Discover 3 of the hottest new ethical and sustainable yoga wear brands that we love!

Since yoga is part of the health & wellness movement, it’s important to go full circle and wear clothing that’s as healthy for you as the practice itself, as well as for the environment and the people making it. That doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on style, because luckily several new yoga wear brands are creating ethical and organic yoga wear that is fresh, functional and right on trend. So move over lululemon, we’ve got some new yoga wear gurus in town.

Synergy Organic Clothing

Synergy Organic Clothing’s gorgeous collection of sustainable yoga wear and casual attire is named for its fashionable fusion of eastern and western aesthetics and design. The brainchild of designer and yogi Kate Fisher and environmental proponent Henry Schwab, Synergy’s timeless designs are created through truly responsible business practices. All Synergy garments are handmade in Nepal according to fair trade practices, made from organic cotton and dyed with low- impact dyes. The flattering designs, amazingly comfortable fits and nature-inspired, hand-stitched applique detailing make Synergy Clothing perfect gear for the earthy and wordly yogini.

LVR

Designed and handmade in Los Angeles, LVR’s collection of women’s yoga and active wear is both functional and fashionably vibrant. All of LVR’s garments incorporate organic fabrics, from the gorgeous, pastel tie-dye washes to fun, bright colors. The label’s collection includes yoga pants, tops, dresses, scarves and wraps in the most stylish contemporary silhouettes. Not only does the label believe in local, environmentally friendly and ethical business practices, they also donate a portion of their revenues to endangered wildlife rescue and conservation in Latin America, alongside donating clothing to the Downtown Los Angeles Women’s Center.

Hyde

Hyde was founded by Anne-Kerr L’Heureux after a love of yoga and design caused her to quit her corporate job and take a new direction. Necessity was the mother of invention in L’Hereux’s case, as she was looking for natural, comfortable yoga clothes that were stylish, fit well and affordable too. She made “graceful gear” her business, and now provides an entire collection of garments that are as thoughtful as the practice of yoga. Bright colors, flattering silhouettes and organic, natural fabrics feature in the Hyde collections, which offers form-fitting  pants, tops, outerwear and even men’s yoga wear. The label also collaborates with various organizations to benefit nonprofits such as Off the Mat into the World, Women for Women International and The Yoga Freedom Project.

Images: Synergy Organic Clothing, LVR, Hyde

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4 Tips to Turn Your Yoga Gear into Everyday Glam

The post Om Trend: 3 Hot, New & Ethical Yoga Wear Brands appeared first on EcoSalon.

Clary Sage Organics’ locally-made and sustainable Convertible Wrap, Femme Dress and Willow Tank. 

Why is everyone wearing yoga pants? At least half the world’s population appears to be perpetually going to – or coming from – a yoga class. It is January of course, but unlike many fitness regimens, the preponderance of full-on fitness gear worn as an acceptable all-day outfit looks set to last well beyond the end of the month.

With 20 million people now practicing yoga, America’s fastest-growing sport is widely seen as hip and aspirational. It was only a matter of time before fashion took note. Despite yoga’s message of self-acceptance and non-materialism, targeting high-spending yogis’ desire for designer active wear has rapidly become big business. This fastest growing segment of the apparel industry is currently worth over $13 billion dollars.

The in-demand designer yoga clothing satisfies our desire for style, comfort and fit. The bottom line is these high-performance pants make your butt look good while bridging the surprising gap between the spiritual and the stylish. Who would have thought being less mindful of your butt could actually help you achieve more presence in life?

A growing number of sustainable brands such as prAna, Restore and Michael Franti’s Stay Human line are bringing environmentally friendly options to the market. Bay-Area favorite, Clary Sage Organics’ collection has been creating yoga-inspired lifestyle clothing since 2008. A devoted yogi herself, founder Patti Cazzato is noticing more and more that people walking round her San Francisco store’s Pacific Heights neighborhood have some sort of exercise garment incorporated into their outfits, “You’ll see tunics thrown over yoga leggings, or a hint of a sleek sports-bralet peeking out of a chiffon blouson.”

In fact, it’s this crossover appeal that’s at the heart of her successful store’s merchandising strategy. The collection’s thoughtful vintage-inspired designs are showcased amongst locally-made and eco-friendly clothing and accessory lines, so you can put an entire crossover workout fashion look together in one place.

As a fashion industry veteran and mother-of-two, Cazzato knows first hand the importance of making organic, toxin-free clothing, “The skin is our largest breathing organ and people have come to realize how important it is to choose the right materials to put on it. You don’t want to sweat into that nasty synthetic stuff.”

So if you’re thinking of taking your yoga off the mat and on to the streets (which as any yogi would agree is exactly the point of all that mat practice in the first place), here are our tips for making sure you always looks your best:

1. Show Your Style Spirit – To a certain degree the underpinnings of this look are the all the same, leggings and a cami top. From this point on keep your look as personal to you as possible. Whether your style preference is for rock-and-roll edge or a bohemian flounce, have fun with your look and infuse your yoga street style with your personality.

2. Accent Your Figure Shape – Apple, Pear, Hourglass or Banana, you already know what colors, shapes and necklines best suit your figure, don’t forget that hard-won insight now. A belt is the best bet to pull your look together. Belted around a cardigan or sweater dress the right belt creates a look that’s smart and comfy at the same time.

3. Up The Glam Factor With Accessories – A long scarf, a face framing hat or swashbuckling tall boots can transform your yoga basics so you can go through your day at ease. If you’re eco-minded, or a style lover who can’t bear to look like everyone else, interpret the latest runway trends with vintage and thrift finds.

4. Go Seamlessly From Day To Night – Upping the luxe factor by throwing on a silk top or cashmere wrap can be the difference between day and night. Adding a glam touch like a sparkling pair of drop earrings and heels will transition the look suitable for all but the most formal evening affairs.

Images: Clary Sage

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I’m on day 14 of writing about all our designers for EcoSalon Shops! and I am no less inspired to write.

Today we feature RESTORE CLOTHING which is a label I cannot possibly say enough about. It will be way too much of a love fest for you to bear.

Designers Celeste and Anthony Lilore make up the label and have carved themselves a niche in the fashion industry to not only share their vision of social responsibility, but to produce what they consider “timeless, well constructed, essential garment collections.”

As New York City garment industry veterans, the duo designs some of the most comfortable yoga and lifestyle apparel on the market – from yoga pants, tanks and hoodies – all pieces fit like a charm.

Me and Laura Jones of the Sustainability Across America Tour on Cape Cod in our RESTORE pants!

The two are also heavily entrenched in the industry when it comes to sustainability – whether it’s New York City’s Garment District, organic farming, or empowering and connecting environmentally conscious businesses – they are very involved in the susty scene.

Anthony Lilore

Anthony was also instrumental recently in giving me a tour of the New York Garment District as part of the Dumbing Down American Design series. Walking around with Anthony is like being with the godfather – he knows everyone!

I could go on. They are the bomb and you will have the wonderful opportunity of meeting them and purchasing their clothing at EcoSalon Shops! on June 4th.

You won’t be able to miss them. They’re the cheery couple that never stop smiling.

Celeste Lilore and fellow EcoSalon Shops! designer Nina Valenti of NatureVsFuture

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