The 12 Best Sustainable Activewear Brands of 2023

Best Overall

Tentree

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Tentree is a carbon-neutral company that has made its mission its literal name: for every item of clothing purchased, Tentree plants ten trees. The brand's goal is to plant one billion trees by 2030. Curious customers can view and track the progress of the company’s climate action plan, and transparency goes even further with a breakdown of every material used, from water-saving, plant-based Tencel to  polyester recycled from landfill plastic. We’re naming it the best overall sustainable activewear brand because, from underwear and sports bras to joggers and jackets, much of its collection can function as activewear (though it’s comfortable enough to do loungewear duty, too). They also offer “climate-plus” subscription packages for families, travelers, events, and more, giving consumers the opportunity to verifiably plant trees to offset their carbon footprints — no apparel purchase necessary. 

Currently, Tentree’s collection, including its activewear, is full of solid, mostly muted neutral colors in styles for men, women, and children (and they’ve even got accessories and housewares, too). While there’s a lot to love from this sustainable brand, we’re particularly into its InMotion ⅞ Pocket Leggings, which are made from 79 percent recycled polyester and 21 percent elastane for extra stretch, comfort, and durability. The buttery soft leggings have two side pockets as well as two hidden pockets in the waistband. Plus, they’re tightly woven to prevent pet hair from clinging to them. We do wish there was a bit more color creativity and combination in the selection, though understated elegant hues like agave green, lilac chalk, and fig make versatile wardrobe pieces. 

Price range: $15 to $298

The Details: Unworn, unwashed items can be returned within 30 days of purchase | XS to XL, 2 to 14 pants size range

Best Vests

Cotopaxi

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Through its "gear for good" mission, Cotopaxi donates 1 percent of its earnings to nonprofits focused on serving communities experiencing poverty. Cotopaxi is also B-corp certified and  boasts a climate-neutral status. We love that this brand allows you to swap your old Cotopaxi items for store credit. We’re big fans of the lightweight, ultra-packable Teca Cálido Vest that comes in a hooded version for women and non-hooded for men. It’s made from 100 percent recycled polyester fabrics, inside and out. The reversible color-blocked design is versatile and extremely cozy. While Cotopaxi states it uses responsible materials, we wish they offered a bit more detail.

Price range: $70 to $145

The Details: Unwashed, still-tagged items are eligible for returns or exchanges within 60 days of purchase | XS to XXL

Best Exercise Dresses

Quince

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Quince is tackling sustainability by focusing on the use of eco-friendly fabrics and biodegradable packaging. The company has given itself until the end of 2023 to completely eliminate use of first-time plastics in favor of fully-compostable packing materials. Currently, it uses non-synthetic materials such as cashmere, wool, and organic cotton; 100 percent recycled polyester; and eco-friendly dyes — though only “when possible.” On the production end, Quince says they are dedicated to using factories that offer fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable practices. Their Ultra-soft Performance Dress is made from a recycled polyester and spandex blend and features hidden built-in shorts with pockets. It’s lightweight, stretchy, and moisture-wicking, making it great for sports courts or supermarkets. 

Price range: $45 to $50

The Details: Returns and exchanges up to 365 days after purchase for unworn, unwashed, still-tagged items | XS to XL

Best Base Layers

Patagonia

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Patagonia made headlines in 2022 when its founder announced he was giving away the company to a trust focused on fighting climate change. This certified B-corp outdoor outfitter is also a member of One Percent for the Planet, a group of businesses that give 1 percent of their profits to environmental organizations. Its list of sustainable practices is long and includes activism, donation, generous return and repair policies, and a trade-in program where used Patagonia items are resold through a secondhand store. Clothing from this brand is made to last a lifetime — or longer — which is why we love them for base layers like the Long-Sleeved Capilene Cool Merino shirt for women and men. This Fair Trade-sewn long sleeve tech top is made from 65 percent Responsible Wool Standard merino wool and 35 percent recyclable polyester. It’s perfect for layering and helps regulate your body temperature in both cold and warm weather. Note that Patagonia’s repair policy doesn’t apply to their merino wool items. 

Price range: $29 to $159

The Details: Returns allowed any time after purchase for new and sale items. Returns made after one year of purchase will be issued as store credit | XXS to XL women's and XS to XXL men's

Best Maternity

Girlfriend Collective

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Girlfriend Collective uses post-consumer recycled plastic to make its wide range of sustainable clothing. You can rest easy knowing your clothes are made via ethical manufacturing in factories SAI-certified for labor conditions and wages. We love the inclusive sizing that ranges from XXS to 6XL and that it also provides hard-to-find maternity options. Persaud says she bought Girlfriend Collective’s bluesign-certified Seamless Maternity Leggings and bras when she was pregnant and practically lived in them. These stretchy, ultra-comfortable leggings have a foldable 15.5-inch rise and are made from BPA-free recycled nylon sourced from repurposed fishing nets and 17 percent spandex. They’re also OEKO-TEX-certified free of a long list of potentially harmful substances (microfiber shedding not included). We love that the material is breathable, moisture-wicking, has UPF 50 sun protection, and feels like a second skin. 

Price range: $48 to $88

The Details: Unwashed, unworn items with the tags still on can be returned up to 30 days after the shipping date | XXS to 6XL

Best Swimsuits

Summersalt

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Summersalt sells a range of clothing and outerwear, but this company is best known for its swimsuits. Even if you don’t recognize the name, you’re probably familiar with its breakout hit, The Sidestroke, a triple color-blocked one-piece that flatters nearly all body shapes. What you probably didn’t know is that this brand falls under the sustainable umbrella. While many of its clothing is made from Tencel, a sustainable plant-based fiber, its swimsuits are made from recycled, post-consumer materials and waste such as nylon fishing nets pulled out of the ocean. Repurposed plastics such as nylon are best used for swimwear, wetsuits, or other items that are normally made from synthetic materials. “Synthetics like nylon are made from polyester,” Lea d'Auriol explains, “and when washed, will shed microfibers that will enter our waterways and be infinitely more difficult to collect.” Buying swimwear made from recycled plastics helps prevent the creation of new synthetics. 

Price range: $45 to $135

The Details: Exchanges and returns for store credit are free and must be completed within 30 days from date of delivery. Returns for refunds have a return fee and must be made within 21 days of delivery (U.S. only) | 2 to 22 size range

Best Swim Trunks

Everlane

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Everlane has committed to cutting its carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and having net-zero emissions by 2050. It's also pledged to eliminate all virgin plastics, switch to 100 percent organic cotton, and only partner with factories that have fair labor practices and pay. While it’s not as big of a mission as other companies on this list, Everlane is one of the most popular brands we’re featuring, and these goals will have a big impact. The company also publishes a yearly impact report and is transparent about the progress it's making toward its goals (even if they aren’t met). As a brand that prides itself on long-lasting basics, we appreciate The ReNew Swim Short, made from recycled plastic bottles (so yes, be aware of microfiber shedding) and dyed with a bluesign-certified dye that is safer for the environment and the factory workers dyeing the trunks. 

Price range: $65 to $98

The Details: Unworn, unwashed, still-tagged items can be returned via Happy Returns or in person at any Everlane store within 30 days. Mailed returns will cost the price of shipping (waived for returns seeking store credit) | XS to XL

Best for Kids

Pact

5

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Pact doesn’t just claim to be sustainable, it's certifiably sustainable. Also carbon-neutral, Pact works with Fair Trade-certified factories that provide better working conditions and support to workers. Their use of natural-fiber materials grown on organic farms contribute to lower water and energy usage. To top it off, shipments are packaged with recyclable paper instead of single-use plastics. Since it’s never too early to start sustainable practices, we are swooning over Pact’s kids collection, which has a cute and colorful range of items for babies and children up to 12 years old. Their adorable Short Sleeve Graphic Bodysuit is made from 100 percent organic cotton, comes in nine prints, and fits newborns up to 12 months. Keep in mind that Pact’s affordable pricing makes it tempting to buy a ton of pieces, which kind of defeats the purpose of sustainable shopping. 

Price range: $15 to $50

The Details: Free returns for 60 days for unwashed, unworn, still-tagged items in original packaging | 12M to 12 size range

Best Shoes

Allbirds

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Allbirds is very clear when it comes to its climate and sustainability goals. By 2025, it aims to bring its carbon footprint down by 50 percent; by 2030, it wants it close to zero. Allbirds understands that sustained small margins can lead to big long-term payoffs. These are significant goals, but so far it's on track. Allbirds uses all-natural materials made from plants and wool — including transforming sustainable sugarcane into foam shoe soles. Laces are made from recycled plastic bottles, and shoe eyelets are made from bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane, made by microorganisms that eat plant sugars (we’re not quite sure how that works, either). It even makes water-repelling running shoes like the Wool Dasher Mizzles for women and men, made from merino wool, which we find to be a handy all-weather addition to your activewear capsule.

Price range: $50 to $170

The Details: No questions asked for returns within 30 days of purchase as long as items are unworn with tags intact (underwear must be in original, sealed packaging) | 5 to 11 women's and 8 to 14 men's

Best Sweatshirts

Zero Waste Daniel

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Zero Waste Daniel works out of NYC and creates patchwork pieces from local Garment District scraps that would otherwise be clogging landfills. Persaud calls the brand’s clothing “casual wear, but also statement pieces” and says she bought a David Bowie mosaic shirt that quickly became one of her favorites. In addition to saving fabric from an early grave, Zero Waste Daniel also takes care to use recycled and recyclable materials in the studio, for packaging, and in shipments. We love the gender-neutral approach and find particular glee in the mixed print “all-over reroll” sweatshirt, a loud and classy cutting-edge take on your average sweatshirt. It stitches together the coziness of a patchwork quilt and the personality of a partier, making you stand out during a warmup or at work. 

Price range: $175 to $265

The Details: Unwashed, unworn, and still-tagged items can be submitted for return approval within 14 days of the delivery date | XS to XXL

Best Intimates

MATE the Label

5

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Mate the Label seems to check a lot of boxes when it comes to its sustainability practices. It has considered its products from seed through the entire supply chain. Mate the Label products are meant to have a long life, classic style, and clean history. This L.A.-based clothing company works with organic materials that are often dyed, stitched, and knit within a 15-mile radius of company headquarters. It’s also impressively whittled down its use of plastic and does not use nylon, polyester, or polyamide in products (which is especially noteworthy for an activewear brand). As a woman-owned, woman-run, and woman-empowering company, we’re not surprised it makes a comfy yet still supportive bralette. The Organic Comfort Scoop Bralette is available in sizes XS to 3XL and is made from 92 percent organic cotton. We love Mate, but would love to see them expand to include a men’s section, or at least have more gender-neutral designs. 

Price range: $30 to $42

The Details: Full refunds available (minus shipping) for new condition items within 30 days of purchase | XS to 3X