A lot of eco-friendly yoga wear brands make their activewear from recycled synthetics (such as recycled plastic bottles and ocean waste). I think this is a fabulous step, and is certainly better than using virgin synthetics.

As we’re learning more about the impacts of microplastics though (which are released into our waterways & oceans every time we wash synthetic materials), it seems that an even better solution is to use natural, organic, plant-based fibres. These are also more gentle on the skin.

So if you like to down dog and sweat it out in natural, organic fibres, here are some great brands to try…

Sustainable + ethical activewear,
made from organic cotton:

Updated September 2020

Groceries Apparel

Based in California, Groceries Apparel are a sustainable clothing label that manufacture all of their products ethically in their own Los Angeles factory. They use organic, recycled and fair traded materials. As well as their essentials clothing, Groceries Apparel make a range of organic cotton yoga leggings, crop tops, tanks and sweat shirts.

Where: made in Los Angeles, CA

Price range: AUD $40 - $120

Find Groceries Apparel here

Bhumi Organic Cotton

Bhumi make women’s & men’s basics, activewear, bedding and towels from organic + fair trade cotton.

They’re super passionate about helping to create positive change in the fashion and homewares industry, both in terms of sustainability and ethical production.

I’ve got a couple of Bhumi’s yoga leggings and crops myself, and they’re always on heavy rotation in my wardrobe.

Where: based in Melbourne, made in India in a fair trade supply chain

Price range: AUD $59 - $99

Find Bhumi here

Organic Yoga Company

From the team behind Vege Threads comes Organic Yoga Company. Their sustainable yoga leggings, shorts and tops come in beautiful earthy colours, and are dyed with low-impact dyes. They are made fairly in Australia and are certified by Ethical Clothing Australia. We love how transparent Organic Yoga Company are about their production processes.

Where: made in Australia

Price range: AUD $79 - $119

Find Organic Yoga Company here

People Tree

Pioneers of Fair Trade fashion, People Tree have been making ethical and eco-friendly fashion since 1991. They stock a large range of women’s fashion clothing, basics, underwear, activewear and accessories.

Where: based in the UK, made by a social enterprise in India under Fair Trade conditions

Price range: AUD $42 - $103

Find People Tree here

Indigo Luna

Dreamy brand Indigo Luna is based part in Bali, and part on the Surf Coast of Victoria, Australia. It has just released a new range of organic cotton yogawear that comes in a range of wholesome, earthy colours.

Where: handmade in Bali in a small, woman-run factory. Hand-dyed with natural, plant-based dyes (such as mango leaves, indigo leaves & redwood bark).

Price range: AUD $59 - $89

Find Indigo Luna here

Eleven 44

Founded in Bali in 2008, eleven44 make unique, eco-friendly streetwear, basics and activewear.

They adopt a slow-fashion approach with the longevity of pieces in mind, and use GOTS certified organic cotton. They also produce small batch, fair trade jewellery.

Where: handmade in Bali

Price range: AUD $68 - $98

Find eleven44 here

Lead image credit: Indigo Luna