When I first heard the term “sustainable activewear,” I honestly had no idea what it meant.
Back then, I just cared about finding leggings that felt soft, breathable, and looked good at the studio. But the more I learned, the more I realized — the leggings I wear every day can actually make a difference for the planet.
These days, sustainable activewear is everywhere. But after chatting with a lot of my yoga and gym friends, I noticed most people still misunderstand what “eco-friendly activewear” really means.
So today, I want to break down 8 common myths about sustainable workout clothing — and help you shop smarter next time you need new leggings.
Myth 1: “If it says eco-friendly, it must be sustainable.”
Not always. Many brands throw an “eco-friendly” tag on their products, but that doesn’t automatically make them sustainable.
Some leggings use recycled polyester, but if the production process consumes tons of energy or water, the overall impact can still be harmful.
Here’s what I look for instead:
-
GRS-certified recycled fabrics (Global Recycle Standard).
-
Eco-conscious packaging and dyeing methods.
-
Transparent sourcing and supply-chain info.
Real sustainability is about responsibility — not just a trendy label.
Myth 2: Sustainable activewear isn’t stylish.
That used to be true, but not anymore. Modern eco-friendly activewear looks just as good (and sometimes better) than traditional fitness wear.
Brands like Duskyonder prove that sustainability and style can coexist beautifully — think flattering high-waist cuts, buttery-soft fabrics, and designs that move from yoga class straight to brunch.
I wear their “second-skin” collection all the time, and honestly, it feels like confidence in fabric form. Sustainable activewear can look good — really good.
Myth 3: Recycled fabrics don’t last.
“Recycled” doesn’t mean fragile. Many high-performance recycled nylons and polyesters are actually more durable and stretch-resistant than conventional fabrics.
Take ECONYL®, for example — a regenerated nylon made from discarded fishing nets and plastic bottles. It’s tough, smooth, and designed to last.
From my own experience, recycled leggings hold their shape even after countless workouts and washes. Durability is part of being sustainable — because the longer you wear it, the less waste you create.
Myth 4: Sustainable activewear is too expensive.
I used to think the same thing — that “eco-friendly” meant overpriced.
But then I realized the price of a sustainable brand actually reflects its true value: responsible materials, fair labor, and lasting quality.
Buying one pair of high-quality yoga pants that lasts three years makes way more sense than replacing cheap ones every season.
And honestly, once I slipped into a pair of high-performance, eco-conscious leggings, I understood — the comfort and confidence were worth every penny.
💡 Here’s the fun part: during Duskyonder’s Black Friday Sale, some of their sustainable yoga leggings drop to under $30.
That’s proof you can be kind to the planet and your wallet.
Myth 5: Old yoga pants can’t be recycled.
Some can, some can’t — it depends on the material.
If your leggings are made from 100% polyester or nylon, they’re easier to recycle.
If they’re blended with spandex or elastane, recycling becomes trickier.
The good news? More brands (including Duskyonder) are exploring take-back programs and circular design.
When a brand thinks about recyclability before production, that’s real sustainability in action.
Myth 6: Sustainable clothes don’t last as long.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions.
High-quality recycled fabrics are engineered for performance and durability.
My Duskyonder recycled-nylon leggings have survived two years of intense training — still no pilling, no sagging.
Durability is sustainability. The longer you wear it, the better for the planet.
Myth 7: Neutral colors are more eco-friendly.
Soft beige, sage, and gray tones might look sustainable, but color alone doesn’t determine eco-impact. The real factor is the dyeing process.
Eco-conscious brands use low-water or toxin-free dyes and digital printing to minimize waste.
Even deep, vibrant colors can be sustainable when dyed responsibly — like Duskyonder’s low-impact dark hues that stay rich without harming waterways.
So don’t judge a legging’s sustainability by its color palette.
Myth 8: “Natural” fabrics like cotton are always better than synthetics.
Not necessarily.
While “natural” sounds better, conventional cotton farming uses huge amounts of water and pesticides.
In contrast, recycled nylon or polyester often has a lower carbon footprint — because it gives waste a second life.
When I shop, I look for transparency: brands that explain where and how their materials are sourced, rather than relying on buzzwords like “organic” or “all-natural.”
💚 Final Thoughts
Sustainable activewear isn’t just a fashion trend — it’s a mindset.
I truly believe you can look amazing, perform your best, and still make choices that are kind to the planet.
If you’re ready to take that first step, check out Duskyonder’s sustainable collection — where performance meets purpose.
Because caring for the earth can start with something as simple as your favorite pair of yoga pants.