I’ve been practicing yoga for more than 10 years, but I’ve never written a guide on my favourite yoga clothes! That changes today. I’m currently practicing hot yoga 2-3 times a week at a local yoga studio in Brighton, and doing so in sustainable yoga clothing. Despite activewear often being made from synthetic materials, there are environmentally-friendly options out there – scroll on to find out!
Care about environmentalism and yoga?
Join Action Speaks Louder’s campaign asking Lululemon to switch to renewable energy. Last year they made $10bn of yoga clothing in factories that run on fossil fuels. That’s not very yoga of them…
Write to the Head of Sustainability at Lululemon →
What To Look For In Sustainable Yoga Clothing
Yoga has its roots in ancient India; at that time, it would be practiced by men wearing simple, loose-fitting garments made of natural fibres that allowed the skin to breathe. In some cases, yogis wore nothing at all! The Westernisation of yoga has also changed what we typically wear in yoga practice, with both benefits and drawbacks. The chief benefit is its accessibility; it is taught almost anywhere that has the space, and people of all genders are welcome. The chief drawback is its focus on almost purely synthetic fibres: polyesters, nylons, and elastanes that are made from fossil fuels and shed micro-plastics.
As a general rule of thumb, I recommend looking for the following features in eco-friendly yoga clothing:
- Commitment to environmentalism
- High quality design that permits free movement
- High percentage of natural fibres
- Inclusive sizing and styles
- Recycled synthetic fibres where used
- Second-hand clothing (if you’re open to it)
- Transparent supply chains
- Workers aged 16+
My Collection of Sustainable Yoga Clothing
Wellicious Circular Cotton Sets
Personally, I think there is a balance to be found between natural fibres and synthetics when it comes to yoga clothes. I enjoy yoga sets that are figure-hugging for the simple fact that they permit unrestricted movement. My go-to brand is Wellicious, whose yoga clothing is predominantly made from natural, circular fibres, plus the world’s first non-ecotoxic elastane. I have two sets – this one pictured, and another in white! Read my full review →
BAM Bamboo Viscose Set
When I first started getting into yoga, I bought this marbled bamboo viscose set from BAM*. Their range is fairly made, and fairly priced too. Despite the lower price tag, I really attest to the quality of their clothing, and have activewear from them that is still going strong after years of use. They’re also great for loungewear, and were a leading example in my guide on circular fashion. Find out more about BAM in my guide to bamboo clothing →
Manduka Yoga Accessories
Finally, a quick aside from yoga clothing to discuss accessories! With hot yoga becoming my practice of choice this past year, I’ve found a good yoga mat, towel, and kit bag are necessary for a great practice.
My go-to accessories brand is Manduka. I’ve practiced on my natural tree rubber yoga mat for almost a decade now, and it’s no contest to the thin, synthetic starter mats. If you’re practicing regularly, I really urge you to invest in a good mat.
Alongside that, I have two towels – one for across the mat, and another as a small towel to clean off with. These are essentials for my hot yoga practice.
Finally, consider investing in a double-walled water bottle, whatever style of yoga you practice. Keeping your water cold is so refreshing – and is a great plastic-free swap too.
Best Sustainable Yoga Clothing Brands In The UK
I practice yoga a few times a week, which means I rotate between three sets of yoga clothing. See if you can do similar – and be sure to wash them in a Guppyfriend bag* between classes! Here’s where I’d recommend sourcing eco-friendly options:
BAM*: Bamboo athletic wear that truly does last – and feels great too!
Girlfriend Collective*: Size inclusive clothing designed for exercise and relaxing, made from recycled materials.
Pals Wear*: Size-inclusive sets from XXS to XXL in recycled OEKO-TEX certified fabrics.
Reliked*: Second-hand activewear, unworn or lightly worn, from influencers’ wardrobes.
Wellicious*: Luxuriously high quality circular yoga clothing and gym wear. 10% off: CURIOUSLYCONSCIOUS
Let me know if you enjoyed this guide! I’ll see you on the mat.
