Chances are, when you hit the gym, the yoga studio or the pavement, you’re trying to do something good for yourself. Why not do something good for the planet at the same time? By simply buying organic the next time you restock your workout drawer, you can reduce the amount of toxins absorbed by your body and the amount of pesticides and chemicals used to grow or make the clothes now drenched in your sweat.
The safe and sustainable practices used to grow organic fibers keep the soil from depleting and aren’t poisonous to birds and other wildlife. Some even claim that clothing made from organic cotton lasts longer. And, what’s better, the new organic cotton women’s athletic clothing offers the same performance and style of traditional work-out duds. Check out these great finds.
Icebreaker Organic Merino Wool
Icebreaker, a New Zealand company, is proving that wool can be worn in warm weather. They have released a new line of “ultra-fine” merino wool T-shirts. Wool performs really well in the heat — it keeps you cool, and retains less odor than a cotton shirt. I am prone to be aggravated by materials that make you itch – but I didn’t find Icebreaker’s merino wool itchy.
Merino wool is a sustainable material, and Icebreaker is launching a garment traceability program called BAACODE that will allow consumers access to the company’s sustainable and ethical practices through-out their entire supply chain. BAACODE will also track individual garments back to the New Zealand merino station where the wool was procured.
Available from REI and Amazon.
Organic Cotton Women’s Shirred Hoody
Worldstock, a company that creates handcrafted goods from work groups living south of Peru, brings us this 100% organic, fair trade Organic Cotton Women’s Shirred Hoody made of low-impact dyes. The v-neck and shirred front detail make this jacket a piece that can carry you from the gym to your errands around town effortlessly and with style. And the pale pink color is a plus.
This top is available from Overstock for $47.49.
Patagonia Serenity Tights
If you’re like me, few things in your wardrobe get the wear-and-wash treatment more than your yoga pants. So why not invest in a quality pair such as the Patagonia Serenity Tights? These pants, made of 85% organic cotton and 15% spandex, are breathable and have a non-elastic waist so they won’t roll up whether you’re doing a sun-salutation or tackling a a cliff.
One reviewer at REI gave these tights five stars, saying that she has fifteen pairs in her wardrobe. Wow!
These pants are available at REI for $65.00.
Patagonia Gravitee Tank Top
For a cute top that you could wear to the gym or out and about, look no further than the Patagonia Gravitee Tank Top. This top, made from 54% cotton is super cute no matter what your body type, even if you’re trying to flatter a tiny baby bump.
The elastic ban sits snugly on the hips, so it won’t ride up on your run. One reviewer at REI, who gave this top five stars, said it was “extremely versatile” and she loved “everything about this tank!” You will too.
The Gravitee Tank is available at REI for $45.00.
Alo Organic Cotton Stretch Pants
Another great pick in the pants department is the Alo Organic Cotton Stretch Pant. If you’re looking for a pant that doesn’t cling to your hips and thighs, you’ll love the relaxed fit of this pant that is perfect for the mat or just hanging around.
Comprised of 87% organic cotton and 13% spandex, the Alo pant is available at Sierra Trading Post for $39.95.
Mountain Hardwear Dihedral Tank Top
For your more athletic activities, it’s nice to have a top that offers a little more support. The Mountain Hardwear Dihedral Tank Top, delivers that support in the form of a shelf bra built in to the 90% organic cotton and 10% spandex top. With a racerback style, flatlock seams to eliminate chafing and three color choices, this top is a fabulous find for anyone who is going to get sweaty. Plus, it looks just as great outside the gym.
For $25.46 on Sierra Trading Post, this tank offers top quality at a bargain price.
Blue Canoe Energy 2 Sports Bra
The Blue Canoe Energy 2 Sports Bra features an elastic band, super-soft 90% organic cotton and criss-cross back straps. Its double-thick front provides extra support for running or other high-impact activities and three color choices insure you look good whether sporting this bra under a top or alone — after, of course, you’ve toned that six pack.
The Energy 2 Sports Bra is available from Sierra Trading Post for $18.36.
Blue Canoe Metro Zip Up
Blue Canoe, a company that prides itself on creating organic clothing that helps you “get dressed once and go through the day,” offers this beautiful, stylish two-way Metro Zip Up that is tunic length and can easily transition from the gym the rest of your day.
It is available from Blue Canoe for $119.00.
Blue Canoe Cotton Yoga Bra
Another great find from Blue Canoe is the company’s Organic Cotton Yoga Bra. Made in the USA from 90% organic cotton, this bra features spaghetti straps and a double-thick band. One Amazon reviewer said this bra absorbs moisture better than any others and that she plans to replace all her bras with ones from Blue Canoe.
This Yoga Bra is available from Amazon for $31.00.
If you’re looking for merino layers, I found a great small UK company called Finisterre who do some really gorgeous ones. I’ve got the zephyr vest and I love it, the colour lush and its so soft. Plus all of their clothing is sustainable and ethical, perfect!!