(Stretch, push, pull, lift, jump or run; activewear requires clothes that do the heavy lifting for you. Apart from which, these fabrics also work hard at wicking moisture while being breathable, waterproof yet fast drying, tear resistant yet tensile — the list is endless. What we don’t know is that most of these very versatile and all encompassing fabrics actually contain plastic at their very core.
Materials like lycra, elastane, polyester and nylon are commonly used in sportswear and the most problematic. Sporting props and accessories still have a long way to go in terms of eliminating plastic, but our clothes could definitely use a green upgrade. While these materials can’t be fully avoided due to their favourable properties, certain brands have come up with better alternatives.
1. Patagonia
Already a shining example of sustainability in the industry, Patagonia offers high-performing specialised sportswear for all your active requirements; whether that’s running, yoga, hiking, skiing, surfing or even biking. They use recycled versions of polyester and nylon wherever needed along with better substitutes like lyocell, hemp and organic cotton. The brand also has a Worn Wear store where you can trade in, repair and shop for recycled items.
2. Girlfriend Collective
This brand is well aware that almost all synthetic activewear is made from plastic, they just happen to make their clothes with materials that would otherwise clog landfills and pollute the earth like fishing nets and old water bottles. Each pair of their bestselling compressive leggings is made from 25 recycled post-consumer water bottles. If that wasn’t impressive enough, their manufacturing unit is a certified SA8000-factory that guarantees fair wages, free catered meals, exercise breaks and a safe work environment.
3. prAna
Whether its yoga or climbing gear, this California-based brand uses materials like hemp, organic cotton, recycled polyester and spandex. Their very first designs had homemade tags on them that were made with recycled paper and were shipped in cardboard grocery boxes. Since then, the brand has come a long way to being Fair Trade and Bluesign certified with their materials and supply chain.
4. Groceries Apparel
Birthed and manufactured in California, the name ‘Groceries’ comes from the fact that they source their material by tracing its footsteps right from the farm to its factory. Lyocell, organic cotton, recycled plastic and hemp are just some of the main fabrics used that are all treated with vegetable dyes — true to their brand ethos.
5. Boody
Founded in Australia, Boody is sustainable apparel brand that creates everyday essentials from organic bamboo material. They have a host of eco and ethical certifications, from ECOCERT and OEKO-TEX to FSC and WRAP. Additionally, 1% of their proceeds go to environmental causes while they themselves are dedicated to planet conservation and ethics.
Published by: Vibhuti Vazirani/ 2020-03-25