It is no secret that our concern for the environment has increased over the past several years. Brands are gradually modifying their production procedures, manufacturing supplies, and packaging to be more environmentally friendly.
“Fashion can be a universal player in protecting the planet” - Pharrell Williams
According to studies, fashion industries currently account for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, nearly as much as that of the whole European Union. The environment is polluted by textile waste and greenhouse gasses released during production, and chemicals and plastic are released into the atmosphere and soil, harming plants, animals, and people's health.
In recent years, sustainability has become an important factor in the fashion industry. There are certain important things to look out for when purchasing a new workout clothing that is more environmentally friendly and manufactured from sustainable materials. In order to reduce waste, start by looking for clothing that may be recycled, reused, recyclable, or biodegradable. For example:
Recycled Polyester
Sportswear made of polyester works well, and recycled polyester is even more environmentally friendly. Usually, elastane or spandex is added to the fabric to make it stretchier. This sort of fabric, also known as rPET, is typically created from PET bottles, worn polyester clothing, and industrial waste.
This fibre has the benefit of being more useful and more reasonably priced than many natural fibres now on the market. Polyester requires less land and water to create than organic materials. Recycled polyester can actually cut carbon emissions by more than half and energy usage by as much as 50%, according to studies.
Recycled Nylon
The benefits of Nylon are that it’s durable, strong and lightweight. This makes it great for sportswear, swimwear and gym wear. Nylon is made from processed minerals such as oil and coal. Once it has been used for its original purpose and is no longer fit for purpose, it gets recycled into another form such as nylon fabric. The way it’s recycled also helps protect the environment too!.
In comparison to fresh, newly created nylon, the recycled version of the fabric consumes significantly less water and energy during production. Studies have shown, in fact, that for every one ton of nylon produced, recycled nylon uses around 7 barrels less of oil and reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 5.7 tonnes.
Bamboo
Bamboo is an all-natural fabric that is gentle on sensitive skin and great for workout gear. Bamboo fibers are naturally moisture-wicking, making them great for yoga and other high-sweat activities like running and cardio. They also contain anti-bacterial properties which keep those odor-causing bacteria away. You can rest assured that the process of turning bamboo into yarn is eco-friendly; unlike most fabrics, bamboo doesn't require mounds of water or chemicals to grow. Instead, it grows naturally without pesticides or insecticides.
Organic cottton
Cotton is the most widely used fabric throughout the world, due to its versatility and availability. It can be knit with spandex and other fabrics to create a variety of fabrics for sportswear, such as fleece and jersey. Cotton is often blended with polyester as well, which gives it a luxuriously soft feel and finish, while remaining lightweight and breathable.
The Bottom Line
The choice of fabric you choose will have a significant impact on the performance of the product you purchase. There are three main factors to consider when choosing a fabric for sportswear: consumer needs, sustainability and ethical value. Last but not least, in order for fashion to be socially just, it must be produced ethically with people receiving fair wages for their labour.