With its origins tracing back over 5,000 years, the mental and physical benefits of yoga are recognised by people around the world. The industry today has grown to be worth $88bn worldwide and it seems every city and town has its own yoga studio.
A practice that focuses on mind and body health, it seems only right that it’s good for the planet too. So, we have found some of the best ethical yoga clothing for every UK based conscious consumer!
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What Makes Yoga Clothing Ethical?
The principles that apply to the overall sustainable fashion sector also apply to the ethical yoga clothing market. Slow fashion elements are always a good indication of an ethical company. This means taking a considered approach to production, working to ensure the safety and welfare of people, animals and the planet.
Slow fashion represents a positive change and encourages a mindset of conscious production, differing from the rapid production of the fast fashion industry. It also encourages a mindset of conscious use and the ultimate disposal of products.
For the Workers
Ethical yoga clothing companies look out for their workers. This means tracing supply chains, working with third-party auditors and certifiers, such as SEDEX. As well as operating with fair trade principles and paying fair and living wages.
When looking for ethical clothing, look for yoga brands disclosing where and how their garments were made. And those that have policies in place to protect the rights and safety of their garment and other workers.
For the Planet
Small batch manufacturing, transparent supply chains and sustainable materials are all good indicators of a sustainable and ethical company. Brands that don’t overproduce but embrace slow fashion principles of small design runs and small-batch manufacturing help to reduce the waste of deadstock in the fashion sector.
Fabrics like organic cotton use less water and pesticides than their conventional counterparts. Try to look out for organic fabrics too when looking for sustainable yoga clothes.
For the Animals
Unfortunately, the fashion industry and animal welfare principles have not always gone hand in hand. Ethical companies are working to change this. The best assurance of animal welfare is PeTA Approved certification.
If you are buying from a yoga clothes brand that uses animal-derived products, look for certification such as Responsible Wool Standard to ensure it was ethically sourced.
To find out what you can do about animal cruelty in the fashion industry see How to stop animal cruelty in the fashion industry: 10 things you can do starting now.
What sustainable materials to look for
Yoga clothing must meet some key performance requirements that other clothing may not have to be as strict with. This includes allowing ease of movement and breathability, as well as looking good. Some materials to look out for when searching for UK ethical yoga clothing include:
- Organic cotton
- Recycled synthetics – particularly look for fabrics created from recycled fishing nets or recycled plastic bottles, although beware of microplastics when washing (see How to avoid microplastics in clothing: 8 things you can do)
- Naturally dyed fabrics – To learn more about naturally dyed fabrics check out our article.
- Ethically produced bamboo fabrics
- Bamboo viscose – check supplier information to ensure that this was produced in a closed-loop system to avoid waste product dumping.
UK Ethical Yoga Clothing
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So, for every yoga lover out there, it’s time for our roundup of where you can find the best ethical yoga clothes brands in the UK.
1. BAM
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Turkey, China, and Portugal
Price: £20 – £55
Sustainability creds: Impact Positive Commitment, sustainable packaging, sustainable materials
Performance clothes with serious style, BAM’s men’s and women’s yoga clothing ranges are effortlessly cool and comfortable. These clothes will hold up to even the most strenuous yoga session and are stylish enough to wear even when you’re not in the yoga studio.
As the name may suggest, the label specialises in breathable, comfortable and sustainable bamboo products. However, they also sell products from other sustainable materials. Offsetting their carbon footprint, they became climate positive in 2020, from growing the bamboo right through to 50 washes of the garment when sold. Even all packaging is eco-friendly. Get an exclusive 15% off with code GOODMAKERTALES15
2. Cottsbury
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Made in: India
Price: £29 – £39
Sustainability creds: Fair Trade, GOTS, use of sustainable and organic materials, toxin-free
With a neutral colour palette and incorporating sustainable materials, Cottsbury makes clothing that is great for heading to the yoga studio or just taking a relaxing stroll. The label’s activewear range incorporates tank tops, sports bras, leggings, and sweatpants made from organic and skin-friendly fabrics.
Cottsbury uses Fair Trade and OCS organic-certified fabrics. The label uses independent audits to ensure fair practices across the supply chain and shares information about its production on the company website.
3. Lavender Hill
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: Portugal
Price: £39 – £90
Sustainability Creds: Sustainable materials, recyclable packaging, biodegradable fabrics, ethical supply chains
Activewear and yoga clothing from Lavender Hill is pared back, relaxed and designed with comfort in mind. From scoop neck tank tops to leggings made from silky micro-modal fabric, Lavender Hill styles are breathable, great to wear, and effortlessly on-trend. The company even offers a virtual styling service to ensure you get a style you love.
Alongside its use of sustainable materials, Lavender Hill takes a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to sustainability. The company uses recyclable packaging. It also implements the use of non-toxic dyes, and supports social and environmental initiatives such as Terra Carta, which works to increase sustainability in the private sector.
4. 1 People
Based: Denmark Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: China, Indonesia, India, Mauritius, Portugal
Price: £43 – £85
Sustainability Creds: Use of sustainable materials, works with suppliers that are aligned with sustainable initiatives, carbon neutral shipping
Danish brand 1 People’s yoga wear range has a minimalistic and contemporary vibe. A vibe that makes these clothes perfectly sleek and on-trend in the modern activewear market. The label’s use of a simplified colour palette leaves the high quality designs of every garment to do all the talking.
1 People makes a clear effort to incorporate sustainable materials in its products, including those certified by GOTS, GRS and Bluesign. The organisation uses carbon neutral shipping methods for some of its delivery routes and supports social initiatives.
5. Adidas
Based: Germany Ships to: Internationally
Price: £20 – £90
Sustainability creds: Some eco-friendly materials, targets to reduce emissions
One of the best known sportswear brands in the world, adidas is taking some steps to improve its environmental impact. It uses some eco-friendly fabrics and has set targets to reduce its emissions and improve its impact.
The brand’s range of men’s and women’s yoga leggings and yoga pants are made of quality materials and are lightweight and breathable for a comfortable session.
6. Shop Like You Give a Damn
Based: Netherlands Ships to: Worldwide
Price: £26 – £100
Sustainability Creds: Vegan, fair production requirements, sustainable materials, marketplace for sustainable brands
Yoga clothes from the brands featured on Shop Like You Give A Damn have the sleek yet earthy vibe that make every yoga session a stylish one. Available in a range of earth-inspired hues and monochromatic shades, these ethical styles are comfortable, fashionable, and support even the most flexibility demanding poses.
Shop Like You Give A Damn is the ultimate marketplace for the ethical shopper. Built around the concepts of fair, sustainable and cruelty-free products and practices, the label hosts only carefully selected ethical brands, such as Organication pictured here.
7. Organic Basics
Based: Denmark Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Portugal, Austria, Italy, Turkey, and Scotland
Price: £25 – £75
Sustainability creds: 1% for the Planet, B-Corp Certified, GOTS certified, use of recycled materials
Organic Basics is the home of simple, modern and uncomplicated yoga clothing. It doesn’t rely on flashy patterns or unnecessary features, it’s the classic and reliable clothing we all deserve.
Ethically made, incorporating recycled materials, sweat wicking and with a seamless design to ensure maximum comfort, these are ethical yoga clothes you won’t ever want to take off.
8. Ecoer
Based: USA Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: China
Price: £20 – £47
Sustainability Creds: Recycled and sustainable materials, 1% for the Planet, certified factories, sustainable packaging
With comfort and style in mind, Ecoer has crafted sustainable yoga clothes that can take you from a steamy yoga studio to a cute brunch date. The label’s on-trend colour palette combined with the use of high quality fabrics help to make these ethical styles the ultimate go-to favourites.
Ecoer has taken some good steps to ensure fair work practices, including working with factories that hold certifications such as SA8000 and OEKO-TEX. The label supports sustainable initiatives through its 1% for the Planet membership. Ecoer also uses sustainable materials, including those made from old fishing nets in its ranges.
9. Girlfriend Collective
Based: US Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Taiwan and Vietnam
Price: $18 – $92
Sustainability creds: SA8000 certified factory, use of recycled materials, eco-friendly dyes
With classic styles in neutral colours and crafted from recycled plastic bottles, Girlfriend Collective have made a name for itself as one of the staples of sustainable active and gym wear. The brand’s size-inclusive styles are sustainable, stylish and made in SA8000 certified factories.
With sustainability a top priority, even the dyes this ethical activewear brand uses are eco-friendly.
10. Beaumont Organic
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Europe
Price: £20- £105
Sustainability creds: GOTS certified fabrics, supply chain transparency
Yoga clothes from Manchester based Beaumont Organic embrace the relaxed vibes we all need in our lives. Incorporating products such as soft organic cotton and bamboo fabrics, you can be sure that every yoga session in Beaumont Organic styles is not only sustainable but embodies comfort and relaxation as well!
For more sustainable fashion brands from Manchester, see The north’s best: 10 sustainable fashion brands from Manchester.
11. Pangaia
Based: Denmark Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Portugal
Price: £45 – £135
Sustainability creds: Climate Positive products, natural materials, supports social and environmental action
The masters of colour, Pangaia has clothing in every shade of the rainbow. Available in everything from jade green to flamingo pink, a Pangaia style is sure to brighten up any yoga studio.
The brand takes a scientific approach to sustainability and has clothing created from everything from seaweed to organic cotton. It also supports a variety of environmental and social causes.
12. PrAna
Based: USA Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Vietnam
Price: $45 – $135
Sustainability creds: Founding member of the OIA Climate Action Corp, RDS certified, Fair Trade certified, responsible packaging
PrAna’s range of yoga clothing has styles for both men and women. The label has everything from crop tops to yoga mats on offer, featuring a neutral colour palette and classic designs.
PrAna has both recycled and natural fibres in its range. The label operates with an attitude of constant progress and respect for people, the planet and animals.
13. Wellicious
Based: London & Germany Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: Europe
Price: £69 – £139
Sustainability creds: Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold, GOTS cotton, biodegradable clothing
Citing the fact that traditional lycra clothes can take 20-200 years to biodegrade, Wellicious bring you yoga clothing that is completely compostable!
They create stylish and funky yoga bras, tops, pants and leggings from GOTS cotton grown sustainably and ethically in Peru. Biodegradable elastomers, trims and sewing threads are added to make them stretchy. Wellicious have earned the prestigious Cradle to Cradle gold certification which means that everything, even their dyeing pigments, are created sustainably.
The range includes leggings suitable for pregnancy and different lines for standard and hot yoga. Shipping to the UK and several European companies is free for orders over £160/€200.
Check out our interview with their founder Heike Petersen Cunza.
Good Maker Tales readers can benefit from an exclusive 10% discount with the code GoodMakerTales10.
14. Silou
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Made in: Europe
Price: £50- £189
Sustainability creds: 1% for the Planet member, Oeko-Tex Certified fabrics
With its dedicated yoga range, Silou makes streamlined yoga essentials that are contemporary and elevated without losing a playful undertone. With bodysuits, crop tops and much more, Silou has everything you need for your next yoga session!
Making this brand even better, it is a 1% for the Planet member. And they are offering a 15% discount to all Good Maker Tales readers with the code GOODMAKERTALES.
Mind, body and planet
With galactic inspired patterns or neutral tones, relaxed fits or form-fitting styles, brands are giving a sustainable yoga wear option to conscious consumers. From incorporating sustainable fabrics to working to end child labour, these sustainable brands are helping to build a kinder and more eco-friendly fashion sector.
So next time you are heading to the yoga studio, rock some styles that are kind to people and the planet and pick up some stylish pieces from the UK’s best ethical yoga clothing brands.
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