The Best Eco Friendly Gym Wear UK (What You Need to Know)

I have a confession: I’m obsessed with gym clothes. There’s something about new leggings that makes me feel like I’m going to absolutely smash my workout. Even when I absolutely don’t.

But here’s the problem with loving gym wear: the activewear industry is an environmental disaster. Fast fashion brands like Shein and TikTok Shop pump out cheap leggings that fall apart after three washes, end up see-through when you bend over, and are made in factories with questionable labour practices. And I’m done with it.

I’ve been looking into eco friendly gym wear, and it’s a proper minefield. Some brands are genuinely sustainable. Some are greenwashing rubbish. And figuring out which is which takes actual research.

So if you’re thinking about switching to sustainable gym wear and want the honest truth about what’s actually out there, this is everything I’ve found.

What Actually Is Eco Friendly Gym Wear?

Right, let’s start with basics. Eco friendly gym wear (also called sustainable activewear or ethical gym clothes) is made from environmentally responsible materials using fair labour practices. Think recycled materials, organic cotton, and plant-based fabrics instead of virgin plastic churned out in dodgy factories.

What Makes Gym Wear “Eco Friendly”?

For activewear to genuinely count as eco friendly, it should tick these boxes:

Sustainable Materials:

• Recycled polyester (usually from plastic bottles)
• Recycled nylon (often from fishing nets or ocean waste)
• Organic cotton (grown without pesticides)
• TENCEL™ Lyocell (made from sustainable wood pulp)
• Bamboo fabric (though processing matters)
• Plant-based textiles

Ethical Production:

• Fair wages for factory workers (not just minimum wage)
• Safe working conditions
• No child labour or exploitation
• Transparent supply chains
• Often B Corp certified or similar

Lower Environmental Impact:

• Uses less water and energy in production
• Reduces plastic waste by using recycled materials
• Biodegradable or recyclable at end of life
• Minimal packaging
• Often carbon neutral or working towards it

Not every eco-friendly gym wear brand ticks all these boxes perfectly, but they should be hitting most of them.

Why Bother With Sustainable Gym Wear?

Look, I get it. Cheap gym clothes are everywhere. You can get leggings for under a tenner. Why spend more on eco-friendly options?

Here’s the thing:

Fast Fashion Activewear Is Properly Grim

The activewear industry produces millions of tonnes of textile waste every year. About 1.5 billion aerosol deodorant cans end up in landfills annually – and that’s just deodorants. Add in all the plastic gym clothes and it’s a mountain of waste.

Most cheap gym wear is made from virgin polyester (essentially plastic), which:

• Takes hundreds of years to decompose
• Sheds microplastics every time you wash it
• Uses loads of energy and resources to produce
• Often made in factories with exploitative labour practices

Fast fashion brands pay poverty wages, maintain unsafe working conditions, and have zero transparency about where or how clothes are made.

Quality Actually Matters

Cheap gym wear falls apart quickly. The fabric goes thin, seams split, waistbands stretch out, colours fade. You end up replacing stuff constantly, which costs more money over time and creates more waste.

Higher-quality eco friendly gym wear is built to last. Better materials, better construction, better performance. Spending more upfront often works out cheaper per wear because you’re not constantly replacing things.

It’s Better For Your Skin

Cheap synthetic fabrics can irritate skin, don’t breathe properly, and trap smells. Better-quality sustainable materials (whether recycled synthetics or natural fibres) tend to perform better and be gentler on your skin.

It Feels Less Rubbish

This is subjective, but wearing clothes made by fairly paid workers in safe conditions just feels better than supporting sweatshops. You’re voting with your wallet for the kind of fashion industry you want to exist.

The Best Eco Friendly Gym Wear Brands UK

Right, let’s get to actual brands. Here’s what’s available in the UK and what they’re actually about.

Girlfriend Collective

Price Range: £££ (Sports bras £30-40, leggings £60-75)
Materials: Recycled polyester from water bottles and fishing nets
What They Claim: Each pair of leggings uses about 25 recycled water bottles

This is one of the most popular eco friendly gym wear brands out there. They’re completely transparent about their supply chain, use recycled materials, and their sizing is genuinely inclusive (XXS to 6XL).

The compressive leggings get consistently good reviews for being squat-proof, staying in place during workouts, and lasting well. People mention they’re thick enough to not be see-through but not so thick you overheat.

They also make sports bras, shorts, and tops. Everything’s made from recycled materials in factories they’re transparent about.

What’s Good: Recycled materials, inclusive sizing, transparent supply chain, good reviews for quality and performance
Potential Downsides: Expensive, international shipping from US, limited colour options sometimes

Naūtra Activewear

Price Range: ££-£££
Materials: Sustainable plant-based fabrics
What They’re About: UK-based brand focused on ethical production

Naūtra is a UK brand that uses sustainable materials and prioritises ethical working conditions. They make leggings, sports bras, and bike shorts with a focus on durability.

Being UK-based means faster shipping and supporting local businesses. They’re transparent about using plant-based fabrics and ensuring fair wages in their supply chain.

What’s Good: UK-based, ethical production, sustainable materials, focus on durability
Potential Downsides: Smaller brand with potentially limited stock, less customer reviews available

Organic Basics

Price Range: ££-£££
Materials: Recycled nylon, TENCEL™ Lyocell, organic cotton
What They’re About: Minimalist sustainable basics

Organic Basics does exactly what it says – organic, sustainable basics. Their activewear is more minimal in design (plain colours, simple styles) but focuses on quality and sustainability.

They use materials like TENCEL™ Lyocell (made from sustainably sourced wood pulp) and recycled nylon. They’re committed to fair labour practices and are very transparent about their production process.

Their size range is inclusive and they focus on making clothes that last rather than following trends.

What’s Good: Quality materials, transparent, inclusive sizing, minimal aesthetic
Potential Downsides: More expensive, minimal designs won’t appeal to everyone, smaller activewear range

Iron Roots

Price Range: £££
Materials: Certified organic cotton, plant-based textiles
What They’re About: Premium natural fibres, avoiding synthetics entirely

Iron Roots is for people who want to avoid synthetic materials completely. They use certified organic cotton and plant-based fabrics instead of any polyester or nylon (even recycled).

All their clothes are made under fair conditions with living wages. If you’re trying to move away from all plastic-based fabrics, this is worth looking at.

Keep in mind that natural fibres perform differently than technical synthetics – they’re generally better for yoga and low-impact workouts than high-intensity cardio where sweat-wicking matters more.

What’s Good: Organic natural fibres, ethical production, no synthetics, high quality
Potential Downsides: Very expensive, natural fabrics don’t wick sweat as well for intense workouts

BAM Bamboo Clothing

Price Range: ££
Materials: Bamboo fabric
What They’re About: UK brand using bamboo as a sustainable alternative

BAM makes activewear from bamboo fabric, which is naturally antibacterial and moisture-wicking. They’re one of the more affordable eco friendly gym wear options.

Bamboo can be a bit controversial as a sustainable material (processing methods vary), but BAM is transparent about using responsible processing methods.

They’re UK-based, which means supporting local and faster shipping.

What’s Good: More affordable, bamboo is naturally antibacterial, UK-based, decent reviews
Potential Downsides: Less compressive than some brands, bamboo processing can be questionable (though BAM claims responsible methods)

Know the Origin

What It Is: A platform showcasing vetted sustainable brands
Brands Featured: Siolu London, Sports Philosophy, and others

Know the Origin isn’t a brand itself – it’s a curated platform that vets brands for genuinely sustainable and ethical practices before featuring them.

They work with brands like Siolu London and Sports Philosophy, focusing on clothes that last, perform well, and are produced responsibly.

It’s worth browsing if you want to discover smaller sustainable brands you wouldn’t normally come across.

What’s Good: Curated selection of properly vetted brands, discover new options, supports small businesses
Potential Downsides: Not a brand itself so shopping experience varies, prices vary widely

People Tree

Price Range: ££
Materials: Organic cotton, sustainable fabrics
What They’re About: Pioneer in ethical fashion

People Tree has been doing sustainable fashion for decades. Their activewear range is more casual athleisure than high-performance gym wear, but it’s ethically made and good quality.

Better for yoga, pilates, or casual wear rather than intense training. If you want comfortable, sustainable clothes for gentle workouts or just lounging, this works.

What’s Good: Established ethical brand, affordable for sustainable, organic materials
Potential Downsides: Not technical performance wear, limited activewear range

What to Look For in Eco Friendly Gym Wear

If you’re shopping for sustainable gym wear, here’s what to actually check:

Materials and Certifications

Good Materials:

• Recycled polyester (from plastic bottles)
• Recycled nylon (from ocean waste or fishing nets)
• Organic cotton (GOTS certified is best)
• TENCEL™ Lyocell (sustainable wood pulp)
• Responsibly processed bamboo

Certifications to Look For:

• B Corp: Company meets high social and environmental standards
• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Organic fibres processed responsibly
• Blue Sign: Safe chemicals and sustainable production
• Fairtrade: Fair wages and conditions
• Global Recycled Standard: Verifies recycled content

If a brand claims to be sustainable but has no certifications and zero transparency, that’s greenwashing.

Ethical Production

Check if the brand:

• Pays workers living wages (not just minimum wage)
• Has safe working conditions
• Doesn’t use child or forced labour
• Is transparent about where and how clothes are made
• Has independent audits or certifications

If they’re vague about production or hide behind “we work with ethical factories” without details, be suspicious.

Size Range and Inclusivity

Sustainable gym wear should be for everyone. Look for brands offering:

• Wide size ranges (at least XS to XL, ideally beyond)
• Models of different body types
• Detailed size guides with actual measurements
• Reviews mentioning fit for different bodies

If a “sustainable” brand only caters to straight sizes, they’re not really thinking about accessibility.

Performance Features

Eco friendly doesn’t mean sacrificing performance. Good sustainable gym wear should:

• Wick sweat effectively
• Stay opaque when stretched (squat-proof)
• Keep its shape (no sagging waistbands)
• Not pill or fade quickly
• Be comfortable for your activity
• Stay in place during movement

Read reviews specifically about performance. If people say it doesn’t work for actual workouts, don’t buy it.

How to Actually Choose Eco Friendly Gym Wear

Shopping for sustainable activewear is different from grabbing whatever’s on sale. Here’s how to approach it:

Start With What You Actually Need

Don’t buy a full sustainable wardrobe at once. That’s expensive and potentially wasteful if you end up not liking things.

Start with the essentials:

• One or two pairs of good leggings
• A couple of sports bras
• Maybe shorts or a top

Wear them for a few months. If you love them, add more. If not, try a different brand.

Invest in Versatile Pieces

Buy gym clothes that work for multiple activities and can double as casual wear. Black leggings work for running, yoga, and everyday errands. A good sports bra works for any workout.

Avoid super-specific stuff unless you genuinely need it for your regular activities.

Read Reviews Carefully

Sustainable gym wear is expensive, so read reviews before buying. Look for:

• Comments about sizing (runs small/large?)
• Performance (does it actually work for workouts?)
• Durability (still good after months of use?)
• Specific body types mentioned

Don’t trust reviews only on the brand’s website – check Reddit, YouTube, and independent review sites.

Consider Second-Hand

The most sustainable gym wear is stuff that already exists. Check:

• Vinted, Depop, eBay for secondhand activewear
• Facebook Marketplace for local finds
• Charity shops (sometimes have barely-worn gym clothes)

People buy stuff that doesn’t fit and sell it unworn. You can find quality sustainable brands for half price.

Check Return Policies

Sizing can be tricky when ordering online. Make sure you can return items if they don’t fit. Some sustainable brands have strict return policies to reduce carbon emissions from shipping, so check before buying.

Making Your Eco Friendly Gym Wear Last

Once you’ve invested in sustainable activewear, make it last:

Washing Tips

Do:

• Wash in cold water (saves energy, protects fabric)
• Turn inside out before washing
• Use a Guppyfriend bag (catches microplastics from synthetic fabrics)
• Air dry when possible (tumble drying damages elasticity)
• Use gentle, eco-friendly detergent

Don’t:

• Wash after every single wear (unless it’s genuinely sweaty)
• Use fabric softener (damages moisture-wicking properties)
• Wash with rough fabrics (like jeans with zippers that can snag)
• Wring out wet clothes (stretches the fabric)

You don’t need to wash gym clothes after every wear unless they’re properly gross. This extends their life massively.

Storage

• Fold rather than hang (hanging stretches out fabric over time)
• Keep out of direct sunlight (can fade colours)
• Don’t stuff into tiny drawers (causes stretching)

Rotation

Have enough gym clothes to rotate regularly. If you work out five times a week with only two sets, you’ll wear them out fast. Aim for at least 4-5 outfits so each piece gets worn once or twice a week maximum.

Repairs

If something gets a small hole or loose thread, fix it instead of binning it. Most repairs are easy:

• Small holes: Use a needle and thread or iron-on patches
• Loose threads: Trim carefully or sew back
• Worn elastic: Can be replaced in waistbands

Small repairs can extend the life of gym wear significantly.

The Reality Check About Sustainable Gym Wear

Let me be honest about the downsides:

It’s Expensive Upfront

Eco friendly gym wear costs more than fast fashion. Girlfriend Collective leggings are £65-75. You can get leggings from Primark for £10.

The sustainable option should last longer, making it cheaper per wear over time. But finding £70 upfront is harder than finding £10, and that’s a real barrier.

This is why starting small makes sense – one pair of good leggings rather than trying to replace everything at once.

The Choice Is More Limited

Fast fashion brands pump out new styles constantly. Sustainable brands have smaller ranges with fewer colours and styles.

If you want loads of different colours and patterns, you might find the options limiting. Most sustainable brands focus on classic colours and styles that won’t go out of fashion.

Not Everything Is Perfect

Some “sustainable” brands aren’t as eco-friendly as they claim. Bamboo fabric can be processed with harsh chemicals. Recycled polyester still sheds microplastics when washed.

No brand is 100% perfect and sustainable. But they’re still substantially better than fast fashion. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.

Greenwashing Is Everywhere

Some brands slap “eco” on their marketing while doing basically nothing sustainable. Look for:

• Specific details about materials and production
• Actual certifications (not just vague claims)
• Transparency about supply chains
• Third-party verification

If a brand is vague or defensive when asked for details, that’s a red flag.

Why Switching to Eco Friendly Gym Wear Matters

The activewear industry is part of the larger fast fashion problem. Millions of tonnes of textile waste every year. Exploitative labour. Environmental destruction. Microplastics polluting oceans.

Switching to sustainable gym wear won’t solve everything, but it’s a step in the right direction. It’s voting with your wallet for the kind of fashion industry you want to exist.

Plus, better quality clothes that last longer means less waste and less money spent replacing stuff constantly.

Is it more expensive upfront? Yes. Is it perfect? No. Is it better than fast fashion? Absolutely.

The Bottom Line on Eco Friendly Gym Wear

You don’t need to replace your entire gym wardrobe overnight. Start with one piece – maybe leggings or a sports bra. See if you notice a difference in quality.

If you like it, add more sustainable pieces gradually as your old gym clothes wear out. Within a year, you can transition to mostly eco friendly gym wear without spending a fortune all at once.

Look for brands with proper certifications (B Corp, GOTS, Global Recycled Standard). Check they’re transparent about production. Read reviews about sizing and performance.

Remember that sustainable gym wear should actually work for workouts – if it doesn’t perform, you won’t wear it, which defeats the point.

And don’t beat yourself up if you can’t afford to switch everything immediately. Every sustainable piece you buy instead of fast fashion is progress. Small changes add up.

The planet deserves better than mountains of textile waste. Factory workers deserve fair wages and safe conditions. And you deserve gym clothes that actually last.

Give eco friendly gym wear a try. It’s worth considering.

FAQs About Eco Friendly Gym Wear

Is eco friendly gym wear actually better quality?

Generally, yes. Sustainable gym wear brands focus on quality over quantity because their whole ethos is about making clothes that last. They use better materials and construction than fast fashion. Reviews consistently mention that eco friendly gym wear lasts longer – the fabric doesn’t go thin, seams don’t split, waistbands don’t stretch out, and colours don’t fade as quickly. That said, you need to buy from genuine sustainable brands, not greenwashing ones. Check reviews and certifications.

Why is sustainable gym wear so expensive?

Eco friendly gym wear costs more because brands use quality materials (like recycled polyester from ocean waste), pay workers fairly, have transparent supply chains, and produce in smaller quantities. Fast fashion keeps prices low through exploitation – poverty wages, unsafe factories, cheap materials that fall apart. Sustainable brands build the true cost into the price. The argument is that higher-quality items lasting longer makes them cheaper per wear, but the upfront cost is definitely higher.

What materials should I look for in sustainable activewear?

Look for recycled polyester (made from plastic bottles), recycled nylon (often from fishing nets), organic cotton (GOTS certified), TENCEL™ Lyocell (from sustainable wood pulp), and responsibly processed bamboo. Check for certifications like Global Recycled Standard, GOTS, or Blue Sign. Avoid virgin polyester and synthetic fabrics without recycled content. Each material has pros and cons – recycled synthetics perform well but still shed microplastics; natural fibres are biodegradable but don’t wick sweat as effectively.

Does eco friendly gym wear actually perform well for workouts?

It depends on the brand. Good sustainable gym wear should perform as well as conventional activewear. Look for reviews specifically mentioning workout performance – does it stay in place, wick sweat, stay opaque during squats? Brands like Girlfriend Collective get consistently good reviews for performance. The key is buying from brands that focus on proper activewear, not just brands that are “eco” but rubbish for actual exercise. Read reviews before buying.

Where can I buy eco friendly gym wear in the UK?

You can buy sustainable gym wear directly from brand websites – many ship to the UK (Girlfriend Collective, Naūtra, Organic Basics, BAM Bamboo Clothing). Know the Origin is a UK platform featuring vetted sustainable brands. Also check second-hand options on Vinted, Depop, and eBay – buying pre-owned sustainable gym wear is even more eco-friendly. Some high street stores occasionally stock sustainable brands, though selection is limited.

Is buying second-hand gym wear hygienic?

Yes, as long as you wash it properly before wearing. People often buy activewear, don’t like the fit, and sell it unworn or barely worn. Just wash everything thoroughly before wearing. Check seller ratings and photos carefully. Avoid anything with visible stains or excessive wear. Second-hand sustainable gym wear is actually the most eco-friendly option since you’re using existing products rather than creating demand for new production.

What certifications should I look for in sustainable activewear?

Key certifications include B Corp (meets high social and environmental standards), Global Organic Textile Standard/GOTS (organic fibres processed responsibly), Blue Sign (safe chemicals and sustainable production), Fairtrade (fair wages and conditions), and Global Recycled Standard (verifies recycled content). If a brand claims to be sustainable but has zero certifications and isn’t transparent about production, that’s a red flag. Reputable eco friendly gym wear brands will clearly display their certifications.

How do I know if a brand is actually sustainable or just greenwashing?

Check for specific details: What exact materials do they use? Where are clothes made? What certifications do they have? Do they show real data about their environmental impact? Are they transparent about their supply chain? Genuine sustainable brands provide detailed information. Greenwashing brands use vague language like “eco-conscious” without specifics, have no certifications, hide production details, and make unverifiable claims. Look for B Corp certification, detailed sustainability pages, and third-party verification.

Can eco friendly gym wear be tumble dried?

Most sustainable gym wear brands recommend air drying to preserve the fabric and save energy. Tumble drying can damage elasticity over time and uses loads of energy. Air drying takes longer but makes clothes last longer. If you must tumble dry, use low heat. Check care labels as recommendations vary by material. TENCEL™ and bamboo fabrics are especially sensitive to high heat. Air drying also prevents microplastic shedding from synthetic materials.

Is sustainable gym wear suitable for plus sizes?

Some eco friendly gym wear brands offer inclusive sizing, though not all. Girlfriend Collective goes up to 6XL. Organic Basics has an extended size range. However, some sustainable brands only offer limited sizing, which is frustrating. Always check size charts with actual measurements before ordering. Read reviews from people with similar body types. The sustainable fashion industry still has work to do on inclusivity, but it’s gradually improving.

How long does eco friendly gym wear typically last?

With proper care, sustainable gym wear should last significantly longer than fast fashion. Quality brands use better materials and construction, so even with regular washing and wearing, they maintain shape and performance longer. The exact lifespan depends on how often you wear it, how you care for it, and the specific brand. Check reviews mentioning durability before buying. The longer lifespan makes the higher upfront cost more justifiable.

Related posts:

• Sustainability Certifications For UK Businesses
• What Is A Fairtrade Certification? (UK)