Workout clothes that are good for the earth, for the makers, and for us.
I’ve been compiling a reference list of brands that I can go to quickly when I need a piece of clothing.
The next thing I needed was a good pair of black leggings (that didn’t constantly ride down my hips). Not sure how I came across them, but I found Girlfriend Collective, who won me over with their sassy voice and minimalist visuals. They were bold, honest, feminine.
Their leggings are made from 25 recycled water bottles in a SA8000 certified factory in Vietnam.
I ordered the Midnight Topanga Bra and Black Mid-Rise leggings. What I didn’t know was how soft they would be when they arrived a month and a half later. Yes, a month and a half. Canada Post was mega-behind after Christmas, and I got a notification saying that the address was incomplete. They were sending the package BACK overseas. Seriously?!?!
Luckily, the team at Girlfriend Collective was awesome. They mailed out a second package right away at no charge.
Last week it FINALLY arrived and the package was just lovely, including an embroidered zipped pouch just the right size for travelling or popping in your bag when commuting and going to the gym afterwards.
The leggings and bra are SO. SOFT. I can’t even describe to you. I’ve been wearing them constantly and they stay in place, feel nice and snug and even my dry skin isn’t irritated.
The sports bra is the MOST comfortable. Keeps everything in at the front, and has delicate X straps in the back.
Needless to say, they were 100% worth the wait.
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The other activewear brand I stumbled onto a long time ago was Tonic, a Canadian brand with manufacturing in Vancouver, B.C.
I found them at Ste. Anne’s spa – and I’m not usually a spa gift shop kind of person. But their leggings had such great lines! They’ve since become my favourites.
The leggings and hoodie I have are made from organic bamboo, so even if I sleep in them they’re mega-comfortable and calming.
They look like new, and I’ve had them for over 2 years.
Those are my top picks!
xo
Out of curiousity, been following your blog for a while. You talk about ethical clothes, work out clothes, etc. What about bikinis or underwear even? Does anything even remotely follow suit in that category?
Hey! Thanks for following along 🙂
For socks, I go to Swedish Stockings – they’re lovely! For underwear and bras, I haven’t had the need to start restocking since I’ve gone 100% ethical, but I’ve been doing a TON of research for the day I do need new ones.
A good one-stop-shop of ethical brands: Arc Apparel, Alternative Apparel
Underwear: Naja, PACT
Bras: Naja, Azura Bay, Free Label
Swimwear: Mimi Hammer, Beth Richards
I hope that helps!
I will definitelt check those brands out! I wont lie i haven’t really considered ethical shopping until seeing this blog? Website? What made you first make this decision? What opened you up to this wonderful world?
Also even if you don’t need to buy new underwear or bikinis why not just buy one pair to see if you actually like them? See if they are comfortable and you can stand behind them? And then switch the rest out later when need be!
I’m so glad you’re discovering shopping ethically! It’s such a long journey, and it’s never quite perfect but what matters is that we’re all working towards it at the pace we can 🙂
I actually first started thinking about it because I work at a company that makes ethical jewellery with women in Kenya, and after meeting them I realized how we have so much power to do good things even with our simple choices!
As I’ve been slowly switching over to all ethical, I’ve been really careful to not overspend or buy things just because I wanted them – I’m trying to wear everything out until it’s done, and then restock! It’s hard to buy ethical, because it’s more expensive – and since buying a house I don’t have any money to spend on clothes. So I haven’t bought anything new in months. If I buy anything, it takes quite a while to save up for it! 🙂
I really hope you have fun as you keep discovering more about ethically made clothes! It’s so much fun and there’s a really supportive community, especially on instagram. Such a great movement to be a part of, even if you only start with one item!
I just bought the Laura thong noir de noirs from Naja! It has to be the most comfortable thong i have ever worn in my life! Beats out Victorias Secret, Lululemon and a few other designer brands Ive tried! You have to try it!
That’s so great to hear! I’ll definitely check them out when I need to restock 🙂
One last question about all of this I swear! So wanted to try a new bra as well but Naja doesn’t carry 34F, do you know of any other brands with larger cup sizes?
Hmm that’s a tricky one!
Morgan over at The Garment has created a great community to help answer those questions. Here’s a post where everyone discussed the best lingerie brands for everyon!