In an era where environmental crises are shifting from the periphery to the forefront of public consciousness, more and more men are looking for sustainable activewear that doesn’t cost the earth.
The ideal sustainable activewear should not only be high-quality, comfortable, and suitable for an intense workout but should also embody a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
Here we present a detailed breakdown of the top 10 sustainable activewear brands (in no particular order) curated especially for men who want to look good, feel great, and know that the gear they’re wearing reflects values that go beyond the surface.
1. Allbirds
Allbirds has stamped its mark on the footwear industry with a simple yet profound message that you don’t need to harm the planet to make good-looking, functional, and comfortable shoes.
Allbirds’s Ethical & Sustainable Practices:
Allbirds Flight Plan in 2021, was a big part of their commitment: cutting our carbon footprint in half by the end of 2025, then reducing it to near zero by 2030. Now, only two years in, they are more than halfway towards our goals.
Allbirds is not only certified B Corp but also a part of the global movement 1% for the Planet, giving back a percentage of its profits to environmental causes.
Main Material: Merino wool, eucalyptus fibre, sugarcane, and recycled polyester
2. Outerknown
Outerknown, co-founded by surfing legend Kelly Slater, offers a range of sustainable menswear rooted in the mission to create timeless pieces for men who care about the planet.
Outerknown’s Ethical & Sustainable Practices:
Their mantra “For People and Planet” is evident in every step they take, from the raw materials to the final product.
The company partners with organisations like Fair Trade USA, supporting workers’ rights and ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions.
Main Material: Organic cotton, recycled cotton, hemp and responsible wool, and made it a priority to map 100% of their supply chain
3. tentree
tentree is best known for its environmental advocacy and commitment to planting trees for every item sold, to regenerate ecosystems, capturing carbon and provide planting jobs in communities around the world.
tentree’s Ethical & Sustainable Practices:
Their dedication to planting trees and using sustainable materials demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the earth.
With over 100 million trees planted, tentree is changing the landscape, literally, for a more sustainable future.
Main Material: TENCEL™, recycled polyester, and organic cotton
4. Patagonia
Patagonia is a heavyweight in the sustainable outdoor apparel industry, known for its durability, functional design, and steadfast commitment to the environment.
Patagonia not only leads the scene in sustainability but also sets the bar for corporate responsibility and activism.
Patagonia’s Ethical & Sustainable Practices:
Their Worn Wear program encourages customers to repair and recycle clothing, rather than discard it.
Patagonia funds grassroots environmental groups worldwide and donates to numerous causes, emphasising that business can be a driver for positive change.
Main Material: Organic cotton, recycled synthetics, and cutting-edge technologies like their Plant-Based Webbing.
5. prAna
prAna is a clothing brand that encourages men to ‘be present’ in every moment, whether they’re out in nature or practising yoga.
prAna’s Ethical and Sustainable Practices:
Their commitment to using 100% organic cotton and recycled materials is a landmark in the industry.
prAna supports the Fair Labor Association and has a strong record of giving back to communities in need.
Main Material: Organic cotton, hemp, TENCEL™, and recycled materials
6. Veja
Veja offers a more eco-friendly and fair alternative to typical streetwear, producing sneakers and accessories that are made with organic and fair-trade materials.
The brand vets every part of its supply chain, from the Brazilian rainforest and organic cotton fields in Brazil to their factory in Rio de Janeiro, where workers are paid fair wages and have benefits.
Vera’s Ethical and Sustainable Practices:
The first company to use Amazonian rubber, and has actively pursued other innovative, sustainable materials.
Veja is a registered member of the ACT, an organization promoting a new form of trade that enriches everyone and helps the planet.
Main Material: Organic cotton, wild rubber, and recycled polyester
7. Icebreaker
Icebreaker specialises in high-performance merino wool clothing and has been on a mission to challenge the status quo of outdoor clothing since 1995.
Icebreaker’s Ethical & Sustainable Practices:
Icebreaker works closely with high standards for animal welfare and supports the Southern Hemisphere’s first wool grown by regenerative farming standards.
They lead a movement towards a more natural way of living, by taking unnecessary plastic out of performance apparel.
Main Material: Merino wool and eco-friendly technologies for apparel production
8. threads 4 thought
threads 4 thought is a lifestyle brand that produces ethically and sustainably-made products for men looking to lessen their environmental impact.
threads 4 thought’s Ethical and Stainable Practices:
Their use of organic and recycled materials reduces waste, water, and energy consumption.
Giving support to a number of ethical organisations, including the International Rescue Committee and Rescue Bank.
Main Material: Organic cotton, recycled polyester, and sustainable hemp
9. Vaude
Vaude is a leading manufacturer of sustainable outdoor clothing and equipment that not only looks great but is kind to the planet.
Vaude’s Ethical and Sustainable Practices:
Vaude is a member of the Fair Wear Foundation, which works to improve the labor conditions in the textile industry and ensures fair wages.
One of few brands to publish an annual sustainability report, providing a thorough picture of their impact and progress.
Main Material: Organic cotton, TENCEL™, PFC-free materials, and recycled materials
10. United by Blue
United by Blue produces a range of men’s apparel that is created with organic and recycled materials, embodying a dedication to clean water and environmental conservation.
United by Blue’s Ethical and Sustainable Practices:
United by Blue also removes one pound of trash from the world’s waterways for every product sold, putting incredible efforts into actual environmental clean-up.
Main Material: Organic cotton, TENCEL™, hemp, and recycled polyester
Conclusion
Picking the right activewear is not just about choosing the right fit or fabric—it’s also about ensuring that the gear aligns with your values. With this list, we’ve brought you the top ten sustainable activewear brands of 2024, showing that eco-conscious choices can empower, perform, and persist. Whether you’re a yogi, a runner, a hybrid athlete or just someone who enjoys staying active, you can dress to impress the world, knowing that the planet isn’t paying the price for your workout. It’s time to make the right choice and look good while you’re at it—because sustainability isn’t just a trend, it’s the future.