15 Ethically Made Activewear Brands To Sweat In
Finding ethically made activewear is like searching for that matching black sock amidst a large pile of freshly washed laundry. It’s really hard, feels impossible, but you WILL find it.
This blog is it.
My sister and I have put together a strong list of 16 ethically made activewear brands that we think you would enjoy yoga-ing, working out, running, kayaking, hiking, squatting, leaping, frolicking or skipping in.
Our wish is that you understand no ethical activewear brand is perfect. They each have their foibles (gosh I love that word), but the main link that pulls these sustainable activewear brands together is the fair treatment of their workers and their efforts to constantly do better for people and planet.
HOW TO UNDERSTAND THIS GUIDE:
Note where the garment is made and purchase locally made if possible
The fabrics listed are the main fabrics used, not the only ones
ECONYL= a common ethical activewear material that is produced in Italy from waste materials, e.g. discarded fishing nets and carpet fibres.
When it comes to sustainable activewear, even if it’s made from a natural fabric, there is almost always a small percentage of elastane (otherwise it wouldn’t function well for activities)
Plastic clothing can emit micro-plastics into waterways when washed. Always use a Cora Ball or Guppy Friend which collects these plastics (then you can dispose of responsibly in the bin) when washing any activewear that contains virgin or recycled plastics. CaliWoods have a cora ball here (code ETHICALLYKATE for 5% off).
These sustainable activewear brands are available in NZ
Main Image by Nectar Photography
Elle Evans
When you think Elle Evans, think luxurious colour. Deep teals, marble stone prints, bright coral and honey. Not just the queens of colour, Elle Evans also boasts a size range for all shapes and sizes. If you are struggling with sizing, just ask them. No one need miss out on their dreamy prints and styles.
Everything is made to order in Ellie’s Melbourne based studio. Even though you may have to wait a second longer, it will be SO worth it; and you can rest assured they minimise their waste SO much because of this sustainable manufacturing decision.
Kate’s Review: I keep on going back to work with Elle Evans for a reason - they’re everything I look for in sustainable activewear. The bold prints they release every year never cease to impress me . Find a full blog on Elle Evans here.
Elle Evans
International Shipping
ECONYL
Made in Australia
Luna & Soul
Luna & Soul offer a simple but well thought out range that has you covered for getting active or simply going about your day. Using organic cotton means their fabrics are super soft. Add vegan friendly, carbon neutral shipping, and natural dyes to the list, and you have a brilliant brand with values worth getting behind.
Luna and Soul
International Shipping
Organic cotton
Made in Indonesia
Patagonia
Patagonia loves the outdoors more than most and respect that whatever anyone wears outdoors has to be mindful. Functional and hardy, Patagonia creates to last. They are a global brand known for spearheading sustainability in the fashion industry. Patagonia are easily found in stores too, which makes them more accessible than most- check out their stockists.
Kate’s review: I bought one of their tops many years ago and in June 2021 I invested in a raincoat. Patagonia garments are known for their durability and longevity, and after wearing these items regularly, they absolutely deserve their great reputation.
Patagonia
International Shipping
Recycled polyester
Made all over the globe
Active Apostle
Active Apostle is relatively new on the scene, but they’re quickly becoming a favourite for many. The colours offer brightness and visibility, especially for those road runs. They have something for guys and gals, and instead of releasing seasonal collections, they launch solid basics that you can purchase all year round.
Kate’s Review: These are the softest leggings I have ever worn. I don’t know how they did it, but the tights literally feel like melted butter. I have put these to the squat test many a time, and they pass. The only downside is how they reacted to the velcro of my raincoat (which has made a large rub mark), but that seems like a user error to me - woophs.
Active Apostle
International Shipping
ECONYL
Made in Indonesia
Zeenya: Activewear NZ
If you want to gallop the streets in something bright and funky; Zeenya is the brand for you. Inspired by the bold colours of Brazil, these garments are made with colourful, biodegradable fabrics, with many (not all) items made locally in New Zealand - if you are looking for NZ activewear brands, simply ask Zeenya which styles are made here. Zeenya knows everyone in their production line and gives a damn about every single person involved in making their clothes.
Zeenya
International Shipping
Amini Sol Eco
Made in New Zealand and Brazil
LETE Active: Sustainable Activewear NZ
Lush bamboo fabric, options for men & women, and dreamy green colours. LETE Active is founded and run by Paulina and Dan in Auckland, New Zealand. Their focus is not only on providing quality sustainable activewear for everyone to workout in; they use their brand as a tool to educate others around things like plant based eating and living more sustainably in general.
Kate’s review: I love how versatile the leggings are for walking, running, and working out. The sports bra is the only one I can trust to keep everything in place for intense exercise and I am impressed at how well all garments are lasting. I purchased a second sports bra after loving the first one so much, so I have an option to exercise when the other needs a wash! LETE are definitely a favourite out of all NZ activewear brands.
LETE Active
International shipping
Bamboo
Made in China
ETHICALLYKATE for 15% off
Icebreaker
Think…. Wool. Merino wool is an incredible natural fibre. It’s breathable, temperature regulating, soft and flexible. Everything you would want to workout in. Their motto is “move to natural” which perfectly describes what Icebreaker is all about. They have everything from sports bras to leggings and they are ideal for the anti-online shopping customer who needs to try before they buy. Find an Icebreaker store close to you here.
Kate’s review: I currently wear my icebreaker top daily (a great staple for winter and spring). I have only washed it twice in the 4.5 months I have worn it, and I’ve worn it 60+ times. Their fabrics are breathable, durable, and don’t smell. I love them.
icebreaker
International Shipping
Merino
Made all over the globe
Pansy
Pansy is charming. Gorgeous bright colours and lush US grown organic cotton. Made in California, Pansy are very much in touch with their supply chain so you can stretch out knowing you’re supporting good business. We’d recommend this brand to US customers especially.
Pansy
International Shipping
Organic cotton
Made in USA
Nisa
Although most people know Nisa as an ethical underwear company, they have launched activewear and I am so happy they did! Most of their activewear are made from zero waste designs meaning there is no offcuts of fabric when the pattern is being cut. Nisa employ former refugees in Wellington to make their ethical garments.
Kate’s Review: The Beatrice Shorts are my personal favourite. They stay up for long runs and are great for everything - yoga, strength workouts, dancing. I love their deep pockets. Tim is pictured here wearing their Zero Waste Boxer Briefs. He often works out in just these.
Nisa
International Shipping
Recycled nylon/spandex blend - zero waste pattern
Made in Aotearoa New Zealand
Code ETHICALLYKATEACTIVE is 15% off
Organic Basics
Surprisingly, organic basics offer organic basics. Thankfully this includes activewear too. Organic Basics are rated highly by a very trusted source: Eco Warrior Princess. Reliable and functional for all your active jaunts!
Organic Basics
International Shipping
Organic cotton, TENCEL
Made in Turkey, Portugal, Austria, Italy, & Scotland
Code ETHICALLYKATE is 10% off
prAna
prAna covers all your bases. Yoga, travel, workouts and even swimwear. prAna offers a wide range of styles and items in lots of different materials. Their brand transparency is also something to boast about; you can find so much on their website about their fair trade and sustainable efforts. Discover men’s ethical activewear too and enjoy their eye catching colour palette as pictured here.
prAna
International shipping
Organic cotton, recycled wool, RDS certified down
Made in India
dk active
dk active are proudly made in Australia and cater to us all - pregnant bellies are one of their specialties. Their maternity and curvy ranges aren’t the only reason to jump in dk active. Choose from basic block colours and sweet florals, then pick out your favourite racer back or halter and you’re literally away running (don’t forget pants too FYI- that could get awkward). Powered by ‘solar and passion’.
dk Active
International Shipping
Lycra, organic bamboo, organic cotton, ECONYL
Made in Australia
Code ETHICALLYKATE - 10% off
WE’AR:
Known as one of the best NZ activewear brands, this is the brand for all the stretches and down dogs coming up in your future. Earthy tones, earthy materials. For those who crave a bit of a flare, or a relaxed fit pant, WE’AR is it. Made ethically in Bali, owned and managed right here in Auckland. Stores can be found across Bali and New Zealand, and yoga teachers even get a discount! P.S…. They do yoga mats too.
WE’AR
International Shipping
Organic cotton
Made in Indonesia
Shereena Noelle
Shereena Noelle is SO DAMN GROOVY. If you’re looking for sports bras with a kick, this NZ designed, made and, owned brand is for you. You won’t find NZ activewear brands like this anywhere else - you know how sometimes ethical fashion can be boring? Shereena Noella is far from it.
Shereena Noelle
New Zealand Shipping Only
Cotton, lycra
Made in New Zealand
Little Yellow Bird
This B Corp certified, NZ run brand has an awesome new activewear line and everyday wear line. Shorts and shirts are ethically made in India from ethically sourced organic cotton while their leggings and bras are made from ethical and traceable ZQ Merino. So far they’ve also saved 8000kg of textile waste from going to landfills with their return and recycle programme where products are stripped back down to the fibre level, turned into a pulp and fed back into the textile ecosystem… and their line is only growing!
Little Yellow Bird
International Shipping
Organic Cotton and Merino
Made in India and NZ
Why is ethical activewear more expensive?
Ethical activewear is often more expensive due to the higher costs associated with ethical practices. These brands prioritise fair wages for workers, eco-friendly materials, and ethical manufacturing processes, which can increase production costs. Additionally, ethical activewear brands may use high-quality, durable materials that last longer, providing better value in the long run so the cost-per-wear is lower and therefore ethical activewear becomes less expensive.
Are there affordable ethical activewear brands?
Yes, there are affordable ethical activewear brands available. While some ethical activewear can be pricey, many brands offer budget-friendly options without compromising on ethical practices. It's worth exploring smaller or emerging brands (like the ones above) that focus on affordability while maintaining a commitment to ethical and sustainable production. It’s also important to consider the concept of ‘cost-per-wear’ meaning you buy high quality pieces and pay more upfront, but over time the item lasts - far longer than cheaper activewear would have.
What makes activewear ethical?
Activewear is considered ethical when it is produced with a focus on fair labor practices, environmental sustainability, and transparency. This includes using eco-friendly materials, ensuring safe and fair working conditions, and maintaining transparent supply chains. Ethical activewear brands strive to minimise their environmental impact and support the well-being of their workers, making their products a responsible choice for consumers.
