Well Worn | Sustainable Activewear
With the majority of synthetic activewear made of plastic, every purchase made is having a detrimental impact on the planet. WELL CURATED take a closer look at the new generation of brands who think beyond seasonal trends and profit margins to social responsibility and sustainability.
Silou
Silou is a luxury activewear brand specialising in clothes that feel good on the body, perform in the gym, and are kind to the planet. Rather than being trend-driven, styles are seasonless, with only select colours and cuts that remain fresh year after year. Their bio-based luxury textiles are crafted using premium raw materials that are designed for longevity, using production processes with a limited impact on the environment.
NAGNATA
Made from up-cycled textiles, natural dyes and organic yarns, this sustainable activewear is the brainchild of Australian sisters Laura May and Hannah Gibbs. The name NAGNATA is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘nagnatA’ which translates as nakedness, alluding to a more natural and authentic state of being. NAGNATA’S styles are designed to offer versatility and longevity, each collection is an evolution of the previous, intended to be complimentary and styled together.
Girlfriend Collective
The girls behind this brand believe old water bottles and fishing nets look better on you than they do clogging landfills and polluting oceans. That’s why they make their LITE leggings with ECONYL®, a fibre made from recycled fishing nets and other waste that would otherwise be discarded into oceans and landfills. By using this recycled material, they cut out the need for raw materials like crude oil, which are traditionally used in the production of nylon. Similarly their tees and tanks are 100% cupro, a delicate fibre made from waste the cotton industry leaves behind.
FP Movement
FP Movement’s ECONYL collection is made with 100% recycled fibre composed of fishing nets and fabric scraps collected from landfills and oceans. When compared to nylon made from oil, this sustainably sourced fabric has reduced their global warming impact by up to 80%, and to date, it has helped save 250+ tons of C02 from entering the atmosphere. Not only that, every FP Movement purchase made supports fitness and wellness programming for their partners Girls Inc.
Manduka
Since the beginnings of their Black Mat, Manduka has been inspired and guided by a responsibility to reduce global consumption by making better products that last longer. Their design approach is rooted in principles of conservancy and transparency, creating mats, towels, props and apparel while also making every possible effort to minimise environmental waste.
Organic Basics
Organic Basics SilverTech Active range is made from recycled nylon, taking 90% less water to make and creating 80% fewer CO2 emissions, compared to typical virgin fabric. Not only that, the Danish brand has set up the Organic Basics Fund to help fight climate change, regenerate our natural resources and restore biodiversity. Twice per year, they donate a portion of their profits to grassroots activists and organisations that address our environmental crises.
Pangaia
A global collective of scientists, technologists, and designers creating sustainable products without compromising on style. Pangaia partner with the world’s leading research institutions, laboratories and scientists to bring to life the latest problem-solving innovations in materials science, their seaweed fibre is derived from saltwater seaweed which grows abundantly in a natural ocean habitat. This avoids traditional farming aggressors such as the use of pesticides, excessive water and land. The fibre absorbs moisture faster than cotton and at the end of the garment’s life, it biodegrades seamlessly.
Horizon Athletic
Australian athlete Marlena Gabriel has mindfully created Horizon to reflect her love and respect for the environment and to tackle and raise awareness of the issues facing our planet, one of which is the enormous amount of plastic waste in our oceans. Fabrics are sourced according to function alongside sustainability, the result is strong products for the purpose of intentive sport that will last over time.