This week’s edit features five handpicked pieces of gear that are perfect for working out…or doing whatever the heck you feel like at the moment. Not only do each of these items stand on their own, but you could also mix and match every one of these garments and accessories together, creating several beautiful outfits.

1. Sleek Silver Jacket

Talk about a gorgeous, wear anywhere (and everywhere) piece! This amazing jacket is on trend with its iridescent silver exterior, offers a super flattering peplum silhouette, and can easily be dressed up or down. Featuring a removable hood and meta lux zipper, you could even get away with this at work on casual Friday. Transition seamlessly from studio to street, and pair this beauty with all your favorite staples. Loving this look with white monochrome ensemble, but feel free to mix things up with pop of color, or even your favorite jeans. Priced at $116.

2. X-Factor Sports Bra

Yes, yes, yes, a sports bra totally made our list, especially since it’s a practical (and usually way more comfortable) swap for your regular bra. This one features delicate straps and details, but stays put with a nicely sized band around the chest. Pair it with leggings or yoga pants and your favorite loose-fitting tanks or crops for working out. For wear outside the gym, pair the strappy sports bra with anything where you won’t mind straps showing, or when you’re in need of extra coverage. Sheer or lace tops, open back sweaters, or a flowing kimono would all working nicely. Priced at $44.

3. Quick Change Tank

At first glance, this tank doesn’t even look like your typical gym gear, and that’s because it’s suited for both working out and weekend romps. The trapeze shape and shark bite silhouette give off a casual, relaxed vibe that’s great for wearing with leggings, jeans, and shorts. However, tie the flowing side pieces together behind your back or around your midsection, and you’ll have a top you can down dog in without having a shirt dangling in your face. Whenever the mood strikes, change the look of this top quickly and easily. Priced at $29.

4. Zen Garden Yoga Pants

From Yoga Democracy, makers of vibrant, lively, and patterned leggings that are also super sustainable (like, fabric derived from post-consumer plastic sustainable), you’ll appreciate the whimsy of the brand’s pants if you’re into quirky patterns, florals, and wanderlust themes. This particular pair features a flowing, Asian-inspired print that wraps from waist to ankle. But there’s no need to worry about the dyeing process used to create all those eye-popping colors, because it’s completely non-toxic and eco-friendly. Pair them with a cute cropped hoodie and sneakers for a studio to street look. Priced at $75.

5. On Your Feet Shoes

There are some athletic brands that you come to know and trust, and vegan-friendly Vivobarefoot is def one of them. These shoes came across my desk and, girl, am I glad they did! The Primus Lite is the brand’s version of the “lightest movement shoe possible” and follows the “natural shape of the foot with the least possible interference of natural movement.” Second to brand name is what really caught my eye, and that’s the minimalist aesthetic. The silhouette and style are popular, for sure, and they’ll look great with all of your go-to casual looks. A quick “white sneaker outfits” search on Google will offer loads of inspiration and ideas on how to style these in a way that’s both trendy and practical. Priced at $135.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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When you feel like a badass you’ll probably want to sweat it out like one, so we’ve gathered some seriously good looking workout gear that’s guaranteed to keep you warmer during the fall and winter months.

The holidays are nearing, and for some of us that means busier schedules, more stress, and sinfully delicious foods. Plus, I don’t know about you, but cold weather kinda makes me want to hibernate. Unfortunately, this leads to breaking our workout routines, and becoming a little (or a lot) less healthy than we originally planned. And ya know what? That’s okay! Instead of beating yourself up, worrying, or counting every calorie, invest in some badass workout gear that will motivate you to keep your personal goals somewhere near the top of your to-do list. (And hey, even if it doesn’t go as planned, you can always rock the athleisure look while doing a little holiday shopping, right?!)

Not only can you feel good about prioritizing your own fitness needs, but you’ll also enjoy knowing that the companies we’ve chosen our faves from put a lot of thought into how they run their businesses. Each one of these brands puts environment, employees, sustainability, and ethicality first, without sacrificing style or quality.

prAna

This popular brand has always has been about sustainability. With materials like organic cotton, recycled wool, hemp, recycled polyester, and repurposed down, prAna put conscious fabrication first. Fair trade practices, fair labor, and traceability are just a few of the additional characteristics that help this business stand out.

1. Jumpsuit

If you’ve ever wanted to simplify your workout wardrobe, and still look ah-mazing, this jumpsuit, or, as every mom likes to call it, onesie, is simple and so uniquely stylish. Toss on a sweater and sneakers, and you’re ready to sweat it out in the studio.  

2. Pullover

A cozy pullover sweatshirt is a must-have for fall and winter workouts. It’s the perfect transition piece when going from car to gym, or to wear for a jog, a hike, a bike ride, or any other active outdoor adventure.

Merrell

With a great selection of athletic and hiking shoes for vegans, Merrell is thought to believe in sustainability beyond the product itself. From product and packaging sustainability to investing in green initiatives, Merrell cares about the community, as well.

3. Sneakers

This vegan-friendly sneaker is designed for all weather wear, including wet terrain. And the color is a welcome refresher to the usual neutrals seen so often during the season.

4. Joggers

If you’re looking for the type of pant that you can do everything in – workout, run errands, sleep, lounge, and eat your post-exercise Ben and Jerry’s – the search ends here. Great for cooler temps, and obviously versatile, these come highly recommended.

5. Jacket

Snowy white and soft, this hooded fleece jacket is designed with cold weather in mind. Not only does it dry quickly to minimize heat loss, but it also maintains a super lightweight feel and resists pilling. Pair this neutral piece with all of your workout gear.

Inner Waves Organics

This family-owned brand chooses eco-fabrics from sustainable sources that are made with environmentally friendly dyes. All of the clothing is made in America, and the company makes sure to give back through non-profit support and volunteering.

6. Yoga Pants

Whether you do yoga outdoors, in the studio, or at home, these pants are as great to look at as they are to wear. Made from organic cotton, the flare leg bottoms lend a really hip boho flair. Pair with a simple long sleeve top, or a chunky knit.

Rumi X

Utilizing innovative materials to produce striking workout gear is what this business is all about. Materials like coffee grounds and recycled polyester (rPET) are used to create the garments, of which approximately 50 percent less energy is used than with virgin polyester, helping to reduce plastic in the landfills and keep oceans clean.

7. Long Sleeve Top

A long sleeve top is a must for working out in the cold, but this one is on a level all its own. With specialty pockets, breathable mesh sides, a built-in shelf bra, and even thumb holes, this eco-friendly top is totally lust worthy. Designed with yoga, running, pilates, and aerial yoga in mind, this is a versatile and practical choice.

8. Leggings

Thanks to its eye-catching color and design, this beautiful legging is a fun take on sustainable workout gear. Designed with activities like the gym, crossfit, pilates, and barre in mind, you will get a lot of wear (and compliments) out of these pants.

Keep those goals around the holidays this year by investing in some of our top picks in ethical workout gear. Even if you don’t burn any calories, you can at least fend off depression, fight stress, and save your sanity. Let us know what you thought of our roundup on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Woman in Workout Gear via Rumi X

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Workout gear you love is important because you want to feel hot emotionally, not literally.

I’m actually getting pretty good at the whole exercise thing, but there’s nothing that deters me more than a sweaty, sticky summer day. Luckily, there’s oodles of functional and fashionable workout gear available that not only helps you stay cool and dry, but upgrades your motivation level from sluggish to Richard Simmons style.

Here are my fave summertime workout gear discoveries:

1. Sunpop Crops

Go from studio to street in these bold and colorful performance tights by Splits59. Made in the USA, their Sunpop Crops are an adorable way to get down to business at the gym, while getting down to fun post-workout.

2. Cool-Down Shorts

The no-fuss Cool-Down Shorts by Alo look as good as they perform. Made of polyester and spandex, these moisture-wicking, antibacterial shorts are the cheese to your yoga session’s macaroni.

3. TechFit Bra

When it comes to a woman’s workout gear, a comfortable, supportive sports bra is essential – unfortunately, they’re a total drag to wear on hot summer days. The TechFit Bra by Adidas helps make this workout must more bearable: It’s made of moisture-managing climalite fabric that sweeps sweat away from your skin with a mesh panel for extra vetilation.

4. Climachill Tank Top

Also by Adidas, the Climachill Tank Top is made of a meshlike fabric and aluminum-silver dots that conduct heat away from the body. Best of all, it features a flattering scoop neck and a racer back.

5. Mesh Scoop Neck Tee

The Nike Infinity Mesh Scoop Neck Tee is a layering tee made of sweat-wicking Dri-FIT mesh that dries quickly to keep you cool and comfortable. The scoop neck can be worn at the front or back for workout versatility, and the smooth, flatlock seaming won’t irritate your skin.

6. Lunar Element Training Shoe

The super-comfy Lunar Element Training Shoe by Nike features a breathable monomesh upper that adapts to weather conditions so you’re always dry and comfortable. Plus, aren’t they pretty? I’ll use any excuse to add bursts of color to my workout gear.

7. Neon No-Show Socks

You can’t buy ah-mazing training shoes without buying their sole mates (Get it?). These Neon No-Show Socks by Under Armour are made of a lightweight, anti-odor moisture-wicking material with an embedded arch support that amps up their comfort level.

8. Half Toe Gripper Socks

As you already know, a sweaty yoga session turns your mat into a slip and slide (only, you know, not fun). I first purchased the full-toe gripper socks, but by the time I’d finish downward dog they’d slide halfway off my feet. That’s when I discovered these ballet-inspired Half Toe Gripper Socks by ToeSox (a.k.a. the best invention of all time). They stay put, both on your feet and on your mat. Seriously, they’ll make you feel like Spiderman.

9. Fruit Infuser Water Bottle

Who’s workout gear would be complete without a way to hydrate? The Fruit Infuser Water Bottle by Good Living in Style is made from BPA-free plastic, is dishwasher safe and fits in most cup holders. Best of all, it comes with extra infuser pump built in to boost your flavor when you’re especially bored of plain ol’ H20.

Check out and shop your favorite summer gear here:

What are your summertime workout gear must-haves?

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Image: teammarche

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Considering that the average American now consumes over 28 gallons of bottled water each year, all packaged in single-use plastic, it’s a good thing that many companies are now incorporating recycled PET (the stuff those bottles are made out of) into their lines.

Yes, recycled PET has made its way onto the mainstream runway along with a bevvy of other smart eco-friendly materials. But it’s not just about innovative technology or drool-worthy duds from the likes of Linda Loudermilk. Stylish picks in eco-friendly materials are well-suited to daily life – everything from yoga to yardwork. Check out some of our favorites:

Outerwear

A longtime household brand in the sailing and yachting community, Henri Lloyd has also made its way onto fashion lists. Now the company known for its all-weather sporty yet fashionable jackets is another big name to join the list of brands that use recycled PET.

Henri Lloyd has teamed up with Japanese textile factory Tejin Fibers Ltd. (a factory that also works with brands like Patagonia and Nau) to launch the first program worldwide for the collection and recycling of used marine apparel, as well as incorporation of Eco Storm recyclable, waterproof fabric made from recycled polyester fibers. Henri Lloyd’s 2010 Blue Eco Range of sailing wear will feature the new material, and we’re hoping it spreads to more of the brand!

Workout

Yoga-based apparel company prAna has an extensive line of workout gear, perfect for your morning asanas, that uses recycled polyester fibers. Favorites include the Lolita Pant and the Bella Sport top.

Beyond recycled PET, prAna is a sound and environmentally conscious company. In 2005 prAna launched the Natural Power Initiative to raise awareness about renewable energy amongst customers, retailers and the outdoor industry. This year, the Natural Power Initiative is expected to prevent the emissions of 17,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases.

Footwear

Ok, so I’ll go ahead and admit that these shoes aren’t made with recycled PET, but they’re too distinctive and eco-friendly to go unmentioned. Although it might not save any plastic bottles, El Naturalista’s Recyclus line does use recycled rubber and footbeds. In fact, the line is built on the idea that the entire shoe should be recyclable at its end of life.

“The name will be Recyclus; you will only need to pull a thread, and the sole, the in-sole, the leather, and the laces will separate into independent pieces to be deposited in special recycling bins that we will offer to stores.”

Bag

Hopefully your new year is going to be filled with lots of plans for intriguing adventures, which means you’ll need a sleek bag that can still carry a lot. Welcome the Motil Ped by Nau. The shell, lining and shoulder webbing are made of 100% recycled polyester. With a laptop pocket and ample zipper pockets inside, this can be your go-to back for any occasion, be it casual or fashionable.

For the home

Complete your sustainable wardrobe by adding a few key items around the house. As always, consuming less means more, but if you’re home is in need of a little freshening up, the Teppas stackable containers (made, natch, with recycled PET) from IKEA are a fun way to kick off a more organized lifestyle in the new year.

Main image: Adria Richards

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