Introduction: The Stories Behind Your Sportswear
When you shop for sportswear, it’s easy to focus on performance features that are related to brand names. But what if your clothes could tell a different story? The sportswear industry is one of the most resource-intensive sectors, often relying on cheap labor and environmentally harmful practices. However, a growing number of ethical brands are changing the game.
Today, making mindful choices that reflect your values is easier than ever. From fair labor practices to eco-friendly materials, the stories behind your gear matter. This guide will help you look beyond the label and navigate the world of ethical sportswear with practical advice on what to look for—like certifications, transparency, and eco-initiatives—and a curated selection of brands for every budget. Whether you’re an eco-conscious athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply seeking sustainable alternatives, this guide has something for everyone, ensuring your choices make a positive impact on people, the planet, and performance.
1. What Makes a Sportswear Brand Ethical & Sustainable?
Before diving into the brands, let’s break down the three main elements you should look for when choosing a sustainable sportswear brand:
Fair Labor Practices
- Look for brands that prioritize ethical production. This means fair wages, safe working conditions, and no exploitation of workers in low-wage countries. Brands that share their supply chain details are usually more transparent and committed to fair practices.
- Certifications: Fair Trade Certified, B Corp, and Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) are good indicators.
Eco-Conscious Materials
- Sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and biodegradable materials (such as Tencel) have a lower environmental impact than conventional materials like petroleum-based polyester and nylon.
- Recycled fabrics are particularly important for reducing waste. Recycled polyester (made from plastic bottles) or recycled nylon (often sourced from discarded fishing nets) are good examples of sustainable material choices.
Low-Impact Production
- Low-carbon and water usage: Brands that focus on reducing water usage in production, like using waterless dye technologies or efficient manufacturing processes, contribute to lowering their environmental impact.
- Eco-initiatives: Look for brands that invest in renewable energy, zero-waste factories, or that offset their carbon emissions.
2. Practical Advice: What to Look for in Ethical & Sustainable Sportswear Brands
1. Certifications to Trust
Certifications are a reliable way to verify a brand’s commitment to sustainability. Here are some key ones to look for:
- Fair Trade Certified: Ensures fair wages and safe working conditions.
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Certifies organic fibers and ethical labor practices.
- B Corp Certification: Companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance.
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Ensures that materials are free from harmful chemicals.
- Recycled Content Certifications: Look for brands with products certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or similar for products made from post-consumer waste.
2. Transparency in Supply Chain
Ethical brands are transparent about where and how their products are made. Look for:
- Clear information on production facilities: Brands that share where their clothes are made and who makes them show a commitment to ethical labor practices.
- Sustainability reports: Brands that publish annual sustainability reports or have detailed sustainability sections on their websites are usually more committed to their green initiatives.
3. Eco-Initiatives
Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. Look for brands that:
- Offer product take-back or recycling programs: For example, some brands will take your old gear and recycle it into new products, reducing textile waste.
- Offset their carbon emissions: Some brands invest in carbon offset programs to neutralize the environmental impact of their manufacturing processes.
- Use eco-friendly packaging: Brands that use recycled or biodegradable packaging help reduce waste.
3. Sustainable & Ethical Sportswear Brands for Every Budget
When choosing a sustainable sportswear brand, it’s important to find something that fits your budget without compromising on ethical standards. Here’s a selection of brands across different price points:
Affordable & Accessible Brands
1. PACT
- Price Range: Affordable
- Known for: Organic cotton clothing and Fair Trade practices.
- Sustainability Focus: PACT’s clothes are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, and they work with Fair Trade-certified factories.
- Certifications: Fair Trade Certified, GOTS
- Eco-Initiatives: PACT is committed to transparency in its supply chain and ensures that all its products are free of harmful chemicals.
Learn more: PACT’s Ethical Practices
2. Girlfriend Collective
- Price Range: Affordable to mid-range
- Known for: Activewear made from recycled materials, particularly post-consumer plastic bottles.
- Sustainability Focus: The brand uses recycled polyester, recycled nylon, and is committed to producing in Fair Trade-certified factories.
- Certifications: Fair Trade Certified, OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- Eco-Initiatives: Girlfriend Collective’s packaging is made from 100% recycled materials, and the brand offers a recycling program for its products.
Learn more: Girlfriend Collective Sustainability
3. Reebok (Reebok x Better Cotton Initiative)
- Price Range: Mid-range
- Known for: Affordable sportswear with increasing commitment to sustainability.
- Sustainability Focus: Reebok has committed to using 100% sustainable cotton by 2025 and uses recycled materials in its products.
- Certifications: Better Cotton Initiative, Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
- Eco-Initiatives: They have committed to using renewable energy in manufacturing by 2025.
Learn more: Reebok’s Sustainability
Mid-Range & High-End Brands
4. Outdoor Voices
- Price Range: Mid-range
- Known for: High-quality, versatile activewear for everyday use.
- Sustainability Focus: Outdoor Voices uses recycled materials in many of its products and is transparent about its sustainability efforts.
- Certifications: Sustainable Apparel Coalition Member
- Eco-Initiatives: The brand uses water-saving technologies and has an ongoing commitment to improving its carbon footprint.
Learn more: Outdoor Voices Sustainability
5. Patagonia
- Price Range: Mid- to high-end
- Known for: Durable, outdoor gear and activewear made with recycled materials.
- Sustainability Focus: Patagonia uses recycled polyester and organic cotton in many of its products, and it’s one of the most well-known brands committed to environmental activism.
- Certifications: B Corp Certified, Fair Trade Certified
- Eco-Initiatives: Patagonia is dedicated to environmental causes, offering a product repair program and promoting used gear resale.
Learn more: Patagonia’s Sustainability
Up-and-Coming & Innovative Brands
6. TALA
- Price Range: Affordable to mid-range
- Known for: Trendy activewear made from recycled materials.
- Sustainability Focus: TALA uses 100% recycled fabrics, including deadstock fabrics, and produces in ethical, low-impact factories.
- Certifications: Vegan Certified, OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- Eco-Initiatives: The brand is committed to sustainability through its product lifecycle and offers a recycling program for used items.
Learn more: TALA
7. P.E Nation
- Price Range: Mid-range to high-end
- Known for: Stylish, performance-driven activewear with a focus on sustainability.
- Sustainability Focus: P.E Nation uses recycled nylon, polyester, and sustainable fabrics in its collections.
- Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Ethical Clothing Australia
- Eco-Initiatives: The brand aims to reduce its environmental footprint by investing in sustainable practices across its supply chain.
Learn more: P.E Nation
4. How to Shop More Sustainably for Sportswear
1. Buy Less, Choose Wisely
The most sustainable choice is to buy fewer, high-quality items that will last. Focus on purchasing versatile, durable products that can withstand the wear and tear of active life.
Building a functional and stylish sportswear wardrobe doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Start with versatile essentials like two pairs of black long leggings that go with almost anything. Add three different styles of sports tops—easily found on the second-hand market—to keep your look fresh while accommodating the fact that we tend to sweat more on the upper body. For footwear, one pair of shoes for outdoor activities and another for indoor workouts should be sufficient. With these staples, you’ll have a sustainable and practical workout wardrobe that suits your style.
To make your gear last, proper care is crucial. Always check the care label and follow the instructions to avoid damaging delicate fabrics. Separate your sportswear from other types of clothing, and handle it gently during washing. These small steps will keep your wardrobe durable, comfortable, and ready for every workout.
When it’s time to part with your sportswear, consider sustainable options. Many brands offer take-back programs for recycling or repurposing, or you can resell or donate your items. If donating, ensure the clothes are directed to reliable destinations where they can be reused responsibly. By caring for your gear and mindfully letting it go, you’re contributing to a more sustainable fashion cycle and reducing textile waste.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for affordable, everyday activewear or high-end performance gear, there are ethical and sustainable sportswear brands for every budget. By understanding what to look for—certifications, transparency, and eco-initiatives—you can make more conscious choices that help support fair labor and a healthier planet.
Additional Resources:
- The Good On You App – A great tool to check the sustainability ratings of your favorite brands.
- Sustainable Apparel Coalition – Learn about the industry-wide efforts to improve sustainability.
- Fashion Revolution – Stay informed about the impact of fast fashion and how to demand better from brands.
Written by Refka Elarfi
