Go Outside, Get Sweaty, Love Your Body in Ethical Summer Sportswear: 15 Fab Options
There’s an oft repeated motto I subscribe to: look good, feel good. And there’s no place I would rather look and feel good than working out—and what could be more motivating than getting to wear your fave leggings to get competitive/have fun in?
There’s no reason these cute sweat-soakers shouldn’t be lower-impact; there are a plethora of brands that make stylish, versatile sportswear that works—and won’t pump extra toxins into the air or water during their production, or rely on women’s exploitation in sweatshops (most garment workers are women, so that makes #WhoMadeYourClothes? a feminist question).
I’ve rounded up 7 sportswear brands that are made ethically, made to last, and/or made in the USA. Now get outside!
P R A N A
The super-durable Halle pant is built to last for years of bouldering, hiking, and backcountry trailrunning.
PrAna‘s tagline? “Yoga, travel, and adventure clothes with a conscience.” Doesn’t get much better than that. Their clothes use organic cotton, recycled polyester, and sustainable textiles.
The Soleil Bra is made from a quick-drying stretch fabric that’s Bluesign approved for environmentally safe production processes.
M I A K O D A
Miakoda’s Crop Top and Tap Short.
Miakoda was created in 2013 by sisters Julia and Laure Ahrens. According to their website Miakoda is, “a modern sportswear line for the woman who wants to be cozy and still feel feminine and chic.” The sportswear line is all made in Brooklyn, New York with fully sustainable materials.
Miakoda’s Romper, which you could def add a pair of earrings to and wear out to a picnic dinner or fireworks!
N O M I
How fab are these Steph Full Length Pants?
Nomi Designs is a sportswear line made in Canada. All their clothes are made from eco-friendly and sustainable materials. The founder, Jullianna Smith, created Nomi as a, “personal journey of self awareness, but it has become a collaborative endeavor celebrating a woman’s individuality and the acceptance of her origin.”
Nomi’s Stars Tank Top
Check out our full How I Wear Ecofashion story on Nomi.
P A T A G O N I A
Patagonia’s super-classic Women’s Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Pullover
According to Patagonia’s website, the brand started as a, “small company that made tools for climbers.” They’ve gone onto become the deservedly famous sportswear line that is so popular today. At their core they produce clothing that puts an emphasis on versatility, durability and how we as humans interact with nature. They’ve used organic cotton since 1996 in all their products.
Patagonia’s Women’s Wavefarer Board Shorts
P R A N C I N G L E O P A R D
The Metawai organic cotton shorts for women are a super-soft (and longer) option for yoga, tai chi, and hiking.
One of our all-time favorite brands (their organic Zeugma cotton is THE BEST, incredibly soft and comfy, wash after wash; we’ve tried it out!), Prancing Leopard is fairly made in Europe, their materials are ethical-as-can-be, and they have a ridiculously loyal following, because once you wear one of their pieces, you’ll be hooked.
The Wapiti racer-back sports bra is reversible!! And that print, which we love.
A L T E R N A T I V E
Alternative’s versatile Locker Room Pullover
Alternative Apparel is Certified Green by the city of Los Angeles. According to their website 70% of their garments are made with sustainable materials and processes. Their Alternative Eco line is made from organic cotton, low impact dyes, and no toxic substances.
Alternative’s Eco-Jersey Long Pants
4-r t h
4-rth’s Women’s 3/4 Cuffed Capri Yoga Pant
4-rth is an organic yoga clothing company for men and women. They take their care for Mother Earth very seriously (I mean come on, it’s in their name). All of their packaging is recycled and recyclable, they only use organic and eco-friendly dyes, and every part of their clothing is sustainable and locally sourced.
4-th’s Women’s Long Body Hoody