21 November 2024
A multitude of knitwear! Discover the cosiest sweaters at these stores.
- COSH! Member Publicity
Would you like to buy sustainable sportswear and are you looking for quality brands that produce with respect for people and nature? Then we have some good tips for you. Discover sports brands that focus on good working conditions and environmentally friendly production and shop them at a local retailer near you! This way, you can make your next workout at the gym, running session or yoga class even more enjoyable.
Why is a lot of sportswear made of polyester?
Disclaimer: Unfortunately, most sportswear is made from plastic fibres such as polyester, polyamide, recycled PET, etc. These synthetic materials are made from crude oil and therefore have a high impact on the environment. In addition, the fabrics spread microplastics when worn and washed.
However, there is a good reason why a lot of sportswear is made from this material: Synthetic fabrics are absorbent and dry quickly. In addition, they feel light and elastic, which makes them easy to move around in. Finally, polyester is shape- and colourfast and resistant to sweat.
Is there a sustainable alternative to sportswear made from polyester?
Recycled polyester is often seen as a more sustainable alternative to new polyester. The advantage of this material is that no new petroleum is needed, which reduces the environmental impact. However, this material does also have a downside. Read more about recycled polyester here.
At COSH we, therefore, recommend choosing natural materials as much as possible. Do you prefer sportswear made from synthetic fibres? Wash the clothes at 30° and use a GuppyFriend. This laundry bag captures microplastics, so they don’t end up in the ocean.
1. Iron Roots
Sportwear made from natural materials
Sportswear brand Iron Roots consciously chooses not to use polyester for its clothing. In their collection, you will find sportswear made from natural materials such as Tencel (made from eucalyptus), organic cotton and hemp. Moreover, the clothes are produced ethically in factories in Greece and Portugal.
Want to score a natural and fair fitness outfit? Shop the sportswear for men and women at Restrived.
2. MOOV360
Sportwear made of recycled fishing nets
Are you looking for sustainable cycling wear, a good running outfit or a tennis skirt? Then you have come to the right place at MOOV36O. This Belgian sports brand makes sportswear for men and women out of ECONYL. This material is made of recycled fishing nets and other industrial waste.
The brand produces within Europe. Moreover, the brand donates 1% of their turnover to HealthySeas.
3. Recto Verso
100% Belgian & Qualitative sports outfits
Quality and craftsmanship are the keywords for the Belgian company Recto Verso. The sports brand produces all clothing, from textile to finish, in its own factory in Belgium. This way, the brand guarantees good working conditions.
The materials that Recto Verso uses (polyamide and elastane) are not the most environmentally friendly. That is why the brand focuses on quality and performs strict checks. This way, the clothes last a long time. In addition, the patterns are cut out of the textile in a smart way, so that as little fabric as possible is lost.
Would you like to shop Recto Verso sportswear? Discover the brand at Addict Store Wilrijk & Antwerp and at Harvest Club in Leuven.
4. Pure By Luce
Yoga and activewear made from recycled and natural materials
The Belgian brand Pure By Luce offers sportswear and yoga outfits for environmentally conscious women. The clothing brand is produced in Europe and only uses recycled and natural materials. The sports tops and T‑shirts are made of 100% GOTS-certified cotton. For the leggings, the brand uses 70% recycled polyester and 30% elastane.
Pure By Luce communicates clearly and transparently. You will find clear information about the manufacturers in Italy and Portugal on the website. These comply with European legislation, so ethical working conditions can be guaranteed.
Discover the sports leggings and sports tops at Addict Store Wilrijk & Antwerp, and at HOST in Antwerp Berchem.
5. FITPLANET
Sustainable swimwear and sportwear that protects the ocean
Do you see the rubbish in the seas, pollution in the air, destruction of the forests? FITPLANET is a sportswear brand that protects the ocean and offers a sustainable alternative to conventional sportswear. They turn waste left in the environment into recycled sports products.
6. People Tree
Ethical sportswear made from organic cotton
The English clothing brand People Tree is a pioneer in the field of sustainable and ethical fashion. In their activewear collection, you discover yoga tops, leggings, biker shorts and crop tops. All People Tree sportswear is made of 95% organic cotton with the Fairtrade label, completed with 5% elastane. The complete production of the clothes (from spinning the cotton to stitching the fabrics) happens in Assisi. This is a social enterprise in India where good working conditions are key.
Discover the yoga and workout clothing of People Tree at Harvest Club in Leuven and at Het Faire Oosten in Amsterdam.
7. Vaude
German design executed in fair conditions
Looking for a new outdoor outfit, cycling gear or, for example, a waterproof bag? With German brand Vaude, functionality and durability are key! This ensures you can enjoy the outdoors and nature without damaging it with your clothing or equipment.
Vaude is very transparent about how their products are made and which materials they choose. Together with the Fair Wear Foundation, they guarantee fair working conditions in their factories, setting an example for the outdoor industry. Vaude has everything to get you ready for your trip, whether it’s for your daily bike ride to work, your trekking trip, skiing trip or mountain climbing.
You buy the collection from Vaude at Vaude Gent or Vaude Leuven.
8. Swedish Stockings
Ropa deportiva fabricada con material 100% reciclado
¿Buscas un conjunto deportivo atemporal? Entonces nunca te equivocarás con un elegante conjunto negro. Los tops y los leggings están fabricados con materiales 100% reciclados: 96% de poliamida reciclada y 4% de elastano reciclado. La ropa deportiva se fabrica en Italia.
Descubre la ropa deportiva de Swedish Stockings en la tienda KIEZ de Amberes.
9. Nanue brand
Versatile & Sustainable yoga and surf wear
Whether you are looking for a nice and comfortable yoga outfit or surf gear? You’ll find it at Nanue brands! All the surfwear is stylish and made for the best possible surfing experience.
10. TWOTHIRDS
Perfect comfort for all forms of exercise.
Experience perfect comfort during your workout sessions with TWOTHIRDS eco-friendly activewear. Designed in the vibrant city of Barcelona and carefully crafted in Portugal, their collection is built to withstand any challenge while keeping sustainability at the forefront.
Whether you’re engaging in high-intensity training, yoga, or outdoor adventures, TWOTHIRDS activewear is tailored to meet your needs.
11. Newex
Specialised canyoning suit
Are you a canyoning lover? You should definitely get to know Newex, the 1st sustainable suit specialised in canyoning!
They are the first project created by and for canyoners in Spain, with a team of five professionals in the sector, all with more than 20 years of experience in canyoning, responsible for the development, testing and validation of the product to achieve the best possible equipment. They produce in Spain, locally and KM0 way, in local factories and workshops in Valencia and Barcelona.
SPORTS ACCESSORIES AND RUNNING SHOES
12. Pierre sports
Sustainable yoga mats of natural cork
Still looking for a durable yoga mat? Then the cork yoga mats from Pierre Sports are the ideal match. This natural material comes from Portugal, is waterproof, light and soft to the touch. You can also find other accessories like yoga blocks and meditation cushions. Read more about the sustainability of Pierre Sports here.
Shop Pierre Sports at Restrived and at Addict Store Wilrijk & Antwerp.
13. be the fibre
Stylish sports bags made out of textile waste
Looking for an eco-friendly sports bag? Check out be the fibre! This Belgian brand originated from ‘Wereld Missie Hulp’ and recycles donated, second-hand clothes into stylish accessories. Thanks to the handy straps, you can easily carry a yoga mat on your back.
14.VEJA Running
Circular running shoes
Did you know that the well-known trainer brand Veja also produces running shoes? The Veja Running shoes contain many circular materials and are ethically produced in Brazil.
Want to discover more sustainable fashion brands within your style and budget and shop them at local shops near you? Take a look at our shopping guide by clicking the button below.
