Ditch Lululemon for these 10 Ethical Activewear Brands

In July 2024, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Lululemon Athletica, accusing the brand of misleading consumers about its environmental impact.

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The lawsuit points out that Lululemon's 2022 impact report shows its Scope 3 emissions have almost doubled since 2020. It also says that Lululemon uses images of nature and environmental responsibility in its marketing to appear eco-friendly. But its actions contradict this image. As consumers, we have the power to avoid such brands and support sustainable alternatives instead.

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Here are 10 sustainable alternatives for Lululemon:

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Nuttch

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Nuttch is an ethical activewear brand that makes products using traceable, GRS-certified recycled yarns. It prioritizes clean, safe materials that meet rigorous environmental standards, considering everything from water usage to carbon emissions. Nuttch meticulously measures its carbon footprint and offsets it by supporting green initiatives such as renewable energy and reforestation. And here’s the most impressive part: Nuttch is one of the few brands courageous enough to publicly disclose all its supplier information online. Naturally, its partner factories share the same commitment to sustainability.

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More about Nuttch→

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Vuori

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Vuori specializes in activewear and performance clothing. It manufactures its products using Vuori Preferred Fibers—low-carbon materials made from recycled components that are both durable and sustainable. By designing long-lasting products, Vuori supports a circular economy and reduces water and chemical footprints. Since 2019, it has offset its plastic footprint through CleanHub and achieved Climate Neutral certification. All of Vuori's tier 1 suppliers adhere to the Vuori Vendor Code of Conduct, which ensures fair labor practices, safe working conditions, and strict environmental standards.

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More about Vuori→

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Balega

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Balega, founded in 2003, crafts running socks with exceptional support and cushioning for athletes of all levels. Its socks use sustainable, high-performance materials that manage moisture and provide a cool, dry feel. Committed to sustainability, Balega makes its socks from recycled materials and achieved Climate Neutral certification in 2023. It also ensures that its packaging is free from non-recyclable raw materials.

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More about Balega→

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REI

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REI demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through performance-focused outdoor apparel, gear, and accessories. The company drives climate action and social justice via the REI Cooperative Action Fund, supporting nonprofits that promote equitable outdoor experiences. Its Re/Supply program fosters a circular economy by encouraging customers to trade in used gear. Since 2015, REI has kept all its stores closed on Black Fridays, allowing employees to spend time with loved ones—a practice that underscores its dedication to prioritizing purpose over profits.

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More about REI→

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Mantra

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Mantra aims to create Planet Positive Performance Apparel by cutting the environmental impact of its products, offsetting its carbon footprint, and investing in projects that protect nature. It uses recycled and regenerative fibers, waterless prints, and Bluesign-certified dyes to minimize its carbon footprint. Beyond materials, Mantra produces its apparel in an ethical WRAP Gold factory that ensures fair wages and good working conditions. Mantra measures, offsets, and reduces its carbon footprint each year as part of its Climate Neutral certification. Plus, the company dedicates at least 1% of its revenue to nonprofits working to protect nature.

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More about Mantra→

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Wild Rye

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Wild Rye is a women's activewear brand that offers a range of performance-focused biking clothes and everyday wear, all designed by women for women. What sets it apart is its strong commitment to sustainability - it uses recycled materials and Bluesign-certified fabrics and packages most of its items in recycled or recyclable materials. It’s a Certified B Corporation, Climate Neutral certified, and an active member of 1% for the Planet.

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More about Wild Rye→

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Ornot Bike

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Ornot Bike creates top-notch cycling gear and accessories with a focus on technical performance. This USA-based brand offers a wide range of men's and women's clothing, including jerseys, bib-shorts, jackets, and bottoms. It uses recycled fibers, merino wool, and deadstock fabric, emphasizing ethical production and quality. Its "Special Projects" collection features Bluesign-approved and Oeko-Tex-certified fabric, with PFAS-free water-repellant coatings. Most of its gear is made in California, supporting local jobs and sustainability.

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More about Ornot Bike→

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Rep Your Water

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Rep Your Water offers fishing-inspired apparel and accessories with a strong conservation focus. Since starting in 2011, the husband and wife team has committed to sustainability by supporting conservation partners with every purchase. It provides a wide range of eco-friendly gear, from hats and apparel to art and accessories. Proudly zero waste certified, a 1% for the Planet member, and Climate Neutral certified, Rep Your Water ensures every order is carbon neutral. It also guides customers on sustainable packaging disposal and offers donation options for unwanted items through Give Back Box and Planet Aid.

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More about Rep Your Water→

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Wolven

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Wolven offers activewear and swimwear made from recycled bottles, providing eco-conscious apparel and accessories for both men and women. It specializes in performance-focused activewear, including women's leggings, yoga, gym, and workout clothing, as well as men's joggers, crewnecks, and shorts. Wolven also operates a circular resale program for buying, selling, and trading pre-loved gear. Committed to climate advocacy, it also hosts an educational series called "Trash Talk".

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More about Wolven→

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JOOB Activewear

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JOOB Activewear offers stylish activewear and accessories made from recycled materials for both men and women, including T-shirts, pants, shorts, and beanies. Committed to sustainability, JOOB uses recycled materials to reduce waste. Since 2018, it has been Climate Neutral certified, continuously advocating for climate action. As a member of 1% for the Planet, JOOB donates one percent of its annual revenue to environmental initiatives like the Huron River Watershed Council.

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More about JOOB Activewear→

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