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Our editors have researched and tested sustainable fashion for a decade — these are our favorite men’s activewear brands that use eco-friendly, organic, and nontoxic materials.
However you like to get your exercise in, one thing’s for sure: You can’t wear your normal clothes doing it! Well, we suppose you could, but expect some sweat ‘n stank. 😉 Activewear is designed specifically for gym days, outdoor runs, and extreme weather adventures. They’re often designed with technical features like four-way stretch, hidden stash pockets, and moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you cool. All too often, though, most performance wear is made with unsustainable and toxic materials or under questionable conditions.
Why should I wear nontoxic and organic workout clothes?
Wearing nontoxic and organic workout clothes can make a surprising difference for your health, comfort, and even the planet. When you work out, your body heats up and your skin absorbs more of whatever is in contact with it. Conventional workout clothes are often treated with chemicals like pesticides, dyes, and flame retardants that can leach into your skin, potentially causing irritation or even affecting your long-term health.
Organic fabrics, on the other hand, are typically made without these harsh chemicals, so they’re gentler on your skin. Plus, nontoxic and organic options are usually more breathable and hypoallergenic, which can keep you feeling fresh and comfortable during a workout. Choosing organic materials also supports eco-friendly practices, helping reduce pollution and protect the health of workers who produce these clothes. So, by opting for nontoxic, organic gear, you’re making a choice that’s better for your body and for the planet!
Our criteria:
Our editors have researched and reviewed sustainable fashion for a decade. These are our top picks of brands making sustainable men’s activewear that are ethically produced and use eco-friendly and nontoxic materials. For everything from pants to sweatshirts to compression leggings, we’ve rounded up our favorites that meet the following criteria. We update this list regularly with emerging favorites!
PERFORMANCE | We’ve taken into consideration the thickness, compression, and overall fit of these brands, selecting the most comfortable and breathable options for your workout.
DURABILITY | Workout clothes need to last! These brands will withstand lots of sweat, box jumps, and cycles in the wash.
SIZE-INCLUSIVE | We’ve included brands that make inclusive sizes, so there’s something here for everyone.
ORGANIC AND NONTOXIC | These are all thoughtful brands that give back and use sustainable manufacturing. These brands use fabrics that are organic, natural, and nontoxic.
Does your gym partner need a new fit, too? Try these sustainable activewear brands for women!
1. Allbirds
Best For | Activewear basics
Size Range | XS–XXXL
Price Range | $38–$128
In the last five years, Allbirds has become a household name synonym for “the world’s most comfortable shoes.” Now, the brand has expanded into apparel as well, and its activewear is a game-changer. The line of active basics includes tees, sweatshirts, sweats, and performance socks and undies—and we love how the pieces combine both athletics and style. As a certified B Corp, Allbirds sources some of the most sustainable fabrics in the world for its apparel, including organic cotton, Tencel, and recycled nylon. Consider Allbirds your one-stop shop for activewear and athletic shoes.
2. Pact
Best For | Layering
Size Range | S–XL
Price Range | $28–$94
Made for that pre- and post-exercise life, Pact’s activewear line is perfect for layering on cool mornings and warm evenings. From pullover hoodies to “off-duty” joggers, Pact’s pieces are fitted but not overly snug, lightweight but not flimsy. Plus, they’re carbon-neutral, made with super soft organic cotton, and ethically sewn in Fair Trade Certified factories. (And sold for accessible prices! What other brands can say the same?!)
3. Tentree
Best For | Athletic shorts & joggers
Size Range | S–XXL
Price Range | $50–$118
Exercise and eco-apparel approved, Tentree’s activewear is made from discarded water bottles and upcycled textiles! This “InMotion” collection includes all your workout essentials, from joggers to tanks. They’re specially designed with thoughtful features like odor control, Spandex for added elasticity, and technical specs for heightened performance. We especially love that they’re stylish enough to rock at the gym or on the couch—we’ll take one of each, please.
4. Girlfriend Collective
Best For | Outdoor activewear
Size Range | XXS–6XL
Price Range | $38–$128
Despite the name, Girlfriend Collective makes clothes for all genders, including a men’s line. Great for cold weather activities and outdoor exercise, the relaxed line here touts sweatshirts, puffers, hoodies, and vests sewn from (and filled with!) recycled plastic bottles and sustainable fabrics. They’re wind-resistant, water-repellent, and made in a number of nature-inspired colors. Stay warm while getting that new PR.
5. Outerknown
Best For | Water–repellent activewear
Size Range | S–XXL
Price Range | $98–$298
It should be no surprise that sustainable brand Outerknown, started by legendary surfer Kelly Slater, makes our list for water-repellent activewear. Whether you’re hoping to catch some waves yourself or traverse rainy terrains, Outerknown’s line is built for you. Each piece comes together from recycled polyester and nylon with a hint of spandex (and under fair trade conditions), so it’s quick-drying, stretchable, and multifunctional. Surfers especially will love the Apex Trunks—if you don’t believe us, trust the 300+ 5-star reviews! Surf’s up, friends.
6. Patagonia
Best For | Adventure activewear
Size Range | XXS–3XL
Price Range | $45–$550
Maybe known as the best outdoor retailer of all time (and top sustainable brand to boot), Patagonia knows we can get outdoors and preserve it at the same time. Its line of durable, ethical, and sustainable apparel works for any adventure from fly fishing to mountain biking to kitesurfing. No matter what you pick, it’s backed by the Patagonia guarantee and it gives back to the environment via 1% for the Planet. You can even trade in your old gear or buy secondhand pieces thanks to Patagonia’s Worn Wear program.
7. Definite Articles
Best For | Activewear shorts & joggers
Size Range | S–XXL
Price Range | $58–$118
Definite Articles is a Certified B Corp making “premium performance wear for people who love the planet.” Unlike most activewear filled with millions of microplastics, DA’s line is made from plastic but is fully biodegradable. How’s that for innovation? We love the brand’s bottoms (both the shorts and joggers) the most, thanks to the cell phone pocket, cash stash, and extra soft stretch. Add some of DA’s signature socks and you’ve got the most sustainable (and biodegradable) ‘fits around.
8. Outdoor Voices
Best For | Athletic tees, tanks, & long sleeves
Size Range | XXS–XXXL
Price Range | $48–$148
Outdoor Voices wants to get you moving and have fun doing it. The entire line of activewear from fleece zip-ups to waffle-knit long sleeves to mesh tanks is made specifically with that mission in mind. (In fact, there are over 20 kinds of sustainable materials OV uses for its activewear!) They’re sweat-wicking, breathable, and ready for full-range motion whether you’re hitting the slopes or heading for a Peloton class. (We especially like the product description page that shares what each piece is best for, ranging from low to high-sweat recreation.) With such an impressively wide variety of tops, we recco stocking up on all your top layers here.
9. On
Best For | Running activewear
Sustainable Materials | Recycled polyester, Tencel, Modal, cotton
Size Range | S–XXL
Price Range | $55–$459
On launched in 2010 in the heart of the Swiss Alps, with the hopes of changing the world of running. What started as three men in Zurich has now grown to a collection spanning 50 countries, international design and technology awards, and even sports legend Roger Federer as a co-entrepreneur and founder. So yeah, you could say the brand knows a thing or two about activewear! Its extensive line of performance apparel is made for every kind of run, from cold weather training to indoor treadmills and rest and recovery walks. Use the helpful filters like “weatherproof,” “weather condition,” and “activity” to determine the best activewear for your needs and enjoy—you can thank us later.
Featured image from Definite Articles
