Ethical activewear: Sustainable and stylish options for your workout

More and more people are looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint, and that extends to what we wear during workouts. Ethical activewear is about choosing clothing that’s made with sustainable materials, produced under fair labor practices, and designed to last. If you’re looking for high-performance gear that aligns with your values, here are some of the best ethical activewear options for your wardrobe.

1. Recycled materials: Turning waste into workout gear

One of the best ways to make your activewear more sustainable is by opting for brands that use recycled materials. These companies take post-consumer waste, like plastic bottles or discarded fishing nets, and transform them into high-performance fabrics that are perfect for the gym.

• Tip: Look for brands that use certified recycled materials, such as GRS (Global Recycled Standard) or ECONYL, which are known for their eco-friendly processes.
• Best options: Patagonia, Girlfriend Collective, Adidas Parley

2. Organic cotton: A soft and sustainable choice

While many activewear pieces are made from synthetic fibers, organic cotton is a great alternative for those looking for natural, breathable fabrics. Organic cotton is grown without harmful pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, making it better for the environment and the farmers who grow it.

• Tip: Organic cotton is ideal for yoga, stretching, or light workouts, as it’s breathable and soft on the skin.
• Best options: Pact, People Tree, Boody

3. Fair trade certification: Ethical labor practices

When choosing ethical activewear, it’s important to consider how the clothes are made and whether the people who produce them are treated fairly. Fair trade certification ensures that workers are paid fair wages and work in safe conditions. Many ethical activewear brands focus on transparency and ethical manufacturing practices.

• Tip: Look for the Fair Trade Certified™ label when shopping for activewear to ensure that workers are treated ethically.
• Best options: Patagonia, Athleta, Fair Indigo

4. Low-impact dyes: Reducing water waste and pollution

Traditional clothing dyes can be harmful to the environment, using large amounts of water and producing chemical waste. Ethical activewear brands often use low-impact or natural dyes that require less water and reduce harmful chemicals in the production process.

• Tip: Choose brands that are transparent about their dyeing process and prioritize eco-friendly methods.
• Best options: Tentree, Outerknown, Wolven

5. Bamboo fabric: Soft, breathable, and sustainable

Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource that requires less water and fewer chemicals to grow compared to traditional cotton. Bamboo-based fabrics are soft, moisture-wicking, and naturally antimicrobial, making them perfect for activewear.

• Tip: Bamboo fabrics are ideal for high-sweat workouts thanks to their moisture-wicking properties.
• Best options: Boody, Tasc Performance, Thought Clothing

6. Durability: Buy less, wear longer

One of the cornerstones of ethical fashion is buying less and wearing it longer. Investing in high-quality, durable activewear means you won’t need to replace your gear as often, reducing waste and the demand for fast fashion. Look for brands that focus on craftsmanship and durability, ensuring your activewear lasts through countless workouts.

• Tip: Choose items that are versatile and designed for multiple types of workouts to get the most wear out of your gear.
• Best options: Patagonia, Icebreaker, PrAna

7. Vegan activewear: Animal-free alternatives

If you’re looking for activewear that’s free from animal products, there are plenty of vegan options available. Vegan activewear uses plant-based or synthetic materials and avoids animal-derived products like wool, leather, or silk.

• Tip: Check for vegan certifications to ensure that no animal products are used in the production of the clothing.
• Best options: Girlfriend Collective, Vaute, Plant Athletic

8. Local and small-scale production: Supporting smaller businesses

Supporting local or small-scale ethical brands can reduce your carbon footprint, as the products often travel shorter distances to reach you. These brands also tend to focus on sustainability and ethical production, as well as creating high-quality, unique activewear pieces.

• Tip: Shop from local or smaller ethical brands that prioritize sustainability and craftsmanship over mass production.
• Best options: Nimble Activewear, Allbirds, Girlfriend Collective

Final thoughts

Ethical activewear is more than just a trend—it’s a way to make a positive impact on the environment and the people who produce our clothes. By choosing activewear made from sustainable materials, produced under fair labor practices, and designed to last, you can feel good about what you’re wearing, both during your workout and beyond. Look for eco-friendly fabrics, fair trade certifications, and brands that are transparent about their production process to build a more ethical and sustainable workout wardrobe.