Good Looks
New yoga fashion brands that make sustainability chic
Like this story? Subscribe to Well+Good and we’ll send you our newsletter of top stories and a free copy of “10 Creative Quinoa Recipes from Healthy Celebrity Chefs!”
For some yogis, spandex is out, and flowing organic cotton is in.
Why? Alternative Apparel is throwing its unbelievably soft hat into the yoga fashion ring, and LA-based LVR fashion is bringing its earth-friendly tanks and wraps to boho yogis across the country. Both brands speak to women who want to practice their yogic values on and off the mat—and look great doing it.
Alternative Move debuted last week at ABC Home and will soon be sold at select boutiques across the country, including at Pure Yoga East and West, and online, starting December 25.
The collection’s pieces are only slightly different from the brand’s signature burn-out tees and comfy pants (which some yogis already wear to class), but they’re made specifically for downward and upward dogs.
The collection includes funky sports bras that have a mens’ underwear aesthetic, gorgeous low-back tanks, and cropped leggings with a pretty keyhole detail.
And while the fabrics may not have the functional technology of Luon, they’re crafted with the environment and workers in mind, from “customized eco yarns” like “Eco Jersey” and and “Eco Gauze.”
Alternative Apparel isn’t the only brand turning its attention away from sweat-wicking materials and toward sustainable ones.
LVR Fashion is gradually expanding its production of seriously earth-friendly yoga pants, tops, and wraps and is gaining a following on the West Coast. All LVR apparel is handmade in LA from organic cotton blends, and the company also sends a portion of its profits to an animal rescue center.
The collection is currently sold in select Equinox boutiques across the country, although they have yet to create a presence in the Northeast.
“With every little thing we do and make, we’re asking, ‘How is that better for the people wearing it? How is it better for the planet?’” says founder Eric Clarke.
That sounds like something there could be (and should be) a vibrant market for. —Lisa Elaine Held
From Our Partners
MOST POPULAR STORIES
- Refrigerator Look Book: Heather Bauer
- New York City gets its first outdoor adventure festival
- Blink Fitness opens its 15th location this Friday—with many more to come
- Greenmarket to Gotham: A renowned chef shares his farm-fresh recipes
- Hot Summer Guide picks: 3 things to do this week
- Pulse Points: News that got our hearts racing
I am very curious if you inquired on the production of these sustainable brands. I used to wear lululemon but am bummed out the company is not forthright on conditions they are being made in. While products don’t necessarily need to be made in the USA, companies that “assemble” abroad need to consider the human cost when labeling their clothes “sustainable.” As I am looking for ethical and sustainable yoga clothing, I’m hoping Well&Good can do a write up on this. I know sometimes its a difficult subject but practicing yoga shouldn’t include the exploitation of others.
Great article! Cozy Orange also recently launched it’s new brand of women’s yoga & studio wear. The collection features a line called Cozy Eco, made with sustainable, recycled fabrics. Community is a the heart of the Cozy Orange mantra. A portion of our proceeds are also donated to WorldVision, a global outreach programming helping to fund entrepreneurs in developing economies. Domestically, Cozy Orange supports the community outreach initiatives that our Luminary Brand Ambassadors are passion about. We’d love to participate in future feature articles. Check us out and reach out to us at http://www.cozyorange.com. Namaste :)