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Six socially responsible companies making stylish and high-performance yoga apparel made of recycled, biodegradable, and sustainable materials
When I’m getting ready for my morning workout and I pull on a pair of workout pants and sports bra, I want to look and feel as good as I can. Why? Because if you feel you look good on the outside, you will perform better from the inside and naturally gain better results with your fitness routine. But on the other hand, I also want to know that what I’m putting on my body is both healthy for my skin and my overall well-being.
There are many brands that don’t have the health of our bodies, nor the health of our planet, in mind when designing clothes and it can be tough to know from which clothing brands to select your workout wear. However, you can breathe easily knowing that these local brands dance to a different beat, providing socially sustainable products at affordable prices. All of these brands are passionate about caring for the planet and put the people who love to explore it first. Stand proud while saluting the environment in lifestyle pieces you will want to show off.
Here are our favourite socially responsible companies making eco-conscious yoga wear.
Designed in Vancouver and manufactured in Canada with really cool prints, fabrics and styles to choose from, Karma Athletics is a line of women’s apparel for today’s active woman. It’s perfect for transitioning in and out of the studio with no need to change. Karma’s belief is that to live well, you must help others, smile often, work hard, workout, stretch, meditate, be yourself and offer the world everything you have to achieve excellence. At the end of the day, you can be proud of your accomplishments and how fabulous you looked achieving them, dreaming and striving to achieve bigger goals in the days ahead.
Public Myth simply challenges what it means to look good while working out. Sexy rock n’ roll inspired details—frisky zippers, flirty mesh, raw stitching and badass buttons—expose the adventurous free spirit of the brand. As a modern, forward-thinking, conscientious active-wear line, Public Myth invests in ecologically sound practices and proves environmental responsibility is not just a trend. This influences their every business decision, from concept to production. All of their fitness garments are designed and manufactured in Vancouver, ensuring their products come from a safe working environment with fair treatment and pay for everyone involved. I love that they select sustainable materials and natural fabrics, such as bamboo.
The newly launched NoMiNoU, a Vancouver yoga line by Founder and Creative Director Julianna Smith, is made in North America from 100-per-cent recyclable PET (polyethylene terephthalate)—which includes plastic bottles. Julianna is a #GirlBoss on a mission. She incorporates her late artist mother’s drawings and meaningful quotes into her workout gear and everyday wear to inspire girls and women everywhere.
To Lolë, wellness is more than an activity—it’s “how we live out loud every day.” Lolë’s feminine, functional active wear is designed to support the quest for a healthy lifestyle balancing city living, love of nature and physical movement. Inspired by urban women, Lolë creates innovative, versatile and fashion-forward collections that look as modern on the street as they do in the studio. Lolë’s Fall/Winter 2015 collection is dedicated to the elements of nature. This season, they’ve looked to the artistry of the world around us for inspiration. With faux layering, a mélange of textures, colour blocking and sensual reveals, the look is organic yet modern—and, as always, made to move.
Like previous seasons, the brand’s focus is dedicated to the creation of innovative blends that are environmentally conscious and adapted for the needs of today’s urban woman. Included in their visionary fabrics is their signature 2nd Skin Pure fabric—a mix of organic cotton and Tencel® yarn, which is made from 100-per-cent biodegradable wood pulp.
Lolë engages in the community on both a local and global level, through partnerships with wellness ambassadors and hosting inspiring events. These important initiatives allow them to give back, while sharing their core values. They have created an innovative program that encourages sustainability, while helping communities across the country. Their Yellow Label Program participates actively in reducing over-consumption and positions itself against “fast fashion.” Once again, Lolë gives the world a reason to feel amazing inside and out!
Inner Fire is quickly becoming Canada’s choice for eco-friendly yoga apparel. Founded by Vancouver-based designer, Leah Emmott, the brand is based on the principles of respect for the planet and nurturing the global community through positivity, laughter and mindfulness. Inner Fire offers lifestyle clothing that is locally made and ethically sourced. They produce leggings made from BPA-free recycled water bottles in Vancouver and their shirts are all hand-printed with love in their small studio in New Westminster. Plus, they give a portion of their profits to help support worldwide youth education initiatives.
Gaiam works to live consciously and in-harmony with the environment, the planet and the people who call it home. They look for eco-conscious and eco-friendly solutions for healthy living and environmental awareness. Since 1988, Gaiam’s mission has been to reach those who share their commitment to the well being of people and the planet. Gaiam’s environmentally friendly focus is their Sol line of yoga mats and accessories. The Sol Suddha TPE Yoga Mat, for instance, is 100-per-cent recyclable and biodegradable.