How sustainable is Zara and can I shop there with a clean conscience?
After a new pair of summer beach shorts, a hoodie for the gym or perhaps a lightweight jacket for hiking?
Finding activewear that is both practical and comfortable, all while making you look and feel good, isn’t easy at the best of times – let alone when you add the criteria of sustainability on top.
That’s why below we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite sustainable activewear UK items for men that, if you ask us, tick all the right boxes.
Each of the brands we feature offer better quality, longer-lasting and sleeker looking alternative apparel to the fast fashion sportswear industry. They prove that on-trend, stylish and functional design doesn’t need to come at the cost of the earth.
They have all completed a comprehensive questionnaire about their ethical standards from workers in the supply chain to materials they use.
Men’s Sustainable Activewear UK: Tops
Beechwood Performance T-Shirt
If your looking for a T-Shirt to workout in, you can’t go wrong with this Beechwood Performance T-Shirt from Iron Roots.
Made from a mix of 50% TENCEL™ Modal and 50% organic cotton, this T-Shirt is soft, durable and breathable. What’s more, the beechwood in this fabric mix gives it natural antibacterial properties. And because its made from natural materials, it doesn’t need as intense cleaning as typical synthetic sportswear.
It’s available in a variety of colours. They also have a whole selection of apparel including different top styles for you to explore online.
£35.20 | SHOP NOW
Arms of Andes Alpaca Wool Base Layer
This Arms of Andes half-zip fleece top is a brilliantly light thermal base layer ideal for activities like hiking or skiing.
When exploring, it’s important to have a lightweight warm base layer that will wick moisture from your skin, so you stay comfortable all day.
Made from 100% Royal Alpaca Wool, it is moisture-wicking, naturally odour resistant and breathable keeping you protected, clean, and comfortable on your adventures.
It is available in Navy Blue, Gray and Black – all low-impact dyes.
For a little extra coverage, check out their similar half-zip Alpaca Wool Hoodie.
The fit is designed to allow for great freedom of movement while still being flatteringly tailored around your arms.
£93 | SHOP NOW
Arms of Andes Men’s Alpaca Wool Jacket
This flattering form-fitting full zip jacket from Arms of Andes is the perfect light layer for outdoor adventures. It’s made from alpaca wool which is naturally thermal and moisture-wicking, so it’ll keep your body warm and protected in cold and extreme weather.
Alpaca wool is also lightweight, breathable, and sweat-resistant making this the perfect hiking jacket. It has naturally anti-bacterial and odor resistant fibers which help you and the jacket stay clean. And bonus point: it doesn’t need frequent washing.
It is available in three staple colours: Navy Blue, Gray and Black – all low-impact dyes. From start to finish, their garments are ethically produced using sustainable materials in Peru.
If you’d prefer something with a little bit more coverage, they have a similar full-zip Alpaca Wool Hoodie Jacket.
£194 | SHOP NOW
Rapanui Zip Up Jacket
This zip-through jacket from Rapanui is simple, lightweight, and flattering.
It’s made from organic canvas with a water repellent coating that’s PFC-free, so it’s good for weathering wet weather. Its also sustainably made in a renewable energy powered factory.
You can choose from three earthy colours: atlantic, khaki, or woodland.
£75 | SHOP NOW
Recycled Relaxed Fit Hoodie
If you’re in need of a warm layer for your next adventure, you can’t go wrong with this recycled hoodie from Rapanui.
Brilliantly it is made with recovered organic material made by Rapanui’s innovative circular Reemill business model and is made in a renewable energy powered factory. What’s cooler, you can continue the cycle when it’s worn out – send this hoodie after years of use and Rapanui will remake it.
Every Remill hoodie has a unique blend of materials due to the Remill process, making every item unique.
It’s available in three colours: sunflower yellow, sunset pink, and black.
£55 | SHOP NOW
Cariki Windbreaker
The Cariki windbreaker is not just any old windbreaker. It’s stylish, sustainable and unique, made from recycled tents left over from festivals – pretty cool, right?
It has a regular fit, features a soft and breathable bamboo inner liner, and is both waterproof and windproof making it an easy versatile layer to throw on before you head outdoors.
It has a drawstring hood as well as a large centre pocket and two front hand pockets to keep small valuables safe.
To reduce waste, these jackets are made to order so take into account the (up to) 5 week wait time when you order.
£200.38 | SHOP NOW
Embroidered P Jacket
This versatile Recycled Tracksuit Jacket from Pitod is a stylish and sustainable addition to your sporty wardrobe.
Made from 100% recycled nylon and with a zipper made from 100% recycled polyester, this jacket is the perfect lightweight, durable and water-repellent layer. It features a high drawstring collar for extra protection against the elements and has a relaxed unisex fit, so you’re ready for anything.
It is available in three colours (Black, Navy and Olive) and has Pitod’s signature P logo embroidered on the front.
Men’s Sustainable Activewear UK: Bottoms
Johnson organic cotton sweatpants
There are three sweatpants for you to choose from in this list, all made with different materials.
The first option are made from 100% organic cotton by Silverstick, an outdoor clothing brand that embodies the spirit of adventure.
The sweatpants feature a ribbed waist and cuffs and two deep side pockets, so they are supremely comfortable and practical. So, you could wear them for marathon training or a marathon Netflix sesh… the adventure is yours to choose.
£55 | SHOP NOW
Unisex Hemp Athleisure Jogger
These Deepsea Blue Unisex Hemp Athleisure joggers from Iron Roots are made to be worn either during your daily workout or while you’re enjoying some much needed downtime.
Iron Roots is a sportswear brand founded by three friends who were frustrated by the large amount of plastic used in the production of sportswear. Unable to find an alternative on the market, they decided to take matters into their own hands and create Iron Roots: sustainable, plastic-free sportswear, made under fair working conditions.
Their garments are produced in Europe in GOTS certified factories which ensure fair and environmentally-friendly production.
These comfy, relaxed-fit joggers are made from a durable mix of 30% hemp with 70% organic cotton, and they are vegan.
A matching sweatshirt is available.
£70.40 | SHOP NOW
Recycled Tracksuit Trousers
Looking for versatile and stylish tracksuit bottoms that can keep up with your busy lifestyle? We have just the bottoms for you!
These recycled nylon Tracksuit Trousers from Pitod are lightweight, breathable and even water repellent. With a comfortable and adjustable elastic waist and drawstring, these unisex trousers are designed for all-day comfort, for everyone. They also have a zipper which is made from 100% recycled polyester and fluorine-free materials.
These pants are embroidered with Pitod’s signature logo and are available in Black, Navy and Olive.
£99 | SHOP NOW
Eucalyptus Performance Shorts
Whether running in the sun, sweating in the gym, or stretching with yoga, these shorts are up for the challenge.
Made from a mix of 54% eucalyptus (TENCEL™ Lyocell) and 46% beechwood (TENCEL™ Modal), they are breathable, antibacterial and long-lasting. Made from natural materials, they require less washing than other synthetic sportswear.
These reliable sports shorts are fitted with handy zippers, so you can store small items during your workout. They are also available in pine green.
£52.80 | SHOP NOW
WAWWA Zama Organic Shorts
WAWWA‘s Unisex Zama Organic Shorts are great go-to chuck on shorts for summer – whether you’re off for a walk, hike or just chilling in a park.
They are made in House in Manchester from GOTS certified Organic Cotton Canvas material. They are light, breathable and durable. Their practical yet relaxed design includes a reinforced gusset, elasticated drawstring and toggle waist and a single back pocket.
They sit loose, so WAWWA recommend sizing down if you want a regular fit. Available in Black or Natural.
£65 | SHOP NOW
Organic Cotton Jersey Shorts
“Free the knees and feel the breeze” in Rapanui’s Jersey Shorts.
The perfect affordable comfy relaxed shorts, they feature a drawstring waist with deep pockets making them easy to throw on and go. Featuring a drawstring cord, deep pockets, and a relaxed fit.
They are made from sustainable Organic Cotton in a renewable energy powered factory.
£25 | SHOP NOW
Men’s Sustainable Activewear UK: Swim
Riz Boardshorts, Brothers We Stand
The Riz swimwear collection on Brothers We Stand features sleek swim shorts designed with pioneering circular economy principles.
Riz make swim shorts from recycled materials that are designed to last and then reduce waste through repair, rewear and finally recycling. Their boardshorts are made from 100% recycled polyester inside out, with the exception of a corozo nut button.
The shorts are cut and sewn in a small, family-run factory in Portugal and printed in the UK.
Riz Smith, the founder creative director of Riz, is a London-based designer and surfer. After years of designing surf and beachwear for various global brands, he became aware of the need for something better. With this in mind he set out to build a small, honest brand shaped around the desire for ‘The most beautiful and sustainable surf shorts in the world’.
£115 | SHOP NOW
Men’s Sustainable Activewear UK: Accessories
Hiking Boots
Every avid explorer needs their own trusty pair of hiking boots. Carefully and expertly made in Italy to the highest standards, these Will’s Vegan Store sleek vegan hiking boots are the real deal.
They are technically designed for traction, stability, comfort and durability on the most demanding terrains. Crucially, they have a waterproof construction, with waterproof seams, a sealed tongue and a special breathable waterproof membrane.
They are produced in an Italian factory with 70% solar energy. As well as complying with EU employment, discrimination and health and safety legislation, the factory also has its own Charter of Human Responsibilities (or code of ethics) which ensures that the company is committed to respecting the rights of its employees.
£130.29 | SHOP NOW
Hemp Sport Towel
This Iron Roots Hemp Sport Towel is a staple addition to your sports wardrobe.
Perfect for any sweaty workout, its made from a soft, yet durable mix of European hemp and organic cotton. The towel is made from a thick fabric, which makes it comfortable, with excellent sweat absorption.
Bonus: the antibacterial properties of hemp make sure that the sweat that is absorbed smells less than a regular towel.
£30.80 | SHOP NOW
Organic Cotton Surf Towel
Whether you’re warming up after a sea swim or changing out of your surfing wetsuit, Rapanui‘s Surf Towel changing robe is sure to keep you cosy by the coast.
The super thick and absorbent towelling made from soft organic cotton, it’s the perfect poncho-sized shape for sea-side changes and chilling on the beach. It’s also hooded and has a super-sized hand-hugging pocket.
£50 | SHOP NOW
WAWWA Water Bottle Holder
If you plan to hit the trails this summer, check of this nifty Water Bottle Holder from WAWWA.
The sustainable and stylish way to carry your hydration on-the-go, it features a handy shoulder strap design for easy hands-free carrying.
Made from 100% organic ripstop cotton, this holder is secure, durable and eco-friendly.
It is available in four colours (Dark Olive, Biscuit Orange, Stone Grey and Black) and can hold a variety of bottle sizes and shapes, making it a versatile addition to your outdoor gear.
£30 | SHOP NOW
WAWWA Jay Cap
If you are out in the sun, a cap is a must.
The WAWWA Jay Cap is both stylish and functional. Its made from Organic Ripstop Cotton so that it’s durable enough to protect your head from the elements, while still being packable and nimble enough to take on any adventure.
Its comes in eight colours and features an elastic drawstring and toggle for an adjustable fit. Of course, its embroidered with the classic WAWWA logo.
£55 | SHOP NOW
Waxed Ripstop Boonie Hat
Another cool piece of headgear from WAWWA is this Waxed Ripstop Boonie Hat.
Whether you’re out in the summer sun or facing a sudden downpour, this hipster hat has you covered.
Its made from durable 100% Organic Ripstop Cotton and has a wax finish to help protect you from the elements. The material is designed to resist tears and punctures, ensuring that it lasts for years to come.
What’s even cooler, it has a concealed pocket that allows you to carry small items like cash or keys with ease.
It’s available in seven colours, so you’re bound to find one to suit you. Its has an adjustable elastic drawstring and toggle and features WAWWA logo embroidery.
£55 | SHOP NOW
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