Sustainable Sportswear
The global fashion landscape is experiencing big changes, and it’s all thanks to us, the consumers. Discerning shoppers are calling for more eco-friendly practices from companies and are supporting brands that implement such measures with brand loyalty. The landscape is moving towards manufacturing initiatives that are better for our planet. More and more brands are increasingly adopting these initiatives to make sustainable sportswear and activewear.
Activewear is currently enjoying its time in the spotlight, as athleisurewear and sportswear are now being incorporated into everyday streetwear. High profile sportswear and activewear brands are adopting Earth-friendly initiatives, clearly showing the sustainability trends that we can soon expect to see right across the mainstream. Both Australian and international brands are taking up the call. To show how these are global trends, take a look at these examples from 3 different continents.
Boody: Partnerships With Eco-Friendly Organisations
Sydney based Boody has sustainability as one of its core missions and sets out to produce activewear made with eco-friendly materials. What makes Boody so unique is that its entire production process is eco-friendly. It uses organically grown bamboo fibres to create soft, simple and comfortable garments meant for everyday use. The brand’s focus on producing longer lasting pieces helps us all overcome the need to chase short-lived trends.
Boody also believes in giving back by supporting other eco-friendly and sustainable organisations. They are a member of 1% for the Planet, meaning that they donate 1% of their total online sales to non-profits dedicated to preserving the environment. Additionally, 10% of their online beanie sales go to the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, a research institute that tackles cancer care. On top of all that, they have officially partnered with charity group Thread Together to provide clothing for the homeless and people fleeing from domestic violence.
Organic Basics: Climate Impact Transparency
Danish company Organic Basics has become a fast-growing business since it started producing ethically made sportswear and essentials in 2015. The brand was acquired by a global apparel manufacturer and is currently expanding its consumer base worldwide. Despite this growth, Organic Basics remain strict when it comes to their sustainability mission. All fabrics used for its clothing are biodegradable, renewable, recycled, or natural. The brand also only works with factories that are certified to be sustainable. Ever since it achieved B-Corp status, the company has worked hard to provide transparency regarding its eco-friendliness.
Every year, Organic Basics releases an impact report that details its manufacturing effect on the climate, activism, and green initiatives. Making themselves accountable, they own up to their mistakes such as overstocking and setting unrealistic sustainability goals. They enlist the help of organisations like Vaayu and One Carbon World to keep a close eye on and evaluate their carbon emissions.
Oakley: Switching to Sustainable Materials
Oakley is a world-renowned Californian based sports brand that has been around since 1975. Known for its performance eyewear and clothing options, the brand is made for all types of athletes. As one of the leading sports eyewear producers, one of Oakley’s biggest moves towards sustainability was using BiO-Matter as the material for its frames. BIO-Matter uses plant-based castor bean bio-resin to reduce the carbon footprint of its manufacturing process.
Oakley’s garment production is also taking up sustainable practices. With it’s huge range of stylish outerwear, from sweaters to hoodies, each of Oakley’s garments are designed to support athletic performance. At the same time, they are made to keep wearers comfortable and supported for all kinds of different sports and conditions. Their high-quality garments are made in partnership with the Better Cotton Initiative where cotton is sourced through sustainable methods such as recycling or organically-produced ethical farming. Oakley promises to source at least 50% of their cotton through this collaboration by 2025, significantly reducing their manufacturing impact on climate change.
We’re looking forward to seeing the continuation and expansion of these positive trends in sustainable sportswear and athleisurewear. With huge interest from consumers that is driving the adoption of sustainable practices in producing sportswear and athleisurewear, we can expect to see an increasing number of companies following suit and becoming more eco-friendly in the future.
See more at: Your Guide to Sustainable Activewear and Slow Fashion Leisurewear
