Hit the ground running with ethical activewear from some of the best Australian made brands. These local brands are punching above their weight by producing world-class, quality activewear here in Australia. Being locally made means they’re able to be transparent in their onshore supply chain, ensure ethical production throughout and also have better oversight of their production to ensure quality control – and this really shows. As a bonus, Australian made = more Aussie jobs, which we love! To seal the deal, these brands are working with sustainable and recycled materials to reduce their environmental impact. This is our list of sweat shop-free activewear for you to wear while you get your sweat on.
1. dk active
Brisbane-based dk active makes high-quality, high-performance workout clothing for all activities. With a focus on sustainability, brand director Danielle Kay says she wanted to create a label that promoted inner wellbeing, self love and body positivity, without compromising on ethical manufacturing. For this reason, dk active sources sustainable textiles like its Luxury Italian Lycra (made from a blend of new and recycled materials) that have minimal impact on the environment. The activewear range includes men’s and women’s pants, tops, shorts, tanks, crops, and more. It’s all ethically manufactured at the dk HQ in Brisbane, Australia (I’ve been there!).
2. Active Truth
Brisbane-based brand Active Truth started with the mission to make quality tights for 14+ and pregnant women. They’ve since extended the range to cater for all shapes, sizes and stages of life. Active Truth’s range of black tights, colourful printed tights, tops and maternity leggings are created in the size inclusive range of 8 to 26 to give all women a high performance activewear choice. All of the brand’s leggings are high-waisted to provide core support and are made from premium compression fabric. The vast majority of Active Truth garments are ethically made in Australia (in Brisbane!)
3. BAY Active
Byron Bay’s BAY Active makes lifestyle basics, activewear and yogawear using GOTS-certified organic cotton, Australian merino, bamboo and highest quality regenerated fabrics in a fully transparent, certified, and ethical supply chain. The brand’s super comfortable ethical activewear range comes in a variety of cuts and sizes, in staple colours you’ll love. Bay Active’s Australian made garments are made in an Ethical Clothing Australia certified manufacturer.
4. Sunrise at Bondi
This Sydney brand brings to us a range of ethically produced women’s swimwear and activewear, and men’s briefs, trunks, jammers and compression leggings. Sunrise at Bondi’s fabrics are manufactured (here in Australia) from a new “cutting edge sustainable techno-fabric that is 100% regenerated from post-consumer materials”, including fishing nets and old carpets that have been recovered from all over the globe. Behind the brand is Maxi from Bondi Rescue and one of Australia’s leading swimwear technicians Leigh Mason.
5. Vege Threads
Melbourne-based basics brand Vege Threads has produced a range of yoga and activewear that promotes inclusivity, good values and natural clothing. The brand produces its ethical activewear staples onshore with manufacturing certified by Ethical Clothing Australia, and looks to minimise waste in production. The workout wear includes bralettes, tights, shorts and unitards made from soft organic and eco friendly materials locally knitted in Melbourne. (Note: formerly known as Organic yoga Company)
6. Woolerina
When it’s time to pull out winter woolies for your workout, check out Woolerina. The Australian owned and made brand uses ethically sourced Merino wool for its clothing, which includes track pants, singlets, and short and long sleeve shirts including turtlenecks. The collection is super soft, super warm, and super comfortable for working out. Natural fibres for the win!
7. To Barwyn and Back
Sporting ‘technical streetwear’, TBAB makes alt-bike wear in Victoria’s capital. All of its epic attire is antimicrobial, extremely durable, hi-vis, insulative, moisture-winking, quick dry, and made with stretchy, recycled and locally milled fabrics to be water repellent and provide sun protection. I fell in love when I found the flying fox playsuit. #Swoon.
8. Organic Crew
Melbourne-based basics brand Organic Crew produces luxurious designs, without compromising the planet. The brand’s commitment to sustainable garment manufacturing is its number one priority throughout every development process – from the cotton fields to construction. As such, its garments are made using 100% organic cotton in Melbourne, Australia and Kolkata, with onshore manufacturing certified by Ethical Clothing Australia. Shop for active staples such as sweat pants, yoga pants and various tops and tees.
9. Merino Country
The designers behind Merino Country are former sheep farmers, so it’s no surprise that their go-to fabric is high quality Australian merino wool. The brand makes basic pieces including high quality exercise tights and sports bras suitable for various workouts. Merino Country’s garments are ethically made at their factory in Queensland (I would know, I’ve been there!)
10. The Ark Clothing Co
For more than 25 years, The Ark Clothing Co. has been designed and made in Melbourne by a community of like-minded people who believe design should always be imbued with integrity. Proudly Australian owned with an incredibly passionate and talented team of over 70 staff, The Ark has 8 stores and makes small runs of its beautiful basics designs locally and ethically in Australia, certified by Ethical Clothing Australia. Shop for activewear staples such as track pants, sweat shirts and various tops and tees.
11. Nisa
New Zealand-based underwear and basics label Nisa is helping women from the bottom up. The sustainable, social enterprise label provides employment opportunities to empower women from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Launching with a core organic cotton underwear line, the brand has since expanded into luxury intimates, activewear, swimwear and other basics too. Shop for quality, inclusive sized and shaped activewear, made with love.
