5 Sustainable sportswear brands to follow now The New Frontier of Sportswear? Sustainability

Sports fashion is evolving. If once it was enough to focus on technical fabrics and eye-catching designs, today, for sportswear brands, the real challenge is combining performance and sustainability. This transformation is driven not only by increasingly urgent environmental needs but also by a profound cultural shift, especially among younger generations. Gen Z, raised on climate crisis headlines, is no longer satisfied with high-performing or aesthetically pleasing products: they seek brands with shared ethical values, transparent and truly committed to building a better industry. And the sports sector, always tied to the idea of energy, movement, and progress, is being called to respond. It’s no surprise, then, that many companies, both emerging and well-established, have begun to rethink their materials, supply chains, and production strategies. This new vision translates into technical, durable, and responsible garments, designed for those who genuinely care about the planet. But which brands are truly making a difference in this space? We’ve selected 5 sportswear brands that are redefining the concept of sustainable activewear by blending innovation, design, and environmental awareness. From well-known names to up-and-comers, they all share a common mission: to prove that sports fashion can (and must) evolve ethically.

5 sustainable sportswear brands to follow now

LaMunt: By Women, for Women

Born in the heart of the Dolomites from an idea by Ruth Oberrauch, LaMunt is much more than just a sports brand—it's a project created by women for women, to experience the mountains in an active, authentic, and mindful way. Part of the Oberalp Group, LaMunt fills a gap in the outdoor women’s technical apparel market, offering garments that combine functionality and comfort with a thoughtful, never stereotyped, aesthetic. At the heart of the brand is its community: an international network of mountain lovers who actively contribute to product development through real-world feedback. The result? Tailored solutions designed to enhance diverse silhouettes without compromising on high performance.

For LaMunt, sustainability is not an afterthought, it's a core value. The brand complies with both chemical and social standards and uses recycled fibers, natural materials, and innovative padding like ReMOCA Pad®, made from regenerated ski mountaineering skins. It also commits to ensuring its products are free from harmful substances, supports better working conditions in the textile industry, and promotes a slow, circular approach to technical clothing.

Licia Florio: A (Mindful) Invitation to Slow Down

More than just a brand, Licia Florio is an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and live more presently. Designed for those who choose a conscious lifestyle, the project centers on physical, mental, and emotional well-being, offering technical garments that merge aesthetics with attention to detail. What sets the brand apart is its holistic, deeply responsible approach. Since 2017, its decision to embrace sustainable fashion has led to a fully Italian supply chain and the adoption of next-gen materials. Its activewear pieces are made from high-performance stretch fabrics, created using 100% recycled yarns from industrial waste.

But for Licia Florio, sustainability goes beyond materials: it’s in the attention to detail, collaboration with local artisans, the decision to produce unique pieces, and in promoting a slower, more mindful form of consumption. Through its CIAOMONDO community, the brand creates shared wellness experiences, building an ecosystem of values where body, mind, and environment finally find balance.

Mons Royale: Nature-Loving Apparel from New Zealand

Founded in 2009 amid the pristine nature surrounding Lake Wānaka, New Zealand, Mons Royale is an ethical, functional, and stylish brand for outdoor enthusiasts. Its versatile, fashion-forward garments are made for those who embrace sport without sacrificing functionality or looks. The result? A technical wardrobe that performs on mountain peaks and city streets alike, ideal for trail running, biking, or everyday life.

The star material in Mons Royale's products is merino wool, which has protected New Zealand’s Merino sheep from extreme climates for centuries. In sportswear, this natural fiber delivers top-tier performance: it’s thermoregulating, breathable, naturally odor-resistant, and incredibly soft. But performance is only part of the story. The brand stands out for its environmental focus: its wool is 100% natural and Z.Q.-certified, ensuring traceability, animal welfare, and sustainable farming. Biodegradable and durable, Mons Royale’s merino wool offers a real alternative to traditional synthetic fabrics, ideal for those seeking style and sustainability in every adventure.

Organic Basics: Scandinavian Aesthetics Meets Sustainability

Founded in Copenhagen in 2015, Organic Basics has become a go-to name in fashion for its essential sportswear made with eco-certified, high-performance, and long-lasting materials. From day one, the brand prioritized sustainability, using only organic, recycled, or low-impact fabrics like GOTS-certified organic cotton, recycled nylon, and TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers.

At the heart of Organic Basics' philosophy is transparency: each item includes Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data showing its carbon footprint. A portion of each sale is also directed toward environmental projects to promote more ethical practices throughout the production chain. The brand’s manufacturing processes are equally rigorous: all factories are certified, working conditions are fair, and waste is minimized through recyclable and compostable packaging. The result is a clean, minimalist collection with classic Nordic aesthetics, made for a conscious and inclusive audience.

Girlfriend Collective: From Plastic to Performance

One of the first brands to create activewear from recycled materials, U.S.-based Girlfriend Collective makes its sportswear using post-consumer plastic bottles. A concrete step toward turning waste into resources, without sacrificing performance, comfort, or style. Each pair of leggings, for example, is made from about 25 recycled bottles, while bras require about 11, powerful numbers that highlight the brand’s deep commitment.

What makes Girlfriend Collective stand out is its focus on both material innovation and transparency: every product lists its estimated environmental impact in terms of water, CO₂ emissions, and plastic saved. Its core fabrics are certified Oeko-Tex®, and every stage of production, conducted only in safe and fair factories, is fully traceable. Inclusivity, circularity, and mindfulness are pillars of the brand: sizes range from XXS to 6XL, and its ReGirlfriend program allows customers to return used items for recycling into new garments.