activewear made from sustainable materials using ethical methods 

Originally published in Issue 8 of It’s Magazine

During this time of self-isolation, it is important that we move our bodies in ways that feel comfortable to us. Our physical health can be maintained every day through simple activities such as a 15-minute walk in the sunshine or participating in a yoga class online. If you’re in need of some workout clothing to get you started, here are three brands that sell workout wear made from sustainable materials using ethical methods.

Patagonia is an outdoor brand with a focus on making the best product for the outdoor minded individual. This company is adamant about making the best product that does not come at the cost of the environment, with their mission statement centered around sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Their mission statement reads, “Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis” (Patagonia). Patagonia is also a Certified B Corporation which means that they meet the highest standards of environmental, social, and ethical responsibility throughout the entire fashion supply cycle (Patagonia).

Both their women’s and men’s activewear lines contain products such as activewear leggings, shirts, and jackets that are all Fair Trade certified sown in Fair Trade certified factories. Their products are also made with Bluesign Technology. This technology is utilized to ensure that negative environmental impacts from the production and manufacturing of their products are minimized. A few of the activewear products that Patagonia sells are also made from organic cotton (Patagonia).

Another brand to consider purchasing workout wear from is The North Face. The North Face is a brand with a foundation in respect and love for the outdoors and exploration. This company is committed to making products that maintain a positive environmental, social, and ethical impact throughout the entire fashion supply cycle. A positive environmental, social, and ethical impact is maintained throughout The North Face’s entire fashion supply cycle through a stringent set of social, environmental, and ethical guidelines set out by their parent company, VF Corporations (The North Face). 

As a brand, they are working towards transforming all of their products to contain components of recycled materials, responsible cotton or responsible down. Along with Patagonia, The North Face has also partnered with Bluesign Technologies to maintain a high standard of environmental, social, and ethical responsibility throughout the entire fashion supply cycle. Sustainable workout wear for women from The North Face includes the Women’s Active Trail Tank that is made with components of recycled polyester. Sustainable workout wear for men includes the Men’s Long Sleeve Recycled Materials Tee made with 100% recycled fabric, containing 55% recycled cotton and 45% recycled polyester (The North Face).

Another sustainable brand to consider for activewear is United by Blue. As a brand, they are committed to reducing ocean pollution. United by Blue’s mission statement reads, “For every product purchased, United by Blue removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways…Change Comes In Waves” (United by Blue). 

Along with Patagonia, United by Blue is a Certified B Corporation. Their products are produced and manufactured in Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified factories with a long list of sustainable materials utilized in their products including BisonShield, SoftHemp, and organic cotton, along with many more. Ethical manufacturing is of the utmost importance to this brand as well in ensuring that their materials are sourced in an ethical manner and their employees work within a safe, fair, and welcoming work environment. United by Blue provides activewear pieces for women such as their Compressive High-Rise Legging, made with 25 plastic water bottles and 79% recycled PET, or their Paloma Sports Bra, made with 11 plastic water bottles and 79% recycled PET (United by Blue).

When choosing which brands to buy from, it is important to consider that a purchase from a sustainable brand is a meaningful investment in a company that is committed to environmental, social, and ethical responsibility. Purchasing products from a sustainable brand is an investment in a company that cares about the impact of their actions on the environment. If you’re in need of some workout wear, Patagonia, The North Face, and United by Blue are reputable brands to purchase from that are committed to utilizing sustainable materials and ethical methods in the making of their products.

Works Cited:

The North Face. (n.d.). Manufacturing. Retrieved from https://www.thenorthface.com/about-us/responsibility/product/manufacturing.html

Patagonia. (n.d.) Patagonia Mission Statement – Our Reason For Being. Retrieved from https://www.patagonia.ca/company-info.htm

United by Blue. (n.d.). Our Story. Retrieved from https://unitedbyblue.com/pages/our-story