3 Things to Consider When Shopping For Sustainable Activewear

Are you looking to buy a long-line sports bra or a cool pair of leggings? There are many things to take into consideration when purchasing activewear, including the price, material, and the environmental impact of the clothing. Most activewear is made with synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, which sheds microplastics when washed and they also can’t be recycled when you’re done with them. If you’re looking to be more eco-friendly, you can choose to buy sustainable fashion. Sustainable fashion is about more than just making products more friendly to the earth, it’s also about social welfare, labor, and inclusivity. Here’s what you should consider when buying sustainable activewear.

Manufacturing and Working Conditions

In order to cut costs, clothing workers often work in poor conditions with long hours, low pay, and unsafe environments. These conditions are more likely in developing countries. It’s better to buy activewear made in the U.S., but if you don’t, look for companies that are certified by Fair Trade USA, which makes sure the factories are following internationally-recognized labor standards and that the workers have fair and safe conditions. These factories also have to work towards producing less waste.

Materials

For sustainable fabrics, stay away from polyester and nylon, and opt for natural fabrics like organic cotton, lyocell, cotton scarps, TENCEL, and plant-based materials.

Dyes

Dyed fabrics account for a huge percentage of industrial water pollution worldwide. Natural dyes aren’t often used with activewear because they tend to change in sunlight and after washing. When possible, try and choose fabrics that are made with waterless dying techniques.