Living green and making ethical choices is a responsibility more people are beginning to take on, to counteract a world where consumerism and fast fashion reign.
Admittedly, it is a challenge to stay on top of the green game, as a lot of research and attention must be given to anything we approach.
Thankfully there are a lot of tips and tricks to living green these days that make it easier for us to feel like we are not battling against tough currents.
One area where choosing to go ethical was of extreme importance to me was in the sports wear choices I made. A search for activewear online will bear a slew of results but it takes a little bit more digging to find Australian brands that heed to the mantra of ethical wear.
After a bit of research, it was refreshing to find that there were a number of ethical activewear brands and so, to make your lives somewhat easier when it comes to ethical living, here is a list of 10 Australian ethical brands you’d be proud to support.
DK Active
Established in 2017, Australian ethical activewear brand DK Active responsibly produces eco-friendly activewear and garments in a solar-powered factory in North Brisbane, Australia. Incorporating OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified materials such as organic cotton, organic bamboo and regenerated fabrics such as Italian Lycra, offering carbon neutral shipping and embracing diversity and inclusion in its branding and marketing, DK Active ticks all the right boxes. Shop this brand here.
Dragonfly Active
With over 20 years of experience producing sportswear for women, Dragonfly “are proud to be 100% sustainably Australian made.” Focusing on ethical wear as well as on “high performance basics that offer moisture wicking technology,” the fashion pieces were “made to provide great freedom of movement and shape retention.”
From bras, pants, singlets and more, the green fabric is “100% regenerated polyamide yarn.” Breathable, offering UV protection and tested for any harmful substances, Dragonfly offers high quality fashion for high performance athletes.
Pink Punk Active
“Bored with regular mass produced fitness clothing,” Tarah started designing her own sports and swimwear from scratch. When people started placing orders, her hobby soon turned into a “bustling little label with a loyal following” in search of her unique style. All of the Pink Punk Active wear are hand produced by Tarah at her studio, “using only Australiana source and printed textiles.”
Dharma Bums
When it comes to yoga clothing online, the choices are endless for any body shape and at Dharma Bums, every body shape and lifestyle is celebrated. Being ecofriendly is important to the company, as they explain – “We only use recycled paper for all of our stationary, packaging and promotional material. We do not use any harsh chemicals in the dying of our garments. By working closely with our supply base and having it close to home we are able to make to order thus we have extinguished the need for excess stock which creates unnecessary waste and landfill.”
Related Post: Yogi Spirit: One Stop Yoga Lifestyle Shop for Ethical Shoppers
Woolerina
Passionate about woolen clothing, Woolerina are “committed to building and maintaining relationships within all aspects of the production line from the early processing of the raw wool, right through to spinning, knitting (yes, this still happens!) and dying, through to garment construction.” Accredited with Ethical Clothing Australia, they sre “proud licensees to the Australian Made logo.”
Wilderness Wear
“The only Australian company that designs and self-manufactures premium level outdoor clothing at internationally recognised standards – for ecological conscience, material content, functionality and style,” Wildnerness Wear is a force to be reckoned with. Producing products that are 100% Australian made, the brand started as an old hosiery company and developed into producing wilderness wear that care for the one thing their clothes are made for ? the wild.
Surrender Apparel
With degrees in sustainable fashion and international development, Julie Belic, the designer of Surrender Apparel, created a brand that is “modern, earthy and comfortable.” Each design piece “mindfully balances three elements – wearability, sustainability and style.” Whether you choose to work out or run errands, Surrender Apparel’s “soft fabrics and ease of movement allow you to dwell in the present moment.”
Hatha Clothing
Based in Australia but born in Rio de Janeiro, Paula Magrani first moved to the sunshine state as an Exercise Physiologist, Yoga and Pilates teacher. With Hatha Clothing, Magrani created a brand that was not only known for its vibrant colors but also ethically made in Rio de Janeiro. As Magrani explains, “we believe that ethically sourcing and manufacturing our clothing is of great benefit to the local community in Rio and helps families to improve their quality of life.”
Mont
Founded by Andrew Montgomery in 1981, at Mont, the producers “are serious users of gear – not bean counters, so you know quality won’t be compromised just to save a few cents.” Producing “premium outdoor equipment” Mont has been “trusted in the wild for over thirty years.”
Fire and Shine
A fun loving space, Fire and Shine was founded by yoga teacher Jac who turned her anxieties into a journey to empower all women. “Fire and Shine means staying true to yourself, having the courage to be vulnerable, present and having conscious awareness so that love, gratitude and contentment shine from within.”
The online store houses activewear, yogawear and loungewear that all come from ethically made brands. Jac says how “serious” they are about the stock and manufacturing process of all of their fashion pieces ? “we only have brands on the site that manufacture garments using factories that care for their workers and pay them a living wage. We believe that quality is everything. Our garments are expertly made to flatter your shape and look great for all your activities, while doing good for the workers who make our beautiful brands.”
Read this next: Where to Find High-Performing Ethical and Eco-Friendly Running Shoes and Cross Trainers
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