As a society we are making more sustainable and environmentally conscious choices in the food we eat, the cleaning chemicals we use and the beauty products we buy. But what about our activewear?
Traditionally, sportswear is made using highly toxic non-reusable chemicals which harm not only our own health, but also the health of our precious planet. Does this mean you have to choose between the environment and staying active? The answer is no.
Now, thanks to these Australian activewear brands, you can workout, grab a coffee or lounge on the couch with a clear conscious. From your first bicep curl to the last push up, cleanse your wardrobe and rep locally made with these Australian made ethical activewear brands!
Image via Boody website.
Boody
Boody’s vision is to create better luxury basics that not only do good for the environment, but feel as equally good on your skin – all without the guilt! Each piece is so supersoft and lightweight, you won’t want to take it off! Their fabrics are breathable and contain moisture wicking anti-bacterial properties and are made from a UPF50+ rated fabric to protect from ultraviolet (UV) damage. Using organically grown materials, all Boody garments are hypoallergenic, anti-static and thermoregulating – making it the ideal companion on your cold morning run or as a light layer for your springtime walk.
Image via The Iconic website.
Dharma Bums
‘Dharma Bum’ refers to wanderers of the world who practice anti-materialism by wearing clothes from second hand stores. This Australian made activewear brand teams the spiritual consciousness of a Dharma Bum with the style of a contemporary catwalk! Inspired by the stunning serenity of Sydney’s beaches, their colourful activewear proves sustainability doesn’t have to be boring! Using up to 16 recycled PET water bottles to create a recycled polyester for their leggings; Dharma Bums ensures that with their non-slip waistband you never have a slip-up or -down when you workout!
Image via The Iconic website.
dk active
Pep up your morning bike ride and turn heads as you cycle past thanks to dk active! Each piece of dk active clothing is designed, manufactured and made locally in Australia. Apart from reducing their carbon footprint, their garments have UPF50+ protection and their collection features a range of recycled, bamboo and ECONYL® fabrics. Leading the market for sustainable, body positive activewear, dk active are committed to ensuring every woman has access to activewear that fits their unique body. High quality, durable, ultra comfortable and easy to slip on, meaning no changing room struggles at the gym!
Image via Elle Evans Swimwear website.
Elle Evans
Elle Evans is a pioneer for environmentally conscious couture activewear. They predominantly use ECONYL® which is made from plastic waste dredged from the sea and each sportswear item is delicately printed in Australia with water-based non-toxic inks. Dedicated to ensure that every woman can feel fit and fabulous at any size, Elle Evans offer a range of sizes from XS to XXXL. With a collection including bike shorts, Elle Evans is renowned for their seamless and flexible waist that prevents dig-ins. It’s no wonder why they are one of the best sustainable activewear brands in Australia!
Image via First Base website.
First Base
Inspired by surf and skate culture, Founder and designer behind First Base, Alison Cotton, has been working towards sustainability with her low key laidback sportswear since 2015. Using recycle, repurpose and restyle as the three pillars of her business, Alison has also taken on partnerships with Toyota and their Yaris Hybrid – proving she can dress cars as well as humans! As for her wearable sportswear collection, it features 100% organic cotton tops and plenty of other fashionable sustainable activewear items!
Image via Icebreaker website.
Icebreaker
Founded in 1995, Icebreaker is celebrating over 25 years of world-class natural apparel with their sustainable and stylish pieces. Pushing the boundaries of what is achievable when it comes to sustainability, Icebreaker is proud to announce that not only will their materials be plastic-free by 2023, but 87% of their total fibre composition is natural. Designed in New Zealand, we recommend one of their garments that is made using merino material that doubles as an odourless moisture wicking technology and temperature regulation fabric – a positive for the environment and less laundry for you!
Image via The Iconic website.
Nimble
Since 2015, Nimble has recycled over one million plastic bottles into sleek, sustainable and stylish activewear that is breathable and, most importantly, dependable. Using two recycled plastic bottles to make a sports bra; each bottle is carefully broken down into flakes, melted into pellets, spun into yarn and then seamlessly woven into long lasting fabrics. Goodbye drab and dreary sports bras, hello stylish and sophisticated support! Better yet, Nimble’s sports bra collection is also fitted with removable padding and four-way support for ultimate confidence on your next run!
Image via The Iconic website.
SQD Athletica
Understanding that real men care about the planet, SQD Athletica set out on a mission to ensure that each piece of high quality sportswear is built to last – especially through high performance workouts. Using recycled plastic bottles for their Orion collection, this Brisbane-based brand believes that quality should not come at the cost of the environment. Using traceable materials and opting for sea transportation of products rather than air; from manufacturing to shipping and selling, SQD Athletica is the eco-conscious champion we all need in our wardrobes.
For more ethical fashion, get ready to splash around with these 10 Australian Made Sustainable Swimwear Brands! And, make the ultimate switch with our 5 Tips On How To Be More Sustainable With Your Wardrobe.
Stop sweating over fast fashion! These sustainable activewear brands are sure to motivate your next workout!