New year, same old you but with better activewear. That’s the kind of new year’s resolution I can get behind. Australia has so many independent activewear brands using all kinds of materials to make their products, from merino and cotton to recycled PET bottles. These brands are all mindful of sustainability and ethical production, and they all look great too—which helps incentivise that work out you might be dreading.
Click on brand names to head to their websites.
Made in Taiwan, China and India
Female-owned Melbourne brand Team Timbuktu use recycled plastics to make their activewear. They also have you covered for all kinds of weather with their range of raincoats, plus they’ll plant a tree for every order.
Images: @teamtimbuktu
Made in Melbourne
These leggings are screen printed in the brand’s Collingwood workshop and they’re perfect for working out or wearing under dresses. There’s a huge range of colours and you can choose from merino wool or cotton. I’ve got a cotton pair and they’re my go-to yoga pants.
Made in Melbourne
These guys are known for their block-colour basics, but their organic yoga range is just as good. Using their same signature colours, you can mix and match tops and bottoms or coordinate your set. Super comfy and timeless.
Made in Australia, China and Hong Kong
Each piece by Life Apparel Co. features art by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artist, so you’ll not only look great, but also be supporting First Nations people. Their range is for women, men and kids so there’s something for the whole family.
Images: @lifeapparelco
Made in Brisbane
They’re one of the few brands making 100% of their products in Brisbane, but there’s so much more to love about DK Active. Their products are inclusive, with ranges for men and women, plus a maternity range and a ‘curve’ collection. They’re a go-to for activewear that is both stylish and eco-friendly.
Made in Brisbane
Also based in Brisbane, these guys are maxing out on the inclusive scale with a size range from XS to 3XL. Their bathers are also super flattering and would be perfect for doing laps or lounging on the beach.
Made in Taiwan
Made from post-consumer recycled plastics, Nimble Activewear is a women’s activewear brand founded by two high school friends. The brand has a running club, they host beach clean ups, and they hold events in their stores.
Images: @nimbleactivewear
Made in Melbourne and Sydney
Using organic cotton and surplus fabrics, the team at BAY Active are making some of the most comfortable and functional activewear around. Their fabrics are dyed in Melbourne before being stitched in Sydney and worn by ladies across the country. Check out their guide for brands they love too, there are some awesome recommendations in there.
Made in China
Dreamy patterns and purposeful designs are behind every item from Yogi Peace Club. Based at Bells Beach in Victoria, the brand is committed to sustainable production and they plant trees for every yoga mat sold. I recently bought one of their mats for my mum and she loves it.
Images: @yogipeaceclub
Made in China
With transparency at the core of everything they do, this Perth brand is empowering women of all shapes and sizes to embrace their bodies and feel great in their activewear. The cuts are so flattering, and their size guide includes a range of beautiful women showing off their curves in the Mimi Kini range.
Made in Adelaide
Natural fibres are front and centre at Solomon Street. Their gorgeous range of patterned leggings and crops are all made from hemp fabric with the circular economy in mind, meaning they’re designed to be reused, recycled or composted. The patterns are so cute though, featuring colourful florals and fruits.
Made in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka
If it’s certifications you’re after, then look no further. Etiko is a certified fair trade B corporation and award-winning family-owned brand. They’re known for their commitment to ethical production and their range of affordable basics. They’re not strictly speaking an activewear brand, but their range of tees and hoodies are great for pairing with your favourite pair of shorts or leggings.
See more brands at the Brand Directory