We probably don’t need to tell you that making synthetic materials like spandex and nylon isn’t exactly amazing to the environment. But as active women, we find that these fabrics offer comfort and convenience that are difficult to give up. The good news? There are stylish environmentally conscious active clothing.
Many brands have found ways to use organic cotton, bamboo, and other materials to create activewear items that won’t pollute our oceans, landfills, and even the digestive tracts of living organisms. Others leave their mark by being aware of the choice of packaging materials. Choose environmentally friendly packaging and get involved in initiatives like DHL Go Green Solutions to reduce your environmental footprint. Then there are the brands that aim to reuse synthetic materials.
Since we first introduced activewear brands that are responsible for change, the field has only grown in all directions. Here’s a look at the stylish features that make serious efforts to be environmentally friendly.
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MEYIA
MEYIA is a recently launched eco-conscious Greek brand that is already popular with a number of wellness influencers, including Melissa Wood. It uses recycled Italian fabrics such as ECONYL, a 100 percent regenerated nylon yarn made from reclaimed post-consumer waste and converted into a new polyamide yarn that has the same properties and qualities as virgin nylon. By using materials found in landfills and oceans around the world (think discarded fishing nets, industrial plastic waste, and scraps of cloth), this is helping to cleanse the seas and save marine life. The brand’s fabrics also offer UV protection and are resistant to environmental influences.
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Pact
All Pact activewear items are made from organic cotton, which saves water and avoids the use of toxic chemicals. The brand also works exclusively with Fair Trade certified factories that ensure safe working conditions, promote local communities and protect the environment. Pact uses paper envelopes made from 100 percent recycled post-consumer cardboard and cardboard boxes made from 98 percent recycled post-consumer materials. In addition, the bags in which the clothes are delivered are made of biodegradable plastic.
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Organic basics
Organic Basics lists 26 reasons why it is so committed to positive environmental change. It only works with trusted, certified factory partners who are committed to reducing their environmental footprint. (Click here to see all the factories Organic Basics works with.) The brand selects each fabric used based on its environmental footprint and lifespan, and only adheres to those that are natural, renewable, recycled, biodegradable and environmentally friendly . In keeping with the brand name, Organic Basics focuses on monochromatic sets that you can wear season after season.
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Summersalt
Summersalt is best known for its swimwear and cover-ups, but has a growing range of active wear. The brand focuses on using recycled materials that are naturally moisture wicking and make workout gear you can wear for your most sweaty sessions. Everything comes in poly bags made from recycled materials. The shipping shipper is designed for multiple purposes to reduce waste on returns. Finally, the label’s promotional postcards are made from recycled or FSC-certified paper whenever possible.
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Food clothing
Groceries Apparel manufactures its clothing in its own factory in Los Angeles to ensure that standards are fully met. The brand has a vertically integrated, local and traceable production system that maximizes employee quality, efficiency and pay. It also minimizes redundancy, waste and the label’s carbon footprint. The garments and delivery boxes are made from hemp, recycled cotton, vegetable dyes and recycled plastic. Signature styles include color blocking, tie dye, and mismatched monochromatic separates that make for versatile pieces that you can wear every day.
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Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi offers you environmentally conscious apparel options whether you want to exercise at home or hike in the great outdoors. The B Corp certified brand goes one step further by focusing on materials and an overall environment designed from start to finish with little impact. The website provides detailed reports on how the label is helping tackle the global environmental and poverty crises, as well as insights into the factories and the design process.
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Arcaa movement
This Australian brand uses natural fibers like organic cotton, hemp, bamboo and linen to create their breathable, body-flattering pieces. Arcaa Movement also focuses on reducing production waste. For example, parts are knitted whenever possible, which results in less waste in the production process compared to a woven construction. Each panel is knitted into the exact shape you want, avoiding leftover fabrics other than leftover yarns used for future developments. Printed and dyed fabrics are free of harmful chemicals and all orders are shipped in 100 percent compostable bags that will disintegrate in three to five years. The brand currently uses 100 percent recycled swing tags and cards.
