US Brands: 5 Sustainable Fabrics for Activewear

The US apparel industry is constantly evolving, with consumers demanding not only stylish and functional activewear but also products that reflect their environmental consciousness. Sustainable alternatives like recycled materials and fabrics are rapidly gaining traction in this market, offering a solution that caters to both performance and sustainability.

This shift towards sustainable fabrics is a significant improvement over traditional synthetic fabrics with a larger carbon footprint. Sustainable athletic wear, often made from recycled materials like recycled nylon, offers a solution that caters to both performance and sustainability.

This blog post dives into the world of sustainable fabric options, highlighting their benefits, performance characteristics, and responsible sourcing options in Southeast Asia, a region known for its textile production capabilities. We will discuss organic cotton, recycled polyester, and other sustainable fabrics, including those derived from innovative materials like wood pulp.

Why Eco-Friendly Fabrics Matter for US Apparel Brands

There's a compelling reason for US apparel brands to consider incorporating sustainable fabrics, made from recycled materials, into their activewear lines. These sustainable fabrics can be made from recycled polyester, for example, which offers a more eco-friendly alternative to conventional materials.

Meeting Consumer Demand: A growing number of US consumers prioritize sustainability when purchasing. A 2021 Nielsen report found that 68% of global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products. By offering sustainable activewear options made with recycled materials, US brands can cater to this growing demand and gain a competitive edge.
Environmental Responsibility: The production of conventional activewear fabrics often involves high water and energy consumption, as well as the use of harsh chemicals. Sustainable fabrics, on the other hand, are derived from recycled materials or renewable resources, minimizing environmental impact.
Brand Positioning: Embracing sustainability allows US brands to project a positive image, one that aligns with the values of environmentally conscious consumers. This can lead to increased brand loyalty and customer trust.

Top Eco-Friendly Fabrics for US Activewear Brands - Sourced from Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia presents a unique opportunity for US apparel brands to source high-quality, natural fibers for their activewear lines. The region boasts a well-established textile industry with a growing focus on sustainable practices.

Here are some of the most popular sustainable fabrics readily available in Southeast Asia:

Recycled Polyester (Repreve): A versatile and high-performance fabric made from recycled materials like plastic bottles and other post-consumer waste. Repreve offers excellent sweat-wicking and breathability, making it ideal for various activewear garments. Several Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam and Thailand, have established a robust recycling infrastructure, allowing for the production of Repreve in a sustainable manner.
Seawool: This innovative fabric offers a wool-like feel and natural odor resistance. Uniquely, Seawool is derived from recycled materials, specifically plastic debris collected from the oceans. By incorporating Seawool in their activewear, US brands can contribute to ocean cleanup efforts while creating high-quality garments with natural fiber materials. Producers in Indonesia and the Philippines are actively involved in Seawool production.
Organic Cotton: A classic choice for activewear, organic cotton is grown without harmful pesticides or fertilizers, reducing environmental impact and aligning with a focus on sustainable fabrics. While not inherently moisture-wicking, organic cotton blends well with other sustainable fibers to create comfortable and breathable activewear options. Southeast Asia remains a significant producer of organic cotton, with countries like India and Vietnam leading the way.
Bamboo Charcoal: Derived from the fast-growing bamboo plant, bamboo charcoal offers natural breathability, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistance properties. The production of bamboo charcoal fabric involves minimal environmental impact, making it a sustainable fabric choice. Several Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam and China, are major producers of bamboo charcoal fabric.
Tencel® (Lyocell): This innovative fabric is created from sustainably sourced wood pulp, making it a sustainable fabric option. Tencel® boasts excellent moisture management and breathability, making it ideal for active wear. Production of Tencel® utilizes a closed-loop system, minimizing water and chemical waste. Several Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand and Indonesia, are now producing Tencel®.

Also read: Sustainability and Ethical Production: A Priority for Athleisure Brands and Southeast Asian Manufacturers

Performance Considerations for Eco-Friendly Fabrics

While eco friendly materials offer significant environmental benefits, US apparel brands must ensure they meet activewear users' performance expectations. Here's a breakdown of some key performance characteristics to consider for these sustainable fabrics:

Sweat-Wicking: Efficient moisture management is crucial for activewear. Recycled polyester, for example, excels in this area, while organic cotton may require blending with other sustainable fibers for optimal performance. Tencel®, another sustainable fabric option, is also known for its sweat-wicking properties.
Breathability: Activewear should allow for proper air circulation, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable. Most natural fiber fabrics, including bamboo charcoal and Tencel®, offer good breathability.
Durability: Activewear needs to withstand repeated washing and wear. Recycled polyester and organic cotton are known for their durability, making them strong choices for sustainable activewear. While some emerging eco friendly materials may offer great breathability and sweat-wicking properties, they may require further testing to ensure durability.

Sustainable Dyes and Finishes: Completing the Eco-Friendly Package

The commitment to sustainability goes beyond just fabric selection. For US apparel brands to truly create sustainable activewear, they should also consider sustainable dyes and finishes.

Traditional dyeing processes can be highly water-intensive and involve harsh chemicals that harm the environment and workers' health. Fortunately, advancements in sustainable dyeing and finishing technology offer viable alternatives.

Natural Dyes: Plant-based dyes like indigo, madder root, and turmeric offer a vibrant and eco-friendly approach to coloring sustainable activewear. While colorfastness may be slightly lower compared to synthetic dyes, natural dyes can create unique and earthy aesthetics, potentially appealing to a specific market segment. Several Southeast Asian countries, including India and Thailand, have a rich history of natural dye production, offering sourcing opportunities for US brands interested in sustainable fabrics and a complete sustainable activewear package.
Low-Impact Dyes: These synthetic dyes are formulated with a lower environmental footprint. They often require less water and energy during the dyeing process and contain fewer harmful chemicals, making them a more sustainable choice. Several leading dye manufacturers are now offering low-impact dye options, providing US brands with readily available solutions for their recycled polyester or other sustainable fabric activewear lines.
Bio-Based Dyes: Derived from renewable resources like microorganisms or agricultural waste, bio-based dyes offer a promising alternative to traditional synthetic dyes. They are biodegradable and often require less water and energy in the dyeing process, contributing to a more sustainable production cycle. While still under development, bio-based dyes represent a future-proof approach to sustainable activewear coloring, potentially even for fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles.
Waterless Dyeing Technologies: Innovative technologies like supercritical fluid dyeing and ultrasonic dyeing offer significant water savings compared to traditional methods. These methods utilize minimal water and often offer superior colorfastness, ideal for high-performance sustainable activewear. Although the initial investment in waterless dyeing technology might be higher, the long-term environmental benefits are undeniable, making it a worthwhile investment for brands committed to moisture-wicking and sustainable activewear.

Sustainable Finishes

Finishes applied to activewear enhance various functionalities like water repellency, wrinkle resistance, and antimicrobial properties. However, conventional finishes often rely on harmful chemicals like perfluorinated compounds (PFCs).

Here's a look at some sustainable alternatives that are becoming increasingly important for sustainable activewear brands utilizing sustainable fabrics and recycled materials like recycled nylon in their garments:

Bio-Based Finishes: Derived from natural resources like plant extracts or algae, bio-based finishes offer water repellency, odor control, and UV protection. These finishes are readily biodegradable and minimize environmental impact, making them a perfect choice for eco-friendly fabrics and recycled cotton garments.
Plasma Treatments: Plasma technology utilizes ionized gas to create permanent finishes on fabrics. Plasma treatments can enhance water repellency, wrinkle resistance, and antimicrobial properties without harmful chemicals, ensuring both performance and sustainability for moisture-wicking activewear. This aligns perfectly with the growing movement towards sustainable activewear brands that prioritize both functionality and environmental responsibility.

Also read: Innovative Material Sourcing in Southeast Asia for US Athleisure Brands

Building a Sustainable Supply Chain with Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia plays a crucial role in the global textile industry and presents a compelling opportunity for US apparel brands seeking to source sustainable fabrics for their moisture-wicking activewear lines.

This region offers a chance to utilize innovative materials like recycled nylon, a more sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic fabrics.

Here are some key considerations for building a strong foundation in sustainable sportswear through a Southeast Asian supply chain:

Partnerships: US brands can collaborate with Southeast Asian manufacturers committed to sustainable practices. Look for certifications like Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) to ensure responsible sourcing of sustainable fabrics. Partnering with these manufacturers can ensure both moisture-wicking performance and adherence to eco-friendly practices.
Transparency: Building strong relationships with suppliers and fostering transparency throughout the supply chain is crucial. US brands should request detailed information on sourcing practices, dyeing methods, and waste management strategies to ensure true sustainability throughout the creation of their sustainable sportswear.
Innovation: Southeast Asia is experiencing a surge in innovation within the sustainable textile sector. US brands can partner with forward-thinking manufacturers to explore emerging eco-friendly fabrics, dyes, and finishes, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in sustainable activewear. This can lead to the development of even more innovative recycled nylon blends and other sustainable fabrics that deliver exceptional performance.

A Sustainable Future for Activewear

By embracing sustainable fabrics made from organic materials, US apparel brands can create high-performance activewear that aligns with consumer values and minimizes environmental impact. Recycled fabrics and GOTS certified organic cotton are just a few examples of these sustainable alternatives.

This shift towards sustainability not only benefits the planet but also positions US brands for long-term success in an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace. The future of activewear is undoubtedly green, and US brands that embrace this transition will be well-positioned to thrive by offering sustainable textiles throughout their activewear lines.

Sourcing for Sustainable Fabrics Made Easy with 330 Trading Co.

US Apparel Brands, ready to take your activewear to the next level? Consumers are demanding eco-friendly options, and 330 Trading Co. can help you meet that demand.

Our blog dives into 5 trending, eco-friendly fabrics sourced responsibly in Southeast Asia. Discover how these fabrics offer top performance without sacrificing the planet.

Here's what you'll gain:

Sustainable fabric options: Explore recycled polyester, Seawool, organic cotton, and more!
Responsible sourcing: Learn how 330 Trading Co. connects you with Southeast Asian suppliers committed to sustainability.
Performance benefits: Understand how these eco-friendly fabrics deliver sweat-wicking, breathability, and durability.

Ready to create eco-conscious activewear that sells? Contact 330 Trading Co. today! We'll guide you through every step, from fabric selection to responsible sourcing.

Together, let's make activewear sustainable and profitable.