Fast fashion – including the sports and leisurewear sector – has become increasingly popular in recent years, providing consumers with a constant stream of cheap clothing options. However, this model comes at a significant cost to the environment, workers and communities worldwide.
One of the major impacts of fast fashion is environmental degradation. The fashion industry is responsible for 10 per cent of global carbon emissions, making it a significant contributor to climate change. The rapid production and disposal of clothes leads to excessive water use – it takes over 2,700 litres of water to produce a single cotton t-shirt – pollution, and textile waste. Toxic chemicals used in manufacturing processes contaminate waterways, while synthetic materials like polyester contribute to microplastic pollution in our oceans.
Gorgeous Plant-Based Gym Clothes For The Active Activist The human cost of fast fashion is equally concerning. The industry employs roughly 75 million people worldwide, and less than 2 per cent of garment workers in developing countries earn a living wage. Many garment workers in developing countries work under unsafe conditions, often without proper protection or benefits. Fast fashion brands exploit these workers to keep prices low, encouraging a cycle of poverty and inequality.
Dark Side of Leisurewear
The negative impacts of fast fashion also extend to sportswear and leisurewear, a sector that is forecast to reach $1.3 trillion by 2025, driven by a growing preference for comfortable and functional clothing. This category of clothing often features synthetic materials like nylon and polyester, derived from fossil fuels, which have a significant ecological footprint when compared to natural fibres.
Some leisurewear brands however are adopting sustainable practices, such as using recycled materials, reducing waste and implementing ethical manufacturing processes. Eco-leisurewear pioneers right here in the UAE are creating stunning designs for the whole family, proving that sustainability and style can go hand-in-hand.
Tribe of 6
Tribe of 6, a home-grown sustainable leisurewear brand, brings you stylish, eco-friendly clothing that feels as good as it looks. Each garment, from hoodies to jumpsuits, combines comfort with style and durability, making them timeless wardrobe additions.
The fashion-forward capsule pieces from their Spring/Summer24 collection are all certified by the Global Recycling Standards (GRS) & Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) ensuring transparency and traceability while also reducing environmental impact and water consumption.
With versatile collections made for the transition from day to night, Tribe of 6 pieces are perfect for mixing and matching, allowing you to express your individuality while caring for the environment.
Nomad
Nomad’s focus on creating locally made, eco-friendly clothing from recycled and natural fabrics, has earned them a reputation for being a leader in conscious leisurewear in the UAE. Their commitment to sustainable production practices and partnerships with organisations like Emirates Red Crescent show their dedication to not only creating beautiful clothing but also making a positive impact on the world.
The brand’s collections range from resort wear to activewear and leisurewear, all made from materials and with production partners that ensure Nomad minimises waste, chemicals and plastics that pose a risk to people and planet.
Their timeless, durable pieces, from chic skater dressers and linen maxis to cute two-pieces and stylish swimwear, also ensure customers can easily make more responsible choices. And with free same-day delivery in Dubai, Nomad brings sustainable fashion to your door faster than you can say ‘responsible consumerism’.
F5 Global
F5 Global is a UAE-based eco-friendly athleisure brand that offers a range of sustainable and stylish activewear. Founded in March 2021 by then 15 year old Sarisha Ved, the brand’s mission is to promote slow fashion by offering customers clothing from 100 per cent organic cotton and recycled materials. Their suppliers follow Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Fairtrade & Global Recycling Standards for organic cotton farming.
F5’s product line includes comfortable streetwear and leisurewear options such as hoodies, tracksuit bottoms and T-shirts for men, women, and children in a fresh colour palette. Their initiative through Dubai Cares, donates 100 per cent of all proceeds from the ‘Tees for fees’ line to pay the school fees of underprivileged children.
Fio Athletics
Fio Athletics is a Dubai-based sustainable sportswear brand founded by Chris Vahanian, a Barry’s Bootcamp instructor, and competitive athlete. With a focus on the intersection of performance, fashion, and sustainability, Fio Athletics offers high-quality activewear made from eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastic and organic cotton. Â Even their reusable packaging, which is made from plant starch, is sustainable.
Offering a variety of stylish and functional pieces, including leggings, tank tops, sports bras, and more, Fio Athletics caters to active individuals seeking performance-driven and fashionable sportswear so whether you’re hitting the gym or lounging at home, you can do it with a clear conscience.
They’ve also partnered with Seabin and Thread Together, so customers can donate $1 from every purchase towards ocean clean-up efforts or clothing redistribution for those in need.
Empty Roads
Sustainable sportswear brand Empty Roads, offers a range of stylish and functional cycle clothing, including jackets, pants, cycle jerseys and more, made from natural and recycled materials to minimise waste and reduce their carbon footprint.
Emphasising eco-conscious production, their limited-edition pieces are made with a strict cap of 100 units per design. Their recycled PET jerseys are each made from the equivalent of 11 plastic bottles, diverting waste from landfills and contributing to a circular fashion economy.
The brand further prioritises sustainability by utilising recycled packaging and embracing water-efficient processes powered exclusively by renewable energy sources. By creating durable clothing, Empty Roads promotes an active lifestyle while advocating for a greener future proving that high-quality, eco-friendly sportswear can co-exist.
