Fast fashion is a complex issue, and tackling it requires multi-layered solutions, including fast fashion laws. Dedicated policies and citizens' awareness are necessary to solve problems stemming from systemic injustice. So, to make fashion fair by default, regulators must make decisions that effectively hold companies accountable for their environmental impact and the quality of life they give their employees.
With increasing awareness amongst the public about the exploitative conditions and environmental issues at the basis of fast fashion and thanks to the work of activists, NGOs, and trade unions, regulators worldwide are taking some steps to change the fashion industry for the better.
European Union Lawmakers & Fast Fashion
The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles
Textiles have a sizable environmental impact in the EU. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), in 2020, textile consumption put the third highest pressure on water and land use in the Union. This textile-industry-specific strategy aims to put the commitments of the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and the European industrial strategy into practice by improving the environmental performance of this resource-intensive sector. To do so, it addresses issues throughout the textiles' life cycle through specific regulations and directives.
In terms of design, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) set new design requirements for textiles, intending to make them more durable and easier to maintain and repair. Entered into force on 18 July this year, it also set 'ecodesign requirements' to increase the recycled content and better the availability of information on goods sustainability. It also introduced the Digital Product Passport (DPP), a digitally accessible product ID that will store info related to products sustainability and circularity performance and their legal compliance.
The Waste Framework Directive tackles the end-of-life aspect of textiles. It will require EU member states to ensure a separate collection of textiles by 1 January 2025. It also presented extended producer responsibility (EPR), an environmental policy mechanism that requires producers to take responsibility for the waste management of their products.
United States Fast Fashion Laws
The NY Fashion Act
The New York State Fashion Act is a state bill that would apply to fashion companies doing business in New York with a global revenue of $100 million. If passed, it would mandate fashion sellers to be accountable for their environmental and social standards and bring about a shift in the fashion world by harnessing the economic power of New York in this sector and beyond.
Introduced in the 2022 New York legislative session by State Senator Alessandra Biaggi and Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles, it would set a legal framework to enforce standardized due diligence requirements across apparel and footwear supply chains. The action mandated by this bill would include "identifying, preventing, mitigating, accounting for, and taking remedial action to address actual and potential adverse impacts to the environment.". In addition, the apparel companies covered by the Fashion Act would have to collaborate with their suppliers to manage their chemical use throughout production.
This bill focuses on accountability. Through Mandatory Due Diligence, this state bill would demand the achievement of Science Based Targets (SBTs) in line with the goals of the Paris Agreementand map and disclose their supply chain. Under this act, the Attorney General would be able to monitor, investigate and enforce compliance. Non-compliant brands who do not remedy within a three-month notice time-frame may be fined up to 2% of their annual revenue. This money would be invested in environmental projects and to the benefit of directly injured workers and communities.
The Responsible Textile Recovery Act
On the other side of America, in California, lawmakers are also working on tackling the burden fashion overproduction and overconsumption put on communities and the environment. In the Golden State, Senator Newman, along with Senators Skinner and Wiener, introduced Senate Bill 707last year.
Passed by the California Assembly Natural Resources Committee last summer, apparel and textile articles would have to form and join a producer responsibility organization (PRO) under the Responsible Textile Recovery Act. In addition, this bill would establish a statewide extended producer responsibility program for fashion goods if it becomes law.
This EPR would facilitate rearing and reusing, improve fashion's environmental and social impact, and reduce hazardous waste production. The Responsible Textile Recovery Act would cover manufacturers who are domiciled in California and those who operate there and establish the Textile Stewardship Recovery Fund in the State Treasury. This bill ould be a move towards sustainability and circularity in the fashion industry in California, where 1.2 million tons of textiles were disposed of in 2021.
Why we Need Fast Fashion Laws
The fast fashion industry poses significant environmental and ethical challenges that cannot be addressed by consumer choices alone. Implementing robust legislation is essential to hold companies accountable for their environmental impact and labor practices. By enacting laws that enforce transparency, promote sustainable production, and protect workers' rights, we can drive systemic change towards a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry.
About the Author
Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.
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With the luxury fashion industry under the microscope for unethical labor practices and notorious lack of sustainability, AERAemerges as a refreshing exception. True to its tagline, “luxury footwear without a footprint” - the brand offers high-end fashion while standing firm in its commitment to sustainability. In this AERA shoes review, we'll see how the brand, as the first certified B-Corp in luxury footwear, sets a new standard for eco-conscious luxury.
AERA creates timeless designs that artisans handcraft in Italy, showcasing the value of slow fashion. Yes, they do come at a premium, but the exceptional quality, comfort (which is a rarity in a lot of luxury shoes), and classic styles make them well worth the investment. The pieces are created to last, and the designs never go out of vogue - a true testament to the value of slow fashion.
Review of the Jackie Slingbacks
I have the Jackie slingbacks in black patent- $525, and worth every penny. You cannot go wrong with this pair. These classic flats, inspired by the timeless elegance of fashion icon Jackie Kennedy, are super classy and chic. With their sleek pointed toe, they transition seamlessly from day to night. I wear them with slacks to work, or jeans and a cute top for a night out with the girls. (Check out these guides for sustainable jeans or eco-friendly workwear brands).
The cushioned insole makes these flats very comfortable to wear. These do fit small, so we recommend sizing up half a size. In terms of care, the patent leather is super easy to clean - gently wipe with a damp cloth. You don’t need to use soap or any other cleaning products - these can actually damage the shine of the patent leather.
All AERA’s designs are certified vegan - no exceptions. The design team has thoughtfully selected every single component of the shoe, ensuring they maintain style, quality, and comfort. They crafted the outer materials using a mix of cotton, polyester, and nylon. But no greenwashing here - AERA openly acknowledges the environmental concerns of these synthetics and is engaging in plastic offsetting.
Their signature lining material is made from bio polyols - made from field corn not viable for human consumption. This corn is produced for ethanol and other manufactured products, so its use doesn’t divert resources for animal feed or other farm use. Additionally, bio polyols have a smaller carbon footprint than their petroleum-based alternatives.
Is AERA a sustainable brand?
AERA is also very mindful of suppliers they partner with, and thoroughly vets for manufacturers engaging in sustainable and ethical practices.Their primary partner is an industry leader in non-leather, vegan shoe material. This supplier is at the forefront of innovation, recently investing in materials with lower plastic content and a higher percentage of recycled versus virgin components. They are also the first company to develop a 100% solvent-free material made with water-based resins. This is huge, because solvents (commonly used in adhesives and polishes to improve shoe quality and durability) are toxic chemicals that may be carcinogenic and neurotoxic, and may also affect the respiratory system.
AERA is highly selective about the suppliers they work with, partnering primarily with an industry leader in non-leather, vegan shoe materials for their outer material and lining—the majority of their raw materials.
AERA is Carbon neutral certified. The brand has invested in several carbon and water offset programs, including reforesting 120,000 acres of marginal farmland in the Mississipi Alluvial Valley through the Green Trees Reforestation Project. Read more about AERA’s sustainability initiatives on their website - they have a lot of in-depth information which we love to see!
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While we often hear about the impacts of the fashion industry on the climate, the fashion industry’s impact on water, specifically how the fashion industry pollutes water, receives less attention. As we are all aware, water is a vital resource. Clothing production pollution harms the environment, human health, and reduces our drinking water supply.
Overall, fashion is one of the most water-intensive industries. As of 2020, the fashion industry uses over 79 trillion liters of water every year. Clothing production generates significant pollution and excessive water use, leading to serious consequences.
This article examines water usage in clothing production, its impacts, and potential solutions for the fashion industry.
Water and the Fashion Industry
Clothing relies on water in every stage of its lifecycle, from growing the actual fibers to throwing the clothes away. From production to disposal, the fashion industry has three major negative environmental impacts related to water: high water usage, high levels of chemical pollution, and high levels of physical microfiber pollution.
Water Usage
Our global water supply is severely threatened; it is estimated that over2 billion people are already affected by water shortages in over 40 countries. As water scarcity increases globally, the fashion industry continues to exacerbate the problem.
The first step in clothing manufacturing is obtaining raw materials. For some clothes, this includes the production of polyester or other synthetic fabrics from plastic. For conventional cotton clothing, which makes up about 33% of all clothes, this includes growing the cotton. Growing cotton is extremely water-intensive, as it is one of the thirstiest crops. Simply making one cotton shirt can take up to2700 litersof water, which is enough water for one person to drink for 2 ½ years. The water used for irrigating cotton has serious impacts on the environment and local communities, as it depletes drinking water in addition to precious aquifer and groundwater stores.
The actual processing of textiles (turning them from a raw material into a fabric) also uses immense amounts of water, and creates pollution.
Water Pollution
The main source of water pollution in the clothing production process is the “wet-processing” stage. After manufacturers spin and weave cotton into fabric, they wet-process it by dyeing, printing, and finishing the material. Not only is this process water-intensive, but it also pollutes water.
Textile processing involves applying a huge amount of chemicals to the fabric. In fact, the process of turning raw materials into textiles often takes over8000 different synthetic chemicals. One of the major chemical-culprits used in clothing manufacturing is chemical dye. It’s estimated that around 20% of all global water pollution comes from the dyeing of textiles. Many industries dump the water used to apply chemicals and dye fabrics back into rivers and other waterways.
According to the 2016 documentary RiverBlue, which follows the textile industry’s contamination of China’s rivers, it’s estimated that around 70% of China’s freshwater is contaminated by 2.5 billion gallons of wastewater produced by the fashion industry. Unfortunately, this pollution is largely unregulated and continues to occur.
Microfibers
Finally, some types of clothing continue to pollute water even after they’ve made it into your closet! Many synthetic clothing fabrics, like polyester and nylon, come from plastic. As these fabrics break down, they release “microfibers” into the natural environment. In the case of plastic-based fabrics like polyester and nylon, these small fibers that are dropped from clothing in use or when washed are actually microplastics, very small pieces of plastic that do not degrade over time.
When you wash your polyester clothing (such as athletic clothing), small pieces of the fabric enter the wash water, and eventually make their way into the ocean. Studies show that 35% of microplastics found in the ocean result from washing clothes made of synthetic material. These microplastics don’t just stay in one place, either, because water is an extremely efficient method of transport! Synthetic microfibers pollute freshwater, contaminate drinking water, and even make their way into Arctic sea ice.
When people throw clothes away instead of recycling them, the fibers break down into microplastics in the landfill. Because microplastics don’t degrade, they instead make their way into water sources over time.
Impacts of Fashion’s Water Pollution
The most obvious damage the fashion industry’s water use creates is harm to the environment. The introduction of toxic chemicals into water sources harms wildlife and destroys sensitive marine and freshwater environments. Some chemicals may also contribute toocean acidification, which has far-reaching impacts throughout the marine food chain.
"">Water pollution from clothing production also harms human health. First, while not directly linked to water pollution, the chemicals used in textile manufacturing can have severe impacts on workers’ health.
Additionally, chemical dumping into water supplies damages the health of nearby communities that depend on the water for resources, whether that’s drinking water or seafood. For example, shellfish often soak up toxic chemicals like AZO dyes from textile production, which can cause harm to people who eat them.
The microfibers released from fabrics can cause health issues as well. Microplastics in seafood or drinking water are especially harmful, as ingestion can cause a variety of health problems.
Much of the change must come from the fashion industry itself. For example, manufacturers must invest in less water-intensive production methods, and find ways to reduce the amount of chemicals used in clothing production. For example, some companies are taking steps towards only using natural dyes, which have a much lower environmental impact. Many clothing companies also choose to follow guidelines from the Higg Index, a set of standards created by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition to help businesses ensure sustainable supply chains.
Some scientists are also working on solutions to clean chemicals from wastewater before it’s released into the environment. For example, oneteam of researchers believes that chitin, a biological chemical found in shells, can be used to filter chemicals out of the textile industry’s wastewater.
Increased regulation of the fashion industry’s wastewater habits is another step that will help reduce the amount of toxic chemicals in our waterways. While this has begun in some countries, more oversight is needed in many countries that produce large amounts of clothing, such as China.
Luckily, there are also a few things you can do to reduce the fashion world’s water use and pollution. For example, it’s important to buy new clothes only when you need them to reduce the amount of clothing (and waste) that is produced. Another great, sustainable option is to thrift clothes, rather than buying new. This also reduces the amount of new clothing that must be produced, and thus reduces the amount of water and pollution created in clothing production. Finally, consider recycling your clothes rather than just throwing them out. This will help reduce the amount of microplastics that make their way to the ocean from landfill.
Lena Milton is a freelance writer covering sustainability, health and environmental science. She writes to help consumers understand the environmental and ethical challenges in everyday life so we can find viable solutions for both.
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Designer clothing has long been a coveted, fashionable sign of status. Unlike “cheap” fast fashion brands, people often view designer clothing as a quality, luxury good. However, many consumers might be surprised to discover that designer brands can be just as unethical and unsustainable as well-known fast fashion labels like BooHoo.
Designer labels no longer guarantee quality or ethics. Instead, shoppers often shell out their hard-earned dollars to support brands that don’t align with their values.
In this guide, we cover a few of the “worst” designer brands in terms of sustainability and ethics. We’ve also included a few tips on how to shop designer brands more sustainably.
Are designer brands ethically made?
Despite the hefty price tag, designer brands often employ unethical labor practices including hazardous work environments, low wages, and forced labor. Much of the status attributed to designer brands is their mystique and inaccessibility. But that same lack of transparency applies to their production methods, allowing designer brands to use exploitative labor without question.
Luxury brands rarely disclose how and where they produce their clothes, what the working conditions are like, and what they pay. According to Good on You, 111 of 174 luxury brands surveyed did not pay living wages throughout their supply chain. Many luxury brands have even been linked to sweatshops, such as Ralph Lauren, or exploitative wages, such as MaxMara and Fendi.
Unless a designer brand provides full transparency on its supply chain and allows a third-party audit to certify its labor standards, consumers can’t verify any ethically made claims.
Why are luxury brands not sustainable?
There are two main reasons why luxury brands aren’t sustainable: a reliance on animal-based materials and a lack of transparency.
Most luxury brands provide little to no information on efforts to reduce emissions, minimize waste, ethically source animal-derived materials, or use low-impact materials over hazardous chemicals.
Consumers often mistakenly believe that the higher cost of luxury designer brands equates to superior standards. In reality, this often leads to a lack of accountability for these brands. Of the few designer brands that do claim to be reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the majority provide no evidence as to how.
Luxury and designer brands produce significantly less clothing than fast fashion brands, which has a positive impact. However, this alone doesn’t make them sustainable.
Unless luxury brands provide further transparency on each production stage, from sourcing to cutting to shipping, we can’t assume they are more sustainable than fast fashion brands.
The 25 Worst Designer Brands to Avoid
Below, you’ll find several designer brands that we avoid supporting. The biggest reason why is a lack of transparency.
Every designer brand below currently doesn’t provide verifiable information on how they are reducing emissions (despite many claims), nor do they report the wages and working conditions within their supply chain.
While we’ve done our research, we also recommend researching any brand yourself to ensure that it aligns with your values.
1. Dior
Owned by LVMH, a luxury group conglomerate, the Parisian fashion and beauty brand Dior has a long way to go when it comes to transparency. Despite LVMH’s supply chain code of conduct, Dior’s supply chain has no verified labor standards.
When it comes to sustainability, Dior notably recycles some textile waste but rarely utilizes low-impact materials. Dior reportedly sourced cotton from Xinjiang, China, a region notorious for using forced labor.
2. Hermès
Hermès is a French luxury designer brand that reports artisan craftsmanship and circular production. However, they don’t have any certified labor standards throughout their supply chain and have only reported living wages for certain workers.
Hermès specializes in leather goods, so it’s encouraging that they only work with Leather Working Group-certified tanneries. However, despite having an official animal welfare policy, they don’t disclose the sourcing of most animal-derived materials used.
Hermès makes several statements about how they prioritize sustainability, minimizing waste, and lowering their impact, but they currently don’t provide insight into how they do this.
3. Louis Vuitton
A French luxury brand owned by LVMH, Louis Vuitton does have an official sustainability and supply chain code of conduct, but these efforts are largely unverifiable.
Louis Vuitton’s supply chain is largely unknown, with no verifications for safe working conditions, fair wages, or worker’s rights. They reportedly sourced cotton from Xinjiang, and it’s unclear if that’s changed.
Chanel rarely uses lower-impact fabrics, does not report any measures for reducing waste throughout their supply chain, and doesn’t have any animal welfare policy.
Chanel obtained a supply chain score of 11-20% in 2022 by the Fashion Transparency Index. They reportedly conduct audits throughout their supply chain and are currently working to have it verified and certified for no forced labor. But, they currently don't disclose worker’s wages or working conditions.
5. Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren is an American designer brand that has been linked to unethical labor. In 2022, BBC reported that Ralph Lauren exploited their workers in an Indian factory, forcing them to work days on end with little to no breaks to meet production. Ralph Lauren has reported increasing wages and better working conditions, but their efforts are largely unverifiable.
Ralph Lauren claims to implement some responsible materials and circular production methods by 2025, but they don’t provide sufficient information on what that means. The few stated concrete actions they plan to take, such as offering five Cradle to Cradle Certified products and some products with 100% recycled cotton, are frankly, not enough.
6. CELINE
A LVMH brand, CELINE doesn’t appear to disclose workers’ wages or working conditions. They have a supply chain code of conduct and anti-trafficking policy, but their supply chain isn’t currently verified or certified to support this.
CELINE has reportedly sourced cotton from Xinjiang. Despite tracing the origin of some of their animal-derived materials and not using fur, they don’t provide sufficient information on how their materials are sourced.
7. Loro Piana
Loro Piana, owned by LVMH, is often associated with sustainable luxury, but they have many areas for improvement. Loro Piana produces durable, quality products with some lower-impact fabrics, and they recycle some textile waste. They also treat wastewater throughout production and utilize some solar energy. However, those are the only sustainable measures they currently disclose that can be verified.
Loro Piana doesn’t report wages throughout their supply chain or transparency on their manufacturing process. When it comes to animal-derived materials, they don’t appear to ensure ethical sourcing or animal welfare.
8. Prada
Prada ranks low on the list of designer brands prioritizing animal welfare. While Prada doesn’t use fur, they do utilize numerous animal-derived materials including angora, with no apparent animal welfare policy. Prada doesn’t disclose any efforts to trace the source of their materials. They also do not certify or report labor conditions.
Prada has recently started to implement some sustainable initiatives, such as recycled packaging, utilizing solar energy, and offsetting some emissions. They now have two recycled collections using recycled nylon and recycled gold.
9. Jimmy Choo
Jimmy Choo is a Malaysian designer brand now owned by the corporate luxury group, Capri Holdings Limited. While this group has a lengthy statement on their supply chain code of conduct and the audits they adhere to, Jimmy Choo’s supply chain doesn’t appear to be certified or verified.
Jimmy Choo has set a goal to use more responsible and certified materials throughout their collections and to minimize packaging waste by 2025. While they now have notable goals for future improvement, these initiatives are currently largely unverifiable.
10. Miu Miu
Owned by the Prada Group, Miu Miu states that they comply with international labor standards. But, they currently don’t appear to have any formal policies or verifiable efforts to ensure ethical working conditions and fair pay.
As of December 2022, they have implemented several sustainable measures such as offsetting emissions, solar energy, and recycled packaging, but little is known about their production methods and impact. Miu Miu offers an upcycled collection and some low-impact materials, but they don’t appear to report their sourcing, including for animal-derived materials.
11. Givenchy
Givenchy uses the same unverified claims for reducing emissions and ensuring animal welfare as its fellow luxury brands owned by LVMH. They state that they recycle some textile waste, but not all, and they don’t provide transparency on their supply chain to verify that it meets any certified labor standards.
Givenchy also reportedly sourced cotton from Xinjiang, and it’s unknown if they stopped. Despite using Responsible Down Standard certified down, the sourcing of their other animal-derived materials is not disclosed.
12. Salvatore Ferragamo
Salvatore Ferragamo has set several environmental initiatives to be completed by 2025 and 2030. It’s unclear how much action has been taken, and their claims are largely unverifiable.
Salvatore Ferragamo does work with Leather Working Group tanneries and has an official animal welfare policy, including only sourcing wool from non-mulesed sheep. That being said, Salvatore Ferragamo doesn’t report worker's wages or working conditions.
13. Tod’s
Tod’s, an Italian luxury brand, doesn’t appear to be working toward reducing waste, emissions, or hazardous chemicals throughout their manufacturing process. Tod’s supply chain doesn’t adhere to any certified labor standards, and it obtained a 0-10% supply chain score in 2022.
Tod’s has made claims that they work to minimize animal suffering, but they do not have any evidence of this, nor do they have a formal policy to protect animal welfare.
14. Versace
Owned by Capri Holdings, Versace is a long-standing Italian designer brand that states they are committed to minimizing their environmental impact. However, little is known about their production process or how they are reducing waste. They do implement numerous responsibly sourced and certified materials, but not all. Versace has limited the use of animal-derived materials and banned fur, but they don’t have an official animal welfare policy.
Versace finalizes production in Italy, but they currently don’t provide transparency on workers’ wages or conditions throughout their supply chain.
15. Dolce and Gabbana
Dolce and Gabbana is a particularly notable offender when it comes to sustainability. Dolce and Gabbana do not appear to be using low-impact materials, minimizing waste, or reducing water waste. Their only stated action on sustainability is eliminating plastic packaging by 2025.
Their supply chain received a 0-10% score in 2022, and they do not disclose wages or safeguards. While Dolce and Gabbana have stated that they work to prevent animal suffering, they don’t have an official policy nor do they report sourcing.
16. Maison Margiela
Maison Margiela is a luxury designer brand now owned by OTB Group. Maison Margiela uses almost no low-impact materials, nor do they report efforts to minimize emissions, waste, or water.
Their supply chain isn’t verified to meet any ethical labor standards, and they received a 0-10% supply chain score in 2022.
17. Elie Saab
While most designer brands struggle with transparency, Elie Saab provides notably less information. They don’t appear to offer any insight into how they manufacture, where they get their materials, or efforts to implement sustainable production methods.
18. Tom Ford
Tom Ford currently doesn’t provide transparency on their manufacturing, production, or sourcing. When it comes to sustainability, the only action disclosed is that Tom Ford is supporting the innovation of plastic packaging alternatives.
19. Vera Wang
Much like Tom Ford, it’s difficult to discover any insight into how Vera Wang operates. No code of conduct or sustainability page is disclosed.
20. Christian Louboutin
Little is known about Christian Louboutin’s production methods and supply chain. They do not claim to ensure animal welfare, cruelty-free materials, or sustainable manufacturing methods.
There are currently no reports of living wages or safe working conditions throughout their supply chain.
21. Victoria Beckham
Victoria Beckham is a popular designer brand with a long way to go when it comes to transparency.
Victoria Beckham doesn’t claim to be reducing emissions, waste, or hazardous chemicals. It’s unclear who produces their products, under what conditions, and where. They also don’t claim to ensure animal welfare when sourcing animal-derived materials.
22. Alexander Wang
Alexander Wang doesn’t provide information on how they produce their products and where, nor do they report any sustainable manufacturing initiatives.
23. The Row
A beloved quiet luxury brand, The Row is notably quiet about how they produce their products. They don’t indicate that they are minimizing emissions or waste, nor do they provide evidence of fair and safe working conditions.
24. Oscar de la Renta
Oscar de la Renta is a renowned designer brand that unfortunately shows little interest in implementing sustainable production methods. They don’t have a formal Code of Conduct and the wages and conditions of their supply chain are unknown.
25. Gucci
Gucci is certainly not a sustainable designer brand, but they have made recent efforts to improve. Gucci has incorporated more eco-friendly and recycled materials and utilizes low-waste fabric-cutting methods.
They are working to reduce emissions (though this isn’t verifiable), and are minimizing the use of harmful chemicals in leather. Gucci doesn’t provide information on how they abide by their animal welfare policy, or source all animal-derived materials.
A notable difference between Gucci and the above designer brands is their supply chain. Gucci does have a third-party audit of their final production stage. This verified living wages in their final production stage. The rest of their supply chain is unknown.
Beirut, Lebanon - March 5, 2020: Dior store in Beirut Souks shopping area in Beirut, capital of Lebanon
How to Shop Designer Brands More Sustainably
If you prefer to shop from designer brands, there are a few ways to do so more sustainably.
Shop Vintage: Choose vintage designer pieces over new. Online vintage marketplaces like The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective are wonderful places to start, as are local vintage stores.
Buy Pre-Loved: Some designer brands (Balenciaga, Gucci, etc) offer pre-owned, re-sell collections to minimize waste.
Rent: While renting has a considerable environmental footprint, if you want a designer piece for a special event, this is a better option than buying new from the brand. However, if you plan to rent regularly, or would have worn the piece numerous times, consider alternatives like shopping second-hand instead.
Ultimately, designer brands have consistently ranked low in sustainability and ethics, but several luxury brands are beginning to make notable changes. If you have a favorite designer brand, monitor their progress to stay updated on how they are working to improve.
Even better, let brands know that their current production methods don’t align with your values. Consumer demand is the only reason why some luxury brands are finally starting to take action, and thankfully, it’s working.
About the Author
Alicia Briggs is a writer & editor specializing in slow travel & sustainable living. She has been a full-time traveler since 2018 and runs her own blog, Learning the Local Way, where she covers responsible travel tips and guides.
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Finding sustainable, non-toxic activewear can feel like a workout in itself. Between hidden synthetics, chemical finishes, and greenwashing, it’s tough to know what’s truly safe for your skin and the planet. While finding 100% plastic-free workout wear is still a challenge, there are a few brands getting very close - and many others making meaningful strides with safer fabrics, non-toxic dyes, and low-impact production.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us!Cover Image: Tripulse
Prioritizing Safer, Skin-Friendly Materials
Most activewear on the market is made with polyester, nylon, or spandex - materials derived from fossil fuels and often treated with harmful chemicals. But some brands are swapping these out for organic cotton, hemp, and TENCEL™ - offering breathable, soft, and safer alternatives for your skin. While performance demands still require some stretch (like elastane), these brands are minimizing synthetics wherever possible and opting for Oeko-Tex or GOTS-certified fabrics that skip the toxins.
Brands Moving Toward Plastic-Free Performance
Completely plastic-free activewear is rare, but a few brands are getting impressively close. Look for small-batch labels using natural rubber, plant-based elastics, or organic cotton blends that prioritize skin safety. While these pieces may not have the same stretch as traditional leggings, they’re perfect for low-impact movement like yoga, pilates, or everyday wear - and they won’t leave microplastics behind.
Say No to “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often called “forever chemicals,” are sometimes used in activewear for water resistance or stain repellency - but they come with serious health and environmental concerns. Linked to hormone disruption, immune issues, and even cancer, PFAS have no place in our everyday wear. Thankfully, more brands are now pledging to be PFAS-free, ensuring your workout gear doesn’t come at the cost of your long-term health. Always check labels or brand commitments, and prioritize pieces that explicitly state they are free from these harmful chemicals.
Our Top Picks for Non-Toxic & Sustainable Activewear:
Materials: TENCEL™ Lyocell, Roica® (a more eco- and health-friendly version of elastane)
Sizes: XXS-6XL
Price: $82-158
As a sustainable brand based in Sweden, Tripulse’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and ethical labor standards is evident throughout their entire supply chain.
Crafted from TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers, Tripulse's activewear is made from sustainably sourced wood. These fibers are processed in a closed-loop system, which minimizes waste and avoids harmful chemicals, resulting in biodegradable, plastic-free, and toxin-free products - ideal for both intense workouts and everyday wear!
Tripulse upholds stringent social and environmental standards, with all production taking place in Europe under certifications such as GOTS and - of course - OEKO-TEX®. They also source materials from forests managed responsibly, certified by FSC and PEFC, and they have achieved Climate Neutral Certification by measuring, offsetting, and reducing their carbon footprint.
Pact’s activewear sets and leggings provide a clean, conscious choice for workout gear. Made with certified organic cotton and a bit of elastane for stretch, these pieces are soft, breathable, and gentle on sensitive skin.
Pact avoids harmful dyes and finishes, ensuring their activewear is free from toxic chemicals like PFAS. Their entire process is guided by Fair Trade and GOTS certifications, promoting both human and environmental health.
Whether you’re doing yoga or running errands, Pact’s non-toxic sets keep you comfortable while aligning with your values. They are simple, sustainable, and safe for daily wear. This brand is an absolute favorite of mine and I'm usually always wearing at least one of their pieces daily.
MOVE by MATE is the activewear line from MATE the Label, designed for those who want a clean and eco-friendly alternative to typical workout clothes. Each item is made from 92% organic cotton and 8% spandex, providing breathable comfort with a bit of stretch.
This collection is free from harmful substances like PFAS, toxic dyes, pesticides, and endocrine disruptors, making it a safer choice for your skin and the environment. The minimalist design and soft fabrics are perfect for low-impact activities, relaxing, or everyday wear.
Overall, if you value non-toxic, plant-based materials, MOVE by MATE is a great option to consider!
Girlfriend Collective makes high-performance activewear that is sustainable, inclusive, and safe. Their designs are crafted from recycled materials, like post-consumer water bottles and fishing nets. This helps reduce waste while providing great stretch and support.
All their fabrics are certified Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, which means they are free from harmful substances and safe for your skin. They also don't use toxic PFAS finishes and apply eco-friendly dyes through a carefully managed wastewater process.
With a wide range of sizes and timeless colors, their non-toxic activewear allows you to work out comfortably and responsibly.
Organic Basics is a Danish brand that creates stylish and simple activewear focused on sustainability and comfort. Their SilverTech™ Active line includes items like leggings and sports bras made from recycled nylon, which offers great breathability and support. The fabric is treated with Polygiene®, a recycled silver salt that prevents odors, so you don't need to wash your clothes as often.
The brand is committed to ethical production, and uses GOTS-certified organic cotton and TENCEL™ Lyocell materials in addition to their SilverTech™. They make sure their supply chain follows strict environmental and social standards.
Additionally, as a member of 1% for the Planet, Organic Basics donates part of every order to environmental initiatives.
Tentree offers a women's sustainable activewear collection that combines comfort, performance, and eco-friendly design. The clothing is made from responsibly sourced materials, like recycled polyester and organic cotton, making it lightweight, breathable, and durable.
Thanks to eco-friendly drirelease® technology, the activewear helps manage moisture and odor, keeping you fresh during your workouts. Plus, Tentree prioritizes health and the environment by ensuring their activewear is free from harmful PFAS chemicals.
With every purchase, Tentree plants ten trees, allowing you to contribute positively to the planet while enjoying stylish and functional activewear.
Materials: Regenerative Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyester and Nylon
Sizes: XXS-XL
Price: $39-169
Patagonia's activewear is known for its focus on sustainability and performance. The brand uses eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester, recycled nylon, and Regenerative Organic Certified™ cotton, with a goal of eliminating all virgin polyester by the end of 2025.
Patagonia is also moving towards PFAS-free products, making their gear safer for both users and the planet. With Fair Trade Certified™ sewing and a transparent supply chain, Patagonia ensures that their activewear is both durable and ethically produced.
Whether you enjoy trail running, climbing, or practicing yoga, Patagonia provides reliable and sustainable options for your active lifestyle.
BAM Clothing creates eco-friendly activewear mainly using bamboo viscose and organic cotton blends. Their clothing is soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking, making it perfect for various activities.
The designs focus on comfort and functionality, featuring supportive leggings and yoga pants with wide waistbands and seamless construction to avoid sagging or discomfort while moving.
As a certified B Corp, BAM is dedicated to sustainability. They use circular design principles and offer recyclable garments. The brand also ensures full traceability in its supply chain and has certifications from the Fair Wear Foundation and OEKO-TEX STeP, showcasing their commitment to ethical production and environmental care.
Boody’s activewear line provides a sustainable and comfy alternative to regular workout clothes. Made from a mix of organically grown bamboo viscose, organic cotton, and elastane, their activewear is soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking, making it perfect for low to medium-impact activities like yoga or pilates.
The bamboo used is EcoCert certified and sourced from FSC-certified fields, which highlights its environmental responsibility. Furthermore, Boody’s garments are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, ensuring they are free from harmful substances.
With features like wide waistbands and hidden pockets, Boody blends functionality with eco-friendly design, making their activewear a smart choice for both you and the planet.
