9 Sustainable Brands For Men’s Activewear
The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
However you like to get your exercise in (#fit), one thing’s for sure: You can’t wear your normal clothes doing it! Well, we suppose you could, but expect some sweat ‘n stank. 😉
Activewear is designed specifically for gym days, outdoor runs, and extreme weather adventures. They’re often designed with technical features like four-way stretch, hidden stash pockets, and moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you cool. All too often, though, most performance wear is made with unsustainable materials or under questionable conditions. Not to worry though. We’ve found nine of the most sustainable and thoughtful brands that keep both you and Mother Nature in mind—now get to it!
Does your gym partner need a new fit too? Try these sustainable activewear brands for women!
1. Allbirds
Best For | Activewear basics Sustainable Materials | Tencel fleece, organic cotton, wool, recycled nylon Size Range | XS–XXXL Price Range | $38–$128
In the last five years, Allbirds has become a household name synonym for “the world’s most comfortable shoes.” Now, the brand has expanded into apparel as well, and its activewear is a game-changer. The line of active basics includes tees, sweatshirts, sweats, and performance socks and undies—and we love how the pieces combine both athletics and style. As a certified B Corp, Allbirds sources some of the most sustainable fabrics in the world for its apparel, including organic cotton, Tencel, and recycled nylon. Consider Allbirds your one-stop shop for activewear and athletic shoes.
2. Pact
Best For | Layering Sustainable Materials | GOTS certified organic cotton Size Range | S–XL Price Range | $28–$94
Made for that pre- and post-exercise life, Pact’s activewear line is perfect for layering on cool mornings and warm evenings. From pullover hoodies to “off-duty” joggers, Pact’s pieces are fitted but not overly snug, lightweight but not flimsy. Plus, they’re carbon-neutral, made with super soft organic cotton, and ethically sewn in Fair Trade Certified factories. (And sold for accessible prices! What other brands can say the same?!)
3. Tentree
Best For | Athletic shorts & joggers Sustainable Materials | Recycled plastic & polyester, Tencel Lyocell, cotton Size Range | S–XXL Price Range | $50–$118
Exercise and eco-apparel approved, Tentree’s activewear is made from discarded water bottles and upcycled textiles! This “InMotion” collection includes all your workout essentials, from joggers to tanks. They’re specially designed with thoughtful features like odor control, Spandex for added elasticity, and technical specs for heightened performance. We especially love that they’re stylish enough to rock at the gym or on the couch—we’ll take one of each, please.
4. Girlfriend Collective
Best For | Outdoor activewear Sustainable Materials | Cupro, organic cotton, recycled plastic Size Range | XXS–6XL Price Range | $38–$128
Despite the name, Girlfriend Collective makes clothes for all genders, including a men’s line. Great for cold weather activities and outdoor exercise, the relaxed line here touts sweatshirts, puffers, hoodies, and vests sewn from (and filled with!) recycled plastic bottles and sustainable fabrics. They’re wind-resistant, water-repellent, and made in a number of nature-inspired colors. Stay warm while getting that new PR.
5. Outerknown
Best For | Water–repellent activewear Sustainable Materials | Recycled polyester, recycled nylon Size Range | S–XXL Price Range | $98–$298
It should be no surprise that sustainable brand Outerknown, started by legendary surfer Kelly Slater, makes our list for water-repellent activewear. Whether you’re hoping to catch some waves yourself or traverse rainy terrains, Outerknown’s line is built for you. Each piece comes together from recycled polyester and nylon with a hint of spandex (and under fair trade conditions), so it’s quick-drying, stretchable, and multifunctional. Surfers especially will love the Apex Trunks—if you don’t believe us, trust the 300+ 5-star reviews! Surf’s up, friends.
6. Patagonia
Best For | Adventure activewear Sustainable Materials | Recycled polyester, organic cotton, hemp, wool, natural rubber Size Range | XXS–3XL Price Range | $45–$550
Maybe known as the best outdoor retailer of all time (and top sustainable brand to boot), Patagonia knows we can get outdoors and preserve it at the same time. Its line of durable, ethical, and sustainable apparel works for any adventure from fly fishing to mountain biking to kitesurfing. No matter what you pick, it’s backed by the Patagonia guarantee and it gives back to the environment via 1% for the Planet. You can even trade in your old gear or buy secondhand pieces thanks to Patagonia’s Worn Wear program.
7. Definite Articles
Best For | Activewear shorts & joggers Sustainable Materials | Tencel, modal, cotton, biodegradable nylon, recycled polyester Size Range | S–XXL Price Range | $58–$118
Definite Articles is a Certified B Corp making “premium performance wear for people who love the planet.” Unlike most activewear filled with millions of microplastics, DA’s line is made from plastic but is fully biodegradable. How’s that for innovation? We love the brand’s bottoms (both the shorts and joggers) the most, thanks to the cell phone pocket, cash stash, and extra soft stretch. Add some of DA’s signature socks and you’ve got the most sustainable (and biodegradable) ‘fits around.
8. Outdoor Voices
Best For | Athletic tees, tanks, & long sleeves Sustainable Materials | Natural & recycled wool, BCI certified cotton, recycled plastic Size Range | XXS–XXXL Price Range | $48–$148
Outdoor Voices wants to get you moving and have fun doing it. The entire line of activewear from fleece zip-ups to waffle-knit long sleeves to mesh tanks is made specifically with that mission in mind. (In fact, there are over 20 kinds of sustainable materials OV uses for its activewear!) They’re sweat-wicking, breathable, and ready for full-range motion whether you’re hitting the slopes or heading for a Peloton class. (We especially like the product description page that shares what each piece is best for, ranging from low to high-sweat recreation.) With such an impressively wide variety of tops, we recco stocking up on all your top layers here.
9. On
Best For | Running activewear Sustainable Materials | Recycled polyester, Tencel, Modal, cotton Size Range | S–XXL Price Range | $55–$459
On launched in 2010 in the heart of the Swiss Alps, with the hopes of changing the world of running. What started as three men in Zurich has now grown to a collection spanning 50 countries, international design and technology awards, and even sports legend Roger Federer as a co-entrepreneur and founder. So yeah, you could say the brand knows a thing or two about activewear! Its extensive line of performance apparel is made for every kind of run, from cold weather training to indoor treadmills and rest and recovery walks. Use the helpful filters like “weatherproof,” “weather condition,” and “activity” to determine the best activewear for your needs and enjoy—you can thank us later.
RELATED READING
Featured image by Allbirds