Amid growing concerns about the textile industry’s environmental impact, there is pressure to find greener clothes for your wardrobe, from work blazers to yoga leggings. Unfortunately, fashion greenwashing makes it harder for you and all other consumers to figure out which clothing brands offer the most eco-friendly garments. So, we had to ask: Which are the most sustainable yoga clothing brands?

The most sustainable yoga brands are Girlfriend Collective, Dharma Bums, and Dharma Bums, which prioritize recycled materials that are low-impact and high-performing while striving for circularity. In addition, Purusha People and MANDALA reduce carbon emissions and commit to ethical manufacturing. 

Whether you are searching for some perfectly fitting yoga leggings or a supportive one-piece bodysuit to add to your wardrobe without negatively impacting the soil, the water, the animals, and other people, there is a brand for you. So, let’s keep reading to learn more about the most sustainable yoga clothing brands and how they ensure sustainable, ethical practices. 

Here’s How We Selected the Most Sustainable Yoga Clothing Brands

Yoga clothing can be one of the higher impact and less sustainable clothing categories because the stretching and supporting requirements are often better met by using synthetic fabrics, which don’t biodegrade and release microplastics during use and while washing. 

“Sustainable: The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level | Avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance”

Oxford Dictionary

The brands on this list were chosen based on their commitment and actions to promote sustainable practices while reducing the environmental impacts of the textile industry.

They are transparent about their materials, processes, and workforce management within their supply chain.

Some brands focus their efforts on reducing waste and optimizing natural resources while others strive to reduce the carbon footprint of their clothes.

All of these brands share the commitment to reshape the textile industry toward a more sustainable and Earth-friendly sector. 

These Are the 12 Most Sustainable Yoga Clothing Brands

Most Sustainable Yoga Clothing Brands

Girlfriend Collective | Visit online shop

Wolven | Visit online shop

Dharma Bums | Visit online shop

Purusha People | Visit online shop

MANDALA | Visit online shop

Silou | Visit online shop

Boody | Visit online shop

Miakoda | Visit online shop

ARMEDANGELS | Visit online shop

Happy Earth Apparel | Visit online shop

Threads 4 Thought | Visit online shop

Ambiletics | Visit online shop

Overall, these yoga clothing brands are sustainable. Yet, they take various approaches to reduce environmental impacts and uphold ethical standards. Let’s dive into each brand and find out more. 

Girlfriend Collective: Essential and Timeless Activewear Made Out of Recycled Materials

Girlfriend Collective was founded in Seattle in 2016 by husband-and-wife duo Quang and Ellie Dinh to create eco-conscious activewear that combines sustainability with style and inclusivity. Today, they are a prominent player in sustainable athletic wear, known for their eco-friendly materials and recycling practices. Girlfriend Collective has a yoga collection selling bras, crops, tanks, leggings, and shorts in an inclusive range of sizes (2XS–6XL). 

“We make everything locally in small batches to make sure we don’t have a negative impact on the environment.”

Girlfriend Collective 

Girlfriend Collective’s sustainability efforts start with using recycled and recyclable textile and packing materials. Their clothes are made from recycled materials such as post-consumer water bottles, fishing nets retrieved from the seas, fabric scraps, and other waste. On top of that, their packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable. After their clothes are dyed, all the wastewater is sent to a treatment plant 100 feet away. Treated water that meets safety standards is released into the waterway, while mud dye is donated to a pavement facility to be turned into paving stones. Additionally, they help prevent microfiber release with a branded microfiber filter. Their program “Recycle. Reuse. Regirlfriend.” collects old Girlfriend Collective compressive leggings and upcycles them into new pieces that can be worn again and again, reducing waste while moving toward a more circular fashion model. Lastly, Girlfriend Collective partners with EcoCart to provide a carbon-neutral option for all orders placed on their site to offset the carbon footprint of their products.

Girlfriend Collective’s facilities are fully certified by Social Accountability International – SA8000. An SA8000 certification guarantees safe working conditions, the right to unionize, and no forced or child labor. They also ensure all workers in their supply chain are paid fair wages and provided with free lunches and guided exercise breaks. 

Girlfriend Collective is not known to be part of any giving-back programs. 

• Best for: womenswear
• Product range: dresses, hoodies, sweatshirts, activewear, sportswear, maternity wear, tops, blouses, T-shirts, stockings, tights, shorts, lingerie, plus-size
• Price range: $$$ 
• Size range: 2XS–6XL

Wolven: Multifunctional Activewear Made From Recycled Bottles 

Wolven was founded in California in 2015 by Kiran Jade and Amanda Lapham to make clothes based on three core principles: sustainability, disruptive design, and community. Today, Wolven is a prominent sustainable fashion brand offering reversible and multifunctional yoga clothing made from recycled plastic bottles.

“Sustainability to us means every decision we make is rooted in our intention to protect our planet and create a more equitable and Earth-centered future for all.”

Amanda Lapham, Co-founder of Wolven 

Wolven ensures their sustainability by sourcing a high proportion of low-impact fabrics. For example, the four-way stretch fabric used in this Yoga Top is made from 84% recycled polyester and 16% spandex (elastane). In fact, all of their 2022 activewear and swimwear is made with 84% rPET reclaimed from discarded plastic water bottles. Their recycled fabrics are certified with the Global Recycled Standard and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100^®. Additionally, they design their clothes to be reversible and multifunctional so consumers can do more and buy less. Regarding their climate impact, Wolven is certified Climate Neutral for reducing and offsetting their carbon emissions. They also reduce their impact by using emission-free renewable energy in the supply chain and at their office, opting for sea freight shipping over air freight, and recycling packaging materials to reduce waste. Regarding the necessary emissions, they compensate by investing in projects in wind energy and reforestation. Lastly, they further their commitment to circular fashion beyond using recycled material with their resale program, Wolven Pre-Loved. 

Wolven only traces part of their supply chain. Their manufacturing partner is based in China and assessed by Intertek as conforming to the requirements of the Workplace Conditions Assessment. 

Wolven gives back 1% of their annual revenue to nonprofit organizations. For example, each purchase from their Neutral Collection gives back to Climate Neutral through their 1% for the Planet membership. They also partner with CleanHub to organize events to pick up plastic bottles and clean up places like beaches, rivers, and canals. 

• Best for: womenswear, menswear
• Product range: one-piece yoga clothing, bikinis, tops, tees, sweatshirts, leggings, flares, shorts, joggers
• Price range: $$
• Size range: XS–XL

Dharma Bums: Vegan, High-Performing Yoga and Activewear Clothes

Dharma Bums was founded in 2013 in Sydney, Australia, by fashion designer and yoga teacher Debbie Lawson to create high-performance yoga and activewear using sustainable and recycled materials. Today, Dharma Bums is an emerging sustainable brand offering fitness wear for yoga, pilates, running, and the gym. 

“We try to set ourselves apart by focusing on making every garment design and print as unique and timeless as possible.”

Dharma Bums

Dharma Bums ensures sustainability by making long-lasting multifunctional pieces based on high-performance, low-impact materials, including recycled polyester and Lenzing’s modal. Firstly, regarding performance, their fabrics are engineered to achieve smooth movement and comfort while engaging in various activities. For example, their Seamless fabric is designed to have high durability, moisture-wicking ability, and four-way stretch, making it soft yet supportive for yoga or gym workouts. Secondly, regarding impacts, all their fabrics are certified under the Bluesign^® system, ensuring that harmful substances are eliminated at each step throughout the supply chain. On top of that, 30% of all their products are OEKO-TEX^® MADE IN GREEN certified. Beyond textile materials, Dharma Bums also opts for eco-friendly packaging materials. Their garment and mailer bags are made from 100% sustainably sourced plant-based fibers, suitable for home composting at the end of their life. Their pledge to sustainability goes beyond our fabrics and designs as they strive to have a minimal footprint across their entire business. For example, they recycle offcuts into stuffing for boxing bags, diverting away from landfills. 

Dharma Bums is committed to ethical labor practices and animal welfare. Their manufacturing partners follow ethical practices aligning with the social auditing and reporting framework of the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI). They also trace most of their supply chain and ensure payment of a living wage in the final stage of production. Regarding animal welfare, they don’t use any animal products, as their entire product range is vegan. 

Dharma Bums is not known to be part of any giving-back programs. 

• Best for: womenswear
• Product range: bottoms, tops, shorts, dresses, jumpsuits, maternity
• Price range: $$
• Size range: XS–4XL

Purusha People: Yoga Clothes Made Responsibly in the US 

Purusha People was founded in California in 2009 by Hayley Elliott with a mission to create clothing that is good for the environment, good for the people who make it, and good for the people who wear it. Today, they offer a range of yoga clothing, including leggings, tops, bras, and accessories, that are designed for comfort, durability, and style.

“We feel it is our duty as a yoga brand to make clothing that aligns with ahimsa, or non-violence to ourselves, our fellow human, animals, and the planet. This is why our creations are sustainable, ethical, and inclusive.”

Purusha People 

Purusha People prioritizes sustainability by using a high proportion of TENCEL^TM lyocell, a low-impact fabric. Specifically, they source lyocell fabrics made with sustainably grown cellulose fibers in solar-powered facilities. Purusha People use spandex, a synthetic fabric, to create the stretch needed in yoga clothing, but they try to keep the percentage in their fabric less than 10%. Further down the life-cycle in the clothing manufacturing stage, they reduce their environmental impacts by manufacturing locally in California to cut carbon emissions and using GOTS-certified low-impact dyes and water-based ink to avoid harsh, toxic chemicals. Additionally, their packaging is plastic-free. They use 100% post-consumer recycled paper materials that are compostable and biodegradable. 

Purusha People traces most of their supply chain. The manufacturing stage happens in the US, a medium-risk country for labor abuse. However, they ensure payment of a living wage in some of their supply chain. 

Purusha People donates a portion of sales from their DROPs to various organizations, such as CARE, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Rainforest Alliance, and The Sierra Club. 

• Best for: womenswear
• Product range: bra tops, long sleeve shirts, bottoms, jumpsuits, dresses, underwear
• Price range: $$$ 
• Size range: XS–3XL

MANDALA: Eco-Meets-Fair Yoga Clothing 

MANDALA was founded in Munich, Germany, in 2001 by Nathalie Prieger to create sustainable yoga wear made of ecological materials. Today, they are recognized for their stylish yet timeless designs, combining urban trends with sporty nonchalance and promoting an urban and active lifestyle.

“At MANDALA, each collection is made exclusively from natural or recycled raw materials that have been cultivated ecologically to conserve resources.”

MANDALA

MANDALA prioritizes sustainability by using a high proportion of eco-friendly materials, including organic cotton, certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, and wood-based fabrics (TENCEL™ and modal, certified with the Organic Content Standard Blended). They also reduce their sourcing carbon footprint by replacing virgin fossil-based synthetic fabrics with recycled varieties—recycled polyester and ECONYL^® (recycled nylon)—and bio-based varieties such as Br4 fabric (nylon made from the renewable raw material of the castor plant). The brand also aims to reduce their environmental impact by producing timeless designs on demand and avoiding overproduction, which leads to waste. 

MANDALA ensures their ethics by guaranteeing fair working conditions and the payment of a living wage for all workers in their supply chain. MANDALA partly traces their supply chain, including all manufacturing partners located in China and Turkey. They state that they visit their factories in Turkey regularly. 

MANDALA is not known to be part of any giving-back programs. 

• Best for: womenswear, kidswear
• Product range: tops, bras, T-shirts, long sleeves, covers up, bodies, leggings, joggers, daywear pants, shorts 
• Price range: $$
• Size range: XS–XL

Silou: Luxurious and Sustainable Yoga Clothing

Silou was founded in London, England, in 2016 by Victoria’s Secret model Tatiana Kovylina and wellness influencer Phoebe Greenacre to meet the need for activewear that is sustainable and luxurious, not either or. Today, Silou has grown into a recognized yoga clothing brand, offering sustainably made garments focusing on feminine-first design, performance, and ethical manufacturing. 

“We strive to be 100% accountable for our sustainable measures—starting with product creation and production, to how our products are packaged and shipped all around the world. ”

Silou

Silou is committed to using non-toxic and sustainably sourced and manufactured materials. 

They source a high proportion of lower-impact materials, including organic cotton under the Better Cotton Initiative, TENCEL^TM, and recycled nylon (ECONYL^®). Additionally, all their products are certified by OEKO-TEX^®, meaning that every component of every garment, from button to thread, has been tested for harmful substances and, therefore, is harmless for human health. Silou also opts to work with fabric mills that utilize solar energy to power weaving looms and recycle all waste material, including water, reducing the environmental impacts of their textile materials. Further down the life-cycle in the clothing manufacturing stage, they produce yoga leggings and bras in small batches to avoid overproduction, fast fashion, landfill, and return culture. Lastly, they use some recycled packaging. 

Silou states that they trace all of their supply chain and make regular visits to their suppliers and factories to ensure their standards adhere to the best standards. Their manufacturing partners are located in Lithuania, Belarus, Portugal, and Italy. 

Silou is not known to be part of any giving-back programs. 

• Best for: womenswear
• Product range: sports bras, leggings, tops, T-shirts, bodysuits, tracksuit bottoms, sweatshirts, shorts, accessories
• Price range: $$$
• Size range: XXS–L

Boody: Fit-For-All Everyday Essentials Made With Eco-Friendly Materials

Boody was founded in Sydney, Australia, in 2012 by two friends, David Greenblo and Neil Midalia, with a commitment to helping people reduce their negative impact on the planet, from the bottom up. Today, they are a B Corporation, promoting mindful processes and a lean, green wardrobe. Boody has a line of activewear for women, offering supportive bras, tops, leggings, and shorts for yoga and workouts. 

“Boody emphasises quality and simplicity. We bypass trends and fads as we believe they lead to overconsumption and waste.”

Boody 

Boody ensures sustainability by sourcing organic bamboo and organic cotton for their fabrics, reducing manufacturing waste, recycling all water used in production, and using recycled packaging. By sourcing plant materials from organic farms, Boody helps to keep out synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Furthermore, their bamboo lyocell, LYOLYTE™, and bamboo viscose are manufactured in closed-loop systems where liquids and solvents are recycled, reused, or safely removed. Their cotton fibers are organically grown and certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard. Boody also has a zero-waste design, which enables knitting garments in tubes, leaving behind very little fabric wastage. Lastly, Boody encourages recycling of their ready-to-retire apparel by partnering with UPPAREL to launch The Goodness Loop. This platform enables consumers to buy a return shipping label, which starts the recycling process, and get a gift voucher to redeem on Boody’s new products. 

Boody enforces fair labor practices by upholding suppliers to their Code of Conduct, which covers four of the ILO’s Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. They also trace most of their supply chain. Lastly, the suppliers in their final production stage are certified by the Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP). 

As a 1% for the Planet member, Boody donates 1% of all their online sales to non-profits who help protect the environment. Additionally, they give 10% of all online beanie sales to the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, a not-for-profit hospital and research institute dedicated to transforming cancer care. They also work with Thread Together to provide new clothing to less privileged Australians.

• Best for: kidswear, menswear, womenswear
• Product range: underwear, activewear, maternity wear, socks, stockings, tights, shorts, plus-size
• Price range: $$
• Size range: XXS–XXL

Miakoda: Plant-Based Comfy Clothing Made Sustainable In the US 

Miakoda was founded in 2013 in New York by two sisters, Julia Ahrens and Laura Ahrens, with a mission to lessen their impact on the planet by reshaping the fashion industry to be more compassionate, ethical, and sustainable. Today, they are becoming a leader in making sustainability and consumer consciousness cool and sexy. 

“We use exclusively plant-based materials [with the addition of small percentages of spandex for comfort and movement]. You’ll never find animal fibers or synthetic [polyester, acrylic, etc] materials in a Miakoda garment.”

Miakoda

Miakoda ensures sustainability by using a high proportion of eco-friendly plant fibers, including organic cotton, bamboo, and soy. They also use low-impact regenerated fibers from wood (wood-based fabrics), such as lyocell and modal. Further down the life-cycle in the manufacturing stage, the brand manufactures locally in the US to reduce their carbon footprint. They also reuse their offcuts to minimize textile waste. Their Zero Waste Collection was created to give their scraps a second life and keep them out of landfills. Additionally, Miakoda uses Procion fiber-reactive dyes that are non-toxic, safe, and eco-friendly. All their packing materials, including shipping boxes and bags, garment bags, labels, packing tape, and shipping labels, are 100% recycled. Toward the end of their products’ life-cycle, Miakoda helps to extend their lifespan by facilitating buying and selling Pre-Loved items, ultimately reducing their carbon footprint. Last but not least, they offset their personal carbon footprint with the Carbon Neutral Club. 

Miakoda traces part of their supply chain. The manufacturing stage happens in the US, a medium-risk country for labor abuse. They visit their New York-based factories multiple times during every season to ensure that each one is a clean, safe, and respectful work environment. They state that the garment workers in their manufacturing partners are paid well and treated ethically. 

Miakoda is not known to be part of any giving-back programs. 

• Best for: womenswear 
• Product range: sweaters, tops, blouses, T-shirts, socks, underwear, lingerie, accessories
• Price range: $$$
• Size range: XS–4XL

ARMEDANGELS: Sustainable Clothing Brand Plus an Agent of Lifestyle Change 

ARMEDANGELS was founded in Cologne, Germany, in 2007 by Anton Jurina and Martin Höfeler with a vision to use business to protect all life. Today, they are a prominent sustainable fashion brand, pursuing eco-conscious and ethical practices throughout their production chain while being an agent of change—changing culture, consumption, and lifestyle choices. ARMEDANGELS has a GRS-certified activewear collection, combining sustainable material technology and stretch-support know-how to create performance-perfected essentials for activities like yoga, running, or gym workouts. 

“So starting out with the humble tee, we took our oath against wage slavery, chemical shortcuts, and mass-producing pure crap, and transformed ourselves into one of the first clothing brands in all the land to put people and planet first.”

ARMEDANGELS 

ARMEDANGELS ensures sustainability by reducing carbon footprints while enabling people to change lifestyles to fight climate change. The brand innovates to cut down carbon emissions in their supply chain, starting with sourcing a high proportion of eco-friendly materials. Specifically, they use GOTS-certified organic cotton fabrics, GRS-certified recycled fabrics, GOTS-and RWS-certified organic wool fabrics, and FSC/PEFC-certified wood-based fabrics like TENCEL^TM Modal. Additionally, ARMEDANGELS chooses materials with the lowest carbon footprint possible, for example, opting for modal and lyocell over silk or natural fabrics over fossil-based synthetic fabrics while increasing recycled content, such as recycled wool and recycled cotton. For example, within a year, the share of recycled cotton in their DetoxDenim jeans increased from 5% to 37%, with some jeans in the collection containing 100% recycled cotton. Lastly, ARMEDANGELS’s efforts to encourage lifestyle change include care and repair guides to keep garments longer in circulation. They also have a resale platform that facilitates traded-in to be sold again as second-hand clothes or recycled as fibers for new clothes. 

ARMEDANGELS ensures their ethics by only working with trusted partners to deliver decent wages and workers’ safety. They directly and actively monitor all their suppliers and the suppliers’ nominated subcontractors via on-site and online Internal Due Diligence Check and Self-Assessment, external audits by Fair Wear Foundation (FWF), Global Organic Textile Standard and third-party audits, continuous support, and tailored training programs by third parties. ARMEDANGELS ensures payment of a living wage in part of their supply chain and pays a markup where they notice wage issues via the living wage project. Most importantly, they are fully transparent about the journey from raw material to their products, especially where people and animals are involved, and the impacts of their actions. 

ARMEDANGELS raises funds by donating part of their sales to support various organizations and campaigns. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, they raised €745.800 ($790,883.61 USD) for Doctors Without Borders, facilitating isolation wards, COVID-19 clinics, and protective clothing for medical professionals worldwide. Other fundraising projects include supporting the climate movement with German Zero and the Climate Emergency Fund, fighting for equality with UN Women, advocating for fair payment and safe working conditions for Bangladeshi garment workers with the National Garment Workers Federation, and rescuing refugees in the Mediterranean Sea with Sea-Watch. 

• Best for: kidswear, menswear
• Product range: denim jeans, jackets, jumpsuits, shorts, skirts, T-shirts
• Price range: $$
• Size range: XS–XXL

Happy Earth Apparel: Earth-First Organic Clothing Brand 

Happy Earth Apparel was founded in New Jersey in 2015 by two scientists—David Winters and Victoria Gennaro—with a vision to build a platform and community that made environmental conservation, sustainability, and advocating for the planet their core values. Today, they are a B Corporation recognized for organic apparel and their giving-back efforts. Happy Earth Apparel has a plant-based activewear collection offering tanks, tees, shorts, and leggings for yoga. 

“We’re not cool with compromise when it’s at the expense of our world. We’ll find a good way to do something, or we won’t do it.”

Happy Earth Apparel 

Happy Earth Apparel ensures sustainability by sourcing sustainable and organic textile materials, using recycled and recyclable packaging, and reducing waste. Firstly, Happy Earth Apparel uses a high proportion of organic cotton. For example, their organic sock collection is made with organic cotton with a small percentage of recycled nylon and elastane to enhance flexibility and moisture-wicking performance. Secondly, they use 100% post-consumer, recycled plastic to make durable packaging bags that can be recycled again. Also, these bags are lightweight, cutting down on transporting emissions and costs. Lastly, Happy Earth Apparel has waste-reduction incentives regarding plastic (shipping in bulk), water (wastewater recycling and rain harvesting), and textile (low-waste cutting techniques). Furthermore, Happy Earth Apparel is Climate Neutral Certified for reducing and offsetting their emissions. They also use solar energy in their supply chain to reduce their carbon emissions. Regarding emissions that can’t be avoided, they offset through clean energy projects in the US, Uganda, India, and China. These include providing energy-efficient stoves, capturing methane, and installing biodigesters in rural homes that convert manure waste into gas for cooking. 

Happy Earth Apparel ensures their ethics by binding suppliers with a Code of Conduct covering four of ILO’s Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. Additionally, over 95% of their products are made in Fair Trade Certified™ factories, while part of their final production stage is certified by Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP). Finally, Happy Earth Apparel traces most of their supply chain. 

Happy Earth Apparel actively participates in giving-back programs. As a member of 1% for the Planet, Happy Earth Apparel is committed to donating a minimum of 1% of their revenue to charitable organizations through their Tree Planting, Climate Change, and Trash Clean-Up projects. For example, consumers can choose to plant five trees for every purchase. 

• Best for: womenswear, menswear
• Product range: shirts, T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, jackets, bottoms, dresses, pants, leggings, shorts, socks, accessories 
• Price range: $$
• Size range: XXS–XXL

Threads 4 Thought: Everyday Basics Produced Responsibly 

Threads 4 Thought was founded in California in 2006 by husband-and-wife team Eric and Leigh Fleet to create a product that leaves an innately smaller impact on our environment, supports in-need communities, and assists in changing the narrative and understanding of ethical standards within the fashion industry. Today, Threads 4 Thought has grown into a recognized brand in sustainable fashion, offering ethically manufactured apparel you can wear anywhere, anytime. 

“From our original designs to our fabrics to the factory floor, we are committed to leaving an innately smaller impact on our planet.”

Threads 4 Thought

Threads 4 Thought promotes sustainability by sourcing a high proportion of eco-friendly materials including recycled polyester, organic cotton, and modal with Lenzing’s renewable beech tree pulp. For example, the Lunette Sports Bra contains 88% recycled polyester. Further down the life-cycle in manufacturing, they lower their environmental impacts by implementing a dye technology that eliminates all harmful chemicals and reduces water usage during the dyeing process by 95%. They also recycle 80% of their main factory’s industrial wastewater. Additionally, their packing materials are fully FSC-certified, with 90% being WaveBags, which are 100% recyclable, water resistant, and strong. Lastly, 99% of their products are transported by boat rather than air, reducing carbon emissions during the transportation stage. 

Threads 4 Thought traces most of their supply chain and reduces their impact through Greenstory. They have a Supplier Code of Conduct that covers all ILO’s Fundamental Freedoms. 

Threads 4 Thought partners with the International Rescue Committee to help people displaced due to various conflicts. 

• Best for: menswear, womenswear, kidswear
• Product range: sweaters, dresses, pants, jackets, blazers, shorts, hoodies, sweatshirts, T-shirts, tops, blouses, maternity, stockings, tights, jumpsuits, playsuits, sportswear, sleepwear, accessories, plus-size 
• Price range: $$
• Size range: XS–XXL

Ambiletics: Activewear Made With 100% Recycled Plastic In Fair Conditions

Ambiletics was founded in Munich, Germany, in 2018 by Giulia Krober to create comfortable, stylish, and sustainable clothing for women. Today, they are a recognized sustainable sports and yoga label, offering garments made with eco-friendly materials in fair working conditions. 

“Good leggings enrich our lives. And when they are sewn from used PET bottles under the fairest conditions, it is even better for our planet.”

Giulia Krober, Founder of Ambiletics (translated from German)

Ambiletics ensures sustainability by sourcing 100% recycled synthetic fabrics for yoga and sportswear, reducing plastic waste and carbon emissions associated with using this stage. Their yoga leggings and bras are made fully with recycled polyester, recycled nylon, and recycled spandex. Additionally, they use organic cotton for products like sweaters and T-shirts, avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Lastly, Ambiletics manufactures locally within the European Union to reduce their transporting carbon footprint. 

Ambiletics traces and audits part of their supply chain, including the final production stage. Their sewing facility has a certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard, ensuring safe and healthy working conditions. Ambiletics also visits their sewing facility. 

Ambiletics is not known to be part of any giving-back programs. 

• Best for: womenswear 
• Product range: leggings, bras, sweaters, T-shirts, accessories 
• Price range: $$$ 
• Size range: S–XL

Why Is It Important to Buy Products Made of More Sustainable Fabrics

It is important to buy products made of more sustainable fabrics because a sustainable textile industry has a lower carbon footprint, helps save natural resources, and is better for forests, animals, and humans. 

Buying Sustainable Fabrics Reduces Your Carbon Footprint 

The production of clothing and footwear is estimated to contribute 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions—more than all international flights and shipping combined. If the fashion industry were a country, it would be the fourth largest emitter of carbon dioxide. 

One way to reduce the carbon footprint of the clothes you buy is to opt for sustainable fabrics. Sustainable fabrics, which are often made with natural or recycled fibers, have relatively low carbon footprints compared to petroleum-based fabrics. For example, organic cotton made in the US has a carbon footprint of 2.35 kg CO₂ (per ton of spun fiber)—a quarter of polyester’s carbon footprint. 

Buying Sustainable Fabrics Reduces Demand For Natural Resources and Waste Management

The textile industry uses water and land to grow cotton and other fibers. It is estimated that 79 billion cubic meters of water were used for the sector worldwide in 2015. For example, producing a single cotton t-shirt requires as much water as one person drinks for 2.5 years (2,700 liters of fresh water).

Worse yet, the textile economy is vastly more linear than circular: the largest amount of resources used in clothes ended up in landfills (instead of being recycled to remake clothes). According to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation,

• Less than 3% of materials used in the textile economy in 2015 came from recycled sources.
• In other words, more than 97% of resources used in making clothes are newly extracted. 

When clothing items are disposed of within a short period of time—under a year in the case of half of the fast fashion clothes—the natural systems that provide raw materials for fabrics don’t have enough time to recover and regenerate, which could lead to ecological breakdown. 

Sustainable fabrics are made with less water and emissions while lasting longer:

• Because they are durable, you don’t need to buy new clothes too often. 
• Thus, you help reduce the pressure to extract more resources for making new items. 

Similarly, making and consuming sustainable fabrics made with recycled materials reduces the demand for virgin materials while helping tackle waste management. 

Buying Sustainable Fabrics Encourages Sustainable Management of Forests

Sustainable natural fiber fabrics are made with raw materials from forests and plantations that are sustainably managed, such as complying with FSC standards. 

When you buy sustainable natural fiber fabrics, you discourage unsustainable forestry practices like illegal logging. You can help reduce deforestation, biodiversity loss, and the effects of climate change. 

Buying Sustainable Fabrics Encourages Fairer Treatment of Animals 

The fashion industry is rife with animal mistreatment when it comes to making animal-based fabrics like wool or silk. Every year, billions of animals suffer and die for clothing and accessories.

Buying sustainable vegan alternatives can help to reduce the pressure on raising more and more animals to meet the demand for animal-based fabrics while sacrificing their well-being and lives. 

Suppose you have to buy fabrics made with, for example, wool or silk; make sure you only choose brands committed to cruelty-free products. In that case, you help advocate better treatments for animals raised within the textile industry. 

Using Sustainable Fabrics Encourages Fairer Treatment of Textile Workers 

Recent statistics from UNICEF estimated as many as 170 million child laborers worldwide, many of whom were engaged in some form of work in the textile industry. They don’t get paid minimum wages and often work long hours. 

When you buy sustainable fabrics from brands transparent about the working conditions at their factories, you discourage the use of child labor and help promote better working conditions for textile workers.

How Can You Generally Buy More Sustainable Fabrics

The key to sustainably buying fabrics is to check on relevant environmental and original certifications. 

For natural fabrics: 

• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): A globally recognized certification system that ensures a certain threshold of organic content has been met. It covers manufacturing, packaging, labeling, transportation, and distribution (but not what happens in the fields where crops are grown). 
• USDA Certified Biobased Product: The USDA BioPreferred^® Certification is a voluntary certification offered by the United States Department of Agriculture. The certification identifies products made from plants or other renewable materials.
• Ecolabel: Ecolabel is the official European Union voluntary label recognized worldwide for certified products with a guaranteed, independently verified low environmental impact. The label requires high environmental standards throughout the entire life-cycle: from raw material extraction through production and distribution to disposal. It also encourages companies to develop innovative, durable, easy-to-repair, and recyclable products. 

For natural fiber semi-natural/semi-synthetic fabrics:

• Forest Stewardship Council: An FSC certification ensures that the wood (or wood-like material) comes from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.
  
  There are two types of FSC Certification: 
  • FSC Forest Management Certification, with a focus on the origin of the wood—the forest. 
  • FSC Chain of Custody Certification, which focuses on the path from the forest to the customer’s home. 

• Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification: PEFC’s approaches to sustainable forest management are in line with protecting the forests globally and locally and making the certificate work for everyone. Getting a PEFC certification is strict enough to ensure the sustainable management of a forest is socially just, ecologically sound, and economically viable but attainable not only by big but small forest owners.

For recycled fabrics:

• Recycled Claim Standard (RCS): The Textile Exchange RCS was originally developed as an international, voluntary standard that sets requirements for third-party certification of Recycled input and chain of custody. 
• The Global Recycled Standard (GRS): The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international, voluntary, full product standard that sets requirements for third-party certification of Recycled Content, chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions. It can be used for any product with more than 20% recycled material.

For all types of fabrics:

• STeP by OEKO-TEX^®: STeP by OEKO-TEX^® is an independent certification system for brands, retailers, and manufacturers from the textile and leather industry. It communicates organizational environmental measures, including reducing carbon footprint and water usage.
• OEKO-TEX^® Standard 100: OEKO-TEX^® labels aim to ensure that products pose no risk to human health (i.e., containing banned chemicals). 

Some certifications that are signaling brands’ efforts toward lowered environmental impacts and a circular economy are: 

• B Corp Certification: The label B Corp is a certification reserved for for-profit companies. Certified holders are assessed on their social and environmental impacts. 
• Cradle2Cradle certification: Cradle2Cradle provides a standardized approach to material circularity. It assesses whether products have been suitably designed and made with the circular economy in mind covering five critical categories: material health, material reuse, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness.

Final Thoughts

Yoga clothing can be high-impact items because of the need for frequent washing and their conventional use of high-impact synthetic fabrics. Thus, it is important to shop with ethics and sustainability in mind when choosing your next pair of yoga leggings or bra. 

By purchasing yoga clothing from brands that commit to sustainability, you support their mission to create a fairer and less harmful textile industry for all lives on Earth. 

Here is the list (again) of the most sustainable yoga clothing brands:

• Girlfriend Collective
• Wolven
• Dharma Bums
• Purusha People
• MANDALA
• Silou
• Boody
• Miakoda
• ARMEDANGELS
• Happy Earth Apparel
• Threads 4 Thought
• Ambiletics

To make your use of these clothing items even more sustainable, follow these steps:

1. Buy recycled or upcycled yoga clothing made with low-impact materials. 
2. Keep your yoga clothing for as long as possible.
3. At the end-of-life of your yoga clothing, upcycle the materials to extend their usage and arrange for them to be recycled or properly disposed of.

Stay impactful,

Sources

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• Science Direct: Life-cycle assessment (LCA)
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• Woven: Home
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• Boody: Home
• Miakoda: Home
• ARMEDANGELS: Home
• Happy Earth Apparel: Home
• Threads 4 Thought: Home
• Ambiletics: Home
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