By WEforum Editors
With WEforum’s incredible Fit Crawl just around the corner, it is time to take a few moments to consider the sustainability of your workout wardrobe. Yes, it’s essential to be comfortable and (a bit) stylish while you sweat, “om” and break down all those mental and physical barriers holding you back; but stop and consider just how your activewear was manufactured. If we are taking steps to be mindful of our bodies, brains and emotional health, shouldn’t we be just as progressive in considering the products we purchase, particularly those we wear?
Many of the mainstream activewear brands we are familiar with manufacture products made from synthetic plastics, such as polyester, which is made of fossil fuels and is non-biodegradable; lycra, made from “segmented polyurethanes from the reaction of a di-isocyanate with polyethers or polyesters;” or nylon, a petroleum-based synthetic fiber. According to Global Garbs, “The production of these fabrics is incredibly energy and water- intensive. Further, each time you wash a pair of leggings made from synthetic plastics, micro-plastics are emitted into the ocean, which then end up in fish bellies and therefore our food supply.” Better fabric options to look for in activewear include Tencel, Lyocell and organic cotton.
Eco-conscious clothing brands can be difficult to source and decipher. For one, there is no international or national government-run organization to certify clothing companies, like the USDA organic certification for food. What you will find are a myriad of certifications representing different aspects of fashion manufacturing, including ethical and social responsibility, sustainability and transparency. Currently, there are more than 30 organizations that research and label clothing manufacturing companies with environmental, fair trade, or holistic (social, ethical, and eco-conscious) certifications.
So, with all the complexity surrounding these certifications and the sheer number of brands available to the consumer, how do we know we’re making the right decision when we pull out our credit cards? Let’s break down some of the more recognizable and trustworthy labels for product-based industries. With ethical and sustainable fashion on the rise, many brands claim to follow strict guidelines, yet, they produce “disposable” clothing in mass quantities, and label products to make them seem more sustainable. Just because a company offers pieces made from recycled materials or “organic” cotton, does not mean they are adhering to guidelines which have a positive impact on the environment. This practice is used so ubiquitously that it has its own term, “greenwashing.” It tricks the ethical consumer into believing they are reducing their carbon footprint. Beware the brands attempting to increase their sales and audience by touting products and manufacturing procedures that supposedly conform to eco-friendly guidelines.
Here’s your cheat sheet to sustainable, ethical and eco-conscious certifications and brands to keep you sweating in style and feeling good about it.
A Few Trustworthy Certification Labels to Look for:
OEKO-TEX®– A certification that has rigid standards around harmful chemicals. If you buy gear with this certification, it will ensure that you are steering clear of some of the most toxic chemicals, such as azo dyes, which are known carcinogens.
B Corporations– When it comes to B Corporations, they are essentially companies with social missions built into their core. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean they follow strict environmental guidelines, and you can’t infer that a brand is ethical or sustainable simply because it is B Corp certified. You may need to do a more thorough check.
GOTS– GOTS is one of the most trustworthy and holistic certifications. It covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, trading, and distribution of all textiles made from at least 70% certified natura, organic fibers. The materials must meet a specific set of environmental standards (toxicity, wastewater, etc.) and social criteria in accordance with the International Labor Organization. There are a number of different certifying bodies that can award certification, but all of them use the same standards.
Bluesign– Bluesign is a standard textile certification given to manufacturers using production methods safe for both humans and the environment. They take into consideration everything from water waste to dye toxicity, to worker and consumer safety and more.
Fair Trade USA – Fair Trade USA uses many of the same labor standards as Fair Trade International, while also including specific environmental standards like the prohibition of GMOs and toxic chemicals. Fair Trade USA is the body that certified certain Madewell and J.Crew denim styles as Fair Trade.
BCI– The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is a global not-for-profit organization and the most extensive cotton-sustainability program in the world. BCI exists to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in and better for the sector’s future.
Clothing Brands to Try, and Their Mission Statements:
Pact – Supplies all the basic workout gear, including undergarments, swimwear, and even maternity sizing. Pact imagines a world without toxic chemicals, sweatshops, or child labor—it’s the kind of world we want to live in, too. The brand’s basics are made with organic, fair trade cotton, and with neutral colors and affordable prices, Pact is the perfect place to stock up on all your cotton undergarments, including socks, underwear, and leggings.
Summersalt – A well-known manufacturer that started with swim, and has branched out to include a line of activewear, loungewear and sleepwear. At Summersalt, we visit our factory partners regularly to ensure that manufacturing our Summersalt collections is done with partners who are committed to the latest certifications across environmental sustainability and ethical labor practices. All our manufacturing partners have multiple certifications, and collectively our factories have over a dozen international certifications, which acknowledge their ongoing commitment to environmental and social sustainability.
Synergy Organic Clothing – Receiving the GOTS certification for the Synergy Organic Clothing headquarters and distribution center in Santa Cruz, CA completes the chain for our eco-conscious company from start to finish. The raw materials supplier in India is certified, the Nepal manufacturer is certified, and now the last piece of the puzzle has been put into place with our U.S. certification.
Silou– Silou is a London-based company that vows to create elevated active essentials that are both premium and sustainable – not either-or. To create pieces that stand the test of time and transcend seasons, that prove fashion should not cost the earth. We ensure that every touchpoint from conception to distribution, is respected and cared for. We promise to never lose sight of this. We promise to be curious, to challenge traditional practices when they don’t align with our values, our present and our future.
