Not to sound like Richard Simmons, but are you ready to get sweaty and sustainable? Okay, that last part is all us, because these sustainable activewear brands *might* just motivate us to get to the gym more often.
It might concern you to know that most activewear is made from some form of virgin plastic like polyester, nylon and elastane. It’s used for that sweat-wicking, stretch power our fitness routines require—but sheesh it is damaging, both to our bodies and to the environment because ultimately, most clothing ends up in landfill and plastic clothing like sportswear will breakdown into microplastics.
Many of the brands on this list use recycled plastic (which is still not great but at least a better option) and many are innovating with new performance or natural materials. We also looked for sportswear brands who prioritize ethical manufacturing, green business practices and consider the broader impact of their operations. If you opt for those made from recycled synthetics, consider using a washing bag (like the Guppyfriend bag) or filter to prevent the release of microfibers into waterways.
Our new Brand Rating System will take this further with a wider set of brand criteria, ranging from product performance and materials to climate action and more. Learn about it here and look out for the activewear brands on this list who have opted in to be rated on their sustainability credentials – these brands are worth your support as they are not afraid to be transparent with us about their progress and what they’re still working on.
We independently research all featured brands and we ask them to confirm their claims. In many cases we personally review recommended products. This post contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you buy something. Learn more here.
The Best Sustainable Sportswear Brands
Paka creates high performance outdoor activewear made predominantly from fully traceable alpaca wool. They emphasize ethical sourcing, fair labor, and focus in particular on community impact in the Peruvian communities where they operate. Paka has been comprehensively rated by us on their sustainability credentials – find the full rating here.
Girlfriend Collective offers activewear made from recycled synthetics in sizes up to 6XL, which means many more bodies can enjoy an active lifestyle. They’re one of our go-to brands for seriously soft yoga clothes that we wear on and off the mat.
Boldwill’s sustainable activewear collection is 95% plastic free, made instead mostly from TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal , GOTS certified organic cotton and hemp. Their goal is to become 100% plastic free.
Index: Sustainable Activewear Brands
- Paka Jump to brand
- MATE The Label Jump to brand
- tentree Jump to brand
- Boldwill Jump to brand
- Girlfriend Collective Jump to brand
- Patagonia Jump to brand
- Arms Of Andes Jump to brand
- Pact Jump to brand
- Definite Articles Jump to brand
Paka
Compostable
All or some products are compostable, either in an industrial facility or at home
Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.
Handcrafted
Products have been made by hand, typically by an artisan or group of artisans.
Locally Made
Products are made local to the brand's headquarters.
Recycled materials
Some or all products are made with recycled materials
Thoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.
B Corp
GOTS
OEKO-TEX 100
Paka’s activewear range blends OEKO-TEX 100 certified alpaca fiber from free-roaming herds in the Peruvian Andes, organic Pima cotton, TENCEL™ lyocell, and bluesign® certified recycled nylon.
Their outdoor focused performance products include tees, shorts, long sleeve tops, socks, underwear, thermals, sweaters, jackets and accessories.
For their jackets that need insulation, their proprietary PAKAFILL fabric (a mix of recycled polyester and alpaca) is used as an alternative to down.
Paka’s alpaca wool is sourced through their Traceable Alpaca Program. Each item includes a QR code linking to the exact coordinates of the alpaca herd and Paka works with Indigenous artisans and traditional Inca herders. They provide fair wages and training opportunities while preserving centuries-old weaving techniques.
Paka is a Certified B Corp and also invests 1% of revenue back into Peruvian communities, funding scholarships, nutrition programs, and regenerative gardening initiatives.
Paka has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
MATE The Label
MATE The Label has not been rated.
Price range: $120-$200
MATE The Label is a clothing line that’s made sustainably in Los Angeles with non-toxic, natural, and organic materials. Sweats, tees, tanks, undies, bras, and its very own line called MOVE.
The materials used in the range of non-toxic workout clothes contain no restricted substances, use organic yarns and low-impact dyes, and only 8% spandex. Their sustainable activewear fabrics include organic cotton jersey, linen, and TENCEL™ Lyocell.
MATE prefers to keep its supply chain close at hand. The entire range is made within a 17-mile radius of the company headquarters in Los Angeles. The strict protocols the company puts in place ensure the factories they work with are safe, comfortable, fair, and compliant with California labor laws.
Online orders are shipped with recycled paper mailers and boxes that are recyclable and made in Los Angeles. MATE also takes back old garments, recycles them, and gives them new life as another MATE product.
They are B Corp and Climate Neutral certified.
My Personal Review of MATE the Label’s Organic Stretch Racer Tank:
“If I could live in bra tops, I probably would, so the bar (bra?) is high, but this one still skyrocketed to the top of my faves. I can’t get over how flattering the fit is, hugging the body perfectly and providing great chest support without feeling restrictive. The shaping effect enhances my minimal silhouette, making it ideal for both workouts and casual wear. Plus, the soft, organic fabric feels amazing and never chafes.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
tentree
tentree has not been rated.
Price range: $48–$140
Tentree has a small but sustainable range of ethically made workout clothes. You’ll find essentials for men, women, and kids that include leggings, t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, sports bras, and shorts.
Their activewear is mostly made from recycled polyester blended with elastane/spandex. In some products, they’re now using Creora® regen recycled spandex which is a step up on the virgin alternative. Products are also typically bluesign® certified.
Transparency and tentree are workout buddies. This Certified B Corp states which country every garment is made (Philippines, China, or India in this case), and their factory ledger includes audit and certification information.
tentree is Climate Neutral certified and has set a target of Net Zero emissions by 2033. Ten trees are planted for every purchase (totalling 50 million and counting) supporting areas increasing biodiversity.
Boldwill
Boldwill has not been rated.
Price range: $60-$116
Boldwill is shooting for 100% natural fabrics in their range of tees, shorts, hoodies, and sweatpants for men and women. They’re almost there with their activewear range made from 95% hemp fabric, GOTS-certified organic cotton, or FSC-certified TENCEL™ lyocell.
Activewear is designed in the Netherlands and produced in EU based factories that face regular third-party audits (including through SMETA and GOTS frameworks) that align with Boldwill’s supplier code of conduct. Products are Bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® certified.
Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective has not been rated.
Price range: $12-$150
Girlfriend Collective offers a stylish collection of leggings, sweats, bike shorts, one-pieces, sports bras, crop tops, and tees.
Rather than getting V sweaty in V (for virgin) polyester, Girlfriend Collective’s materials are mostly recycled with OEKO-TEX certification. They include PET from recycled plastic bottles and ECONYL® LITE from recycled fishing nets, as well as some organic cotton, bamboo cupro, and a little spandex.
Since Taiwan is a hub for plastic ocean waste sourcing and recycling, this is where their fabric is spun before being sewn at an SA8000-certified factory in Vietnam.
They also use recycled packaging and work to keep GC clothes in circulation by offering an online means to recycle clothes for money in exchange for store credit, via ReGirlfriend.
Brands like Girlfriend Collective empower us all with XXS–6XL sizes for both tops and bottoms—easily one of the best plus-size eco-friendly activewear brands around.
My Personal Review of Girlfriend Collective’s Moss ReSet Cropped Long Sleeve:
“I own a whole range of GFC’s recycled workout clothes (and love them all), but if you want a workout layer without much bulk, I highly recommend the Moss ReSet Cropped Long Sleeve. It’s made of the same buttery soft recycled fabric as the hoodie version I also own, but features a more skin-tight and compressive fit. This is my favorite top to wear for yoga when I typically need a little more upper body warmth in the winter. It stays perfectly in place and doesn’t fall over my face in downward dog.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Patagonia
Patagonia has not been rated.
Price range: $45–$650
Patagonia’s huge range of sportswear includes tees, hoodies, leggings, outerwear, hiking pants, sweatpants, and more—for the whole family. From sand sledding in the desert to snow sledding, their activewear is also built for all weather and activities.
Their eco-friendly materials are extensive: hemp, lyocell, recycled cotton, organic cotton, recycled nylon, recycled polyester, RDS-certified down, ethical wool, recycled wool, and even recycled spandex.
They’re also supporting the organic regenerative agriculture movement by test piloting its first-ever certification, the Regenerative Organic Certified™ program. Many of their products utilize bluesign® approved non-toxic materials
Year after year, the brand scores high on Fashion Revolution’s Fashion Transparency Index for efforts like the Footprint Chronicles. Located on each product page, it tells buyers exactly what factory each item is made in, with links to learn more about it.
While not every garment qualifies as fair trade athletic apparel, they’re overall Fair Trade certified and a Certified B Corp. Their Worn Wear program accepts unwanted Patagonia pieces, repairs them, and either re-sells or recycles them.
Patagonia is a force when it comes to advocating for our planet (including divesting their own earnings directly into it). Patagonia Action Works helps customers get involved, too.
My Personal Review of Patagonia’s Houdini Jacket:
“I’m a huge Patagonia fan (maybe I have a bit too much of their stuff, but in my defense, it’s mostly secondhand!), but the Houdini Wind Jacket is one piece I can’t live without. This super lightweight, 100% recycled nylon windbreaker is perfect for early runs or hikes in the mountains. What I love most is that if I’m out for a long trek and start to get too warm, it packs up into its own pocket—so I can shed layers without missing a beat.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Arms Of Andes
Arms Of Andes has not been rated.
Price range: $35–$475
Arms of Andes make some of the most sustainable workout clothes out of alpaca wool. Nature’s ultimate (and compostable) fitness fabric is turned into leggings, hoodies, socks, underwear, sports bras, and shirts.
Everything is made from moisture-wicking, fast-drying, temperature-regulating, and antimicrobial 100% alpaca wool. It’s ideal for sustainable gym clothes because it’s antimicrobial (hello BO-resistant!) and regulates temperature, keeping you warm in winter and cool and dry in summer.
Alpaca yarn is sourced from local suppliers that purchase directly from herding families in the Peruvian Andes (sans middlemen). These herders use traditional farming techniques and form caring relationships with the animals. They receive veterinary care and regular checkups from Arms of Andes.
Unlike other woolly animals, alpacas don’t destroy the soil but instead support healthy ecosystems by treading (and eating) lightly.
My Personal Review of Arms of Andes’ Alpaca Wool Sweater:
“The Arms of Andes alpaca wool sweater is one of my favorite pieces for layering. It’s stylish and versatile, suitable for casual or more formal looks. The alpaca wool is wonderfully warm and breathable. I do notice a bit of initial itchiness when I first put it on, but thankfully, my skin adjusts quickly, and then I only notice the incredible softness.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Pact
Pact has not been rated.
Price range: $35-$80
Pact has an impressive line of activewear for the whole family. The range includes t-shirts, leggings, tops, supportive organic bras, hoodies, and socks.
Most of their more affordable ethical activewear is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton (sometimes with a touch of elastane) and non-toxic dyes. Products are made in Fair Trade Certified™ factories.
Pact is now carbon neutral as they offset their emissions based on product level emissions measurements.
My Personal Review of Pact’s On The Go-To Rib Crop Tank:
“I want to tell you I live in my Pact On The Go-To Tank because I’m such a fitness fanatic, but if I’m being honest, it’s so comfortable AND supportive that I mostly end up wearing it when I’m not working out, too. The cut is perfect and not only is made from 91% GOTS-certified organic cotton (with 9% elastane), but it’s also Fair Trade-certified.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Definite Articles
Definite Articles has not been rated.
Price range: $48-$100
Definite Articles’ whole line of sustainable gym wear—leggings, tanks, joggers, and hoodies—is made of a revolutionary performance fabric that will biodegrade when you’re ready to say goodbye.
DA’s range of sustainable workout clothes for men, women, and kids is made using 23% CiCLO recycled polyester, 51% CiCLO nylon, 23% better cotton initiative, and 3% spandex.
CiCLO is a natural additive used when spinning the yarns. It makes the plastic particles act like natural fibers. The additive creates tiny holes within the plastic fibers, enabling the fabric to break down and biodegrade. Though note that CiCLO only biodegrades in specific environments like anaerobic landfills or wastewater treatment plants so while it’s a better option than virgin synthetics, it’s not a perfect answer to the microfiber and waste issue.
Their activewear is third party tested to ensure it’s free from harmful chemicals like PFAS and BPA.
Definite Articles is a Certified B Corp and strives to ensure workers are treated fairly across the supply chain. The company has a Supplier Code of Conduct which represents its beliefs and ensures they are embedded in every decision it makes. The Definite collection of the best sustainable athletic wear is all made within a geographic footprint that spans just 2,500 miles in the Americas.
Locally sourced yarns are spun in North California. These are then stitched into the performance gear in Colombia. In Texas, orders are packaged into biodegradable bags before being delivered to their new home.
2% of the company’s annual revenue is donated to support nonprofits dedicated to preserving our planet and making it a healthier, happier place to be.
My Personal Review of Definite Article’s Riverline Racerback Bra & Trimline ⅞ Legging:
“Definite Articles offers one definitely supportive choice: an iconic-looking BPA-free sports bra, the Riverline Racerback Bra, which I love for its quality and fit. Available in a range of brilliant colors, this bra sculpts and supports while remaining stretchy and breathable. This bra provides excellent compression and support, and I love the soft, slippery feel of the eco-friendly fabric.
I also love the Trimline ⅞ Legging. The high, wide waistband is super comfy and doesn’t dig in at all, although if you’ve got a more athletic build with muscular legs like I do, you might want to size up. These leggings fit a bit tighter around the legs than I usually like.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
this is a great list! also check out new sustainable activewear brand called The Short Spine. They just launched their first bamboo activewear collection.
really great to see these brands doing so well! The products look beautiful! I would love to read a review comparing them to each other? See which is best in a functional way. Cheers xx
Thanks for a very comprehensive list! I’m the co-founder of Weekendbee, an online store focusing only on sustainable sportswear and our aim is to make it easier to find different sustainable sportswear brands. We offer brands like Patagonia, Girlfriend Collective, Népra, prAna, OGNX, People Tree. Let me know if you would be interested in collaborating with us. Cheers!