If you're in the midst of spring cleaning and need an activewear refresh or are simply in the market for a new pair of leggings, a budget-friendly price, no-slip waistband, stylish design, and squat-proof fabric are likely at the top of your list of requirements. However, there might also be another important aspect you're considering: sustainability.
Buying sustainably can sometimes feel overwhelming or like more work than it's worth. The time and effort that goes into researching a brand's claims and scouring the internet for eco-friendly yet functional pieces that still perform and look cute can be a time-consuming process. But, of course, you want to do right by the planet and make environmentally informed decisions about what you put on your body. When you decide to purchase from sustainable brands that take their impact on the environment seriously — finding solutions to slow the rate of carbon released by factory production and creating apparel made from recycled materials, which help keep plastics and fabrics out of landfills — you help protect the Earth.
Related:11 Sustainable Activewear Brands Worth Breaking a Sweat In
The good news? There are some amazing activewear brands committed to working towards carbon neutrality and using sustainable materials. You're bound to discover a name on this list that might become your new favorite brand for outdoor and workout wear. Check out the must-have leggings from the four eco-conscious brands below for Earth Day and beyond.
Even if you're a die-hard black leggings wearer, this brand's bright colors and Coachella-worthy prints might just convince you to step out of your comfort zone. As for its dedication to the environment, Wolven became carbon neutral in 2020, meaning it offsets as many tons of greenhouse gasses as it produces to make each piece of silky-smooth activewear. Wolven leggings are also made by breaking down discarded plastics and recycling them into fabric and apparel that's soft, breathable, and durable. In fact, there are 27 recycled post–consumer bottles in each Wolven legging. Plus, when shipped out to customers, pieces are wrapped in hemp twine and arrive in a reusable, 100-percent recyclable poly mailer or a biodegradable paper box. But the best part? So many shoppers swear that the brand's leggings are the softest they've ever felt. And while all of their styles are offered in classic black, the turmeric orange shade and aquarius mandala print are sure to get you ready for outdoor yoga classes and weekend brunch.
Buy It: $71, (was $88), wolventhreads.com
If you're not already familiar with Girlfriend Collective, prepare to fall in love. Founded in Seattle, this brand embodies a simple, laid-back vibe but with a huge selection of colors. One thing you might not know about its shopper-loved leggings is that they're made mostly from recycled materials. Take the brand's coveted compression pair for instance; it's constructed from 79-percent recycled materials that even include 25 used water bottles. And while that may not sound like a recipe for soft and stretchy bottoms, one reviewer assures that the Compressive High Waist Leggings are "some of the most comfortable leggings," they've owned. Also worth noting: Today, you can take 20 percent off all styles in the Earth colorway (a rich shade of brown) with the code EARTH20, and Girlfriend collective will donate 20 percent of their net proceeds to protect the planet.
Founded on the idea of creating clothing in a "responsible and ethical way," prAna tackles the task of eco-friendly production by sourcing its cotton and hemp from organic growers, swapping out virgin synthetics with recycled nylon and polyester, and completely eliminating plastic from its packaging. And of course, the California-based brand also makes "luxuriously soft and stretchy" bottoms, according to one shopper reviewing the Becksa Leggings. And if there's one thing that other activewear brands could (and should) learn from prAna, it's that pockets big enough to fit an iPhone are a must in 2022. Better still? In honor of earth day all styles are 60 percent off (plus free shipping) until April 26.
Buy It: $36 (was $89), prana.com
Buy It: $36 (was $89), prana.com
By purchasing directly from a brand, you're supporting their values, which is why Threads for Thought strives to make every purchase of their clothing a contribution to ethical and eco-conscious practices. In addition to implementing sustainable raw materials and reusing 80 percent of the water that powers its factory production, the brand also partners with Green Story, an initiative that promotes environmental transparency in the fashion industry. And when it comes to soft, stretchy lounge and performance leggings, Threads 4 Thought has so many obsession-worthy options. "I love everything about these leggings," one shopper raved of the Rita style, explaining that they have pockets, hides panty lines, and are the "perfect" thickness so you don't have to worry about them revealing too much during your workout.