Overview of sustainable sports fashion: These brands sell fairly produced clothing
Sustainable sports fashion is now a dime a dozen: for him and her
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Normal functional clothing is usually made from synthetic fibers and mixed with chemicals to make it windproof or water-repellent. This makes it particularly practical for outdoor activities – but this (mostly) has nothing to do with sustainable sports fashion.
Breathable clothing is a must-have for many athletes as it transports sweat away from the body and ideally still keeps you warm. On cold or rainy days, it protects the wearer from getting cold. What many people don’t know, however, is that the more functions sports fashion has, the higher the likelihood that it has been mixed with chemicals and not produced in an environmentally friendly way. But what exactly constitutes sustainable clothing? And how can laypeople tell whether sportswear has been produced fairly?
Explanation: This is what distinguishes sustainable sports fashion
First things first: When it comes to sustainability, it’s not about what materials the sports fashion is made from – but under what circumstances. In other words, was the clothing produced in an environmentally friendly and fair manner? In addition to the method of production, three factors play an important role:
species-appropriate animal husbandry (if leather was processed), fair pay and treatment of employees, and the use of raw materials from sustainable cultivation
In order to make ordinary functional clothing more resistant to wind and weather, it is usually processed with chemicals: Depending on the manufacturer, substances that are harmful to health (paint or bleach) are sometimes used, which can cause skin irritation. Sustainable sports fashion, on the other hand, is produced in an environmentally friendly way, regardless of whether it is made from artificial or natural fibers (such as silk or organic cotton). Merino wool, for example, is a popular material for sportswear that warms the body when it is cold – and cools it when it is warm. And completely without chemical additives.
Eco seal: How to recognize sustainable sports fashion
There are various eco-labels that differ from each other as follows:
Siegel
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Global Organic Textile Standard
biologically produced natural fibers: at least 70% conventional synthetic fibers: max 10% bleaching with chlorine is prohibited the packaging material is PVC-free
Fair Wear Foundation
Fairly produced products: not 100% working conditions are checked and certified, social standards are adhered to, material production is ignored
Bluesign Product
Water and air pollution is avoided. Dangerous chemicals are not used. Occupational and consumer protection is observed. Resources are used sensibly
Oeko-Tex Standard 100
Association of textile research and testing institutesChemicals harmful to health are not usedResidues of harmful substances are checkedFair and ecological factors are not taken into account
Oeko-Tex Made in Green
Textile products are guaranteed to be free of harmful substances and the production is environmentally friendly and sustainableProduction stages of the supply chain are transparent. There is a QR code on the label
Sustainable sports fashion: six brands in comparison
If you are interested in sportswear that is sustainably produced, these six brands are recommended:
1. Vaude
“Green Shape” is the label for sustainable sports fashion from the Vaude brand, which is based in Tettnang on Lake Constance: It stands for sustainable materials, resource-saving production and fair production. In addition, 80 percent of the manufacturer’s sports and outdoor clothing has a Bluesign certificate. What is particularly exciting is that many products are made from recycled PET bottles, old clothes or old fishing nets.
2. Löffler
Cycling, running, outdoor and winter sports: the Löffler company from Austria is also a well-known manufacturer of functional sports clothing. When it comes to sustainability, the company says that the majority of the textiles come from its own knitting factory. In addition, all yarns, fabrics, zippers and fabric finishes that are purchased should have the “Oeko-Tex Standard 100” seal – and therefore be low in pollutants.
3. Patagonia
Sustainable sports and outdoor clothing is also available from Patagonia. The manufacturer also relies on sustainable materials (e.g. hemp, organic cotton, recycled polyester or nylon) and chemical-free processing of tops and T-shirts, long sleeves and functional underwear or even leggings. In addition, many products are Bluesign certified – and the brand supports various environmental organizations.
4. Mammoth
This manufacturer was already awarded the “Best Practice Award” in 2013 by the Fair Wear Foundation, which campaigns for better working conditions in the clothing and textile industry. The high-priced Mammut brand primarily produces products for mountain, climbing, outdoor and snow sports. The range now includes more than 35,000 items – including, of course, sustainable sports clothing for hiking and trekking. You can find tips on the right hiking outfit here.
5. Mandala
In contrast to the first three labels, the Bavarian company Mandala focuses on sustainable yoga clothing (such as leggings and sports bras), which – according to its own statements – is manufactured under fair working conditions. It is made of organic cotton, Tencel, modal, organic polyamide and recycled polyester. The company’s own textile factories are located in Turkey and Shanghai.
6. Trigem
Last but not least in this list: the Swabian label Trigema, whose sustainable sports fashion and leisure clothing for women, men and children is produced in Germany and also bears the “Oeko-Tex Standard 100” seal. A large part of the collection is made from synthetic fibers – except for the Trigema Change line: According to Trigema, organic cotton is used here.
Sources: Sportscheck, Utopia
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