Eco-Friendly Activewear Labels for a Morally Conscious Fitness Routine

Eco-Friendly Activewear Labels for a Morally Conscious Fitness Routine

Discovering Eco-Friendly Activewear: One conscious choice leads to another

By Sonia Ahmed

In recent years, finding sustainable workout attire has become easier, with numerous brands embracing a commitment to the environment. In the realm of sports and fitness, businesses tend to be more aware of sustainable practices and ethical supply chains for their products[1]. Whether you're seeking leggings, t-shirts, or customized basketball jerseys, there are many eco-friendly options available.

Here's how to stay environmentally-friendly while staying fit with the top sustainable activewear brands.

Qualities of an Ethical and Sustainable Activewear Brand

Before exploring brands, consider the following factors when shopping for eco-friendly workout clothes:

1. Sustainable Materials: Opt for garments made from natural fibers, such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, recycled synthetic fibers, or Tencel[1][2][3]. Be conscious of microfibers released during washing, which can potentially harm waterways[2].
2. Eco-conscious Production: Ensure the brand manufactures products without harming the environment, using no harmful chemicals and either recycling or properly disposing of waste[2].
3. Fair Labor and Transparent Supply Chain: Brands should source raw materials responsibly, adhere to fair trade practices, offer fair wages, and minimize their carbon footprint[2].
4. Charitable Endeavors: Look for brands that support charities, engage in community work, and encourage consumers to contribute to the betterment of society[2].

Top Sustainable Activewear Brands

Now that you know what to look for in eco-friendly activewear, here are some leading brands making waves in the fitness market:

1. Girlfriend Collective: A fashion-forward brand that creates gym wear for various body shapes and sizes[1][5]. It recycles plastic bottles and fishing nets, providing soft, comfortable, and sustainable products[1][4].
2. Tripulse: A Climate Neutral Certified brand that avoids harmful microplastics, utilizes innovative natural fibers, and follows ethical production methods[3].
3. Boody: A GOTS-certified, sustainable activewear brand that promises soft, comfortable essentials made from organic bamboo[1].
4. Iron Roots: A plastic-free brand that uses natural fibers like hemp and TENCEL to create eco-friendly activewear with antimicrobial properties[3].
5. Wolven: A carbon-neutral and OEKO-Tex and Climate Neutral Certified brand that crafts state-of-the-art activewear, using recycled bottles to create non-toxic fabric[1][3].
6. Indigo Luna: An ethically responsible brand that produces high-quality, eco-conscious activewear using recycled or organic materials[1].
7. Stigma: A brand empowering individuals who use cannabis with sustainable activewear containing CBD muscular gel made from organically grown plants[6].
8. Threads 4 Thought: A socially responsible brand that offers affordable, GOTS-certified organic cotton activewear[1].
9. Outdoor Voices: A brand striving to create comfortable, stylish activewear using sustainable materials[1]. It partners with the World Wildlife Fund and the Nature Conservancy[7].
10. Pact: Known for its affordable, GOTS-certified organic cotton activewear, Pact is eco-conscious while maintaining a minimalist approach to packaging[1].

When searching for activewear, remember to prioritize comfort, moisture-wicking capacity, style, and suitability for the intended activity[8]. Understand what makes a sustainable brand and look out for relevant certifications, such as Oeko-Tex 100, GOTS, Fair Trade, Ecocert, WRAP, and B-Corp[8][9].

Sources:

[1] Ethical Consumer. (2021, March 3). 15 Best Sustainable Activewear Brands to Protect the Planet While You Stay Fit. https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/blogs/sustainable-activewear-brands[2] Sonia Ahmed. (2020, July 13). A Comprehensive Sustainable Activewear Guide. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/sustainable-activewear[3] Tripulse. (2020, September 8). Sustainable fitness, sustainable future. https://tripulse.se/pages/sustainability[4] Girlfriend Collective. (n.d.). Leggings. https://www.girlfriend.com/collections/leggings[5] Girlfriend Collective. (n.d.). Gym Shorts. https://www.girlfriend.com/collections/gym-shorts[6] Carbonated. (n.d.). Apparel & Fashion. https://carbonated.com/apparel-fashion[7] Outdoor Voices. (n.d.). Outdoor Voices Cares. https://outdoorvoices.com/care[8] Healthline. (n.d.). How to Stay Ethically Fit: Activewear Guide. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stay-ethically-fit-activewear[9] Fashion Revolution. (2021, March 3). Certifications for Sustainable and Ethical Fashion. https://fashionrevolution.org/guide/certifications/

1. Sonia Ahmed's article highlights several sustainable activewear brands, such as Girlfriend Collective and Tripulse, that thrive in the fitness market by utilizing eco-friendly materials and practices.
2. By choosing these brands, consumers can enjoy health-and-wellness activities while contributing to environmental-science and sustainable-living initiatives, like recycling plastic bottles and fishing nets.
3. Beyond workout clothing, the home-and-garden sector also incorporates sustainable practices, with brands focusing on environmentally-friendly products and materials to reduce climate-change impact.
4. Lifestyle choices like supporting brands with transparent supply chains and fair labor practices can contribute to a cascade of positive effects for both personal health and the environment.

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