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17 Jul

The Best Brands for More Responsible and Sustainable Running Clothes

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If you’re one of the millions of runners around the world, you may want to invest in some more sustainable running clothes. We’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the best activewear brands making running clothes you’ll love to move in.

Responsibly-made running clothes

Running is one of the most popular sports in the world, practised by millions. And for good reason—running is a great way to get out, breathe some fresh air, be active, and relieve stress. Plus, you don’t really need any fancy equipment or tools. You simply need to tie your running shoes, get out the door, and that’s it, you’re running.

But if we’re not careful, a simple run can be pretty damaging for the environment. From what you do, to what you wear, you should always be mindful when working out or participating in a race.  A pair of synthetic running shoes, for example, is said to generate 14g of emissions throughout its lifecycle.

As a sustainability enthusiast and avid runner myself, I like my running kit to respect the planet and its people without compromising on performance. So I went on the hunt for more sustainable and ethical running clothes.

When going on a run it’s best to adopt a “layering system” on top, starting with a moisture-wicking base layer, followed by a mid-layer jacket. For the bottoms, you can wear supporting leggings or running shorts, depending on the weather.

So read on and keep moving with these more sustainable running clothes from some top rated brands on Good On You.

Silou

Rated: Good

Suki Bra – Ships internationally from the UK

Created for fitness, designed for life, SILOU is a luxury activewear brand specialising in clothes that feel good on the body, perform in the gym, shape and support, and are kind to the planet. This UK brand rates “Great” for its environmental impact: it uses a high proportion of lower-impact materials, including recycled materials, and has a limited production run to minimise textile waste. Breathable and supportive, the Suki Bra is the staple in running clothes you’ll find yourself reaching for every time you’re getting ready to go for a run.

Find this great running bra in sizes XS-L at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Silou.

Patagonia

Rated: Good
man wearing sustainable running clothes shirt by Patagonia

Men’s Long Sleeve Cap Cool Trail Shirt – Ships internationally from the US

Patagonia is a brand which truly lives and breathes the great outdoors. It makes clothing for trail running, climbing, mountain biking, surfing, skiing, and snowboarding. Patagonia has strong labour rights and uses recycled, rather than virgin, polyester. It has also committed to reducing its energy use and emissions. Available in black or blue, this lightweight trail running shirt keeps you comfortable when you’re working hard no matter the weather.

Find the running shirt in sizes 2XS-3XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Patagonia @ LVRSustainable.

Shop Patagonia Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Shop Patagonia.

Adidas by Stella McCartney

Rated: Good
A black long sleeve mid-layer top from Stella McCartney.

Long Sleeve Mid Layer Top – Ships internationally from Germany

Footwear company Adidas paired with uxury fashion brand Stella McCartney to create stunning sneakers and activewear that look and feel great. Made from a percentage of recycled Parley Ocean Plastic®, you can walk the walk knowing you helped prevent plastic waste from reaching the ocean. Made with 64% recycled content, this mid-layer was crafted to fit like a glove without ever feeling too tight or restrictive. Bonus point for the thumbholes that keep your hands warm on long-distance runs.

Find this jacket in sizes XS-XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Adidas by Stella McCartney @ LVRSustainable.

Shop Adidas by Stella McCartney @ Farfetch.

Girlfriend Collective

Rated: Good
A black packable puffer jacket by Girlfriend Collective.

Packable Puffer Jacket – Ships internationally from the US

Girlfriend Collective creates minimal, luxury women’s activewear made with certified fair labour, certified by the Social Accountability Standard International SA8000. The brand uses recycled polyester as well as lower-impact non-toxic dyes and is fully OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified. Warm, wind-resistant, and water-repelling, this puffer jacket is perfect for the colder months.

Inclusively sized Girlfriend Collective offers its puffer jacket in sizes 2XS-6XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Girlfriend Collective @ LVRSustainable.

Shop Girlfriend Collective.

Tripulse

Rated: Great
A pair of black running leggings with hidden pockets on the inside.

Workout Leggings – Ships internationally from Sweden

Offers

People wearing the Pro leggings made from eucalyptus fabric TENCEL™ Lyocell by Tripulse.

Tripulse – Leggings

These leggings are perfect for warmer days and intense workouts, made from smooth and naturally cooling eucalyptus wood Tencel Lyocell. Bundle and save 10% on the Next Gen sports bra and Pro leggings with code TRIPULSEBUNDLE10. (Ends: 2 MAY)

Checkout code: TRIPULSEBUNDLE10
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People wearing the Next Gen sports bra made from eucalyptus fabric TENCEL™ Lyocell by Tripulse.

Tripulse – Sports Bra

Stay fresh in the Next Gen sports bra that combines minimalist design with clever functionality, made from eucalyptus fabric Tencel Lyocell. Bundle and save 10% on the Next Gen sports bra and Pro leggings with code TRIPULSEBUNDLE10. (Ends: 2 MAY)

Checkout code: TRIPULSEBUNDLE10
Shop now

Tripulse is a Swedish activewear brand on a mission to create high-performing activewear that protects our planet and its people. The brand believes that fitness, both physical and mental, is the foundation for a good and healthy life and gives people the courage to live the life they dreamed of, to become their best selves, to make bold moves, and to change the world for the better. These leggings will give you maximum movement and are designed for all training intensities.

Find these leggings in sizes XS-3XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Tripulse.

True Tribe

Rated: Good

Heat Running Shorts – Ships internationally from France

True Tribe is a French activewear and swimwear designer that seeks to redefine the codes of more conscious fashion. Our editors love the tie-dye pattern of these shorts, plus they’ve got an inner sweatproof phone pocket, perfect for long runs outside.

Find the shorts in sizes XS-2XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop True Tribe.

tentree

Rated: Good
woman stretching in pink eco-friendly running shorts by tentree

inMotion Bike Shorts – Ships internationally from Canada

tentree is a Canadian lifestyle brand that plants 10 trees for every item purchased. The certified B Corp brand has already helped to remove tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere and reforested over 5,000 hectares of land (that’s equal to 12,000 football fields). But its commitment to sustainability extends way beyond trees. Using recycled, organic, and circular fabrics, tentree cuts down on huge amounts of waste and water usage with every piece. Our editors love it for its super comfy fabrics and easy running and gym staples. Designed in Canada and more responsibly made in the Philippines in a closed-loop process, these cycling and running shorts are well worth a look in.

Find the shorts in sizes XS-XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop tentree.

Threads 4 Thought

Rated: Good

Ramsey Panel Sports ReActive Tight – Ships internationally from the US

Threads 4 Thought uses a range of lower-impact materials, including TENCEL™ Modal harvested from the limbs of beech trees. This process means that the trees are never cut down, and 95% of the production materials used to make the yarn are recovered and reused. The brand’s manufacturers are a combination of Fair Trade USA certified and Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production certified. Wear these sports tights on their own or layered beneath shorts to keep you comfortable during your run.

Find the tights in sizes S-2XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Threads 4 Thought.

éclipse

Rated: Great
woman wearing ethical neck garters by Eclipse

Adjustable Neck Gaiter – Ships internationally from the US

US-based éclipse creates climate control UPF 50+ clothing essentials and accessories to help keep the whole family sunsafe. It manufactures locally to reduce its carbon footprint, and its entire product range is vegan-friendly. éclipse’s best selling gaiter is perfect for keeping your neck warm during those windy runs. While it may not be your first thought when it comes to more sustainable running clothes, you’ll be glad to have it available when the weather goes south.

See the rating.

Shop éclipse.

Pressio

Rated: Good

Arm Sleeves – Ships internationally from the UK

Pressio is a UK brand that seeks to provide truly world-leading, revolutionary performance sportswear built upon an uncompromised responsible approach. Arm sleeves are said to help with faster recovery, so if you’re interested in some, have a look at Pressio’s.

Find the arm sleeves in sizes XS-2XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Pressio.

Veja

Rated: Good

Condor 2 – Ships internationally from France

Veja is a French brand designing fair trade footwear, and is also a responsible fashion pioneer. The brand uses lower-impact materials, like GOTS certified cotton and vegetable-tanned leather. Veja pays its co-operative cotton growers and rubber tappers between 30% and 100% above the world market price. By not advertising, Veja is able to invest more money into strengthening its practices. Designed to be highly versatile, the Condor 2 is the go-to shoe for long runs, easy runs, and recovery sessions.

You can find this running pair in EU sizes 36-47 at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Veja.

Shop Veja @ LVRSustainable.

Shop Veja @ Outerknown.

Shop Veja @ Threads 4 Thought.

Nike (Pre-Owned)

Rated: It's A Start
man of colour wearing black Nike sportswear and images of second hand Nike sweater and sneakers

Pre-Owned Nike Running Gear – Ships internationally

Nike is an American sportswear and activewear manufacturer. The brand has good policies to audit suppliers in its supply chain, but it is not taking adequate steps to ensure payment of a living wage for its workers. By buying Nike second hand you're helping keep clothes out of landfills and helping protect workers by slowing down the fast fashion cycle and the relentless demands on low-paid workers in the supply chain.

See the rating.

Shop Nike Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Reebok (Pre-Owned)

Rated: We Avoid

Pre-Owned Reebok Running Gear – Ships internationally

Reebok has set some good environmental and labour standards over the years. It is a founding member of the Better Cotton Initiative, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and is partially certified by Bluesign.

See the rating.

Shop Reebok Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Don’t forget to add some responsibly-made socks.

For more responsible running gear options, check out our guide to more sustainable activewear

Editor's note

Feature image via Girlfriend Collective, all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet, and animals. We love to recommend some of the best more sustainable brands, rated "Good" or "Great". We also encourage shopping pre-owned as another great way to reduce the impact of our fashion choices. Use our directory to search thousands of rated brands.

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