Socially responsible / ethical activewear.

cws93
cws93 Posts: 56 Member
in Motivation and Support
I don't know how many of you have watched "The True Cost" but if you haven't I suggest you do! I can't look at Nike symbols without seeing the suffering that goes behind creating these trendy profitable products. Unfortunately activewear brands are particularly known for exploiting swearshop/slave/child labour. Anyone know any good activewear brands that have good social responsibility codes or are made in countries that have fair workers rights? I mostly buy secondhand but it can be hard to find suitable things so any recommendations would be really appreciated!

Replies

  • headofphat
    headofphat Posts: 1,597 Member
    It's definitely noble of you to essentially boycott the brands that you find to be ethically lacking. It's gonna be tough to find a company from top to bottom that acts ethically but good luck.
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    Well, merino wool is the best thing most people can wear when they exercise. A very thin base layer keeps you cool in the summer, a slightly thicker one keeps you warm in the winter, they both pull sweat away from your skin and keep you feeling dry and comfortable. Good merino is as soft as good cotton. I know IceBreaker clothing comes with a unique code that lets you trace a product all the way back to the farm where the sheep live.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,988 Member
    If it's not made in the USA or some country that's stringent against it, there's likely going to be some sort of unethical work conditions from wherever they're being made.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    9285851.png
  • Escloflowne
    Escloflowne Posts: 2,038 Member
    I like those brands, meh, don't care how I get them, as long as they are cheap and good quality!
  • Krizzle4Rizzle
    Krizzle4Rizzle Posts: 2,704 Member
    Escloflowne wrote: »
    I like those brands, meh, don't care how I get them, as long as they are cheap and good quality!

    Don't mind him, he's Canadian.
  • cws93
    cws93 Posts: 56 Member
    edited April 2016
    headofphat wrote: »
    It's definitely noble of you to essentially boycott the brands that you find to be ethically lacking. It's gonna be tough to find a company from top to bottom that acts ethically but good luck.

    I'm not trying to boycott. It's just an example. There are a few brands out there. And to be clear I am not here to critisize anyone for what brands they wear or anything like that. Just suggesting people look into it if they're interested and for those who already are to share suggestions.
  • cws93
    cws93 Posts: 56 Member
    ninerbuff wrote: »
    If it's not made in the USA or some country that's stringent against it, there's likely going to be some sort of unethical work conditions from wherever they're being made.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    9285851.png

    Hence why I try find things made in the US, Australia, New Zealand etc. or find good second hand gears :)
  • SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage
    SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage Posts: 2,668 Member
    H&M has an ethically conscious line and when you go into their stores, they have bins where you can donate old clothing. They recycle it and make it into something new. I'm not sure if that process extends to their activewear line, but it's something to look into.
  • SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage
    SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage Posts: 2,668 Member
    Krizzle4Rizzle wrote: »
    Escloflowne wrote: »
    I like those brands, meh, don't care how I get them, as long as they are cheap and good quality!

    Don't mind him, he's Canadian.

    We're working on deporting him :lol:
  • NaturalNancy
    NaturalNancy Posts: 1,093 Member
    American Apparel is sweatshop free, great stuff, a bit pricey but worth every penny.
  • cws93
    cws93 Posts: 56 Member
    Thank you so much @SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage and @NaturalNancy - I haven't heard much about those brands as they aren't really a thing in New Zealand but will definitely remember them in future :)

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