Whether you’re looking to start a new training regime or you’re deep in the grind of your routine, sometimes it takes a little pop of colour to pep you up for your next spin class. The desire to do something good for your body and mind is nothing new, but what if you could be minimising your environmental footprint at the same time?
Endorphins aside, these 10 ethical activewear brands keep the good vibes flowing with fashion-forward vibes that don’t cost the earth. Sweat it out in style and move effortlessly from barre to a museum, the highest hike to coffee with friends. The best part? Each brand is rated ‘Great’ or ‘Good’ in the Good On You app, so you can exercise easy knowing they’re committed to reducing their impact on animals, people, and the planet.
PACT 
PACT Leggings | | Ships within the US and Canada
PACT’s activewear range is almost entirely made from certified organic cotton, with more than 50% also certified as Fair Trade. All of their clothing is sweatshop-free and child-labor-free. PACT is a brand that is passionate about being part of a movement transforming the way apparel is made.
Girlfriend Collective 
Midnight LITE High-Rise Leggins | | Ships internationally
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 low-impact non-toxic dyes and is fully Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified.
Teeki
Phoenix Rising Hot Pants | | Ships internationally
Eco-conscious and fun activewear brand Teeki designs high-quality and long-lasting products using recycled plastic bottles. It is also Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified and produces in the USA!
From Clothing
Organic Cotton Yoga Bra | | Ships internationally
From Clothing is a favourite of ours and pioneer ethical fashion brand! It designs sustainable organic activewear and lifestyle clothing for the eco savyy, modern woman. The brand rates ‘Good’ on all fronts and is certified under the GOTS for the majority of its items!
Dharma Bums
Mesh Sports Bra | | Ships internationally
Dharma Bums is a yoga and activewear label, designed and manufactured in Australia. Its all-Australian-made items are certified by Ethical Clothing Australia and it does not use any animal products. What’s more it does not use harsh chemicals in the dyeing of its garments and it strives to be eco-friendly where it can be.
We’ar
Base Tank | | Ships internationally
We’ar clothing is designed for existential living, specialising in men and women’s yoga and casual wear. It uses organic cotton, linen and lyocell and sets a yearly target to increase its use of environmentally friendly materials, which is encouraging!
Bhumi
Thumbhole Wrap Top | | Ships internationally
Bhumi makes 100% Fairtrade, organic and vegan casual wear. Thanks to its use of 100% vegan, GOTS, Australian Certified Organic (ACO) AND Fairtrade organic cotton, the brand rates ‘Great’ on all issues!
Patagonia
Nine Trails Tank Top | | Ships internationally
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’s also stated a commitment to reducing their energy use and emissions.
Picture Organic Clothing
Miki Midlayers | | Ships internationally
France-based Picture designs eco-friendly, organic and recycled apparel and products for snowboarding, skiing, outdoor and surfing. The brand reuses all its offcuts to minimise textile waste and is a member of the Fair Wear Foundation, working to ensure good working conditions for its workers.
Threads 4 Thought
Maggie Tee | | Ships internationally
Threads 4 Thought use a range of sustainable materials including Lenzing Modal harvested from the limbs of beech trees. This process means that the trees are never cut down and 95% of the production materials to make the yarn are recovered and reused. Their manufacturers are a combination of Fair Trade USA certified and Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production certified.
Adidas
Alphabounce Trainers | | Ships internationally
Over the years Adidas has set some good environmental and labor standards and is a more ethical alternative to Nike or other popular activewear brands. Adidas is a member of the Better Cotton Initiative and Sustainable Apparel Coalition. It is also partially Bluesign-certified and has a robust Code of Conduct.
Howies
Ellie Leggins | | Ships internationally
Howies believes in making higher quality, lower impact products for our sports and day-to-day lives. The label uses a high proportion of eco-friendly materials including GOTS certified organic cotton. It also addresses the risks of labour abuse by adopting the GOTS Code of Conduct.
Kathmandu
Mackenzie Wind Shell Jacket | | Ships internationally
Kathmandu has committed to reducing its carbon emissions and traces most of it supply chain. It is also a certified member of the Better Cotton Initiative and uses the Higg Index. It also collaborates with the Responsible Wool Standard and the first RWS products are expected to be sold in 2019! How exciting!
Vyayama
Kalablak Bralette | | Ships internationally
Taken from the Sanskrit word meaning ‘to tame the inner breath’, Vyayama (pronounced ‘vai-ah-mah’) is a luxury addition to even the most minimal workout wardrobe. The label uses innovative TENCEL® fabric – which is crafted in Europe from sustainably farmed eucalyptus – in much of its range. This state of the art fibre keeps you cool, healthy and comfortable even in the most demanding asana. Vyayama’s products are also certified Oeko-Tex Standard 100 – an independent certification that tests for harmful substances in textiles through the supply chain.
Editor’s note: this article was updated in 2018. Feature image from the collection at PACT. All other images via brands mentioned.
