How to Choose Sustainable Sportswear: A Buyer’s Guide
Picking out sustainable sportswear for yourself sounds challenging, doesn't it? You wonder if you will need to work out in bamboo shorts or organic cotton shirts. Or will your gear need to be made of recycled plastic? The most pertinent question, however, is this; Is it possible to look good while doing good too?
Worry not as we have some good news for you. Opting for sustainable sportswear has never been easier. Many brands have entered the market with promises of supplying eco-friendly activewear that will help reduce fashion’s environmental impact.
But how does one choose sustainable sportswear that matches their planet-friendly goals? What is it one should look for and what should one avoid?
If these questions are worrying you, you have come to the right place. We have compiled a buyer’s guide for you that will help you in selecting the ideal activewear you can wear guilt-free.
What is Sustainable Wear?
Clothing that is produced in an environmentally friendly way is considered sustainable.
The production processes are ethical, use eco-friendly materials and prioritise the safety and well-being of the workers throughout the supply chain. There is an emphasis on adopting a circular economy so that resources are conserved and used efficiently.
Sustainable sportswear also focuses on reducing the industry's carbon footprint. By doing so, it is also helping make a positive environmental impact.
Why Choose Sustainable Sportswear?
It is a widely known fact that fast fashion has harmed the planet in countless ways. 92 million tonnes of waste is generated and sent to landfills annually. And this waste does not biodegrade or decompose and just keeps building up exponentially.
The fast fashion industry is responsible for producing 10% of the planet’s carbon emissions single-handedly. Microplastic pollution is an immediate side effect of using synthetic fibres causing these pollutants to enter not just our freshwater supplies but also our food.
The way forward is a drastic change in our fashion choices. We need to think long-term and make decisions based on these above-mentioned facts. Choosing sustainable sportswear is one significant step in the right direction. It will ensure that you do not just dress well but support the planet too.
Choosing Sustainable Sportswear
Following are the main elements of sustainability in sportswear that a buyer needs to focus on while shopping.
- Eco-friendly Materials
Choosing sportswear made of eco-friendly fabrics should be your first priority.
- One of the most popular eco-friendly materials is organic cotton. As against conventional cotton, this variety is grown without any pesticides and fertilisers, helping reduce soil and water pollution. To top it all, organic cotton is soft, breathable, and comfortable, making it ideal for sportswear such as t-shirts, leggings, and hoodies.
- Recycled polyester, derived from used plastic bottles and other plastic waste, is an innovative material gaining traction in the sportswear industry. It helps drive plastic away from landfills and oceans while conserving natural resources. What’s more, it has the moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and durability properties of virgin polyester, making it suitable for high-performance sportswear.
- Bamboo fabric is another versatile and eco-friendly option known for its softness, breathability, and natural antibacterial properties.
- Hemp is another sustainable material used in sportswear. It is one of the most eco-friendly crops, requiring minimal water and no pesticides to grow.
- Innovative materials like CELYSTM fully compostable fibre are proving to be game changers in the industry by providing brands with a material that is suitable for versatile applications and is completely biodegradable.
Choosing eco-friendly materials will not only help you minimise the environmental impact but will also allow you to perform well during your workout routine.
- Ethical Manufacturing
Buy from brands that follow ethical business practices. These brands make sure that their workers are treated well, paid fair wages and their work environment is free of hazards.
The manufacturing processes involved are also eco-friendly in their production facilities. Such companies often use renewable energy sources. They employ closed-loop systems so that water and energy can be conserved. Any excess resources are recycled back into the system so there is a reduced need for fresh resources.
Their waste generation is at a minimum. This not only reduces their carbon footprint but also sets an example in the industry for sustainability.
One way of making the right choice is to look for certifications like Fair Trade, SA8000, or B Corporation. These certifications are proof that the brand meets high social and environmental performance standards.
- Transparency in Supply Chain
A way of judging a brand’s reliability is by looking at its level of transparency. Ethical brands are going to be open about their entire production process.
The customers will have access to crucial information about where the raw materials are sourced from, what production techniques are employed, and how the products are distributed and sold.
When a brand is transparent about its supply chain, it demonstrates a commitment to ethical practices and environmental responsibility. This openness allows consumers to make informed choices, knowing that the products they purchase are made with respect for workers and the planet.
Any brand that is misleading or unclear about its practices needs to be given a wide berth.
To identify brands with transparent supply chains, look for those that provide comprehensive reports on their raw material sourcing and also their manufacturing processes. Many sustainable brands will also have third-party certifications to support their claims. These can include certifications like Fair Trade and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
- Choose Durable Sportswear
Always select your sportswear that is long-lasting and durable. When clothes are of a high quality, they do not need to be discarded early. This is a guaranteed way of reducing waste generation.
When clothes are durable, there is a reduced demand for new clothes and the pressure on natural resources is eased. It also helps to decrease the environmental impact that is a side effect of producing new garments
Pay attention to the quality of the stitching of the garment. Well-made clothes with clear care instructions are sure to last longer.
Final Word
Working out and staying active requires a positive mindset. It requires a will to stay fit and healthy and is a gratifying experience. However, it is even more rewarding when you keep the environment and the planet in mind.
Choosing to buy sustainable sportswear is a huge step in the right direction and is your way of contributing to a greener planet.
