Summer is quickly approaching, and there are finally some possibilities of going out! With the ability to socialize again and return to work, stress levels can easily accumulate. To help you through this time, sports can be your best ally. I understand that not everyone may love doing sports, but I do believe that everyone can find an activity that suits their needs and create a balanced routine. As part of our journey towards a sustainable lifestyle, and to continue our efforts in saving the planet, here is a guide to small and big brands that are working hard to make a difference in the sustainable activewear world!

Rubymoon:

Why Is Ruby Moon at the Top of Our List? We believe that Ruby Moon is the epitome of a truly sustainable brand. Their stunning activewear is made from sustainable fabrics created from waste. They, also donate 100% of their profits to support women entrepreneurs globally.

Ruby Moon stands out as one of the most transparent brands we’ve encountered. Why? because they provide all necessary information about their impact, materials, certifications, and awards right on their homepage. To learn more about their circular economy, visit rubymoon.org.uk/impact/.

In addition to activewear, Ruby Moon offers sporty swimwear and a membership program. They understand that not everyone is ready to make a large investment, such as buying a £65 legging, so they offer a monthly savings option through a “Ruby Moon piggy bank.” As a member, you’ll receive updates on new launches, discounts, invitations to events, and contribute to empowering women around the world. Overall, we’re truly in love with this brand.

Carrot banana peach

Banana Carrot Peach is a brand that uses four different types of fabric in its clothing line. These fabrics include Bamboo, Organic Cotton, Soybean, and Aloe Vera.

Bamboo fabric is known for being a sustainable material, but the process of turning it into fabric can be energy-intensive and use a lot of chemicals. The use of bamboo is still a better choice than conventional cotton or polyester.

Soybean fabric is made from the by-products of soy food production and addresses the issue of food waste. However, soy cultivation requires a lot of water and pesticides, and the organic production of soy is limited in quantity and more expensive. The brand does not specify which production process they use for their soybean fabric. They do highlight its benefits such as being hypoallergenic, quick-drying, stretchy, and breathable.

Aloe Vera fabric is not well-known and information about it is scarce. According to the brand, it is made from the juice of Aloe Vera plants.

While Banana Carrot Peach is commendable for their efforts in offering a range of sustainable fabrics, it would be preferred for the brand to be more transparent about the specific production processes. Nevertheless, it is great that the brand is making an effort to make a positive impact.

Girlfriend collective

This is a fantastic activewear brand that has earned its place as one of the most famous in this guide: Girlfriend Collective is known for its inclusivity and transparency. The latter is the first thing you’ll see on their “About Us” page. As a consumer, this is what you should look for in a brand: transparency. With just one click on their website, you can learn about the regulations they follow to ensure that their employees work in a safe and sustainable environment, as well as the eco-friendly processes used to produce their clothes and materials.

I appreciate the fact that they provide details about every aspect of their production process. They also explain: why they produce in Vietnam rather than the US and how they ensure that their employees are well taken care of. The brand uses eco-friendly dyes and 100% recycled and recyclable packaging. They also offer a wide size range, from XXS to 6XL, and provide information on the sustainability impact of each piece, including water bottles diverted from landfills, CO2 prevented, and energy saved.

One of their most amazing features is the “Re-Girlfriend” program. This proposition tackles the issue of fashion waste and its impact on the environment head-on. Simply send back an item that you no longer use and receive a $15 voucher for future purchases. This way, you can both save money and help the planet!

Silou:

This brand, founded in 2016, specializes in luxury and ethical activewear that not only makes you feel confident in your body, but also performs well during physical activity. In addition to looking good, these clothes are also kind to the planet. Silou’s production facilities are based in Portugal and Lithuania. They meet European standards for good working conditions and the well-being of employees, which is one of the brand’s key sustainability pillars. The brand uses OEKO-TEX certified fabrics that are free of harmful chemicals, including recycled nylon made from abandoned fishing nets, Tencel, and organic cotton. Their delivery packaging is fully biodegradable and recyclable. With so many collections to choose from, Silou helps you find the perfect outfit for any activity, taking into consideration factors like friction, sweat management, stretch, and more.

Pact

WearPact is a brand that is focused on sustainability and ethical practices. They are dedicated to creating leggings that are not only comfortable and stylish, but also kind to the planet. The main fabric used by WearPact is organic cotton, which is 89% of the composition of their leggings, along with 11% elastane for stretch.

WearPact has two important certifications that assure consumers of the brand’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification confirms that the organic cotton used by WearPact is grown and processed according to strict environmental and social standards. In addition, the brand is also Fair Trade Certified. This means that the workers who produce their leggings benefit from safe working conditions and fair wages, and that there is no child labor or sexual discrimination in the factory.

WearPact offers a range of sizes, from XS to 2XL, giving consumers a good selection of options. However, the brand could work on making their size range more inclusive in the future.

Here are a few other ethical brands that offer affordable and sustainable activewear:

BAM Bamboo clothing

Bamboo Clothing is a UK-based sustainable activewear brand that specialises in producing eco-friendly clothing made from bamboo fabric. Bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource, known for its versatility and durability. This brand is committed to reducing the impact of the clothing industry on the environment, by using a fabric that is environmentally friendly, comfortable and long-lasting.

Bamboo Clothing offers a range of clothing styles, from casual to formal, including t-shirts, dresses, skirts, leggings, and more. All of their clothing is designed and manufactured in the UK, with the goal of reducing the carbon footprint of the clothing industry.

In addition to their environmentally friendly materials, Bamboo Clothing is also committed to reducing waste and packaging. They use biodegradable and recyclable materials in their packaging, and offer a repair and exchange service for their products, helping to reduce the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills.

Organic basics

Organic Basics is a sustainable activewear brand based in Denmark. The brand is dedicated to providing high-quality, eco-friendly garments that are comfortable and stylish. Their focus is on using organic and recycled materials. This help create a range of clothing that is not only good for the environment but also for the people who wear it.

One of the key materials used by Organic Basics is organic cotton. This type of cotton is grown without the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides, making it a much better choice for the environment and for the farmers who grow it. The organic cotton used by Organic Basics is also certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard. This means that it has been produced to strict environmental and social standards.

Another material used by the brand is recycled nylon. This is made from discarded fishing nets, which are a major source of plastic pollution in our oceans. By using recycled nylon, Organic Basics is helping to reduce waste and conserve resources.

In addition to their use of sustainable materials, Organic Basics is also committed to transparency and ethical production practices. Their clothing is made in a factory in Portugal. Workers are paid a fair wage and have safe working conditions. The brand is also a member of the Fair Wear Foundation, which works to improve working conditions in the garment industry.