It’s easy to assume that yoga brands must be ethical in their practices. I mean ahimsa, right? Unfortunately, in reality, that is not always the case. There has been a rising number of activewear and yoga brands that are taking note and including social corporate responsibility in their efforts to appeal to customer values, which is great news; however, they wouldn’t have taken notice if people were not supporting smaller brands and/or start-ups that are authentically focusing their efforts on ethical business practices by supporting communities and smaller manufacturing facilities that take care of their people whether that is in the U.S.A. or in a developing country.
On the environmental front: yoga leggings, of course, contain polyester, which leeches tiny microplastic fibers into the oceans every time you wash them. So what’s an eco-conscious yogi to do? Not do naked yoga, of course (unless that’s your thing, gah!). Here at PD, we suggest you look for brands that try to minimize the damage by using recycled materials and otherwise giving back to the cause.
So, here is a list of ten activewear and yoga brands that are making positive changes in the fashion industry while producing high-quality yoga-wear you will fall in love with.
Ethics: Made sweatshop-free in Brazil, pays above industry standard, provides health insurance and 30-day vacation for its employees. Uses energy saving machinery and maintains a tight recycling program. Recently collaborating with Tiffany Cruikshank to raise money for the Yoga Medicine Seva Foundation that addresses India’s human trafficking crisis. All items are limited edition. Their fabric is 50+ UVA/UVB protection; soft and stretchy; quick drying and durable.
Price Range: $28 – $109
Shop: Women, Men, Kids
Ethics: Manufacture in their small family-owned factory in Peru. They don’t use models or Photoshop in their photos. Have a line of solely recyclable and biodegradable fabrics.
Price Range: $5 – $144
Shop: Women, Men, Kids
Ethics: Eco-friendly production processes. Use only durable and lightweight fabric made out of recycled polyester, plastic bottles, and post consumer products.
Price Range: $54 – $148
Shop: Women, Men
Ethics: 100% sustainably produced in the USA. Currently manufacturing recycled solid color leggings with an effort to find appropriate recycled fabric that is suitable for printing. All artwork is original and drawn by the designer herself.
Price Range: $20 – $98
Shop: Women, Men
Ethics: A donation to World Vision is made with every product sold. Uses designers in remote areas from third world countries, enabling them to earn a good living. Factories used provide safe and good working conditions for their employees and only employ legal working age employees. Features several nationalities and body types, not models, to create patterns for their clothing. Utilizes recycling processes whenever possible.
Price Range: $35 – $43
Shop: Women
Ethics: Incorporates recycled polyester into their fabrics. Sources their activewear from small businesses within the United States. Uses recycling programs and reduces waste from packaging.
Price Range: $38 – $142
Shop: Women
Ethics: Maintain a strict ethical sourcing policy that includes: freedom of employment and association; safe working conditions; child labor protection; fair wages; reasonable working hours; non-discrimination; anti harassment regulations; and an environmental and waste management policy.
Price Range: $15 – $150
Shop: Women
Ethics: Designed and made in Los Angeles. Uses recycled items and products in their facility. Every season a portion of sales from their maternity collection goes towards supporting an organization for underprivileged mothers-to-be. Applies strong effort to promote body confidence in women.
Price Range: $50 – $148
Shop: Women
Ethics: $1 from every sale made goes to BARC charity that saves and rehabilitates dogs in Bali. Each print is custom designed by the founders.
Price Range: $50 – $82
Shop: Women, Men, Kids
Ethics: WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) certified. Bi-annually audited throughout their supply chain to ensure standards are maintained for the employees in each facility. Maintains transparency in their manufacturing processes by keeping a list of all their suppliers on their website. Upholds recycling efforts in their head studio. All performance activewear is made from 78% recycled fibers, and they use 100% organic cotton whenever possible.
Price Range: $23 – $136
Shop: Women
Have you shopped from any of these ethical yoga brands?
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Photos: Liquido Active Instagram, Mika Yoga Wear, Niyama Sol, WERKSHOP, Chandra Yoga and Active Wear Instagram, Daughters of Culture, L’urv, Beyond Yoga, Solo Sol Movement and First Base.
