organic materials, which are processed in a way that reduces their environmental impact. Some of the most commonly used sustainable materials in workout clothes include organic cotton, bamboo, recycled polyester, and Tencel.

In contrast, traditional workout clothes are often made from materials like polyester, nylon, and spandex. These materials are not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to an excess of waste in our landfills and microplastics in our oceans. In addition, the production of traditional workout clothes often involves harmful chemicals and excessive energy use, which further harm the environment.

Benefits of sustainable workout clothes

Switching to sustainable workout clothes can benefit both the environment and your personal health. Here are some of the top benefits:

Reduced carbon footprint - By choosing materials that are environmentally friendly, you can help reduce your carbon footprint and lower your impact on the planet.
Improved air and water quality - Sustainable materials are processed in a way that minimizes the use of harmful chemicals, which can improve air and water quality.
Better for your skin - Sustainable materials are often softer and gentler on the skin, which can reduce the risk of skin irritation and other issues. They should also contain zero toxic chemicals which can leach out onto your skin.
Longer lifespan - Sustainable materials are often more durable and longer-lasting, which means you'll have to replace your workout clothes less often.
Supports ethical manufacturing - Many sustainable activewear brands use ethical manufacturing practices and support fair labour practices.

10 sustainable workout wear brands to check out

If you're looking to make the switch to sustainable workout clothes, here are ten different brands to consider:

BAM

BAM Clothing is a UK-based clothing company that passionately believes in the difference bamboo clothing can make to our planet. Bamboo absorbs five times more carbon than hardwood trees and requires half the land cotton needs to produce the same amount of fibre and it doesn’t need irrigation or pesticides. All of their products are vegan too, so you can shop safely in the knowledge that no animals have been harmed to produce their clothing! They sell a fantastic range of activewear including leggings, tanks, sports bras, and basics like underwear and socks too.

Thank you to BAM for kindly gifting me the following items:

I’m getting back into my yoga practice recently so I’m excited to try out the yogi pants and the Mallea yoga leggings. The Mallea’s are made with a fine and lightweight bamboo fabric that is designed with yoga practice in mind, moving with your body and maintaining opacity.

The zip-neck base layer will come in handy when the temperature drops again for my morning runs (no excuses now Sarah!) and the sleeveless training top is my favourite style of top to wear when I exercise indoors, perfect for gym sessions.

You can read more about their sustainability practices here, and also the work they’re doing with BAM DNA to achieve true transparency and ensure living wages and fair treatment for their garment workers. I highly recommend you check out BAM when you need an activewear refresh for your wardrobe!

2. Planet Warrior

Planet Warrior is an eco-brand based in the UK and uses plastic waste to create recycled materials for their sustainable yoga wear, swimwear, leggings, tops and jumpers, and sports bras.

3. Patagonia

Known for its outdoor clothing, Patagonia also offers a selection of sustainable workout clothes made from organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel.

4. Girlfriend Collective

Girlfriend Collective are known for their amazing workout leggings made from recycled water bottles, which come in a range of colours and sizes.

5. TALA

UK-based activewear brand, TALA, offers stylish and sustainable workout wear made from recycled materials and is very size inclusive.

6. Prana

Prana offers a variety of sustainable workout clothes made from organic cotton, recycled polyester, and hemp.

7. Wolven

Wolven offers a variety of leggings and sports bras made from recycled plastic bottles, in bold and unique prints. Perfect for all you beach babes!

8. Outdoor Voices

Known for their comfortable and versatile activewear for adventures in the great outdoors, Outdoor Voices offers a selection of sustainable workout clothes made from recycled polyester and other eco-friendly materials.

9. Organic Basics

Danish brand Organic Basics are rated highly for their transparency and commitment to environmentalism. They have created a range of activewear clothes like leggings, sports bras, shorts, and t-shirts.

10. Boody

UK brand, Boody, have a brilliant range of activewear including leggings, tops, sports bras, and shorts all made with sustainably sourced bamboo.

Switching to sustainable workout clothes is a simple yet impactful way to reduce your carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment. By choosing materials like bamboo, organic cotton, or recycled polyester, you can help reduce waste and minimize the use of harmful chemicals in the production process. Not only is sustainable workout wear better for the environment, but it can also be better for your personal health and well-being.

With so many great brands offering sustainable workout clothes, there's no excuse not to make the switch. With so many great brands offering sustainable workout clothes, it's easy to find a style that suits you and do your part to protect the planet. So why not try it out for yourself and see the difference it can make?

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