Fitness Fashion: Keeping Us, Laborers, and the Earth Healthy

As we well know, the holiday season is in full swing. It’s a time of joy and gathering. But what happens when all the festivities are done? New Year’s resolutions. Ah, the time in which we all vow to get back in shape, eat healthily, and shed that layer of fat we gained. But how are we to stay motivated once we’ve hit the plateau of working out? One medium that always helps me: Retail therapy. What we wear when we workout is more than “flexing” on others in the gym; wearing the right workout gear can also protect you. Wearing your old college t-shirts may get the job done, but is it really keeping your skin safe? Choose clothing that lets your skin breathe, while wicking away moisture and potentially harmful bacteria. You want to feel good physically and mentally. 

Wearing the right gear can keep us motivated, but at what expense? If we wear gear that makes us feel and look good, but hurts others and the environment at the same time, have we really gained anything? In short, no, but luckily, there are more clothing companies in the world beside Nike, and here are the ethical companies to keep an eye out for in 2020:

Outdoor Voices

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From their clothing, to their packaging, to their retail store locations, Outdoor Voices has both people and the environment at heart. They strive to build clothes that are made to last, while also making sure the environment lasts as well. They incorporate recycled materials into their products, package using reusable totes, and implement reused materials into their physical stores as well. They also have a goal to increase the percentage of traceable fibers from recycled sources seasonally to 80% by 2022.

Adidas

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Adidas has made some real progress in the past few years in regard to their sustainability efforts. They have an entire site dedicated to outlining their visions when it comes to sustainability. Among their priorities for products in 2020 are valuing water, innovating materials and processes, and conserving energy. For employees and the like, it’s empowering people, improving health, and inspiring action. Not only is Adidas a global company, it appears that they have made great strides in becoming a global company as well.

Patagonia

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We all know Patagonia cares about the environment. That’s practically what their entire brand is built on. They promote environmentalism and fair labor practice with safe working conditions. But what’s best of all is that they make more than just puffer hoodies; they have a wide range of workout gear.

I’m really digging these shorts, right now, via

Ladies, they make workout pants, too!

Alternative Apparel

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Alternative Apparel has been around since the 90s, but their mission has always been the same. They strive maintain fair and safe workplace conditions around the world. They believe that clothes shouldn’t come “at the expense of our plant or people.” Their clothes are made with organic cotton, post-consumer recycled polyester, low-impact dyes, and eco-friendly packaging. It seems clear that this company places products with faces. 

Vyayama

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Meaning, “to tame the inner breath” in Sanskrit, Vyayama believes in a mindfulness that “inspires quality, beauty, and joy.” While vyayama only makes women’s clothing for now, they fight to find only the best partners for fabric and production. They ensure that all parts to their products are ethically sourced. I really like that their products have been third-party tested, so their not just boasting about this on their own behalf.

Yes, Nike makes some fly kicks and Lululemon gives some really nice reusable bags (lunchboxes?), but I urge you to know the company from which you buy. Consider supporting environmental efforts and human rights. Because in reality there’s a symbiotic relationship in the clothes we wear. Our wardrobe can make us look good, but it can hurt the earth and people who make it.

Where does your favorite sustainable workout gear come from?

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