7 Sustainable Sports Bras Providing Eco-Friendly Support For Gaia & The Girls
There are few things more comforting than knowing you’re wearing a supportive, sustainable sports bra—not that we intend to break out into a sprint at any given moment, but just in case.
Athleisure wear may have had its beginnings in the late 18th century, but fashionistas at the time didn’t need to think about how healthy it was.
With the invention of Lycra (aka spandex) in 1958, this changed—and not in a good way for women or the planet—and now even the most modern sports bras have been found to have high levels of BPA.
Let’s take a peek under the greenwashing facade to uncover the sustainable and eco-friendly sports bra brands that are lifting up our girls and the environment.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through a brand link below. Learn more here.
The Best Eco-Friendly Sports Bras For You & Mamma-ry Earth
Girlfriend Collective is bringing its A-cup game, with an extensive range of sustainable sports bras for large busts and small busts alike.
If you have trouble expressing yourself, TomboyX can help with its size-inclusive and gender-neutral, patterned options for women.
If there’s one thing we love more than a new matching set of yoga clothing, it’s knowing the full scoop on our eco-friendly sports bra brands. Nip down to the bottom of the article to find out how we chose them.
The Full List Of Women’s Sustainable Sports Bras
1. TomboyX
About TomboyX
“Fostering acceptance and equality” is TomboyX’s top priority.
This gender-neutral brand makes every person feel proud about how they present to the world by offering sustainable activewear and swimwear for all—all bodies, all genders.
Explore a plethora of prints across their collections of racerback bras, bralettes, compression bras, and more—with matching underwear to boot.
For majorly comfortable sustainable sports bras, have a peep (show) at their Essential Soft Bras.
TomboyX’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
TomboyX’s bras are 95% OEKO-TEX-certified BCI cotton and 5% spandex.
They’re free of PFOS and PFOA—toxic chemicals linked to infertility.
Their Adjustable Compression Tops are made with OEKO-TEX polyamide nylon and elastane. Since these aren’t as sustainable, we’d opt for the former.
Supply chain & labor practices:
This Certified B Corp partners with women-owned factories in China, Los Angeles, and Vancouver that are WRAP and Fair Labor Association certified.
They make regular visits to ensure enforcement of work and safety measures to protect the workers behind those ethical sports bras.
Green business practices:
TomboyX’s headquarters are Gold LEED-certified, meaning the building reduces waste, water, and power usage.
Products are shipped in biodegradable garment bags.
Inclusivity:
This non-binary brand wants its team to be “a reflection of the diverse community” they’re designed for, so their plus-size eco-friendly sports bras fit most bodies and genders (XS-6X).
With diversity at the forefront, TomboyX’s top management positions are 80% women. Over 39% of their workforce identifies as LGBTQI+ and/or a minority.
Community & charitable giving:
From prioritizing female-owned businesses in their supply chain to providing 12 weeks of parental leave and a 401K with sustainable investment options, TomboyX is a leader in its industry for building up communities with long-term thinking.
They also support trans rights organizations such as the Trevor Project and the National Center of Transgender Equality.
Available: TomboyX
2. Girlfriend Collective
About Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective is like that best friend cheering you on as you finish that 10 mile park run (ok maybe 3 mile) or spotting you while lifting weights at the gym.
They know what you want and need from a support perspective.
Which is probably why they have every imaginable style of sports bra you can think of: tank top, spaghetti straps, long sleeve, nursing, single strap, and more—with leggings to match.
If you’re looking for sustainable fashion sports bras, the high-neck Zip Front Dylan Tank Bra brings out the tennis player in all of us, and no we don’t play tennis!
Girlfriend Collective’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Girlfriend Collective works with a recycling center in Taiwan that is transparent about its process of collecting, sorting, cleaning, and processing post-consumer recycled plastic water bottles into OEKO-TEX 100-certified fabric.
The ethical sports bras are made up of these recycled materials (ePET) and spandex with varying percentages of each.
The bold colors may not look natural, but the sustainable dyes that achieve them are.
Supply chain & labor practices:
A factory in Vietnam manufactures most of Girlfriend Collective’s sustainable yoga clothing. They guarantee fair and safe working conditions as well as free lunches, exercise breaks, and free health checkups.
All partner factories have WRAP and SA8000 certifications, ensures liveable wages and no child labor.
Green business practices:
The wastewater from dyeing is sent to a treatment plant just 100 feet away, tested, and approved before being released into the environment.
A by-product that usually ends up in a landfill, the dye mud gets sent to a pavement facility to be transformed into sidewalks for the community.
Once your garments have been thoroughly worn, send them to ReGirlfriend where they’ll upcycle them into new clothes in exchange for $15 store credit.
Inclusivity:
One of the best brands for plus-size sustainable sports bras, GC’s come in sizes XXS-6XL.
Community & charitable giving:
Girlfriend Collective supports more than just our lovely ladies.
The #blacklivesmatter movement is near to their heart, and they encourage people to shop at black-owned businesses, provide educational resources, and show the many organizations they donate to.
Available: Girlfriend Collective
3. Boody
About Boody
From your bootie to your boobies, Boody has all your essential bits covered.
Boody was founded by two friends who combined their desire for a simpler wardrobe with their expertise in fashion and science.
That’s why they strive to go back to basics with the non-toxic production of sustainable basics, including bamboo socks, underwear, and affordable sports bras for women.
Support the use of the world’s most sustainable plant with the Motivate Longline Bra or Racerback Sports Bra, in olive green, black, or gray.
Boody’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Boody’s bras are made with organically grown bamboo viscose, nylon, and elastane. The Longline also includes organic cotton.
For a less supportive sports bra, the LyoLyte® bra is made with mostly bamboo Lyocell— the most sustainable form of bamboo made from eucalyptus or birch trees—with some nylon and elastane.
The bamboo manufacturing process recycles all of the water used and does not require toxic solvents. With certifications from FSC, OEKO-TEX, Ecocert, and SGS, Boody makes us feel comfortable with the materials used in each women’s sustainable sports bra.
Supply chain & labor practices:
When you’re sweating it out in the gym, you definitely don’t want to be in a sports bra that was made by others sweating in an unsafe factory.
That’s why this Certified B Corp goes a step further with certifications like ISO-9001 and ISO-14001, reassuring us of living wages, no child labor, safe environments, and more.
Green business practices:
All product pages have an impact report including emissions avoided and water saved.
Take that further by taking part in their textile recycling program. Buy a $25 shipping label and receive $25 store credit to purchase a new sports bra.
Their plant ink-printed packaging consists of compostable and recycled/recyclable bags and boxes.
Inclusivity:
Sizes run XS-XL, fitting up to 38D or 40C.
Community & charitable giving:
Boody is a supporter of 1% for the Planet, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse (a cancer support initiative), and ThreadTogether which provides clothing to struggling Australians.
Available: Boody (US) | Boody (AU)
4. Organic Basics
About Organic Basics
What was initially a subscription underwear service turned into a small empire, which is anything but basic.
Organic Basics produces ethically-made women’s and men’s organic underwear, t-shirts, activewear, and accessories.
In addition to leggings and yoga pants, choose from three comfortable and ethical sports bra styles: Active Workout Bra, Active Sports Bra, and the Active Crop Top.
Organic Basics’ Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Aiming for durability, their breathable sports bras use 57% recycled nylon, 38% nylon, and 5% elastane.
For a more plastic-free sports bra, the TENCEL™ Lite Basic Bralette is 95% TENCEL Lyocell and 5% elastane.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Tatas and transparency should be like two peas in a bra… or something like that.
What we mean to say is we know where everything comes from in this Certified B Corp’s garments. They stick to manufacturing partners within Europe, with their GOTS-certified organic cotton from Turkey and lyocell from Austria.
All collaborating factories are BSCI-compliant, keeping wages and workers safe.
Green business practices:
While they carbon offset operations, they also believe offsetting to be a “pain killer” not a solution. That’s why they’re trying to reduce their carbon emissions by 50% by 2025, all traceable in their Impact Report.
While avoiding frequent sales they have plans to create a clothing recycling program. As they say, slow and steady (fashion) wins the race.
Inclusivity:
These sustainable women’s sports bras range from XS-XL.
Community & charitable giving:
As a member of 1% for the Planet, they support three main organizations: The Regenerative Organic Cotton Pilot Project in Turkey, Rewilding Europe, and Nordic Ocean Watch.
Available: Organic Basics
5. prAna
About prAna
Both our lives and our clothes can have a higher purpose, which is exactly what prAna practices and preaches.
Founded in California, this garage business turned global enterprise encourages us to get outside. And they help us do so with their sustainable coats, sustainable sweatpants and comfortable eco-friendly sports bras.
With high necks, bralettes, athletic cuts, and bra tops with a little more coverage, there’s a style for everyone’s yoga session.
prAna’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
prAna’s bras use recycled polyester, recycled nylon, LYCRA® elastane, organic cotton, and occasional virgin nylon (to be avoided if possible).
Other materials in their activewear range include TENCEL modal and hemp fabric.
Activewear and chemicals don’t mix which is why prAna is an original bluesign®-approved member—the only toxins you’ll be sweating out are your own.
Supply chain & labor practices:
As Fair Labor Association and Textile Exchange members, prAna has been a leader in the industry, including bringing the first piece of Fair Trade Certified™ clothing ever to the market.
Eleven of their factories have Fair Trade and/or Better Work certifications with support and help from prAna.
In their bid for complete transparency, you can see their full supply chain list.
Green business practices:
Founders of the Responsible Packaging Movement, they aim to convert all consumer packaging to be plastic-free, which they’ve accomplished as of Fall 2021.
From 2016–2021, prAna diverted over 56,000 pounds of textile waste from landfill through partnering with The Renewal Workshop, which restored textiles to a sellable standard.
Inclusivity:
While an athletic-oriented brand, they offer an extended size option in 1X-3X.
Community & charitable giving:
prAna donates to The Conservation Alliance which protects North America’s wild spaces and also Outdoor Outreach which provides at-risk youth with opportunities to explore the great outdoors.
Available: prAna
6. Pact
About Pact
Pact is packed to the brim with an impressive selection of Earth’s Favorite™ Clothing.
From organic cotton pajamas and sustainable hoodies to activewear and affordable sports bras, this USA-based brand has some great assets.
While only offering two bra options for your active lifestyle (the Ribbed Bra Top and the Double Scoop Longline Bra), they believe in quality over quantity.
Pact’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Pact uses 95% GOTS-certified organic cotton and 5% elastane. No underwire, no problems.
Their bras include removable cups for comfort and versatility (although we aren’t sure what the pads are made of).
Supply chain & labor practices:
With Fair Trade certification, the factories and farms adhere to ethical labor practices.
By manufacturing where organic cotton is harvested in India, they lessen the environmental impact of shipping.
Green business practices:
Pact works with SimpliZero to maintain its net zero carbon status by offsetting through community projects, renewable energy, and reforestation.
There’s also an option for you to personally offset your shipping at checkout, and all packaging comes from recycled/recyclable or biodegradable materials.
Inclusivity:
Offering light support more in the way of sustainable sports bras for small busts, sizes are XS-XXL and best suited for A-C cups.
Community & charitable giving:
Their Give Back. Wear Forward program encourages people to send any brand of unwanted clothes to them for recycling. The Wear Forward part is when Pact distributes gently used items to nonprofits helping folks in need.
Available: pact
7. WAMA
About WAMA
WAMA makes us re-mam-ber that both our internal and external health matters, which is why this hemp underwear brand creates almost completely plastic-free sports bras.
Based in LA, they know a thing or two about the hemp industry and use this groovy plant in all of their undergarments for men and women.
Their sustainable bras come in two options: the sport-friendly Racerback Bralette and the casual Triangle Bralette.
WAMA’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
WAMA’s nearly plastic-free sports bras are made of 53% hemp, 44% OEKO-TEX organic cotton, and only 3% spandex (the lowest of any of these brands).
Because hemp fabric is highly moisture-wicking and light, it makes for extra breathable eco-friendly sports bras.
Supply chain & labor practices:
WAMA uses BSCI-certified factories and works directly with organic farmers in China.
They keep a team member on-site to ensure their Code of Conduct is being followed. Workers receive fair pay and a healthy work environment.
Green business practices:
WAMA uses 100% recycled and recyclable EcoEnclose mailers and compostable tissue paper.
While the stickers are non-compostable, you can send them back to WAMA for recycling.
They are PETA-approved vegan, a Green America Certified Business, and a member of the National Hemp Association.
Inclusivity:
Sizes range from XS-4XL.
Available: WAMA
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How We Found The Most Sustainable Sports Bra Brands
It takes a little magic to scout out brands that meet our sustainable and ethical fashion criteria, but we know a top-notch spell to make them appear…
A-BRA-cadabra!
To make sure you have all the information you need before purchasing your ethical sports bras, we dive into each of these categories so you can confidently answer the question, “What is a sustainable sports bra?”.
Materials:
What sustainable materials are used for sports bras?
Much like natural yoga mats, the best sustainable sports bras are also plastic-free sports bras, meaning those made purely with organic cotton (like these organic cotton bralettes), hemp, and sustainable bamboo.
But in order for them to be stretchy and supportive, there are typically not-so-sustainable materials blended in such as spandex/elastane and nylon.
In these cases, we look for recycled materials (like recycled polyester) or small percentages of spandex.
- Certifications: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Betton Cotton Initiative (BCI), OEKO-TEX, Ecocert, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
Supply chain and labor practices:
We’re looking for all-around support, so we stay abreast with brands who keep their labor practices and supply chain transparent.
Things like fair pay, safe working conditions, no child labor, and regular audits are all top priorities in our search, and makes transparency all the more important.
- Certifications: Fair Trade, Fair Labor Association (FLA), Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI), ISO-14001, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), B Corporation, Sedex, SA8000
Green business practices:
There are ample ways companies are going green such as carbon offset programs, sustainably-sourced packaging, closed-loop options, and recycling water during the manufacturing process.
Inclusivity:
We all look for something different in a sports bra, from style to compression needs for trans folks.
Brands that understand this create sustainable sports bras for women and men of varying body shapes and sizes, from petite sustainable sports bras to plus-size ones.
Community & charitable giving:
It’s uplifting to read about and see the impact these brands have had on their chosen charities.
Whether it’s being a member of 1% for the Planet or donating 100% of proceeds on Earth Day to a cause, connection and community are close to their hearts.
Final Thoughts On Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Sports Bras
With fast fashion brands like Shein who is just plain bad steamrolling out trendy activewear, studies have found harmful chemicals at toxic levels in a majority of their items.
Chemicals in (especially) activewear make it extremely difficult to recycle, thus adding to the catastrophe of fast fashion’s environmental impact.
While we normally encourage wearing what you have, the health risks associated with bras might mean you’ll want to replace this one sooner rather than later. Just make sure you have a plan to responsibly dispose of your old underwear and bras.
After your next yoga class on your eco-friendly yoga mat or coffee catch-up, be sure to share this article with the bra-wearers in your life.
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