The wait is nearly over- the Olympics are starting today and we can’t wait to watch our favourite athletes. But while we’re admiring their athletic gifts from the comfort of our home, some of us are also admiring what they’re wearing. To get into the spirit of things, we’re imagining our Olympic-themed outfits, but through an eco-friendly lens. So, here’s our picks of the best sustainable, Olympics – themed sportswear.
Boxing
Sanabul Los Cactus Boxing Gloves
Whether you’re doing boxing or any other combat sport, you’ll need a pair of gloves to protect your hands. Jiu jitsu and boxing apparel company Sanabul recently launched the world’s first cactus leather boxing gloves, made entirely from the nopal (or prickly pear) cactus. Featuring gold trimming and Aztec-inspired designs, you’ll be sparring in style. They’re limited edition, so snap these stylish boxing gloves up before they’re gone!
Athletics
Sweaty Betty On Your Marks 4” Running Shorts
Sweaty Betty is working to make their entire product line more sustainable through the use of recycled materials and sustainable fabrics, including organic cotton, bamboo and recycled plastic bottles. These running shorts are made from recycled polyester and are sweat-wicking, too. Perfect for those sweaty morning runs!
Icebug OutRun Shoes
If you’re a trail runner looking for a shoe that will carry you through every kind of weather and terrain, you need a pair of Icebugs! The brand calls itself the first climate-positive footwear brand, offsetting 200% of the carbon emissions their production processes cause. These OutRun shoes are made with several sustainable materials, like 100% recycled PET polyester and algae foam.
Swimming
Oliv the Label One Piece
Born from yogic values, Oliv the Label wants to redefine how we see women’s swimwear. All of their pieces (and the packaging it comes in!) are made from eco-friendly materials, like Econyl, an Italian fabric made from regenerated ocean plastic waste. Econyl is also known for its body-sculpting properties, as well as its resistance to oil, sunscreen, chlorine and UV radiation. Available in a range of Earth-toned colours, we recommend this gorgeous one-piece.
Tennis
NordicDots Tennis Dress
NordicDots is a Swedish tennis apparel company that aims to use recycled and organic fabrics in their products and minimise production waste. The company also uses 100% recycled plastic bags to pack their garments. We’re loving this navy blue tennis dress.
Cycling
Isadore Debut Cycling Jersey
Created by former cycling pros, Isadore’s line features jerseys, bib shorts, jackets and baselayers that are all made from recyclable materials but don’t compromise on quality. The packaging is also kept to a minimum to avoid unnecessary waste. This jersey is mostly made from 100% recycled Italian polyester. The lightweight fabric is also sweat-wicking, so you can comfortably enjoy the beautiful Hong Kong cycling trails in style.
We love how invested people get in the Olympics; similarly, we hope that this guide inspires you to go to the grocery store in your finest tennis shoes and leggings, but we should also take the time to be more critical of the materials used to make our activewear; as the waste crisis continues to worsen, there’s really no reason to buy workout gear made from unsustainable materials. If everyone could prevent even one pair of leggings or a t-shirt from ending up in landfills, that would make a massive difference!
