Jasmine Hemsley shares her favourite ethical activewear brands that keep her on the move.
The increasing number of consumers demanding ethical fashion has meant a rise in the number of brands putting better practices into place. Gone are the days of searching high and low for sustainable underwear (see my last post here), pyjamas (as I had to at the beginning of my sustainable fashion journey) or even activewear. As someone who often works from home I love the easy comfort of wearing some sort of gym kit – allowing me to sit cross legged and even squat while I work on my laptop to take care of my back, preventing stagnation and keeping the energy to flowing around the body. I hesitate to call it ‘gym’ wear since I don’t actually go to a gym but leisure wear sounds funny too! Workout wise, I’m a fan of yoga- both at home and in yoga classes wherever and whenever I can get to them, I particularly love more ‘yin’ style yoga taking it as an opportunity to tune in and connect with my body through movement opposed to working up a sweat. Otherwise I’m hiking, walking my dogs or doing lots of squats and natural movement based floor work and exercises to keep both my mind and body strong with my friend Tony Riddle who is a natural lifestyle specialist.
Now more stylish than ever, read on for my edit of activewear brands that are as ethical and cool as they are functional.
This made in the U.S. brand recycle plastic bottles to make their funky printed yoga leggings, available from Rêve en Vert. I’m a big fan of printed leggings and this brand offers countless options.
Picture create organic, recycled and bio-sourced outdoor sports gear, using only factories that treat their workers fairly to produce their weatherproof jackets, snow suits and accessories.
Adrenna make trendy, sleek activewear right here in London using eco and non-toxic dyes. The brand is committed to extending their range and investing in new eco-materials as they develop and grow.
STARSEEDS are on a mission to bring you comfortable, breathable fitness clothing made from organic fabrics and bagged-and-tagged with recyclable materials, all designed and made in Europe.
VYAYAMA’s natural yoga wear uses their signature material, TENCEL®, made from sustainably farmed eucalyptus, to support you in your practice. They are committed to sustainable practices throughout the production process and create lovely, understated pieces you can feel good about.
Bella Kinesis make brightly coloured, patterned sportswear in Britain. For each piece sold, they fund one month of business education for a woman in rural India, so that women can be strong in every way.
Sports Philosophy’s unique, bold and stylish activewear is intended to look good, feel good and do good. The company are committed to fighting child labour through their own charity, the Freedom for Children Foundation, and throughout their production chain.
You will adore Silou for their retro activewear that looks straight out of Palm Springs in the ‘70s, but that’s not all the label — founded by a former Victoria’s Secret model — has going for it. Every piece is made in Europe using non-toxic fabrics.
Milochie’s proudly patterned leggings and other yoga and running clothes are made from sustainably harvested beechwood, and every worker (in Portugal and Germany) is paid a fair, EU-regulated wage.
Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend’s latest collection of LITE leggings and bodysuits are made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon, which is made from fishing nets and other discarded waste rescued from oceans and landfills.
Photography: Nick Hopper
Read Jasmine’s favourite ethical underwear brands here, her favourite sustainable fashion brands and more about Jasmine’s journey towards sustainability here.
Need some fitness inspiration (#fitspo)? Read FRAME founder Joan Murphy’s story on how to stay fit mentally and physically.