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Best sustainable activewear brands and products 2026 - from £20
From leggings to sports bras, these gym clothes are kinder to the planet
We all want to do our bit to keep the planet happy – whether it's switching from bottled shampoo to a bar (cutting back on plastic in the process) or experimenting with eating less meat, there's lots you can try... and taking a peek inside your gym kit is another excellent place to start. Yep, we're talking about investing in some sustainable, ethical activewear.
Even if you've already curbed (or at least semi-curbed) your monthly fast fashion haul in favour of a spot of thrifting, often it's tougher to go secondhand shopping for gym clothes. The size range may not be there, for instance, or you might struggle with the idea of wearing a pair of leggings that a stranger has already sweated in – which, in all honesty, is fair (sometimes it feel like there's a lot of pressure to be perfect with regards to watching your eco-footprint, when it's just not possible to do it all).
But fear not! We know how important it is to find wholesome, lovely brands you can trust to make the process of buying ethical activewear a whole lot easier, so we've done the (literal) legwork and put a ton of them on trial (scroll down to see our top sustainable activewear picks).
We've also asked two sustainability experts for their top ethical shopping tips, if you're keen for a deeper dive:
How to shop for sustainable activewear
Unfortunately, opting for activewear made via materials that benefit the planet (and people eg. from brands who've committed to paying workers fairly) can sometimes come at a higher financial cost, which is why it's always good to deploy the '30 times test', says slow fashion expert Abbie Morris, CEO of Compare Ethics: "Switch your mindset to consider whether you’ll wear something more than 30 times. If the answer is yes, then buy it. You’ll start to notice how many items you say 'no' to and what's actually a solid, long-term investment piece."
Basically, it's all about quality over quantity – something you also need to consider when taking into account how an item washes (eg. will it fall apart after one speedy 30º cycle? Will it likely require washing after every wear?). "Focus on neutral colours and classic shapes, as this will ensure the items don’t go out of fashion," Morris adds.
Many brands are now aware of how important it is to show off their green 'credentials', but sadly far too many still keep things vague, simply throwing in the right buzzwords as part of their latest advertising campaigns, something known as 'greenwashing'. So, try checking a brand's rating on sustainability directories such as Good On You or see if it's a member of the Fair Wear Foundation.
What materials should you look for when buying sustainable activewear?
One easy way of buying ethical activewear is to shop pieces that are made from materials that have a positive impact on the environment, such as:
- Recycled polyester
- Bamboo
- Organic cotton
- Non-toxic dyes
Merryn Chilcott, Sustainability Manager at BAM Bamboo Clothing, says, "It's also important to consider how a brand is actively reducing their impact on the climate and nature and the garments 'end of life' outlook." By that, Chilcott recommends looking at whether the brand has any take-back or re-sale schemes, or if the item is biodegradable.
BAM are known for their buttery soft products, and these yoga pants are no exception. They slip on like a glove, fitting to every curve and angle of your body so you're in complete comfort no matter your activity of choice. Whilst they fit close to the skin, they aren't skin-tight, so you don't ever feel restricted, which is perfect for slow movement practices like yoga and pilates.
The oversized fit of the V-neck sweatshirt makes it the perfect option for throwing on over the rest of your activewear. It's an essential layer if you're dashing to a nearby class or running errands after your weekly yoga sesh. The uncinched hem sits loosely at the waistline of your leggings, making the piece super breathable and airy. Made with 100% cotton, you can rest assured this will feel indulgently soft and might end up as your everyday jumper, not just reserved for those gym class days...
A team Cosmo member used the Veja Condor 3's whilst training for a fitness competition and quickly found herself reaching for them time and time again.
"I’m training for a fitness competition, and these super chic trainers are my go-to. They’re made from breathable recycled mesh, so my feet stay cool even during longer runs. The rubber overlay offers extra durability, and I love the bouncy soles, but, FYI, I found the heel support a little stiff at first. They’re created with over 50% lower-impact materials and made with fairtrade principles, which makes me feel good every time I lace them up."
A lightweight, breathable tee is an essential part of anyone's activewear wardrobe. It's easy to throw on over a sports bra and layer under windbreakers or jumpers if the weather calls for it. This slouchy top from Boody is also made from 95% bamboo, meaning it's not only versatile but comfortable too. But don't just take our word for it:
Customer review: "I wear this all the time, mainly underneath everything because it's winter. It's unrestrictive and so breathable. It regulates temperature; I don't have to keep taking tops off and on anymore. It's lovely"
The word 'buttery' gets thrown around a lot when it comes to leggings, but... when we say this pair are buttery (and planet-friendly!) we really do mean it.
If swimming is your exercise of choice, then Finisterre are titans in the game of sustainable swimwear. This gorgeous three-toned one-piece is made from plant-based rubber for a natural alternative to fabrics your typical swimsuit is made out of. Whilst the pricetag is fairly steep, the brand also gives you the option to rent their pieces, which is a great choice if you're going on a weekend break to chase some waves, or are just starting out swimming or surfing in open water.
Girlfriend Collective are the go-tos when it comes to fashion forward, but functional, activewear – that gets a big green tick. It uses kind-to-the-earth materials, including recycled polyester and opts for lower-impact, non-toxic dyes.
Be the envy of your entire spin class in this gorgeous co-ord. You can easily mix and match top and bottom sizes too, just FYI.
Long-sleeve tops are a winter staple for any fitness fanatic. They slip easily over tight base layers and sports bras, whilst also being form-fitting enough that they don't create too much bulk when wearing bigger jumpers and coats. This piece from Pangaia has thumb-holes too, so even your hands can stay warm as you work out, not to mention the 100% bio-based material is both stretchy and lightweight, making it perfect for any sweat-inducing activity.
For the coolest, comfiest loungewear and undies, look to OB. Firstly, the colour of this knit rib set is TDF. We love how their basics are playful whilst still being everyday, but it’s their sustainable approach which makes them standout. Made using low-impact organic cotton – grown without harmful chemicals – and recycled nylon, the fabric is long-lasting and feels incredibly soft. Plus, it’s affordable, too.
For a slow and cosy yin yoga class, what could be better than this Organic Basics co-ord?
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
Amy May Ellis (she/her) is the SEO Manager for Cosmopolitan UK, Women's Health UK, Men's Health UK, and Runner's World UK. Her love for all things beauty, fashion, and wellness is evident in her work with these lifestyle and fitness brands. Providing content recommendations for everything from new gut health supplements to the latest fashion trend, Amy has a keen eye for detail and loves to spot trends before they fully flourish. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
Sophie Leen is the Bookings Editor for Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK. She specialises in creating fashion and shopping content across both digital and print platforms, as well as producing all of our fashion editorial photoshoots, which have included our digital cover with Olly Alexander and our curve influencer’s letter to the high street story. Sophie also looks after our Try Before You Train franchise where our team have tested and reviewed over 100 gymwear items.
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