Why we need sustainable activewear
Demand for eco-friendly athletic apparel is at an all-time high when mindful shopping and our quest for health and fitness coexist. The fitness industry is moving toward sustainability as consumers become more conscious of how their decisions—from what they eat to what they wear—impact the environment.
I mean, why not? Three University of Manchester academics specializing in fashion and textiles warned that the harm caused by discarded athletic apparel is frequently disregarded. The overreliance on virgin polyester garments used in our sports bras and joggers does more harm than good to the environment. Unfortunately, synthetic materials are still needed in this apparel section to ensure functionality, and certain materials, such as recycled polyester, still invite pros and cons.
However, what precisely qualifies as sustainable activewear brands? What can we make of all the environmentally friendly products that are flooding the market? Here, we delve deep into eco-conscious activewear, exploring the brands, materials, and practices that align with our fitness goals and our commitment to a healthier planet.
Wondering what to look for in sustainable activewear brands? Explore our guide to the best sustainable activewear brands.
Our top 5 curated ethical activewear brands
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Here’s our top 5 Eco-Stylist certified brands for sustainable workout clothes.
1. MATE the Label: non-toxic, organic activewear for low-impact movement
Shop: Organic Stretch Sports Bra
Description: Non-toxic, ethically made essentials designed for low-impact movement
Ethical Claims: organic materials, non-toxic production, ethical manufacturing
Rating: Silver | Price: $58
MATE the Label is a California-based brand focused on clean materials and human health, making it a strong fit for an article centered on ethical activewear. Rather than relying on recycled synthetics, MATE prioritizes GOTS-certified organic cotton and low-toxicity dyes—designed to reduce chemical exposure for both wearers and workers.
Many of MATE’s garments are made locally in Los Angeles, supporting fair labor practices and reducing transportation-related emissions. The brand is also known for its transparency, openly sharing information about materials, certifications, and its ongoing efforts to lower its environmental impact.
MATE’s activewear is best suited for low-impact workouts like yoga, Pilates, stretching, and everyday movement. Some styles include a small amount of elastane for comfort and flexibility, but the brand keeps blends minimal and avoids unnecessary synthetic finishes.
With a strong emphasis on non-toxic production, ethical labor, and durable basics, MATE the Label offers a thoughtful alternative to plastic-heavy activewear—especially for readers prioritizing health, comfort, and long-term wear over high-intensity performance.
2. Boldwill: 100% plastic-free sustainable workout clothes
Shop: [PF80.Wood] Hoodie
Description: Plastic-free natural athletic apparel
Ethical Claims: organic materials, plastic-free, ethical production, vegan
Rating: Certified | Price: $136
If you prefer more natural materials for your athletic apparel, Boldwill, formerly Iron Roots, is the answer! It was founded in 2018 by Dutch friends who were tired of the fact that most sportswear in the market is made of plastic. By combining design, functionality, and sustainability, Boldwill pioneered plastic-free sportswear in the market!
By design, Boldwill excels in using non-plastic fabrics and hence lower carbon emission compared to plastic-based apparel such as polyester. The materials they picked include those made from hemp, eucalyptus, beechwood and organic cotton.
By sustainability, the brand uses sustainable fabrics certified by GOTS and FSC, and has them tested by OEKO-TEX. They also chose local GOTS and SMETA-certified factories (in Greece, North Macedonia, and Portugal) with which they have a close relationship.
Learn more about GOTS, SMETA, and OEKO-TEX certifications here: Ethical Fashion Certifications You Need to Know
Frequent visits ensure the factories’ commitment to fair production standards and also help the brand and the factories create a trustworthy partnership to achieve ethical clothing production.
By functionality, the natural materials chosen have antibacterial and antistatic properties and keep your body cool. Such properties will indeed help you perform better during your workout!
If breathability and comfort are your priority to achieve your fitness goal, we definitely recommend Boldwill!
3. prAna: The Fair Trade pioneer
Shop: Luxara™ Pocket Legging
Description: Inspire to chase adventure, stay active in your own unique way, and always look good doing it
Ethical Claims: fair trade, organic, recycled materials
Rating: Certified | Price: $99
Founded in 1992 in Carlsbad, CA, prAna is one of the pioneers in sustainable apparel before it was cool. They were the first garment company in North America to provide Fair Trade CertifiedTM clothing to the market.
Back in 2010, prAna was among the first companies to collaborate with Fair Trade USA on clothing. Since then, they have generated premiums that have benefited more than 26,000 people globally and converted 11 factories to Fair Trade CertifiedTM status. By 2028, prAna wants all of their products to have been produced in Fair Trade CertifiedTM factories.
Talking about their fabrics, by 2025, prAna plans to have all of their products made entirely of preferred fibers and materials. This means their materials have to comply with animal welfare, be chemically safe, and be produced organically or from recycled fibers.
One of prAna’s bestselling products, LuxaraTM Pocket Leggings, uses quick-drying material to support your hot yoga sessions. Equipped with recycled nylon, certified bluesign®, and made by Fair Trade Certified producers, this pair is a no-brainer!
4. Groceries Apparel: natural coloring from upcycled groceries
Shop: Naomi High-Waist Leggings
Description: Activewear made with upcycled food waste, middlemen-free
Ethical Claims: non-toxic, transparent supply chain, locally sourced, circular
Rating: Certified | Price: $98
Our first thought: cute name! Groceries Apparel is an activewear brand that sells workout clothes made with upcycled food waste! But how?
Groceries realized a vast array of chemicals and lubricants are important substances in the textile industry to regulate color transfer and offer performance advantages. They want to be the pioneer in innovating such practices by removing all hazardous chemicals and heavy metals from their supply chain.
Groceries produce their beautiful products using food waste and other plant-based dyes. They collect leftover avocado waste from nearby grocery stores and process it into dyes. Surprisingly, repurposing avocado leftovers costs less money than chemical coloring. Not only avocado, but Groceries also use onion skins, carrot tops, coffee grounds, madder root, indigo, and perhaps more to come in the future!
Furthermore, what makes them really unique is their products are made in downtown Los Angeles! They operate in their own vertically integrated apparel factory to ensure that their standards and principles are properly upheld. What a self-sufficient brand!
We’ve heard Groceries is Lululemon’s competitor now, thanks to their sexy designs in various motives and colors. They, however, have much more to offer on the sustainability side.
5. Pact: organic, Fair Trade activewear for low-impact movement
Shop: Organic Brushed Fleece Zip Hoodie
Description: Ethical essentials made with organic cotton and Fair Trade labor
Ethical Claims: organic materials, Fair Trade Certified™ factories, reduced chemical use
Rating: Silver | Price: $88
Pact is a strong option for readers seeking ethical activewear centered on natural fibers rather than plastic-based performance materials. The brand is best known for using GOTS-certified organic cotton, which is grown without toxic pesticides or synthetic fertilizers and processed under strict environmental and social standards.
All Pact apparel is produced in Fair Trade Certified™ factories, helping ensure safer working conditions, fair wages, and community investment through Fair Trade premiums. This makes Pact a clear example of a brand prioritizing labor ethics alongside material sustainability.
While many Pact leggings and sports bras are made primarily from organic cotton, some styles include a small percentage of elastane (spandex) for stretch and comfort—common in activewear but worth noting for readers concerned about synthetic fibers and microplastic shedding.
Pact’s activewear is best suited for low- to moderate-impact activities such as yoga, Pilates, walking, and everyday movement. The brand also works to minimize excess packaging and avoids harmful dyes and finishes where possible, reinforcing its people- and planet-first approach.
Rather than chasing high-performance trends, Pact focuses on clean materials, fair labor, and accessible ethical basics, making it an excellent fit for a guide on how to choose truly ethical activewear.
Sustainable clothing options are endless!
As we wrap up our exploration into the realm of sustainable workout clothes, it’s clear that our choices regarding our activewear have a significant impact not only on our personal well-being but also on the health of our planet. From all-natural materials, inclusive sizing, natural coloring, recycled materials, fair trade products, and innovative designs, the choices are endless!
There should never be any excuses to get lost in conventional workout clothing brands, really!
By opting for eco-conscious materials, supporting ethical brands, and embracing practices that prioritize sustainability, we can empower ourselves to make a positive difference in the world while still achieving our fitness goals. So, as you embark on your next workout adventure, let your clothing reflect your values, and together, let’s pave the way towards a greener, healthier future—one sustainable step at a time.
Pro tip: to explore even more sustainably made workout brands, you can simply filter our brand guide by Clothing—>Activewear.
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Editor’s Note: This guide was updated January 19, 2026 to reflect current brand offerings and accurate product availability. We regularly review and update our recommendations to ensure they align with our standards for responsible materials, fair labor practices, and long-term wear.
Mariana previously worked in various sustainability and climate change research and consultancy projects in Indonesia and the UK. Currently working in the tourism industry, she wishes to gain more unique skills and meet different people from around the world.
