The best ethical and eco-friendly activewear brands
- Posted by
- Hannah Keegan
- Published
From swimwear made from recycled ocean plastic to biodegradable yoga mats, here are the UK’s best sustainable activewear companies.
AllSisters
This Barcelona-based swimwear brand makes its suits exclusively from fabrics that carry the Made in Green by Oeko-Tex certification. This guarantees they are made in an environmentally friendly way, in a socially responsible workplace.
Baserange
Baserange crafts its collection of elevated, minimal clothing and lingerie in small family factories. It uses organic, sustainable materials such as bamboo fibres.
Botanica Workshop
Botanica has a slow-fashion philosophy in producing its retro-inspired high-waisted underwear and swimsuits. It uses organic cotton, recycled nylon and low-impact synthetic dyes.
Davy J
Made from 100% regenerated nylon yarn, Davy J’s swimwear is bright, fun and built to last. But when your suit does come to the end of its life, you’re urged to return it so the material can be reused. The company’s goal is to be a 60% closed-loop recycling business by 2020.
The Ariane Hybrid Top by Maarï, £85
Maarï
All Maarï’s chic monochrome swimsuits are crafted with high-tech Econyl yarn, a process that involves transforming abandoned fishing nets and nylon waste into a secondary raw material.
Manduka
Manduka’s yoga mats and leggings are designed with sustainability in mind. The Eko mat is made from biodegradable natural tree rubber and all the activewear is made from recycled polyester or organic cotton.
Naja
Naja’s botanical-print bra-tops and leggings are made by single mothers or female breadwinners, and they’re paid above market wages with healthcare benefits and flexible working policies. The company opts to digitally print its garments to reduce water waste.
Ohoy Swim
With its minimal, high-leg swimsuits, Ohoy Swim was founded with a mission to look after the environment. It turns plastic and nets collected from the ocean into luxurious fabric. Favouring quality over quantity, Ohoy only produces very limited styles each season in a bid to become more sustainable.
The Fonda Bodysuit in black by Silou, £159
Organic Basics
This Copenhagen-based brand has designed antibacterial and odourless loungewear so that you can wash less and reduce water waste. It makes everything with organic cotton.
Patagonia
With an early focus on sustainability, Patagonia was an environmental revolutionary when it launched in 1973. Now, the outdoor clothing brand has become a wardrobe staple amongst east London’s cool kids. The brand commits 10% of all its profits to environmental groups.
Silou London
This fuss-free activewear brand produces socially and environmentally responsible pieces. It sources non-toxic materials and manufactures them in Lithuania, where its factory exceeds EU standards and ensures fair pay.
To see more from Stylist’s sustainable fashion directory – including the world’s best ethical luxury labels and the eco-friendly brands making affordable style staples – click here.
Main image: Davy J. All images courtesy of brands