The athleisure movement has swept the fashion industry in recent years. For many people looking for both fashion and utility in their apparel, athleisure wear—which combines the comfort and functionality of athletic wear with the style and adaptability of leisure wear—has emerged as a top option. Yet, as more and more individuals become concerned about the environment, the need for sustainable athleisure clothing has increased. How can you buy sustainable athleisure wear? And what precisely is sustainable athleisure wear? Let’s dive deep into this topic and explore five ways to shop for sustainable athleisure wear.
What Exactly is Sustainable Athleisure Wear?
Sustainable athleisure wear refers to clothing that is designed, produced, and consumed in a way that minimizes its negative impact on the environment and society. This can include using eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton or recycled polyester, reducing waste in the production process, ensuring fair labor practices, and promoting ethical and transparent supply chains. Sustainable athleisure wear is not only good for the planet but also for the people who make the clothing.
5 Ways to Get the Best Athleisure Wear
Now that we’ve defined how athleisure wear is actually made, let’s take a look and see what are the best ways to score the best sustainable activewear clothes.
1. Look for Brands with Sustainability Credentials
Many athleisure wear brands now prioritize sustainability and have certifications or sustainability initiatives in place. Look for brands that use eco-friendly materials, have a transparent supply chain, and practice fair labor standards. Some popular sustainable athleisure wear brands include Patagonia, Outerknown, Girlfriend Collective,
2. Opt for Second-hand Athleisure Wear
Buying second-hand athleisure wear is a great way to reduce the demand for new clothing and extend the lifespan of existing garments. It also helps to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact associated with production and transportation. Luckily, there are many different second-hand marketplaces that have emerged in the last couple of years so finding a good fit shouldn’t be a problem. However, finding the exact match in terms of sizes, fit, design or color can be a big problem when it comes to buying second-hand. But, fear not, we have some great tips for you. You can install faircado’s browser extension that, once installed, pops up with the best second-hand alternatives to what you’re searching for online. This way you can save hours and hours searching for what you need.
3. Check for Sustainable Materials
When shopping for athleisure wear, pay attention to the materials used in the production of the clothing. Look for items made from organic or recycled materials, as they are more environmentally friendly compared to synthetic materials. Organic cotton, recycled polyester and Tencel are some sustainable materials commonly used in athleisure wear.
4. Consider Ethical Production Practices
Ethical production practices are crucial in sustainable athleisure wear. Look for brands that prioritize fair labor practices, ensure safe working conditions, and provide fair wages to their workers. Brands that are certified by Fair Trade, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), or Fair Wear Foundation are good options to consider.
5. Focus on Quality and Durability
Investing in high-quality and durable athleisure wear is another sustainable approach. Choose clothing items that are well-made and designed to last, rather than fast fashion pieces that are meant to be worn for a short period and then discarded. Quality athleisure wear will not only reduce the need for frequent replacements but also minimize the overall environmental impact of your wardrobe.
The Importance of Chosing Sustainable Athleisure Wear
Shopping for sustainable athleisure wear is not just a passing trend, but a conscious choice that can have a positive impact on the environment and society. Here are some key reasons why sustainable athleisure wear matters:
1. Environmental Conservation
The production of traditional athleisure wear can be resource-intensive and contribute to pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste generation. In contrast, sustainable athleisure wear brands prioritize the use of eco-friendly materials, reduce waste in production, and minimize their carbon footprint. By choosing sustainable athleisure wear, you are supporting efforts to protect the environment and conserve natural resources.
2. Ethical Labor Practices
Many traditional athleisure wear brands have been associated with unethical labor practices, such as poor working conditions and low wages for workers. In contrast, sustainable athleisure wear brands prioritize fair labor practices, ensuring safe and fair working conditions, and providing fair wages to their workers. By choosing sustainable athleisure wear, you are supporting ethical labor practices and promoting social justice in the fashion industry.
3. Waste Reduction
The fashion industry is notorious for its high levels of waste, with millions of tons of clothing ending up in landfills every year. By opting for second-hand or refurbished athleisure, you are diverting clothing from the waste stream and giving it a new lease on life. This helps to reduce the demand for new clothing and minimize the overall environmental impact associated with production and transportation.
4. Durability and Longevity
Sustainable athleisure wear brands prioritize quality and durability, producing clothing items that are meant to last as opposed to fast fashion pieces that will last you as long as your period does. By investing in high-quality and durable athleisure wear, you are contributing to a more sustainable wardrobe and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
5. Supporting Innovation and Change
By choosing sustainable athleisure wear, you are supporting innovative approaches to fashion that prioritize sustainability and social responsibility. Sustainable athleisure wear brands often lead the way in adopting new technologies, materials, and production methods that have less impact on the environment and society. By supporting these brands, you are encouraging positive change in the fashion industry and promoting a more sustainable future.
Incorporating sustainable athleisure wear into your wardrobe not only aligns with your values as an environmentally conscious individual but also makes a positive impact on the fashion industry and the planet. By making small changes in your shopping habits and opting for sustainable options, you can contribute to a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
Conclusion
As the athleisure wear trend continues to gain popularity, it’s essential to consider the environmental and social impacts of the clothing we choose to wear. Sustainable athleisure wear offers a more responsible and conscious choice, considering its use of eco-friendly materials, ethical production practices, waste reduction efforts, and focus on durability and longevity. By following the five ways to shop for sustainable athleisure wear highlighted in this article, such as looking for sustainability credentials, opting for second-hand options, checking for sustainable materials, considering ethical production practices, and prioritizing quality and durability, you can make a positive impact on the environment and society through your shopping choices.
So, next time you’re in the market for athleisure wear, consider the sustainable options available and make a choice that aligns with your values and contributes to a more sustainable fashion industry. Let’s all take steps towards a more sustainable future, one athleisure wear at a time!
For more tips and tricks on how to live a more sustainable lifestyle, check out our magazine.
