8 Eco Friendly Athleisure Brands You Can Wear Even When You’re Not Running

Icebreaker Women’s Mira Top ($110)

Merino wool is rightly known as nature’s miracle fiber. It has an incredible warmth-to-weight ratio and ability to regulate temperature. Translation: Any one piece works well in a wide range of temperatures. Also, merino doesn’t absorb odors like most artificial fabrics, so you can wear it more often between washings. Add in its sustainability, and you’ve got a best-in-show winner. This cover-up has a relaxed fit and ribbed collar, cuff, and hem for style points. Remember that Icebreaker’s gear lasts for years and many washes, so is well worth the investment.

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Threads 4 Thoughts Women’s Cameron Tank ($42)

Given its oh-so-soft hand feel, you might be surprised to learn this open-back top is made primarily from recycled plastic bottles. (Here’s some other cool gear made from plastic and trash.) Worn over a sport bra, it’s a good choice for hot yoga and summer strolls. (The hem sits at the waist.) Threads 4 Thoughts is a certified B corporation, meaning that it meets environmental and social-responsibility standards.

Prana Men’s Sutra Short ($60)

Made of a hemp weave, these shorts have a comfortably loose fit for maximum mobility during yoga, climbing, and hiking. But they also look and feel good enough to wear during more idle hours. The deep side pockets add to their practicality for non-athletic use. It takes a lot to get the hemp weave to wrinkle, making these a good choice for travel. 

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Ibex Women’s Latitude Lounge Pants ($130)

If grandmothers were known for sporting joggers, we would say these aren’t your grandmother’s joggers. They look good enough to wear in any casual setting, while their 100 percent midweight merino construction means they’ll be functional and warm during a wide range of activities. Our wear tester liked them for yoga, long dog walks, pre- and post-skiing, and, yes, sipping morning coffee. 

Teko Women’s Hi Viz Off-Road Running Socks ($14)

Teko has won environmental and innovation awards the past two years. Much of the material in their socks are recycled from bottles and fishing nets; some pairs also contain chlorine-free merino wool. These reflective socks are the perfect short-crew length and, like most good running socks, are a go-to weight for more leisurely warm-weather adventures. And they’ll last: Our wear tester has a pair of good-as-new Teko running socks that are five years old.

Oliver’s Men’s Convoy Henley ($98)

This 100-percent merino wool top comes from a small company that makes its clothes in Los Angeles. One day, our wear tester wore it for a long trail run and then went straight to the farmer’s market; the shirt was equally appropriate and comfortable in both settings. The Convoy has an athletic fit, so opt up if you’re between sizes and like your tops looser.

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Tasc Women’s Transit Henley Hoodie ($57)

Tasc’s big selling point on the eco friendly front is its use of bamboo as a main ingredient throughout its line. The bamboo is grown sustainably at a dedicated site; manufacturing occurs at a facility powered almost entirely by renewable energy. When the bamboo fiber is combined with organic cotton, as in this piece, the resulting fabric has a soft-but-sturdy feel and excellent temperature regulation. This medium-weight hoody has plenty of give during activity but doesn’t droop in more sedentary settings.

Smartwool Men’s Pattern V-Neck T-Shirt ($80)

Smartwool spins this mostly merino V-neck with a little nylon to add durability. That extra tensile strength means you needn’t worry about the shirt tearing no matter how rugged the day’s activities. And the merino means it won’t stink if you then ease right into beers and barbecue. The shirt is among the lightest offered by Smartwool, so scrap any notion of clingy, itchy wool during the summer.

The article 8 Eco Friendly Athleisure Brands You Can Wear Even When You’re Not Exercising originally appeared on Rodale’s Organic Life.