The humble track pant. Has there ever been a more underrated staple? As an essential item in our wardrobes for the cooler months, we really feel that track pants (aka trackie dacks, trackies or sweat pants) require a little more of our attention, and investment. Fortunately, there are a number of Australian and New Zealand brands with an ethical and sustainable focus that have these basics covered. Whether you’re seeking sweat pants for your workout or trackies as a mid-winter staple, these are the top Australian and New Zealand-based brands making track pants ethically here and offshore.
1. Kowtow
New Zealand’s favourite ethical clothing essentials brand has made a classic track pant to add to your wardrobe. The no frills garment, better known as the Kowtow Building Block Pants, is a slim fit pant with a tapered leg, made from black mid-weight GOTS-certified organic cotton jersey. Kowtow’s garments are made in a transparent supply chain, which works with fair trade certified farmers and manufacturers from seed to garment. Bonus: The pants have both side and back pockets.
Cost: $129 at time of publishing
2. Vege Threads
Vege Threads has perfected the art of comfortable clothing and its current range is no exception. The brand’s organic cotton staples for men and women have you covered for track pants with its organic cropped sweat pants available in navy and white. Alternatively you’ll find a couple more colourful options in cotton and hemp. Vege Threads is locally made and certified by Ethical Clothing Australia.
Cost: $149 at time of publishing
3. dk active
Brisbane’s dk active makes high-quality, high-performance workout clothing for all activities. When it comes to track pants, the brand stocks styles covering the ultra breathable (for running) to the ultra stylish (for lounging). dk active opts for sustainable materials such as organic and recycled fibres. Importantly, the range is all ethically manufactured in Brisbane, Australia.
Cost: $89-99 at time of publishing
4. Citizen Wolf
Innovative Australian fashion brand Citizen Wolf is known for its comfortable and custom attire, but track pants are new to its product offering. After perfecting a process to create sustainable and ethically made custom fit T-shirts, Citizen Wolf has widened its product range, now producing the second most important garment in your wardrobe – track pants! The “sweat pants” are made from environmentally friendly French terry Tencel in four colours, customised to fit you perfectly. Shop for incredible trackies that are literally made for you.
Cost: $249 at time of publishing
5. Bassike
Australia’s most loved designer basics brand Bassike knows comfy clothes. Basically all of the brand’s pants are some kind of cotton or linen track pant with a drawstring and pockets for comfort, so you won’t have any trouble finding a pair that suit your style. Bassike’s garments are ethically made with 90% of production happening in Australia and 10% happening offshore through artisanal and family-run factories.
Cost: Starts around $220
6. Merino Country
The now Brisbane-based ex sheep farmers behind Merino Country have got your winter essentials wardrobe covered, so it’s only natural they have super comfy track pants, aptly named comfy pants. The Merino Country comfy pants are available in black, navy and olive and made from 100% Australia merino wool making them odour resistant (essential considering they won’t make it to the wash much) and quick drying. Merino Country’s garments are ethically made in Australia.
Cost: $160 and worth every cent
7. Frske
Frske’s cotton and linen tapered pants easily double as track pants and the brand’s customers say so. Made with a comfortable and adjustable drawstring waist and side seam pockets, the pants are comfortable and stylish for quick and casual outings. The pants are made with natural fibres and are designed and ethically made in Melbourne, Australia.
Cost: $99 for cotton, $230 for linen at time of publishing
8. A.BCH
Circular clothing label A.BCH is transforming the way people buy, wear and discard of clothing. Core to its mission is to make and provide staples that last, are made with care, and have minimal impact on the environment. The brand’s everyday joggers are your go to for track pants – made from 100% certified organic cotton french terry fabric. A.BCH garments are all ethically made in Australia and certified by Ethical Clothing Australia.
Price: $240 at time of publishing
9. Sorella Organics
Sorella Organics is an independent Australian label making a collection of sleepwear and loungewear for men, women, maternity and baby. The brand opts for soft certified organic and fair trade cotton ensuring each piece is kind on the skin, kind to the environment, and kind to the farmers growing the cotton. The collection is made in Australia, Fiji, & India. Sorella Organic’s organic cotton Boardwalk Day Pant in vintage black is your answer to track pants.
Cost: $90 at time of publishing
10. Torju
Born on the “rugged coast of Victoria”, Torju makes a range of certified organic cotton staples. The brand’s signature track pant is a forest green, wide leg, 3/4 crop, making them the perfect pant to wear between home and casual occasions. Torju’s garments are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. The brand’s garments are ethically made in India through Fair Trade and GOTS-certified suppliers.
Cost: $89.95 at time of publishing
11. 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. Check the description to shop garments that are made in Australia.
Cost: $159 at time of publishing
12. 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. The brand’s Brooke Pant or Travel Pant are appropriate for trackies, but there’s lots of comfy designs to consider.
Cost: $249 at time of publishing
