11 BRANDS THAT WILL LET YOU WORK OUT NATURALLY
With my youngest nearing two I’m finally getting a bit more me-time, including yoga at my local studio as opposed to interrupted sun salutations in my pjs or ‘feel great - look really bad’ tracksuit bottoms. It means I’ve been reaching out for the workout sets that have been neglected for the past few years, and it’s got me thinking more about what fabrics I’m wearing on my skin. Activewear has become so technical and whilst we might covet those buttery soft, sweat-wicking, body sculpting qualities it’s important to remind ourselves that many of these workout clothes are made mostly or exclusively from 100% plastic-derived chemically-processed fibres (additionally, harmful chemicals may have been applied to enhance the properties), which we are wearing directly on our skin (and potentially sweaty skin at that), raising health concerns over long-term exposure to petrochemicals.
From an environmental perspective, synthetic materials like polyester and nylon shed tiny microfibers during washing and drying, which can end up in our water systems and enter our food chain or create a dust that we breathe in, posing potential risks to human health. Additionally, those hard to filter out microplastic harm marine life, as well and contribute to the growing pollution crisis, affecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
So…with all of the above in mind, I’ve been on the lookout to find brands that are minimising the use of plastic materials in their workout wear, and sharing below what I’ve found so far:
Ripple Yoga Wear’s collection of athleisure items, made from organic cotton and natural fabrics, allow you to breathe both on and off the mat. The brand uses fabrics including biodegradable Modal, made from the bark of the beech tree, as well as organic cotton and stonewash cotton which are dyed using ecological dyeing processes. I particularly love their Organic Cotton High-Waist Leggings, an item I find myself reaching for daily.
Megosa designs each of its pieces in London before they are produced slowly, ethically and sustainably in limited batches. The colours used are environmentally friendly dyes too. I’ve owned a pair of 3D Knit Leggings and a vest top with built in bra made from TENCEL for a few years now and absolutely love them - especially the waffle texture, seam-free structure and the fact that they are naturally dyed. I recently got my hands on a sleeveless turtleneck in sage colourway made from cotton and TENCEL that I wear for working out but also, like the vest top already mentioned, for everyday life with a pair of jeans. Use Jasmine11 for 30% off.
Merging the natural properties of organic and renewable fibres with technology and innovation, Nagnata collections continue to blur the lines between technical sportswear and streetwear. I have long been a fan of their pieces which feel lovely to wear with a flattering fit. The brand’s Demi Wool Leggings with the Classic Wool Bralet are made from 67% merino wool a fabric that is breathable, antimicrobial and antibacterial.
Good for people, local communities, customers, and the planet, Community Clothing sells quality everyday clothing, made in the UK in order to create jobs and help restore local economic prosperity and pride. Furthermore, the brand also has a sportswear collection that is 100% plastic free. The Sleeveless Sweatshirt in Flame Red has become a great layering piece for my walk to the studio and come next summer, these Lightweight Sports Shorts will be brilliant.
Purakai is a sustainable fashion brand, built on the core values of transparency, environmental stewardship and an enduring love for our ocean playground. The EcoFlex Organic Cotton Leggings, available in three colourways, are a classic style and made from 92% GOTS certified organic cotton and 7% spandex.
Organic Basics is dedicated to creating comfortable and sustainable basics that are Earth and people friendly, using fabrics, materials and factories that care for the environment. The brands Organic Cotton Stretch Leggings are 95% organic cotton and 5% elastane and you can have them delivered via free CO2 neutral shipping.
Happy Earth Apparel prides itself on creating sustainable, eco-friendly clothing that gives back. Made with Fair Trade organic cotton, the brand’s pieces are inspired by nature and dedicated to preserving it. The PlantTec Leggings, available in five colourways are made from 95% organic cotton and 5% elastane and technically impresses with its ribbed, supportive structure, 4-way stretch and sweat-wicking properties.
Reprise believes in creating activewear that’s as kind to your body as it is to the planet. The brand works with TENCEL, a nontoxic tree-based natural fibre known for its breathability, softness, and athletic qualities including: sweat wicking, odor control and cool-to-the-touch qualities. The Aspen Leggings with matching Aspen Bra are made from 93% TENCEL lyocell and 7% spandex.
MATE is sustainably made with non-toxic, natural, and organic materials steering clear of pesticides, BPA, PFAS, and formaldehyde. The brand’s mission is to provide people everywhere with essentials that are clean from seed to skin. The Organic Stretch Midi Leggings are made from 92% organic cotton and 7% spandex. Soft, stretchy and high-waisted, these leggings start at XS up to 3X.
Wellicious is dedicated to creating long-lasting and circular yoga clothing and activewear, promoting the reuse and recycling of all materials while eliminating fashion waste and pollution. The Best Yoga Pants, made from 87% organic cotton and 13% compostable elastane, are biodegradable and constructed to be 100% opaque in every posture (very important!!). Soft, stretchy (my favourite words), these relaxed eco yoga pants allow a full range of motion to fully enjoy your yoga practice.
BAM is B Corp Certified, designed for performance, led by innovation. The brand has an activewear collection made from super-soft natural, organic and circular fabrics. The Enduro 7/8 leggings have a deep and comfy waistband that stays put without digging in and is made from the brand's unique Enduro fabric (64% bamboo viscose, 24% organic cotton and 12% elastane) which is supersoft and stretchy with no-show through.