I, like your average American 20-something, am a big fan of the ‘athleisure’ trend. There’s something so chill about popping on a pair of cute sneakers and a zip-up jacket to run errands or grab a cup of coffee with friends.
I’ve also been really stepping up my yoga game (I do a routine every single day!) which keeps me in the market for performancewear that is both practical and beautiful.
Lucky for me – and you! – more and more ethically and sustainably-made activewear brands are coming onto the scene.
I’ve been continually impressed by the ways these brands are blurring the lines between the locker room and the everyday, while maintaining their commitment to social good.
So, in honor of supporting brands that do good and look great, here is a roundup of my very favorite sustainable and ethical activewear pieces on the market.
Each of these 20 pieces was chosen for the companies’ commitment to sustainable manufacturing (i.e. chemical-free dyes, cutting down on water and air pollution, sourcing organic materials, etc.) and ethical production (i.e. fair wages for workers, commitment to women’s rights, etc.).
Please note that while I’m focusing on women’s sustainable activewear, the vast majority of these brands also have incredible collections for men. Enjoy!
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20 Pieces of Sustainable Activewear Worthy of Your Closet
1. Arrowland Tank | PrAna
This gorgeous tank has a lovely lattice back and a built-in shelf bra. It’s also UPF 50+ making it perfect for outdoor workouts. The organic cotton and hemp fabric is manufactured and dyed without polluting the air or water with harsh chemicals.
2. Nine Trails Shorts | Patagonia
Soft, wicking, and super versatile, these shorts will serve you well, whether you’re running, climbing or doing yoga! Made of recycled polyester and produced in Fair Trade Certified factories, there’s nothing to feel guilty about when buying these sustainable shorts!
3. Naomi Printed Legging | Threads 4 Thought
A pastel ombre effect that’s effortlessly cool, these leggings will make you want to work out! Grab this legging if you’re looking for a pant that will add some edge to your gymwear. Made of a sturdy fabric that’s 88% recycled polyester, they’ll support you in all the right places.
4. Realfleece Helliers Long Sleeve Zip Hood | Icebreaker
This one’s a splurge, but for good reason. Made from 88% ethically-sourced Merino wool, you’ll be reaching for this hoodie time and time again. It’s warm, it’s beyond comfortable, it looks good, and it’ll last you for years due to its quality construction.
5. Hygge Sherpa Crew Sweatshirt | Nau
This trendy sweatshirt is crafted from 100% organic cotton and it’s so cozy you’ll never want to take it off! If you don’t already know Nau, they claim to make the most sustainable activewear in the world! We can get on board with that…
6. Black Paloma Bra | Girlfriend
Endlessly comfortable, this sports bra is just as supportive – and it looks cute too! Made from recycled water bottles – buying this bra over a traditional sports bra saves 11 bottles from going to landfill, 8.19lbs of CO2, and 1.37 gallons of water!
7. Sasha Pants | People Tree
Looking for the perfect pair of pants that can take you on a jog through the city streets & not look out of place at the corner cafe afterwards? Enter the Sasha Trousers from People Tree. Manufacturing ethical activewear is second-nature to this UK-based brand, and these pants are made from 95% organic cotton.
8. Sports Legging Gina | RubyMoon
Working out at the beach? These amazing leggings will do the job for your beach run or yoga session, and then you can jump straight in the sea afterwards! Ethically & sustainably from recycled ocean plastics – they’re the earth-friendly choice.
9. V-12 Sneakers | Veja
Funky, fun footwear while still being ethical? Enter Veja. This French footwear brand has its priorities straight with upcycling, Fair Trade and transparency at its core. They have a vegan range too!
10. Malana Sport Bra | Threads 4 Thought
Leggings and sports bras are what Threads 4 Thought does best when it comes to activewear, and this trendy number will earn you all the right compliments. Super comfortable and super cute, it’s made of 88% recycled materials.
11. Licidia Bra Top | PrAna
Colorful, fitted, and in a modern silhouette, this top will make you rethink the term sports bra. Wear it on its own or under a white tee. Made of 87% recycled polyester and Fair Trade certified, it’s a no-brainer.
12. SilverTech Long Sleeve Tee | Organic Basics
New(ish) to the activewear game, but not new to ethical and sustainable clothing production, Copenhagen-based brand Organic Basics takes the simple tee to a whole new level. Their unique recycled silver salt fabric is antibacterial and seamless for greater comfort.
13. All Day High Rise Legging | Nimble
High-rise and with a raw-cut hem, these leggings are set to become your new favorites. Made from recycled plastic bottles, they’re as kind on the planet as they are on your eye!
14. Ankle Skinny Pant | Blue Canoe
For those who want a multi-tasking pant, Blue Canoe has you covered with its ankle skinny pants made from organic cotton and spandex. US-made and eco-friendly, this is a brand to get behind.
15. Mellow Hoody| Asquith
A retro hoody with a difference, UK brand Asquith combines eco-friendly bamboo with a hint of elastane to get the perfect fit. 100% chemical-free and sustainable, you’ll love the comfort and style.
16. Perform Legging | Everlane
Everlane’s prized leggings are a favorite among yogis and couch potatoes alike. They’re so comfortable you’ll never want to take them off! Buy them in every colour and perhaps you’ll never need to! Made from 58% recycled nylon and flatteringly high-waisted, they’re a winner in our books!
17. Eco-Jersey Jogger Pant | Alternative Apparel
Crafted from Alternative Apparel’s signature Eco-Jersey, this cute jogger pant is a perfect addition to your athleisure collection. Pair them with a soft tee or tank top and you’re ready to work out in style.
18. Airshed Pullover | Patagonia
Flexible and breathable, this lightweight jacket will protect you from the elements without overheating you. It’s been a bestseller for years and its not hard to guess why. Buy one and it’ll quickly become a staple in your daily life.
19. Kaila Long Sleeve Top | PrAna
Feminine without compromising on practicality, this beautiful long sleeve top from PrAna ticks all the right boxes. Sustainably made from recycled polyester in a Fair Trade factory, it’s an ethical choice too. We love the cross over back which perfectly shows off your ethical sports bra or tank underneath!
20. Ocean View Shorts | Synergy Clothing
Want some shorts that’ll take you from the gym to the beach in no time? Synergy’s Ocean View Shorts are just the thing. Combining organic cotton with a fun cut, they are the perfect work-out option in summer. Oh, and did we mention Synergy will plant a tree for every order? Get shopping!
Live! UK
Monday 21st of August 2017
When I checked my wardrobe, I realized that for this winter I will have to buy some new and fashionable clothes for workout and I'm sure that the huge list which you have provided in this article would be helpful for me.
Lauren
Wednesday 23rd of August 2017
That's great! Glad I could help.
Angelo Mathew
Monday 1st of May 2017
You know, Allbirds has been on my list for a while! Maybe I’ll check them out soon. And I’ve never heard of those yoga brands! Marking them down on my list right now
Ashton Green
Monday 20th of February 2017
This is such a great list! Thanks for sharing, Lauren. I also love Allbirds wool sneakers (seriously so comfortable and cute) as well as Manduka and Yogitoes for my yoga equipment.
https://www.allbirds.com https://www.manduka.com
Lauren
Tuesday 21st of February 2017
You know, Allbirds has been on my list for a while! Maybe I'll check them out soon. And I've never heard of those yoga brands! Marking them down on my list right now :)