So what makes a workout clothing item “sustainable”? There are organic cottons, recycled materials, and plant-based materials like Tencel, plus manufacturing methods that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water, and energy for each item. Luckily, the eco-friendly and ethical activewear brands we’ve collected below are all about using sustainability—from the materials they use to the manufacturing process—to ensure you’re doing your body and the Earth a favor when you hit the gym. Keep scrolling to shop seven of our favorite sustainable activewear brands. Finally, the brand prioritizes the environment. For example, its best-selling compression leggings and bras are made from recycled polyester and recycled post-consumer bottles, and the brand’s LITE Leggings are made from recycled fishing nets and recycled nylon. In addition, the apparel is produced in Fair Trade factories. Try: Black Compressive High-Rise Legging ($68; girlfriend.com). The majority of its goods are made from recycled or repurposed materials—including coffee grounds and discarded yarns and plastics—and utilize waterless dye. The brand also produces its goods in green facilities via sustainable production methodologies, packages its items in tree-friendly materials, and gives back to local organizations. Try: Evolution Hoodie Made from Recycled Coffee Grounds ($90; coalatree.com). Boodywear also uses cruelty-free production methods and ingredients that don’t harm animals, and prioritizes finding ways to upcycle, recycle, and reduce waste wherever possible. Products are also shipped in biodegradable bags and recycled/recyclable boxes. The brand manufactures a range of activewear and athleisurewear apparel for both men and women. Try: Racerback Sports Bra ($40; boodywear.com). Though you might think a shoe made from plastic water bottles would be uncomfortable, that’s not the case at all. The brand utilizes innovative processing and weaving technology that yields comfortable, durable, moisture-wicking kicks. Try: Infinity Glide Blush and White Sneakers ($145; avrelife.com). The brand also partners with Fair Trade Certified factories, which provide safe working conditions for employees while bolstering local communities. In addition, it has found ways to minimize its ecological footprint in the way products are packaged and shipped. Pact sells a variety of products, including super comfortable leggings and bike shorts, racerback sports bras, and tanks. Try: Go-To Pocket Bike Short ($35; wearpact.com). Also very cool: prAna is a member of the Outdoor Industry Association’s Climate Action Corps, a group of companies and organizations committed to measuring, planning, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, prAna has a specific goal: to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Try: Everyday Top ($59; prana.com). To further reduce waste, the scraps that end up on the cutting room floor are repurposed into cozy dog beds for local animal shelters and rescue organizations. All products are made in the USA by craftspeople who are paid fair, livable wages. Try: Sadie Cropped Lollipop Windbreaker ($90; shoplezat.com).
