Breaking a Sweat - Not the Planet: A Guide to Plastic-Free Activewear
One of the most common New Year’s resolutions each year is to get more active—joining a gym, going on more walks, or committing to a new fitness routine. It’s no surprise, then, that January sees around a 30% increase in sportswear salescompared to other months of the year.
But while these habits may benefit our personal health, they don’t always benefit the health of the planet.
The majority of sportswear on the market contains synthetic fibres that shed microplastics, helping garments stretch or achieve moisture-wicking properties. These microplastics rub against our skin during workouts and are released into our waterways with every wash cycle, contributing to long-lasting environmental pollution.
As awareness grows around bio-based and plastic-free clothing, so too does demand for more conscious alternatives.
That’s why The Carbon Closet is proud to present our Top 5 Plastic-Free Sportswear Brands. Each piece aligns with our carbon-conscious, ethical, and vegan standards—so you can push your limits in exercise, not the planet’s.
Top 5 Plastic-Free Sportswear Brands
1) Pangaia
Pangaia offers a wide range of sportswear for many occasions. From organic cotton hoodies, shorts, and joggers to innovative eco-nylon leggings and zip-ups, the brand continues to explore lower-impact materials. We love seeing brands embrace bio-based alternatives to achieve comfort and stretch with reduced reliance on synthetics.
2) PE Nation
The clue is in the name! For classic sweater and jogger sets made entirely from breathable organic cotton, PE Nation is the place to shop. These pieces align beautifully with the growing trend for vintage-inspired, plastic-free sportswear—something we explored further in our previous blog.
3) Community Clothing
For relaxed-fit t-shirts and sports shorts, Community Clothing uses organic cotton and natural cotton jerseys for their vests and sleeveless styles. This is a brand that genuinely prioritises material integrity, so whether you’re running or rock-climbing, you can move guilt-free.
4) Tripulse
A forward-thinking activewear brand, Tripulse uses next-generation materials such as TENCEL™ Lyocell, an eco-conscious alternative to elastane. Their sports bras, leggings, and tops achieve moisture-wicking stretch without releasing microplastics. The brand even holds a “Great” rating from Good On You.
5) Zubek
Finally, innovative sportswear brand Zubek is one of the few fashion brands using SeaCell™—a blend of wood pulp and seaweed. Leggings, shorts, and sports bras are all crafted from this fabric, with even bra inserts remaining plastic-free. The result? Soft, stretchy, and naturally moisture-resistant performance wear.
Start Your Actively Conscious Path Today
We hope you feel inspired to get moving—not just in your fitness journey, but on your path towards a more ethical fashion future. As your leading platform for conscious fashion, The Carbon Closet also offers sustainable water bottles, swimwear, and accessories to support every sporting need.