Tyler McFarland on August 20, 2023
Updated on November 8, 2023 Reviewed and fact-checked Found a mistake? Let us know!
You’re a dedicated athlete who cares deeply about the environment and your personal health. You’ve made the compassionate choice to commit to a vegan lifestyle, but have you ever considered if your activewear aligns with your values?
As fitness enthusiasts know, not all workout gear is created equal. Some brands may use harmful dyes or source their materials unethically, while others are committed to creating sustainable, eco-friendly products that don’t compromise on style or performance.
With so many options out there, it can be challenging to find the right fit for both your body and your ethics. But fret not! We’ve done some serious legwork (no pun intended) and compiled a list of some of the top sustainable and stylish activewear brands that cater specifically to environmentally-conscious athletes like yourself.
Read on and discover fashion-forward fitness wear that’s both good for you and great for Mother Earth!
Key Takeaways
- When choosing vegan sportswear, consider not only style and comfort but also the sustainability of the materials used.
- Look for vegan and sustainable activewear brands that use eco-friendly dyes, organic cotton, recycled plastic, or recycled polyester and are transparent about their manufacturing process.
- Some of the top sustainable and stylish activewear brands for vegan athletes include People Tree, Mandala, Girlfriend Collective, MATE, Organic Basics, and Wolven. Each of these brands demonstrates a commitment to ethical practices and environmental responsibility in various ways.
- Building a sustainable wardrobe takes time – start small by investing in key pieces and gradually add on as needed.
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What to Focus on When Choosing Vegan Athleisure?
Veganism isn’t merely about what you eat, it extends to every aspect of your lifestyle, which includes your clothing choices as well.
When choosing vegan athleisure, you should focus not only on style and comfort but also on the sustainability of materials used, ensuring they’re free from animal products and harmful chemicals.
Opt for brands that are transparent about their manufacturing process – those who use eco-friendly dyes, organic cotton, or recycled polyester are a good go-to. Be sure to look out for certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OEKO-TEX that guarantee the garments’ ecological and social responsibility.
While aesthetics might be important in maintaining your personal style statement, functionality shouldn’t be compromised either. Look for activewear that provides adequate support during your workouts and is designed with moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry and comfortable.
The brand’s commitment to making fitness more inclusive by offering diverse size ranges can also be a deciding factor when choosing the right fit for yourself.
Keep in mind that building a sustainable wardrobe doesn’t happen overnight – so don’t feel pressured into replacing everything at once!
Start small by investing in key pieces like sports shirts or leggings, then gradually add on as needed. Remember that each purchase is a step towards supporting ethical practices – so take pride in knowing that you’re contributing to bettering our planet while looking stylish at the same time!
Now that we’ve covered what to look out for let’s dive into some of the best brands that align with vegan and eco-conscious values.
People Tree
People Tree’s commitment to fair trade and organic practices shines through in its collection. Every piece is a testament to their dedication to minimizing environmental impact.
Virtually all items that People Tree produces are completely organic and fair trade certified. This is an assurance that the cotton used is not only of high quality but also ethically sourced. The brand strives to make a positive impact on the environment by using low-impact materials, which limit the use of chemicals and water, thus reducing wastewater in its supply chain.
People Tree also employs techniques designed to minimize waste during production. They utilize low-waste cutting methods aimed at maximizing fabric use, ensuring minimal wastage during production.
This thoughtful approach extends beyond just the products themselves. Even their packaging echoes this commitment as it’s made from recyclable materials.
When you wear People Tree activewear, you’re not just making a fashion statement – you’re actively contributing to a sustainable future for our planet.
So whether you’re hitting the gym or going for a run outside, feel good about your choice, knowing that your stylish ensemble was crafted with care for both people and the planet!
Mandala
If you’re looking for quality activewear, you’re bound to appreciate Mandala, a German-based fashion line that’s making waves with its eco-friendly tops featuring built-in bras.
Known for its innovative approach to sustainable fashion, Mandala crafts every piece of clothing from organic cotton, tencel (lyocell), and recycled polyester. This combination not only results in high-quality and comfortable workout attire but also significantly reduces the use of harmful chemicals during production.
With an international reach now, this brand is setting new standards in the activewear arena by marrying style with sustainability.
Mandala emphasizes reducing waste by limiting its production runs, ensuring they manufacture according to demand without overproducing.
Additionally, they’ve gone one step further in environmental conservation by eliminating plastic packaging altogether – another testament to their commitment to creating a more sustainable world.
As you sweat it out at your next yoga session or hit the trails for a run, remember that each garment from Mandala does more than just make you look good; it contributes positively towards our environment as well.
Girlfriend Collective
If you’re hunting for eco-conscious workout gear, look no further than Girlfriend Collective. This brand is known for its solid color sets that are as stylish as they are sustainable.
The Girlfriend Collective makes heavy use of recycled PET, a by-product of plastic bottles. This means your new activewear isn’t just preventing waste from polluting our oceans or filling up landfills – it’s actually helping to clean up the planet.
In addition to using recycled materials, Girlfriend Collective takes several other steps to minimize its environmental impact:
- GC uses a significant amount of eco-friendly materials in all of its products.
- The brand reuses offcuts where possible to reduce textile waste even further.
- All wastewater from their supply chain is treated and discharged properly, protecting local water sources.
The use of eco-friendly materials reduces the brand’s climate impact, making it an excellent choice for vegan athletes who care about the planet as much as they care about their performance.
So why not consider adding some Girlfriend Collective pieces to your activewear collection? You’ll be boosting your style and doing your bit for the environment at the same time!
MATE
MATE’s commitment to environmental responsibility extends into nearly every aspect of its operations.
MATE has eliminated polyester, nylon, and polyamide from its product lineup in favor of more eco-friendly alternatives such as organic cotton. Not only does this limit the amount of water and wastewater used during production, but it also ensures that each piece is safe for vegan athletes to wear.
MATE uses low-impact dyes that require less water – yet another testament to MATE’s unwavering dedication to sustainability.
Alongside these impressive practices, MATE also prioritizes local manufacturing to reduce its carbon footprint – an often overlooked yet crucial aspect of sustainability.
The brand is a shining example of how thoughtful business decisions can lead to stylish activewear without compromising on environmental integrity or ethical standards.
| Key Sustainability Feature | How It’s Achieved |
|---|---|
| Elimination of harmful materials | No polyester, nylon, or polyamide in products |
| Use of eco-friendly materials | High usage proportion of organic cotton |
| Reduction in water usage | Implementation of low-impact dyes requiring less water |
| Reduced carbon footprint | Localized manufacturing |
Being a fully vegan activewear manufacturer with a high level of environmental consideration, MATE truly stands out among sustainable activewear brands. They have fully embraced the challenge to reconcile style with sustainability – and they’re succeeding!
So if you’re a vegan athlete looking for guilt-free gear that matches your lifestyle values while still making you look fabulous on the mat or in the gym – look no further than MATE!
Organic Basics
Organic Basics is a brand that’s all about crafting apparel with environmental considerations at its core. This Danish-based fashion company is committed to producing sustainable clothing using natural, recycled, and biodegradable textiles.
Organic Basics integrates a polygiene coating into their materials to prolong the lifespan of their garments and reduce water waste from frequent washing. Moreover, they use organic cotton in high proportions, making their clothes not only comfortable but also eco-friendly.
Organic Basics doesn’t stop at just creating sustainable clothing; they’re also dedicated to lowering their climate impact through the use of renewable energy in their supply chain. This practice minimizes carbon emissions and supports the global shift towards cleaner sources of power.
Plus, they make sure that chemicals used in production are kept to a minimum – an approach that aligns perfectly with vegan athletes who advocate for healthier and more sustainable lifestyle choices.
While Organic Basics does an excellent job of championing sustainability in many aspects, it’s worth noting that they still use recycled wool and exotic animal hair in some of their products. If you’re a vegan athlete seeking 100% cruelty-free activewear options, other options on this list might be more suitable to your needs.
Wolven
Wolven is a vegan-friendly line that offers an array of vibrant and stylish athletic wear designed to enhance your performance without any environmental compromises.
Wolven is committed to using lower-impact materials in their products, including a high proportion of recycled materials. This helps limit the use of chemicals, water, and wastewater in its supply chain.
Furthermore, they opt for sea freight shipping over air freight, which significantly reduces its climate impact. And if you’re wondering about packaging, Wolven has you covered there too. They use 100% recycled packaging, furthering their commitment to reducing waste and promoting a sustainable future.
Final Thoughts
Embracing a vegan lifestyle doesn’t stop at your plate; it extends to every facet of your life, including the clothes you wear. Thankfully, there are numerous activewear brands out there that align with your values, offering quality, style, and sustainability in equal measure.
Brands like People Tree, Mandala, Girlfriend Collective, MATE, Organic Basics, and Wolven are just a few examples of companies committed to ethical practices and environmental responsibility. They prove that it’s possible to have workout gear that not only helps you perform at your best but also contributes positively to our planet.
So next time you’re shopping for new activewear, remember: every purchase is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. Opt for sustainable and vegan-friendly options – they’re good for you, great for Mother Earth, and incredibly stylish too!
More Guides to Vegan Brands
If you’d like some food ideas to help you on your vegan journey, here are links to some of my Vegan Food Brand Guides:
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I’m Tyler McFarland, the editor and main author here. When I first went vegan 13 years ago, convenience products like veggie burgers and soy milk were a lot harder to find. Now they’re everywhere!