11 Eco-Friendly Activewear Brands Inspiring Holistic Wellness for You and Our Planet
Conventional activewear is made from synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, which are derived from fossil fuels and are known to shed nonbiodegradable microplastic fibers which have been found on 18 of 18 beaches tested around the world. More recently, 83% of tested tap water (that we drink daily!) was found to contain microplastics as well. Eek!
With these tiny guys being extremely difficult to clean up retroactively, maybe it's time to take a more preventative approach and try to first minimize the amount of new microplastics we're putting out there.
The good news is that sustainability-driven activewear brands have already been opting for eco alternatives to virgin plastic fibers when possible, such as recycled plastic, organic cotton, Tencel, and Cupro.
With that, here are our favorite eco-conscious activewear brands you can celebrate and bookmark!
Ready to get active? Also check out our Eco Sneakers Guide and Sustainable Swimwear Guide.
This guide contains affiliate links, which means we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you choose to purchase through some of these links. This helps us continue to create these free resources for you! As always, we only feature brands we love (and that we think you'll love too!) and that meet CFC's strict sustainability criteria.
Girlfriend Collective
Highlights: Made from recycled plastic bottles; transparent production process; carries sizes XXS-6XL and uses inclusive body-positive marketing
Investment: $$
Indigo Luna
Highlights: Yoga tops, leggings, shorts, and tees made with GOTS certified organic cotton and colored by hand with low impact dyes.
Investment: $$
Organic Basics
Highlights: Uses organic and recycled fabrics throughout their collections; prioritizes transparency in entire supply chain and uses GOTS and SA8000 standards
Investment: $
PACT
Highlights: Uses GOTS-certified organic cotton and manufactures in Fair Trade Certified facilities
Investment: $
Wolven
Highlights: Made from recycled plastic; bold geometric prints; Climate Neutral Certified; 1% for the Planet member
Investment: $$
United by Blue
Highlights: Removes 1lb of trash from waterways for every item sold; uses conscious materials like recycled and organic fibers
Investment: $$
REPRISE
Highlights: Mindfully made from super soft eco-luxe plant-based fabric TENCEL™ (a fiber sourced from eucalyptus trees grown in sustainability-managed forests); GOTS & OEKO-TEX Certified organic dyes; all production is done domestically in NYC, New Jersey, or LA.
Investment: $$
Patagonia
Highlights: Sources recycled, organic, and low-impact materials (such as hemp); transparent supply chain and many products are Fair Trade Certified sewn
Investment: $$
DAY/WON
Highlights: Sports bras, tanks, tops, and leggings made from recycled polyester; features fun prints and vibrant colors; sizes XS - 5XL available
Investment: $
prana
Highlights: Uses eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled wool, hemp, and recycled polyester; transparent supply chain
Investment: $$
Note: Remember to make the most of everything you already own first, swap or borrow clothes from friends, browse through some of our favorite secondhand or consignment shops or thrift stores near you, then prioritize quality and durability over quantity with everything new you purchase!
Cover image by Wolven