Ethical workout brands are on the rise but ethical leggings, that are actually good quality, can be pretty hard to come by.
Over the years I have purchased so many workout leggings online, only to try them on and find that the paleness of my derriere shone brightly through the fabric.
Not a good look when you’re bending over in a public place!
So, in the interest of exposed bums everywhere, here are my favourite tried and tested, ethical workout tights that will pass the “squat test”.
THE GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE
Why we love them:
The Girlfriend Collective launched an incredible campaign last year where they gave away free workout tights, you only had to pay for shipping.
Since then they’ve gained a reputation for promoting body positivity and diversity as well as making the most comfortable workout tights you will ever own.
They come in a great range of colours and the price is pretty good for an ethical fashion brand.
The ethics:
Made in Vietnam, certified by SA8000, which is a social accountability standard and certificate developed by Social Accountability International (SAI). They also use recycled fabrics!
DHARMA BUMS
Why we love them:
By far, the best pair of tights in my workout collection in terms of durability.
While I do love plain black tights as a wardrobe staple, I can’t go past fun prints and bright colours for the gym. Dharma Bums tights come in mid or high waisted options, so no crack exposure during downward dog.
They’re super soft, easy to pull on and after two years of wear, have not faded or stretched. They also offer a length shortening service if you prefer your tights in crop or 7/8.
The ethics:
Dharma Bums are accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia, which means their clothes are made in Australia and their Australian supply chains are fully transparent.
Manduka
Why we love them:
Manduka offers the largest range of ethical workout tights I’ve ever come across. There are so many styles, colours and cuts to choose from!
They market themselves as a yoga brand but their tights work just as well for any type of workout. Most importantly, they’ve got your bum covered when you bend over!
The tights are made from a nylon and lycra blend meaning they’re super stretchy but fortunately not at all sheer.
The ethics:
Manduka is a sustainably-minded company and makes their tights with Bluesign certified fabrics made from recycled polyester as well as organic cotton and plant-based materials.
DK Active
Why we love them:
Highwaisted, super stretchy, breathable and they make my ass look an inch higher! Anything that gives a little bum lift is good in my books!
DK Active has a great range of styles and colours but I would recommend sizing up, they tend to run a little small.
The ethics:
DK Active are another one accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia. Everything is designed and made in Brisbane (check out factory tour here).
FIRST BASE
Why we love them:
The gorgeous pictorials drew me in and their compression tights made me a fan.
First Base is all about #itscooltobekind by creating gorgeous, functional clothes that are kind to people and the planet.
The compression tights pass the squat test and unlike some compression brands I’ve worn in the past, don’t create a sauna in your pants. In addition to the activewear, they also have a great range of swimwear and basics.
The ethics:
Their motto – ethically produced because we give a shit. Made in China in WRAP accredited (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) factories. First Base take sustainability very seriously and are constantly improving their environmental impact and looking for new ways to do better.
Elle Evans
Why we love them:
Elle Evans is well known for their sustainable swimwear but they also make fantastic workout clothes in some really cute, fun prints.
Made from ethical recycled ECONYL® lycra, the tights are really comfy, with enough stretch for your downward dogs. Plus they’re highwaisted which is a must for bending over!
The ethics:
ECONYL® lycra is made from recycled fishing nets so they tick the sustainability and eco-friendly box and every Elle Evans piece are handmade here in Australia. You can read more about their supply chain here.
