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 brand is perfect. They each have their foibles, but the main link that pulls them all 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 activewear material that is produced in Italy from waste materials, e.g. discarded fishing nets and carpet fibres.
When it comes to 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).

Main Image by Nectar Photography

Nectar_Photography_March 19, 2019_19 (1).jpg

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 perfect 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 activewear. The bold prints they release every year never cease to impress me, and most mornings you’ll find me walking the dog or practicing yoga in one of Elle Evan’s older or newer pieces. Find a full blog on Elle Evans here.

Elle Evans Activewear.jpg — Elle Evans

International Shipping
ECONYL
Made in Australia

Shop Here

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.

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.

Active Apostle

Active Apostle is relatively new on the scene, but they’re the real deal. 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.

Active Apostle

International Shipping
ECONYL
Made in Indonesia

Shop Here

Zeenya

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. Zeenya knows everyone in their production line and gives a damn about every single person involved in making their clothes.

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.

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.

Sooti

A mix of stylised pieces and loveable basics. Super soft, stretchy, and breathable fabrics are all you need for your workout; that’s exactly what Sooti provides. Pops of orange offset the beautiful blues and khakis. Sooti is a tribute to the connection between India and New Zealand. Shireen, the founder, lives in New Zealand (where the business is based) while her mother manages production over in India.

Kate’s Review: Sooti is relatively new to my wardrobe, but the yoga pants I wear have already been used 30+ times in the last 5 months. I wholeheartedly trust and respect the way Shireen and her mother carry out business, and I’ve been really impressed with the high quality of their products. Read a full Sooti blog here.

Sooti

International Shipping
Organic cotton
Made in India

Shop Here

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!

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.

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 on over to dk active. Choose from basic block colours and sweet florals, then just 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’.

d + k.jpg — dk Active

International Shipping
Lycra, organic bamboo, organic cotton, ECONYL
Made in Australia

Shop Here

Team Timbuktu

One of the coolest things about Team Timbuktu (apart from their awesome ethics and sustainable mindset) are their classy designs. Just LOOK at that botanical print. Your classic ⅞ leggings, tanks and crops are found here with Team Timbuktu.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu may not be perfect, but they have made big steps and strive for transparency. They are a certified B Corporation, have a solid 5 year sustainability plan, and have implemented chat systems throughout their factories which enable workers to contact Kathmandu directly if there are workplace incidents. Kathmandu’s focus is to ‘inspire’. They do this by offering high quality outdoor gear for the explorer. From hiking equipment to simple garments for walking the dog in the morning; Kathmandu are a great option for activewear.

WE’AR

Our favourite yogis. 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.

Azura Bay

Azura Bay stocks a wee section of active wear including pieces from Organic Basics, Sokoloff and Groceries Apparel. In addition to all their other amazing wears, Azura Bay is a great place to find ethically made activewear.

Kate’s Review: I’ve owned an Azura Bay set for a few years. Although the set is unfortunately no longer stocked, I cannot recommend it enough. The leggings have kept their shape perfectly, and they have handy invisible pockets on the sides; ideal for carrying your phone or car key on a hike. Because this set has last so well, with use at least 3 times every week, I would trust Azura Bay’s judgement of the other brands they stock. (code KATE2021 for 10% off!)

Azura Bay Activewear.jpg — Azura Bay

International Shipping
Organic cotton, recycled nylon
Made all over the globe

Shop Here

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 pieces like these anywhere else - you know how sometimes ethical fashion can be boring? Shereena Noella is far from it.