A quick look at the best sustainable activewear brands
- Most stylish: Girlfriend Collective
- Most versatile: Mate the Label
- Best outdoor apparel: prAna
- Best athleisure: Wolven
- Best fabrics: Organic Basics
- Best vegan: LA Relaxed
- Best organic cotton: Pact
- Best with natural dyes: Groceries Apparel
- Most comfortable: Threads 4 Thought
- Best with digital prints: Together California
Sustainable clothing brands manufacture apparel using environmentally-friendly materials that reduce the environmental impact of clothing production.
Many companies are also ethically committed to providing fair wages and creating a healthy, safe working environment.
Some people opt for sustainable activewear because they want to have a positive impact on the environment and workers along the supply chain. They enjoy learning where their garments come from and about the production process.
Customers also appreciate timeless pieces that hold up to frequent wear, rather than chasing ever-changing fashion trends. What’s more, people enjoy the uniqueness that small-batch clothing brands provide.
What is sustainable clothing?
According to the United Nations Alliance for Sustainable Fashion, sustainable clothing brands minimize the environmental impact of clothing production and are socially responsible, supporting human rights and fair labor. Many companies also donate to charities or the local community.
Here are additional examples of sustainable clothing brand practices:
- transparency around business practices
- minimizing water use, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions
- reducing the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and chemicals
- using sustainably grown natural fabrics and dyes
- using recycled fabrics
- using plastic-free packaging
- providing fair wages and safe working conditions
How we chose the best sustainable activewear brands
We rounded up the best sustainable activewear brands based on the following criteria:
- Company reputation: We looked for brands that offer excellent customer service and return policies.
- Transparency: The brands on this list are transparent about business practices such as fabric sourcing, production, and workers’ wages.
- Sustainable practices: We chose brands that use sustainable natural, semi-synthetic, or recycled synthetic materials and minimize energy consumption to reduce the environmental impact of production.
- First-hand testing: We tried samples from several brands to evaluate the pieces for fabric quality, fit, and performance during workouts.
- Vetting: The brands on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.
Keep reading for our picks of the 10 best sustainable activewear brands.
Healthline’s picks of the best sustainable activewear brands
Most stylish
Girlfriend Collective
- Size range: XXS–6XL
- Products offered: tops, bottoms, matching sets, dresses, jumpsuits, outerwear, swimwear, bras, underwear, accessories, and more
Girlfriend Collective creates size-inclusive activewear using fabric made from recycled materials, including polyester, fishing nets, and post-consumer water bottles. The company also uses cupro, which is a fabric made from cotton waste.
All of Girlfriend Collective’s items are packaged and shipped using 100% recycled materials.
The fully transparent company makes textiles in Taiwan and Japan before manufacturing the clothing in a factory in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Girlfriend Collective’s factory is SA8000 certified — a certification developed by Social Accountability International to provide factory workers with fair wages and safe, healthy working conditions.
What our tester says
I tried the Compressive RIB High-Rise Legging and found them to be both stylish and comfortable. The fabric is thick enough to conceal underwear lines and provides plenty of stretch for yoga, as well as high intensity interval training (HIIT) moves like skaters and burpees.
One thing to note is that they run slightly small, so you may want to consider going up a size.
I also tried the Compressive RIB Paloma Bra, which is currently one of my favorite workout tops, as it’s comfortable and surprisingly supportive, even during intense training sessions.
— Healthline Nutrition and Fitness Market Editor Kelli McGrane, MS, RD
Shop now at Girlfriend Collective
Most versatile
Mate the Label
- Size range: XS–3X
- Products offered: tops, bottoms, dresses, jumpsuits, bras, underwear, sleepwear, accessories, and more
Mate the Label produces activewear in Los Angeles using natural, organic, nontoxic materials. The brand designs quality basics that last and easily transition from the street to the gym.
Mate the Label provides safe, comfortable, and fair working conditions from the beginning to the end of the supply chain.
The company is also Climate Neutral-certified and donates 1% of its proceeds to environmental causes through 1% for the Planet.
In addition to pieces for adults, Mate the Label also offers a kids’ line of activewear, including joggers, sweatshirts, and cotton tees.
What our tester says
The Organic Stretch Sports Bra is supportive and super comfortable during workouts, and the Organic Stretch Biker Short fit as expected. Plus, I appreciated that the waistband doesn’t roll down during exercise.
I also particularly loved the Fleece Relaxed Pocket Sweatpant for its pockets and ultra-soft fabric.
— Healthline Medical Reviewer Carissa Stephens, RN, CCRN, CPN
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Best outdoor apparel
prAna
- Size range: XXS–3X
- Products offered: top, bottoms, dresses, skirts, jumpsuits, outerwear, jackets, swimwear, accessories, and more
prAna was the first North American clothing brand to sell Fair Trade Certified clothing. The company offers activewear that’s great for activities such as yoga, hiking, and climbing.
The brand uses eco-friendly fabrics, such as Tencel lyocell, Tencel modal, and organic cotton. Plus, all packaging materials are now plastic-free.
prAna also supports various charities and donates a portion of select proceeds to Outdoor Outreach, a nonprofit that provides meaningful outdoor experiences for kids and teens who may not otherwise have the opportunity to do so.
What our tester says
I tested out a few of prAna’s bestsellers, all of which fit true to size. The Everyday Bra holds up on long hikes and during HIIT-style workouts, and it’s comfortable enough to wear under T-shirts and sweaters.
I also like the ultra-soft Zawn Top, which is stylish enough for a morning walk or grabbing brunch with friends after a yoga class. It’s a great top layer for a quick morning hike.
The Stretch Zion II Pants are also a great option for hiking — the fabric is lightweight and breathable while still being durable enough to handle outdoor activities.
If you’re looking for a versatile pair of workout shorts, the Caslelo shorts are worth considering. They’re comfortable enough to work out in or wear all day thanks to the elastic waistband and moisture-wicking fabric. Plus, they have three pockets.
— Healthline Nutrition and Fitness Market Editor Kelli McGrane, MS, RD
Best athleisure
Wolven
- Size range: XS–XL
- Products offered: tops, bottoms, swimwear, and bras
Wolven manufactures activewear and swimwear in a factory in China that has a Workplace Conditions Assessment (WCA), which guarantees healthy, safe, and environmentally-friendly practices.
The brand also has a small team of tailors that make T-shirts and dresses in Los Angeles.
Wolven invests in carbon-offset initiatives, making its imported shipments certified 100% carbon-neutral. The company also supports rainforest conservation and landfill methane capture through a partnership with Climate Neutral.
What our tester says
The CrissCross Four-Way Top is incredibly soft and comfortable. It fits true to size and is available in multiple colors and prints.
While the fabric on the Pocket Legging is thinner than that of other brands, it still hides visible underwear lines. I sized up after reading reviews, and I’m glad I did. I love the turmeric color, and the fabric is soft and stretchy. These leggings are one of my favorites for a high intensity workout or sweaty yoga session.
— Healthline Nutrition and Fitness Market Editor Kelli McGrane, MS, RD
Best fabrics
Organic Basics
- Size range: XXS–XXL
- Products offered: tops, bottoms, dresses, denim, swimwear, bras, underwear, socks, accessories, and more
Organic Basics features a variety of sustainable fabric options, including organic cotton and Tencel lyocell — a sustainable fiber made from tree pulp — to produce high quality functional designs. Some garments feature Rib-Flex fabric, an organic cotton material with a ribbed texture.
The company also offers clothing made from recycled materials, including denim, wool, and cashmere. Several activewear items are available in SilverTech fabric, a high performance nylon treated with Polygiene to inhibit odor-causing bacteria.
Organic Basics uses renewable energy and reduces the use of chemicals, water, and wastewater during production. All products are made in sustainable factories that offer healthy working conditions and living wages.
Our picks
If you’re new to the company, we recommend starting with the SilverTech Active Muscle Tank. A fresh take on typical workout wear, the relaxed top is made of odor-reducing recycled nylon that wicks away moisture and keeps you fresh.
Just keep in mind, several customers find that the tank runs slightly large.
Organic Basics’ Organic Tee is another great staple that features a comfortable fit in luxurious fabric and is available in four colors.
Best vegan
LA Relaxed
- Size range: XS–XL
- Products offered: tops, bottoms, and dresses
LA Relaxed values ethical employment and makes clothing in downtown Los Angeles.
The brand uses sustainable, vegan, and cruelty-free fabrics, such as hemp, linen, and organic cotton, to create clothing in small batches, which reduces waste and improves quality control.
As a bonus, customers rave about how comfortable the fabrics are.
Our picks
If you’re looking for alternatives to leggings, the Heirloom Organic Jogger is a great choice. The organic cotton sweats are available in three eye-catching colors and add a stylish touch to your workout wardrobe.
We also recommend the Raw Raglan Sweatshirt, made of Tencel Modal and Spandex, as a relaxed top that’s good for warmups or lower intensity workouts.
Best organic cotton
Pact
- Size range: XS–XXL
- Products offered: tops, bottoms, dresses, skirts, jumpsuits, sleepwear, bras, underwear, socks, maternity, accessories, and more
Pact uses water-saving Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton to create good quality clothing that outlives a season.
The brand also works with fair trade certified factories, which reduce the environmental impact of clothing production and treat workers fairly.
Our picks
The organic cotton Thermal Waffle Pullover Hoodie fits true to size, according to reviewers, and works well for layering.
Reviewers love the Downtime Wide-Leg Sweatpant as an alternative to leggings and frequently mention how comfortable they are. Plus, the cropped length keeps the hem from dragging on the ground.
In addition to adult activewear, Pact offers apparel for babies and kids, bedding, and bath towels.
Best with natural dyes
Groceries Apparel
- Size range: XS–3XL
- Products offered: tops, bottoms, dresses, skirts, underwear, bras, and more
Groceries Apparel uses nontoxic vegetable dyes and used coffee grounds to create activewear basics in stunning colors.
What’s more, the company uses 100% recycled and organic fabrics, including hemp, organic cotton, and eucalyptus Tencel lyocell.
Groceries Apparel manufactures its clothing in Los Angeles to keep a close eye on production standards related to quality, fair wages, and waste reduction.
Our picks
The organic cotton and spandex Pax Leggings come in 10 stunning shades, and each pair has a unique natural dye pattern. Plus, they have a waistband pocket for holding your phone or keys.
For a complete outfit, we recommend the cotton Fitted Crop Top, as it’s a great option for people who want more coverage than a sports bra.
Most comfortable
Threads 4 Thought
- Size range: XXS–3X
- Products offered: tops, bottoms, dresses, skirts, jumpsuits, sleepwear, maternity, sports bras, jeans, accessories, and more
Threads 4 Thought uses Lenzing modal — a sustainable fiber made primarily from beechwood pulp — and a tri-blend fleece made from organic cotton, recycled polyester, and rayon for many of its garments.
It also has a line of ReActive clothing made from recycled water bottles. Reviewers frequently mention that the fabrics are super soft and comfortable, especially the tri-blend fleece.
The brand works with factories that provide excellent working conditions and ensure sustainable production with minimal chemicals and waste.
According to the brand’s website, all of its products are now carbon neutral.
Our picks
If you’re new to Threads 4 Thought, the Connie Jogger is a great place to start. It’s a customer favorite and made of Lenzing modal and spandex feather fleece. Just keep in mind that the relaxed-fit pants run slightly large, so you may want to consider sizing down.
The ultra-soft Triblend Zip Fleece Hoodie is another good choice. It fits true to size and is long enough to suit taller individuals.
As with several others on this list, Threads 4 Thought offers clothing for both adults and kids.
Best with digital prints
Together California
- Size range: XXS–4X
- Products offered: tops, bottoms, dresses, skirts, swimwear, and windbreakers
Together California manufactures activewear in Los Angeles using fabric made from recycled water bottles and a digital printing method that reduces water use and carbon emissions.
The pieces are unique in that many of the designs feature prints inspired by nature photography taken by one of the company’s founders.
Together California uses biodegradable packaging and upcycles scrap fabric to make scrunchies, pockets, and face masks.
To reduce energy consumption, the brand manufactures textiles in the local area and digitally prints on fabric in a low impact facility run on recycled water and heating.
Our picks
The loose-fitting Sea Star Windbreaker works well for cycling and hiking, while the moisture-wicking fabric of the unisex Flamingo Hybrid Shorts is great for gym workouts.
Shop now at Together California
What to look for when shopping for sustainable activewear
If you want to purchase sustainable clothing, consider the following:
- Sustainability practices: From natural and/or recycled fabrics and dyes to plastic-free packaging, look for brands that are making an effort to be more eco-friendly.
- Brand reputation: Look for a company that offers transparency, supports healthy working conditions, and treats employees well. Some brands also donate a portion of proceeds to charitable causes.
- Materials: Decide whether you prefer natural, semi-synthetic, or recycled synthetic fabrics. If you’re vegan, you’ll want to make sure the brand doesn’t use animal-derived materials.
- Apparel use: Consider what types of activities you want the clothing to suit. Many people choose to wear activewear for everyday use due to its comfort.
- Size and fit: Look for brands that provide a size chart and provide the size and measurements of models. Some companies post customer reviews, which allows you to learn more about how the clothing performs, fits, and holds up over time.
Frequently asked questions about sustainable activewear
How do I know if my activewear is sustainable?
To know if your activewear is sustainable, look for eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton, modal, and lyocell, as well as synthetic fabrics made from recycled materials. You can also look at the company’s website to read about its business practices, impact on the environment, and employee treatment.
Is sustainable activewear more expensive?
Typically, sustainable activewear is more expensive than fast fashion. That said, a lot of sustainable activewear is still less expensive than some of the biggest brands of activewear and luxury clothing. Many sustainable brands offer midrange activewear that offers plenty of quality for the price.
You may save money over time by buying sustainable clothing that lasts longer and decreases your cost per wear.
What should I avoid when shopping for sustainable activewear?
When shopping for sustainable activewear, you may find that some brands use greenwashing to mislead customers, which means that their practices may not actually be as sustainable as they claim.
Reading about the brand’s background and third-party certifications can help you determine if the company provides evidence to support its sustainability claims.
As for fabric types, if you prefer synthetic fabrics but want something that’s still sustainable, look for recycled alternatives.
The bottom line
Sustainable activewear is an increasingly popular option, and plenty of brands offer high quality clothing.
These stylish pieces may even kick-start your motivation to exercise.
Buying from sustainable clothing brands helps reduce the environmental impact of clothing production and supports the fair treatment of employees.
If you have any questions additional questions about the practices of a specific brand, reach out to a customer service representative.
