Vive le Vélo claims ethical practices and safe, fair work conditions across production sites from Bangladesh to Portugal. Although, full guarantees are challenging without independent verification.
The start of each new collection takes place in Diksmuide, Belgium where the design team creates the collections. In India, organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals, allowing farmers to work in a healthy environment.
Their GRS-certified materials ensure production meets strict social standards.
Vive le Vélo chooses sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Their initial range, including jumpers, T‑shirts, and children’s wear, starts in India with organic cotton that’s free from chemicals. However, these claims lack certification. The jumpers have 15% GRS-certified recycled polyester from PET bottles. Production moves to Bangladesh for cutting and sewing, then back to Belgium for final touches and personalisation.
Their second line with hoodies and baby clothes originates from Portugal, offering proximity to consumers. The “Cycling” collection features recycled materials, Italian Ecosoul fabrics, and Bluesign/OEKO-Tex certified materials, all made in Europe.
At their Diksmuide store, they showcase sustainable practices in store supplies and packaging.
The Vive le Vélo collection includes items made from recycled materials, but it’s not entirely circular. For comfort, they blend polyester or similar materials with elastane, adding stretch and flexibility. However, this mix makes the garments harder to recycle after use.
Vive le Vélo’s production chain is extensive, stretching from India for organic cotton and recycled polyester to Bangladesh and Portugal for ready-to-wear. This extensive chain, although long, was deliberately chosen to ensure sustainability and quality. They conclude in Belgium, with local finishing and personalisation.
No animal materials are used in Vive le Vélo activewear. Thus, the brand is completely vegan.
Each new Vive le Vélo collection begins in Diksmuide, the birthplace of the Vive Le Vélo lifestyle. The design team meticulously selects new prints, styles, colours, techniques, and patterns for every collection.
Significant focus is also placed on the technical aspects of the fabrics, ensuring the perfect match for each garment. This attention to detail allows for both stylish and comfortable activewear.
Transparency is very important to Vive le Vélo, both in their relationship with producers and suppliers, but certainly also towards the customer. On their website, they share the routes their garments take from fibre to finished product.
