Plant-based activewear might sound a little strange, but we’ve all got the alternative lurking somewhere in the wardrobe: polyester leggings, nylon sports bras and shiny gym tops that probably won’t decompose until the year 3026.
The issue is, activewear might help us feel healthier, but much of it is still made from petroleum-based synthetic fabrics that shed microplastics, rely on heavy chemical processing and are notoriously difficult to recycle.
There are also growing concerns over PFAS, so-called ‘forever chemicals’ linked to health and environmental risks, in mainstream activewear. Investigations and lawsuits involving major apparel brands have intensified scrutiny around synthetic performance fabrics and chemical treatments commonly used to make sportswear water and stain-resistant.
The good news? A growing number of brands are finding clever alternatives, using everything from castor beans to beechwood, and even food waste to make plant-based activewear that’s better for you and the planet. And thankfully, sustainable no longer means scratchy beige yoga trousers that look like they belong at a 2007 wellness retreat.
Here are some of the plant-based activewear brands we think should be on your radar.
Äktiiv
If the idea of sweaty plastic leggings suddenly feels a little less appealing after the recent PFAS headlines, Äktiiv may be the activewear brand your gym wardrobe has been waiting for. The sleek performance label creates leggings, bras and workout basics using plant-based bio-yarns designed to deliver the same sculpting, sweat-wicking feel of conventional sportswear, without relying so heavily on petroleum-derived synthetics. Their plant-based activewear can, by design, break down more naturally at the end of its lifespan, helping to tackle the issue of synthetic clothing lingering in landfills for decades. Honestly, if your leggings can be made from plants instead of fossil fuels, why shouldn’t they be?
Groceries Apparel
If any brand deserves points for creativity, it’s probably Groceries Apparel. The Los Angeles label creates colourful plant-based activewear using plant-based dyes made from food waste, including carrot tops, onion skins, eucalyptus leaves and even avocado pits. The brand, which manufactures everything locally in LA, uses fabrics including organic cotton and lower-impact plant-based materials, while many pieces are hand-dyed using rescued food waste collected from local grocery stores. And because natural dyes react differently, no two pieces are ever exactly the same, giving the collections a slightly imperfect feel that’s refreshingly different from the ultra-slick activewear dominating social media feeds.
PANGAIA
Possibly the coolest name in sustainable fashion right now, PANGAIA has become famous for turning scientific innovation into surprisingly wearable basics. The brand experiments with everything from seaweed fibre and organic cotton to grape leather, eucalyptus pulp and plant-based dyes. Its minimalist hoodies, tracksuits and active basics may look deceptively simple, but behind the muted colour palette sits a heavy focus on biomaterials and reducing reliance on virgin plastics. The brand has also developed FLWRDWN, a plant-based alternative to traditional down, partly made using wildflowers, and the Bee:Wild collection, featuring bee-inspired prints created to raise awareness around declining pollinator populations.
Seela Studio
One of the more innovative names in plant-based activewear, Swiss-based Seela Studio creates sportswear using castor beans. The premium label also uses botanical dyes, free from many of the harsh chemicals commonly found in mainstream activewear. At the centre of the brand is castor oil, a plant-derived material long used for its natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Seela says it chose the fibre specifically to avoid the petroleum- and gas-based synthetics used in most sportswear today, while also focusing on biodegradable materials, reduced emissions, and recycled water during production.
Svante
Inspired by their children, founders Jen and Ben launched Svante after realising just how much kids’ activewear relies on synthetic, plastic-heavy fabrics. After spending three years researching materials, the pair created a children’s plant-based activewear brand built around plant-based fabrics and lower-toxicity production. Collections use organic and regenerative cotton alongside Plantech™, a biodegradable performance fabric combining responsibly sourced TENCEL™ with plant-based elastane. Dyes are water-based and OEKO-TEX certified, stitching uses organic cotton thread, and even branding is made from natural rubber. The brand also runs a circular take-back scheme called Re:Svante, offering customers credit for sending back lightly used children’s wear from any brand.
Zone by Lydia
Founded by Olympic gold medallist Lydia Lassila, Zone by Lydia swaps petroleum-heavy synthetics for natural fibres, including hemp and organic cotton, creating award-winning activewear without the usual chemical overload. Hemp is naturally breathable, antibacterial, odour-resistant and temperature regulating, so ideal for anyone who spends half their workout trying not to overheat. Most of their plant-based activewear pieces contain only a small amount of elastane for stretch and durability, while the brand’s low-impact Oeko-Tex certified dyes are designed to be gentler on both skin and waterways. Even the yoga mats avoid synthetic foams, using natural rubber and cork instead.
Zubek
If seaweed-based activewear sounds slightly futuristic, that’s because it kind of is. Founded by two sisters, Zubek creates plant-based activewear using PYRATEX® SeaCell, an innovative fabric made by blending sustainably harvested North Atlantic seaweed with wood-pulp cellulose in a closed-loop process free from harsh chemical additives. The result is soft, moisture-wicking activewear that’s biodegradable, skin-friendly, and even retains some of seaweed’s natural minerals and antioxidants even after repeated washes.
