Eco-friendly activewear

Sweating Sustainably: My Toronto journey into Eco-Friendly Activewear

Hey lovely people, Emma here, my resident sustainable fashion enthusiast from the bustling, beautiful city of Toronto. Grab my favorite mug - perhaps a ceramic one from a local artisan, not a disposable - because today we're diving deep into a topic that's been on my mind (and my body!) quite a bit lately: eco-friendly activewear.

For those of you who've been following Fika Looks for a while, you know my journey into sustainable fashion started with a massive closet overhaul a few years ago. I was drowning in fast fashion, feeling increasingly guilty about the environmental and ethical implications of my choices. That meant saying goodbye to countless trendy pieces that barely lasted a season and hello to a more mindful approach to my wardrobe. But if I'm being honest, one area always felt a little�� sticky. Activewear.

The Activewear Conundrum: Performance vs. Planet

I'm a fairly active Torontonian. My weeks usually involve morning yoga sessions at my favorite studio in Leslieville, long walks with my partner (and My furry friend, Gus!) through High Park, and cycling along the Martin Goodman Trail whenever the weather permits. My activewear gets a lot of use, and it needs to perform. It needs to wick sweat, hold its shape, and withstand countless washes without falling apart. For years, I just defaulted to the big brands, grabbing whatever was on sale, without really thinking about what those synthetic fabrics were made of, or where they ended up.

Then came the reckoning. I was listening to a podcast about microplastics polluting My oceans, and the host specifically mentioned how My synthetic activewear sheds tiny plastic fibres every time we wash it. It hit me like a splash of Lake Ontario in January. Here I was, trying to live a more conscious life, bringing my reusable coffee cup everywhere, sorting my recycling meticulously, yet unknowingly contributing to plastic pollution every time I laundered my favorite running leggings. The irony was palpable, and the guilt, heavy.

I realized I couldn't ignore this part of my wardrobe any longer. If I was serious about sustainable fashion, it had to extend to every piece I owned, especially the ones I wore most often. My quest for eco-friendly activewear began, and let me tell you, it's been an adventure, filled with research, trial, and error, and a few truly amazing discoveries right here in My city.

My Toronto-Based Hunt for Sustainable Sweat-Proof Styles

The initial search felt a bit like navigating the labyrinthine PATH system during rush hMy - overwhelming and a little disorienting. Every brand claimed to be "sustainable" or "eco-friendly," but what did that really mean? I quickly learned that true sustainability in activewear goes beyond just slapping a green leaf on a tag. It's about:

• Materials: Are they recycled (like recycled polyester or ECONYL made from ocean waste)? Are they natural and organic (like organic cotton, hemp, or Tencel)? Are they biodegradable?
• Production: Are the factories ethical? Do workers receive fair wages and work in safe conditions? Is water usage minimized?
• Durability: Sustainable isn't just about how it's made, but how long it lasts. An eco-friendly piece that falls apart after five washes isn't truly sustainable.
• Transparency: Is the brand open about its supply chain and environmental impact?

Armed with these criteria, I started my deep dive. I spent hours online, poring over brand manifestos and material guides. I even popped into a few local boutiques that championed ethical fashion, like The Sustainable Supply Co. (though they focus more on lifestyle, their ethos guided me) and Good Habits Good Earth - wonderful places to chat with knowledgeable staff about sustainable practices, even if their activewear selection was limited. It was about gathering information, understanding the landscape.

My first true "aha!" moment came when I stumbled upon a brand that used recycled plastic bottles. The idea of turning waste into something functional and stylish resonated deeply. I remember ordering my first pair of leggings made from recycled materials. They arrived, and I was skeptical.

Could they really feel good? Could they perform? I slipped them on, went for a run along the waterfront, past the iconic city skyline, and they felt... Soft, supportive, and no weird plasticky feel.

It was a revelation! That experience truly cemented my commitment to finding more pieces like that.

My Top Picks: Brands & Pieces I Sweat By (Literally!)

Over the past year, I've curated a small but mighty collection of activewear that I genuinely love and feel good about wearing. These are the pieces that accompany me on my Toronto adventures, from sunrise stretches to sunset strolls.

1. Girlfriend Collective: My Go-To for Leggings & Bras

• Why I love them: Their commitment to transparency is incredible. They tell you exactly how many recycled plastic bottles go into each pair of leggings (around 25!). Plus, their ethical manufacturing in Vietnam is certified. The fit is superb - compressive without being restrictive, and they come in a beautiful range of colors.
• My experience: I have their Compressive High-Rise Leggings in a deep forest green and a classic black sports bra. They're my absolute staple for my hot yoga classes at Moksha Yoga Bloor West. They hold up incredibly well, even after countless washes, and the color hasn't faded. I wore them on a particularly vigorous hike through the Scarborough Bluffs last spring, and they kept me comfortable and cool.

2. tentree: Sustainable Comfort for Layering

• Why I love them: Hailing from Canada, tentree plants ten trees for every item purchased - how cool is that? They use sustainable materials like Tencel, organic cotton, and recycled polyester. While not strictly activewear, their hoodies and joggers are perfect for pre- or post-workout comfort.
• My experience: My tentree TreeFleece Comet Hoodie is a dream. It's unbelievably soft, made from organic cotton and recycled polyester, and perfect for throwing on after an early morning spin class at my local GoodLife. I often wear it for my "fika" breaks (which, true to my blog's name, is a Swedish tradition of coffee and a treat with friends) at my favorite cozy caf�� on Queen West. It's durable, stylish, and I love knowing that my purchase contributed to planting trees.

3. Patagonia: The Investment Piece for Outdoor Adventures

• Why I love them: Patagonia is a pioneer in sustainability. Their activewear, particularly their running shorts and light jackets, uses recycled materials and is built to last. They also have an incredible repair program, which aligns perfectly with the "buy less, buy better, make it last" philosophy.
• My experience: I finally invested in a pair of their Baggies Shorts last summer. Made from recycled nylon, they're incredibly lightweight and dry super fast. They were perfect for those sweltering Toronto summer days when I'd go for a quick dip in Lake Ontario after a long bike ride. Yes, they're a bit pricey, but the quality and durability make them worth every penny. I've worn them countless times, and they still look brand new.

Finding Your Own Sustainable Activewear Journey

My journey into eco-friendly activewear has been so rewarding. Not only do I feel great during my workouts, but I also feel good about the choices I'm making for the planet. It's not about perfection - I still have a few older pieces in my drawer that aren't sustainable, and that's okay. It's about making conscious choices moving forward.

If you're just starting out, I'd recommend beginning with one or two key pieces. Maybe it's a pair of leggings or a sports bra from a brand that resonates with you. Wear them, test them out, see how they perform. Once you find what works, you can gradually build from there.

And remember, the most sustainable piece of activewear is the one you already own. Take care of what you have - wash in cold water, air dry when possible, and repair small tears instead of tossing them out.

I'd love to hear about your favorite eco-friendly activewear brands! Have you tried any of the ones I mentioned? Or do you have other recommendations? Drop a comment below and let's keep this conversation going. Together, we can make our workouts better for us and for the planet.

Stay active and conscious, Toronto!

XOXO,

Emma Chen

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